. . . and God saw that it was good

Even though it was almost a full year ago, you may remember that we got an extra day in February since it's a Leap Year, but did you know before the end of 2008 we will get a "Leap Second"? When I first saw this article, I thought this is a bit ridiculous. I can understand that the calendar we use day to day isn't the most precise that we need to add a day to February every four years, but we seriously that off that we need to correct our time by one second?!? Apparently, even though we have extremely accurate atomic clocks, the earth's rotation is just so ever imprecise that every so often, we need to adjust how we measure time to remain in sync with our position in the universe.

What I think is amazing is how we look to science to measure everything in the universe and can see how God has designed everything so well. I find it even more amazing when I read articles like this that mess with our concept of how we have everything so figured out. Having all these studies, archeological findings, experiments and hard evidence to prove that everything in the Bible is true is not crucial to my belief in Jesus. Yet the more concrete facts I learn , I can feel my faith decrease ever so slightly. If someone is given libraries upon libraries of irrefutable information about something that isn't tangible (for a silly example, like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness monster), the less faith it takes to believe in something. With tons of evidence, one is left with absolutely no choice but to concede belief--the free will to believe is taken away by force.

Things, like this "Leap Second" just remind me how awesome and great God really is. Like it says in Isaiah 55:9, God's ways and thoughts are much higher than ours. Whenever we think we have God all figured out and are ready to put Him on our shelf because we think we have contained to what we can understand, He throws us for a loop and we have to wrestle with facts and events that baffle our brains. To me, it doesn't matter what kind of new research comes out that may discredit how God perfectly created the universe, my personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the biggest evidence to my faith. So what if that according to our understanding the world isn't as perfect mathematically as we think it should be, God's math is far more perfect than our math! In the next year, make it a point to spend some time with the individual that actually created the universe!! I am sure that relationship will blow away anything else you could possibly understand.

. . . and God saw that it was good

Adult Youth Leader Christmas Party

This evening we had a lot of fun with many of our friends who are members of our Adult Leadership Team as we got together for our annual Christmas Party. Our party was scheduled before Christmas, but we got whacked by a snow storm and had to postpone it. We enjoyed lots of food, a white elephant gift exchange, and at the end we presented them all with a small gift as a token of our appreciation for their partnership in youth ministry. It was a wonderful time of celebration, laughter, and friendship. Thank You Jesus for being able to do ministry with friends!

Adult Youth Leader Christmas Party

American teens lie, steal, cheat at 'alarming' rates: study

A friend passed this article along to me the other day: http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=081201214307.uhk1mtoo&show_article=1

American teens lie, steal, cheat at 'alarming' rates: study

Teens Try To Steal Police Car With Officers Inside

Received this Stranger Than Fiction Article from the e-Journal of Student Ministries: http://www.justnews.com/news/18238647/detail.html

Teens Try To Steal Police Car With Officers Inside

Validation

Validation

Christian vs. Christ-Follower Mac vs. PC

Christian vs. Christ-Follower Mac vs. PC

Youth Leaders' Christmas Dance

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Youth Leaders' Christmas Dance

Book Review: 10 Minute Moments for Jr. High Students

10 Minute Moments is a new devotional book by Kurt Johnson designed especially for Jr. High students. I decided to put the book to the test by giving it to Olivia, a 7th grade students who has been following Jesus for about a year. After a few weeks I asked her for her honest feedback. Here it is ... raw, unedited, and straight from the mouth of the target audience:

"It's really good. Not boring. I actually get to write my own thoughts. I like the journal part. I am learning different Scriptures. It is helping me learn more about the Bible. It doesn't take long. It really does only take about 10 minutes."

To receive 10% OFF this and other great resources, use the link to Simply Youth Ministry at the top of my blog or click here: http://us-dc2-order.store.yahoo.net/ymix/MetaController.html?ysco_key_event_id=&ysco_key_store_id=yhst-95977426524948&sectionId=ysco.cart

Book Review: 10 Minute Moments for Jr. High Students

Flooding our Daily Engine

Today, as I was driving into work, one of the most terrifying things that can occur when you're driving actually happened. I was on a busy main road, waiting to make a left turn while cars were flying down every lane in the morning rush-hour madness, when my engine suddenly just stopped. There was a car or two ahead of me, also waiting for the traffic to clear so they can turn, so I know I had some time, but panic started to set in. I was right there in between traffic going both directions and I couldn't get out of the way--I wonder why I was starting to get nervous?? So, I turned my key hoping my car would start again. One car in front of me turns, and there was another car before I had to turn. I felt the engine kick in only to die again. Ok, ok, just remember to breathe now Josh. Now all the things I knew I had to get done today came to my mind. All the people that were relying on me to finish things, the people I had to pick up later in the day so we could make it to the dress rehersal for our church's Christmas performance--alot of people would be affected by this incident and ultimately I know that their own plans could backfire. So, I did all I could do in that moment, I prayed to Jesus to give me grace and to just make my car fire back up so I could go on and get through the responsibilities of my day. Thanks to God, on the second try, my car started and I didn't have any more problems the rest of the day.

It got me thinking though. Just as I need my car to work properly each day, how much more does my own heart, spirit and soul need to be functioning right so I can effectively reach others on a daily basis. Take a moment, just as I have to do, and look at your own life. Ask yourself, 'How much am I relying of Christ to fill me with His strength and grace each day or am I relying on myself and my own ways to get me through?' It really is all about maintaining a relationship with God for everything in life. All it takes at first is spending a few minutes talking with your Creator and getting to know what He is saying to us through His Word in the Bible.

-Josh

Flooding our Daily Engine

36 Planet Impacters Bless Elderly, Serve Jesus Together!

Today 36 of us had a blast serving Jesus together at our church's annual Senior Saints Christmas Luncheon. What a joy it was to work together to bless others in the name of Jesus! We are so proud of all of you who helped out, and we invite everyone to join us the next time we have an opportunity to serve!

36 Planet Impacters Bless Elderly, Serve Jesus Together!

Live2Give!

This week we started a 2-part message entitled Live2Give. All students have been challenged to find ways to give of their time, their talents, and their treasure.

2 Ways YOU Can Give This Week:

1. Help us serve the elderly at our annual Senior Saints Christmas Banquet this Saturday from 10-3pm. Just wear black pants and a white shirt and come ready to serve.

2. Purchase a Shoebox full of items for a child in Mexico and give them a gift for Christmas that they otherwise might not have. Help us Fill The Tub! Here's the info:

DUE BY DECEMBER 19th!

HOW TO PACK A SHOE BOX

1. SHOE BOX: Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

2. BOY OR GIRL? Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork to the right. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

3. FILL WITH GIFTS: Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION: Please donate $5 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can write a check to “SGT” and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box.

GIFT IDEAS

TOYS: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc. SCHOOL SUPPLIES: pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS: toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc. OTHER: Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE: In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

Live2Give!

Teen Finds $10,000

"A 17-year-old grocery bagger was ready to wash his hands in the bathroom at the Federal Way supermarket where he works when he saw a brown canvas money bag on the floor.

Moisei Baraniuc was curious. He opened it and saw envelopes filled with money – “a pretty thick stack.”

Thick enough to add up to $10,000.

What did he do with it? Read the full story here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/front/topstories/story/550696.html

Teen Finds $10,000

Jesus and Black Metal

Hey, this is Josh--you know, the Indian guy behind the sound booth Wednesday nights. I'm going to put myself right out in the open here, I love metal and I LOVE Jesus! To some, these two passions don't belong together--I can see why. On one hand you have baby Jesus, meek and mild, in swaddling clothes, sleeping in a manger, with cows and sheep in the background singing 'O, Holy Night' softly and on the hand, you have a bunch of long-haired guys, usually growling, banging away on drums, playing chaotic music that sounds like random noise. People in church have kind of accepted having generic rock bands play Christian music, but metal still needs to stay far away--with all those un-Godly people who still need to be saved by watching 'Facing the Giants'. Call me crazy, but I have feeling that Jesus loves all people, regardless of what kind of music they like. There has always been a pull in my heart to use metal centered around Jesus and excellent music to reach those who don't want anything to do with Christians or Jesus. I've had countless conversations with metal-heads who are blown away that I like metal, don't compromise my faith in Christ, but still love them and don't shove a cookie-cutter version of Christianity down there throats. To me, this is showing them who Christ is all about. Christ is in the business of relating His love to sinners by using what is relevant to the sinner.

I came across this story about a Christian metal band in Ecuador that has been experiencing alot of abuse for being Christ-followers. Take some time, read it, understand that Jesus used the language, customs and the experiences of the people He was ministering to so that He could bring them Good News. Also, take some time and pray for all those who are still lost and need Jesus in their lives and those willing to take risks to be ambassadors for Christ.

Good day folks,

There have been a few incidents this year concerning threats and assaults toward a few black metal evangelistic bands in South America, happening in Brazil, Venezuela, and Ecuador. My friend Abraham who is playing in Golgotha just told me that recently, the band played at a 400 person show in Quito. Apparently, for some time, Golgotha had been receiving threats from a group of black metallers who are part of a quasi-militant self-professed satanic cult group that actively speaks against Christian metal of all styles and has been doing so for a long time. When Golgotha took to the stage, the antagonists began to blaspheme. Golgotha played an excellent set and some of the crowd began to headbang and enjoy the music. A few people in the crowd became aggravated at the fact that others were enjoying Golgotha's music (both Christians and non-Christians at the concert.) and tried to persuade them to stop. Their inability to do so caused a few to pick up bottles and rocks and throw them at the stage. A couple of the band members were hit but not badly. The band did end up speaking to the crowd and some became very angry at the message, and didn't let the band finish the set successfully. Nobody was seriously hurt.

Read the rest here -- http://forums.firestream.net/showthread.php?t=27099

In Christ, Josh

Jesus and Black Metal

Brendon Visser's Testimony of Connection!

Last year our theme at Planet Impact was Connect and we focused on the purpose of fellowship. No one embodies the picture of someone going from totally disconnected to fully connected this past year than Brendon Visser. Hear his incredible testimony which he shared at our Thanksgiving service. So great!

Brendon Visser's Testimony of Connection!

Check Out The Youth Center!

Check Out The Youth Center!

Movie Review: Twilight

Several years ago, I vaguely remember my tween-age daughter telling me about Twilight, a new book that she and her friends were reading. Mom had looked it over and assured me it was no big deal. Now, flash forward to opening night of the new big screen version of Twilight and I can tell you from being there, the words “Big Deal” are a HUGE understatement. At our nearest theater, young girls (and their moms) were in line two hours in advance of the theater doors opening and, on a national level, Fandango reported that they had been selling 5 Twilight tickets per second as of early Friday morning, “making Twilight online ticket-seller Fandango's fastest-selling film since The Dark Knight last July.” Yes, it’s a very big deal and the young ladies in your youth group will definitely be seeing this one.

Read entire review by Smitty Wheeler http://www.thejournalofstudentministries.com/articles/177/1/Movie-Review-Twilight/Page1.html

Movie Review: Twilight

Need a Bible Reading Plan?

Check out this link for a variety of Bible Reading Plans. There are 13 plans to choose from. Pick one that will help you get into God's Word! http://www.bibleplan.org/

You can also use http://biblegateway.com/ to search for verses or topics, etc. It's a great tool that PK uses all the time.

Need a Bible Reading Plan?

Twilight ... Should You See It?

I'm in Love with a Vampire - The Subtle Messages of Twilight

What happens when a 17-year-old girl falls helplessly in love with the sexiest boy in the world... who's also a vampire?...Such is the pop culture phenomenon known as Twilight. Seventeen million copies of the books have been sold worldwide, and midnight showings for the upcoming movie are selling out.

Twilight ... Should You See It?

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Last Wednesday I shared about the need for us to be respectful of others. The Bible says, “Show proper respect to everyone...” (I Peter 2:17).

There are many forms of respect, but the respect we were talking about is what I would call Basic Respect, or common courtesy. Basic respect says: I recognize you. I value you as a person. I consider what you have to say important. I care. Disrespect communicates the opposite.

Basic Respect is not earned, it is something everyone deserves.

Planet Impact values people and believes that all people – made in the image of God, imperfect as they may be – deserve the common courtesy of basic respect.

Below are Keys to Respect. They can and should be applied to one-on-one conversations as well as our behavior in such venues as youth group.

Remove distractions
Engage with active listening
Stay focused
Patiently wait for the right opportunities talk
Exemplify Jesus (WWJD? / WDJD?)
Consider how they view you (If they value you enough to share, shouldn’t you value them enough to listen?)
Treat others as you want to be treated

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

"A Christian Response to the Election"

A Message by Pastor Kevin Mahaffy, Jr.

Planet Impact November 5, 2008

Four things that are clearly taught in the Bible that should mark the response of Christ-followers to this and every election:

1. Prayer FOR (not against) our leaders. While we can pray against issues of injustice, God commands us to pray FOR individuals (even, and perhaps especially, our enemies). (I Timothy 2:1-7)
2. Love. We can think we believe and do all the right things, but if we don't do them the right way in the right spirit, it's all meaningless. (John 14:34-35; I Corinthians 13)
3. Right Living. The loudest statement we should be making is not primarily with our mouths but with our actions. "Preach the gospel always; if necessary use words" (St. Francis of Assisi). Paul make it clear that prayer should lead to right living. When we are living rightly, our lives will be marked by a quiet peace, godliness, and respect. (I Timothy 2:1-7)
4. Trust. Whether your theology (the way you think about God) leads you to believe God puts people in office or simply allows them to be put there by the choice of the people, no one is in any place of authority outside of the oversight of God. Ultimately it is God who is in control, not a person. (Romans 13:1-2)

May these mark the lives of Jesus-followers as we seek to walk humbly and be salt and light in our world. Amen.

"A Christian Response to the Election"

Help Us Fill The Tub in November

Thanks to everyone who has helped us Fill The Tub this year! In September we loaded up with diapers. In October we filled it up with candy for the Fall Fun Fest. November's items will be food for Thanksgiving baskets. While we don't normally offer incentives for giving because our giving should always be done without any expectation of receiving anything in return, this month is an exception. Some folks in our church are offering to pay the Winter Retreat balance for the two students who bring in the most items determined by weight. Here's a list of items needed:

Pancake Mix & Syrup
Canned Tuna & Chicken
Hamburger/Tuna Helper
Macaroni & Cheese
Cereal - Hot & Cold
Cookies/Snacks
Canned Vegetables
Jello & Pudding
Paper Products
Turkey Gravy
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Pasta/Pasta Mixes
Canned Fruit
Canned Pasta
Spaghetti Sauces
Powdered or Shelf Milk
Rice, Rice-a-roni
Stuffing
Juices
Canned Soups

Help Us Fill The Tub in November

A Challenge to Missions

Tonight we had the privilege of having a team from the Colorado Springs Youth With A Mission (YWAM) with us. They ministered to us through dance, music, and preaching, really challenging us to be active in partnering with God to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). It was fantastic and many students responded with great interest in learning more about how they can serve the Lord. http://www.ywamemerge.org/

A Challenge to Missions

Fill The Tub With Candy

This month's Fill The Tub item is Candy for our Fall Fun Fest. Wednesday, October 29th is the final night to bring your bags of candy to youth group. Thanks for your help!

Fill The Tub With Candy

3 Story Evangelism

Tonight we wrapped up a 6-week series (most series are not this long!) on 3 Story Evangelism. We learned about Uncovering Our Story, Discovering Our Friend's Story, and Unfolding God's Story. We learned that evangelism is not a project that ends, it's about friendships, and friendships don't end. If you need further resources to help you grow in understanding God's Story, tools to help you uncover Your Story, or ways to Discover Your Friend's Story, please visit our resource table on Wednesday nights.

3 Story Evangelism

The Shack ... A Must Read!

Last night I finished reading the New York Times Best Selling Book The Shack by William P. Young. It was very well written, absolutely gripping, and loaded with great truth. Everyone should read this book - Christian or not. It will touch you to the core! Pick it up today anywhere - WalMart, Barnes & Noble, Borders, online.

The Shack ... A Must Read!

The AIDS Experience

All Planet Impact students are HIGHLY encouraged to participate in this event!

Shelter Rock Church and Arumdaun Presbyterian Church
Nov 13 - Nov 19, 2008
Bethpage, NY
516-349-5559

Follow this link to get FREE tickets! http://www.wvexperience.org/visit_ticket_details.aspx?venueid=140

The AIDS Experience

Diaper Drive!!!

We are collecting diapers this Wednesday to bless a 25 year old mother in our community who has a 1 year-old daughter and is fighting leukemia. Pamper Cruisers (for girl) 5-6. (You can also provide new toys for a 1-year old girl if you would like. Her birthday is in October.) Also collecting for The Care Center - all sizes, especially 4-5 for boys and girls. We want to fill our stage Wednesday night. So, buy at least one package, and tell your friends to bring a package as well. Let's show people God's love in this tangible way!

Diaper Drive!!!

Alive with Purpose

Hi Guys! Check out this video written, produced, and based on our family friend Ryan who worked with me during my first year of youth ministry. He is also the voice singing on the video. An amazing talent spared from abortion, given hope and love through adoption.

Alive with Purpose

Come Follow Me ... A Message on Following Jesus

http://www.zshare.net/audio/1905932391d1e501/ This is a message I shared with my youth group. During my talk I had a slide presentation on which I cited The Ministry of Nurture by Duffy Robbins as a source, so I want to give him his due props here as well.

Come Follow Me ... A Message on Following Jesus

Winter Retreat 2009!

Winter Retreat 2009!

Thank You Guys!

I just want to say thank you to those of you who have gone with us to the beach the last three weeks to show the love of Jesus in simple and practical ways. It is such a joy to serve Jesus with you and to touch lives through our example and simple acts of kindness such as giving away free food and drinks, and playing volleyball and basketball with kids from our community. Jesus said, "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward" (Matthew 10:42). What we have done may not seem like a big deal, but to God is is special and important. Jesus also said, "I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was hungry and you gave me something to eat" (Matthew 25:31-46). You have made the Lord glad through your faithfulness! I am very proud of you, and I am really excited to see you learning the joy of serving. May this become your lifestyle, not just some youth event. Amen!

Thank You Guys!

The Bible in a Minute!

Bible In A Minute - barats and bereta

The Bible in a Minute!

Reach The Beach 2

Last night 15 of us from Planet Impact went to Sunken Meadow State Park for our second week of Reach The Beach. We gave away 80 free cheeseburgers and sodas. We also walked around and picked up trash on the boardwalk. The leaders of this community event were once again highly complimentary of our teens, and were so grateful for our willingness to serve and bless the teens of our community. We are glad to serve the Lord by serving our community. As we were riding home in the shuttle, I took some time to debrief with our team and to pray. It was a great night. So great, that we have decided to go back again next week and give away free pizza! Our kids are learning the joy of service! May fruit remain!

Reach The Beach 2