“ We just got done with our Quake here in Bozeman, and I'm pretty sure it was my favorite event so far. I had a blast at every single music set, and all of those went really well. But I think my biggest high for the weekend was being able to connect with the Junior Guides (high school helpers) and hang out with them during the Trek times. They were a pretty amazing group of youth, and they were a ton of fun to hang out with. I received probably the greatest compliment I could have received while being on team this morning. One of the adult leaders from Dillon, Montana came up to me and thanked me for hanging out with the Junior Guides so much, because she said she could see a noticeable impact on them already. She said several of them were talking about my session on leadership, and she said that I had made an impact on them. I couldn't ask for more than for that to happen while being on team. Hearing that just made my weekend and has me totally fired up about being here, and reminds me why I'm doing this. I was really glad for the chance to work with the same small group more than once, because otherwise it's so easy for me to fade into the background and not get to connect with any youth the entire weekend. I also have a huge passion for discipling youth and helping them develop their leadership abilities and their gifts. That's about the coolest thing in the world to me, and probably my favorite part of ministry I think.”
 
Mike Guthrie
 
 
“HOWDY!!! I am so excited! We get to go back to Naselle, which is awesome. The coolest thing about it is the neat-o ministry opportunities there are there. The pastor works as head pastor for two churches in the area, so there are a lot of people to minister to. But on top of that there's also a youth detention center that rocks. We get to set up our stuff, and then we get to eat with the kids in there. The amazing thing is that these kids in this juvenile center are my age, and just made some really bad choices. However, they are still kids, and still like to do what I like to do--especially listen to and play music. The last time we did a program there, the kids got so excited--not over the music, but over the puppet show! I never thought that they would like us, but they welcomed us with open arms. I guess that was a good lesson in not making prior assumptions, eh? Well, anyway, the kids helped us take down our stuff last time, and it was really great to talk to them and listen to some tunes and such. It was so nice just to be real with them. I bet they don't get many chances to be one on one with other youth. I guess my point of this whole thing is that I am super excited because we are going back--not because it was fun for me, but because it was fun for them. For the new kids in the center, I hope they'll enjoy themselves. For the kids that are still there, I hope that they realize that we care about them and love them very much. Keep us in your prayers this weekend, that we might have the Holy Spirit directing our words and actions with these kids. Thanks!”
 
Shellina Dillon
 
“It's a quarter after 8 p.m. in Naselle, Washington, and we're packing up after a program at the Juvenile Detention Camp. I'm just amazed at the ways God surprises us in the opportunities God opens up for us. About two hours ago we had supper in the cafeteria with the youth, and the girls were to go talk with the girls while the guys talked with the guys. Mike was a little nervous about this, because he often finds it difficult to just walk up to any random person and start a conversation, so he instead hung out with the Team. We finished supper, went back to the gym for a quick sound check and then we began the music. Like Mark and Shellina said in their journals, we absolutely love playing here for these youth, and we had a lot of fun. Afterward, though, as we were tearing down, some of our new friends stuck around to help pack up and load. As I was unplugging my sound board, I noticed Mike playing guitar with one of the youth and was simply amazed. Not even two hours ago he was afraid to talk to anyone new, and here he was playing with one of the kids and talking with him like they'd been friends for a long time. Way to go, God!”
 
Angela Nelson
 
 
“A few days ago, we stayed with a host family who gave up their master bedroom so that we could all have a bed to sleep in. It might seem like such a small thing to do, but I am pretty sure that the "host dad" slept in a recliner all night! As you might imagine I was completely humbled and moved by this at the same time. A simple act of generosity, and yet I felt so unworthy. All I could think was, I don't know if I deserved that, or why am I so special to receive such kind hospitality. But this whole situation really made me think about God's provision, and how much I have to be thankful for. Everyday the sun comes out (whether we see it or not), and everyday I have food to eat, a warm, dry place to stay, and a nice place to sleep. I am surrounded by people who love me, and I have more clothes than I need. I have the luxury of driving a car (okay, actually a 15-passenger van, but you know what I mean!), having a choice of music to listen to, I have a Bible I can read everyday, and the list goes on. It makes me think of these lyrics by Nicole Nordeman, "never mind moderation, You exceed my expectation." Everyday God exceeds my expectations, by the way He provides for me--and not just material things, but spiritually as well. He provides rest when my soul is weary, comfort when my soul is grieved, and most of all He provides a love that is deeper and wider and longer and bigger than I can even comprehend. And every time He surprises me with His provision, I am amazed by His tremendous love, and His goodness, because I do nothing to deserve any of these things, yet He chooses to bless me with them anyway. What amazing love!”
 
Hilary Settle
 
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