WOL Announcements

Reminder: There is NO WOL Club Meeting this Wed. 11/26.

Superbowl - Friday/Saturday, November 28-29
Meet at church at 3:45 pm CST (this is a change from previously announced)
Bus will leave at 4 pm CST.
We will return at 6:30 am CST on Saturday morning.
Bring extra cash for food and snacks.

Other Upcoming Events:

• Friday, December 12 - Jr. High Christmas Party at TCBC
• Tuesday, December 30 - "Phondue with Phil" for Sr. High at Phil's house (this is a Chill with Phil event)
• August 1-7, 2009 - SUMMER CAMP at GULL LAKE MINISTRIES in Michigan

Details are yet to be finalized but we are looking into the first week of August for Summer Camp. This runs from Saturday to Friday. This will be an awesome week that teens will NOT want to miss.

Wii Bii Chillin'

We had a bunch of teens come out to Chill with Phil this evening. We had the Nintendo Wii games going all night with Tennis, Bowling, Boxing and Golf. We also had other games like euchre and Catch Phrase. There was a bunch of great food including homemade carmel apples!

Car Capers 2008

We had a blast with all the Senior High teens that came to Car Capers last night. We had some great games including a drag race where your team had to push a car across the parking lot in a race against another car, an obsacle course, a creeper race, a tire and hubcap toss and a tire changing challenge.

Despite a little drizzle, everyone had a great time enjoying great food and music as well.

The videos are of the obstacle course and the creeper race. These games were a lot more challenging than they look. More than one person left a little blood out on the track.

Thanks to all the leaders and adults that helped set up and run the games, make the food, challenge the teens, set up the sound system, etc, that made this event a success! Thanks to the teens for bringing your friends out for a fun time and opportunity to hear the Word being preached.

FIREPROOF

FIREPROOF opened this weekend and we took several WOL leaders along with their spouses to see it this evening. It was very well done and made some excellent points in helping us keep our marriages Christ-like. If you want a thriving relationship, you must be willing to serve. It's not about you, it's about Christ, and one way we can demonstrate our love to our spouse is by serving her (him).

Make a date with your mate and go see this movie!

A Time To Dance

We had our first Chill with Phil of the year tonight. We kicked it up w/ the electric slide, the cha cha, the macarena, Cotton-Eyed Joe, etc. Then, for more kicks my team beat up on Jake's team in euchre. (Reminded me of great times in Brazil.)

We had a great group and a ton of fun...of course.

Here are a couple pics and a video from the night.

WOL Kickoff 2008

We had an awesome kickoff this evening. We met at church, got everyone signed in and sang some songs with some members of S.O.S. (Saving of Souls) Christian Band. Phil shared a message on pursuing eternal treasures and then we split up into teams and went on a pursuit of our own...a scavenger hunt. Each team had to find clues at various locations in Rensselaer. Some were pretty challenging but all teams completed the route and it was a great time.

Here are a few pictures from the evening...

Brazil Trip - Days 9 & 10

We departed from Grupo CEO at 5:20 am on Saturday, August 2. We arrived at the airport in Fortaleza about an hour later and got set to check in. This all went very smooth. Now after a week in Brazil it was time to say good-bye to Bill and Erika. It's amazing. Months and months go into the planning and preparation and suddenly you find yourself saying good-bye as the trip comes to a close. We got through security with no problems and then it was off to Sao Paulo. This flight lasted about three and a half hours. We then had a layover in Sao Paulo for about nine hours. Some of us slept and some of us played cards. There wasn't a whole lot to do. We walked through a few of the shops anticipating our last flight.

Finally, at around 5:00 pm we were able to go and check-in. Thankfully, everyone had all the correct paperwork and we didn't have any problems with anyone losing any documentation to get us back home. The process of getting through security and customs seemed more lenghty but that's the way it is with international travel. After a little waiting at the gate it was finally time to board United Airlines Flight 842 to take us to Chicago. It wasn't a full flight and the more savvy of us were able to snag a better seat! It's a lot easier to find a position to sleep in two seats than it is in one. For future mission trips, I highly recommend we purchase a business class ticket for the youth leader. He really deserves it. :)

Ten and a half hours later, we land in Chicago at 5:30 am CST on Sunday, August 3rd. We quickly got through immigration and our luggage picked up. It was a welcome site to see the Davis van pulling up to collect our luggage. Ron, Tim, Scott, Roger and Heather were all there to greet us. I (Phil) am still mad at Jessi for not letting me hug Heather first!

We stopped at a breakfast buffet on the way home and chowed like crazy. We did eat but travel is wearying and plane food is very average.

We rolled into the church parking lot at 9:30 am CST and all got together for a prayer of thankfulness. It was an awesome trip and the Lord worked in us mightily.

Thank you all for your prayers, blog comments and support!

Brazil Trip - Day 8

Today was an R & R day at the beach in Fortaleza. Erika's parents hosted us and had a magnificent lunch for us of chicken, salmon and other fish. The ocean was beautiful and it was great to soak up the rays and swim in the ocean.

This evening we had a huddle with the Moore's and the others here at Grupo CEO. We all shared what impacted us the most. It was a most memborable evening and week. So hard to say good-bye.

Please pray for us as we begin traveling early Saturday morning. Our flight leaves at 6 am CST.

Brazil Trip - Day 7

Hi, this is Kyle and I'm a bad blogger. I wish Phil would do this for me. I can't think of anything to write. My foot hurts so bad. I feel useless. I'm homesick and just sit around crying all day. I miss my mom. I wish I was Phil (except for the bald part). Ethan hardly ever checks on me. It's such a bummer.

I'm kidding, this is Phil with your daily blog. I made that first part up. Seriously, Kyle did excellent today. Helped with a lot at VBS and the work site! Ethan has been awesome too, doing a great job serving his brother.

Today was our final day of our servant ministries. We started this morning with the story of Noah in VBS. Casey, Dave and Ben did the teaching for us. We also finished teaching the dance routine to those that were there.

All your kids are doing wonderfully. I did fail to mention yesterday that Jessica hurt her foot too. Amazingly she also hurt it while playing barefoot outside. We need to bring all the moms next time so these kids quit running around without shoes on. They sure don't listen to me. So, yeah, it's a lot like WOL!

Katy felt a little sick this morning but recovered and did a great job today. All the kids have done great this week.

Jake and Jake led the basketball (basquete in Portuguese) and then kickball this afternoon.

We finished up the construction project this afternoon as well. Tom did a great job leading this project for our team. We whitewashed the walls and did the electrical work. We also moved dirt in the front yard to even out the ground. The girls did a lot of the whitewashing and Tracy helped with a lot of the dirt moving.

This evening we had a worship service with the kids. First with the younger kids and then with the teens. It was a great time of fellowship and worship. We did our big drama and of course the dance. We did it three times! We even got Bill out there for the finale...and Jake Goodman! It was great.

Afterwards we said our good-byes to the kids. Then I threw Jake Goodman in the pool! He was acting up.

Pictures may be forthcoming. Tomorrow perhaps. Love you all. Thanks so much for your prayers.

Brazil Trip - Day 6 (Evening)

The afternoon was cut a little short so we only did one session of sports. We ran basketball and volleyball simultaneously. Melissa did a great job with volleyball and Jake and Jake did well with basketball. They had the kids doing layup drills and other b-ball skills. I think the dunking contest is today. ;)

In the evening we went into Fortaleza to the market. There was a huge section next to the beach that was set up with all kinds of little shops of souvenirs, hammocks, shoes, clothes. We spent about 2 1/2 hours there walking around and bartering.

After shopping we ate at a restaurant called Sal E Brasa. It was extremely good food and AIR CONDITIONED! We tried all kinds of meats and other various foods: fried bananas, fried cheese, sushi, shrimp, other cheeses, etc. Some of the meats we tried were wild boar, ostrich and a variety of other cuts of beef, chicken, etc. There was a variety of pies and cakes to choose from for dessert. Definitely a meal we'll remember.

We arrived back on campus around 11:00.

Brazil Trip - Day 6

We are headed out for an evening on the town so I may not be able to blog later. I wanted to update you on our morning.

Construction continues on the building project and they may even finish getting the flooring in today.

We had a great morning at VBS. Denise taught the kids the story of David and Goliath. She used Phil to demonstrate how tall Goliath was. However the kids are convinced that Phil is much stronger.

Kendra and Jessi introduced the craft with the story of Jonah. The kids had a great time with it. There were not as many kids today but we did have about 20 new kids that were not their yesterday.

After crafts we spent some time teaching them our dance routine. It's amazing how much God has used that in our ministry here. It has been extremely beneficially.

Brazil Trip - Day 5

On the building project this morning we finished the tiles on the roof. Dave got up there this time with Cicero to finish laying them. A few other local teens that hang out with us helped too. We also started on the windows and doors. PJ helped one of the men
with that. Then in the afternoon, we started on the concrete flooring. The mixing was all done by hand which is primarily how we helped. We got the other window and both doors in place and set up.

The building crew also did all the electric work on another house and whitewashed it all. This is a home that last week's team built.

VBS started today too with about 128 people coming! The children were very excited to make the Salvation Bracelets, and
Jake W. and Jon gave a lesson explaining their meaning. We were amazed that they didn't open the Salvation Bracelet bags when
we passed them out until told to do so, as some children in the US probably would have. For games, they played Freeze Tag, which
they enjoyed playing for the first time. We gave them candy bags for their snack as they left also.

Our sports ministry did soccer and volleyball today. The games of soccer basically consist of our splitting into several teams
and having a sort of tournament. It's fun to play with all the Brazilian kids because they are really good.

In the evening we had a worship service here at Grupo CEO. Jon, Jessica, Kyle and Ethan presented the drama and our
team did our "Brazilian Boogie" again. Everyone was so enthusiastic. The music was wonderful. It was a great time.

We did have our first injury, however. Kyle hurt his foot. I'd like to say he injured it while working construction or doing
something really dangerous. But I must be truthful. He injured it playing freeze tag...with 11 year olds. His attitude has been
tremedous but please be praying for him throughout the trip. He can still kind of walk on his heel.

Other than that we continue to be blessed down here. Thanks for your continued prayers and your blog comments. We read
them every day.

Brazil Trip - Day 4

Today we started our servant evangelism activities along with the construction project. The brick work was completed prior to allow us time to finish the house. Tom and a couple guys worked on the doors and windows for the house while the rest of us went on site. We sorted tiles for the roof and put up the rafters too.


The ladies spent the morning serving on our "Spa Day" ministry. They had a great turnout, including many children for this. Here is a picture of Tracy giving a haircut. They also painted nails and other girly girl stuff in addition to the haircuts.

The afternoon consisted of beginning our Sports ministry and continuing our construction. Ben and Dave led the group in soccer and Ben was most proud at scoring a goal! (Please pray for Ben's pride.) Jake and Jake led the group in Kickball after that was over. That went pretty well though it took a while for the kids to understand the rules. They weren't so keen on getting "out".

We worked on laying the tile for the roof at the construction site. Jon took the initiative and braved the heights, first spreading the tiles out on the rafters in piles and then helping Cicero, one of the Brazilian men working for Grupo CEO this summer, lay them. Jon only fell off twice and now writes left-handed and walks backwards but we're pretty sure this will clear up when we get back to the Northern Hemisphere. Just kidding Sherry (Jon's mom)...he only fell once. HA! Still kidding. He was steady the whole time and Tom even joined him up there for the last part of it. Sure would be nice to get some Titan guys down here.

After a dinner of hot dogs, we split up. The teens with to a youth service, the ladies to a women's meeting and the men to a men's meeting. It was a great time to fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ here in Brazil. Two men accepted Christ at our men's meeting. They didn't even complain about my attire! Seriously though it was awesome to pray for and with them. We talked about how to be good husbands to our wives. I advised them to go on a mission trip 4,500 miles away. No, I'm joking again. I'm pretty sure I said something profound and serious.

It's 11:37 pm here and if you haven't figured it out yet, it's Phil that is writing all this. I'm a bit sleepy from a big day but was anxious to get you the latest happenings here and post a few more pictures.

FYI - you can double click the pictures to see it in a larger size.

Brazil Trip - Day 3 Update!

A TAM airlines van arrived at 9 am today with Tracy's luggage! She now has her own clothes! Praise the Lord!

Brazil Trip - Day 3

 
 



We awoke at 7 am (that's 5 am Rensselaer time folks) to loud Christian music in Portuguese! We had some time to get ready for
the day and have some quiet time before breakfast. Breakfast consisted of pancakes, compliments of Tom Gillespie, fruit, cold
meat sandwiches and cashew juice. It was fun to try something new.


Following breakfast we had some devotional time together as we went over Mark 4:35-41. After this time we split up into four
groups and went on a Prayer Walk in the community. We visited several families in the neighborhood that the Moore's have been
ministering to. Some, they have recently helped with building a house, putting in a sink or other projects. Many have come to know
Christ through their ministry here. As we visited we often stopped to pray for various families.

We had some free time after lunch but we spent part of the time hauling a few bricks down to our construction site. Tom helped
some of the local people finish up the brick work. We had some time to swim and relax in the hammocks as well.


This evening, we went to church. It was a very enthusiastic congregation! We presented a drama and the "Brazilian Boogie". The message was on jealousy. We covered parts of James 3, Psalm 145 and Ezekiel 35. Afterwards we went out for chicken. It was rotisserie. (Not sure how to spell that.) Very good.




Phil got busted by the fashion police for showing up in this outfit. What's wrong with this? It's a nice pair of shorts and a nice shirt for crying out loud! I think we'll have to take a vote later to determine this this outfit is really a crime.

Brazil Trip - Day 2

We made it to Sao Paulo, Brazil at 9:00 or so Brazil time and deboarded for customs. This wasn't a problem for us thankfully, even Jon made it through! But was picked up our luggage and had to check in for the domestic flight to Fortaleza. They made us check a bunch of our bags that we carried on.

We made it though to our gate 5 minutes before boarding so that was a blessing. But, they gave Tracy a hard time w/ on of her carry-on items, saying she should have checked it. They took and stowed it w/ the strollers (I think) but when we got to Fortaleza, after a brief stop over in Natal, that bag never showed up. And it has her clothes in it. So, after another discussion with TAM airlines there, we'll call tomorrow to find out if they have found the bag. We think it may have been taken off in Natal.

But we're here!! We made it to Grupo CEO around 6:20 pm and it was already about dark. We had a great spaghetti dinner together with everyone and spent the evening getting showers and settled in.

Brazil Trip - Day 1

We started off on our trip for Brazil today. We left the church at 10 am and drove up to O'hare. Check-in was every bit as stressful as we had hoped. For starters, the mower box weighed too much. We were over by FOUR pounds! We took the smaller box out of the larger box to get the weight down and the lady was checking it through for us. There it was rolling down the conveyor belt when out of nowhere, a guy in a jacket and tie put the nix on it. "Haz-mat item" he stated to my dismay. Despite my "No, buts..." his decision is what counted so, there you go. No mower to Brazil. Thankfully, Ron was around to take it back home for us.

He almost had to take home something else...a member of our team! They were giving Jon a hard time about his visa but ultimately he was cleared.

The flights went smoothly and we fell asleep (off and on) somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean.

Brazil Trip - Packing

Tonight we had our "Packing Party". There is a lot of stuff to take down for all the minstries we'll be doing. We are also taking some additional items for the Moore's to use for their ministry when we leave such as a mower and a trimmer.

After a night's work, we are pretty much ready to go!

We very much appreciate all the items for the various ministries that church families have donated. Big things get accomplished when everybody does their part!

Senior Night 2008

Tonight was our last night of Word of Life for the year, and forever for our Seniors...as a youth anyway!

This evening, we took a look at John 10:1-4, 25-28 and talked about knowing the voice of our shepherd. The youth were challenged to use the summer to grow into knowing Christ better.

It worked out that today's text for our Quiet Time in our Student Lifeline books was from Exodus 6:1-13 where God is speaking to Moses. Eight times over the first nine verses God says "I will...." I will rescue you..., I will redeem you..., I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. I will bring you into the land..., I will give it to you.... God promises Moses many blessings.

The notes from the Student Lifeline book continues: Ask yourself, "What 'will dos' can I expect from the Lord Himself in my daily life as I also trust Him?" So, as we learn to trust Him, our desire should be to know Him in a more personal way. In response to such a desire, Jehovah, Who got personally involved in the troubles of ancient Israel, desires to get personally involved in your life too!

We also had the Seniors share about their plans for next year and we had a local band, Saving of Souls (many of which are in our WOL club), lead us in worship and share some of their own music.

Last Night of WOL for 2007-08

The last club meeting for the year will be this Wednesday, May 21 at 6:00 pm.

We will have a live band perform as we welcome 'Saving of Souls'!

life is good

This past Saturday, we filmed the music video with the Jr. High (plus one Sr. High teen who snuck in the back door). The song is called "Life is Good" by Stellar Kart. We had a beautiful morning to film. The video is below...enjoy!

tunnel

We had some of our Sr. High teens show up to put together a music video to Third Day's "Tunnel". These videos are always a blast. Check it out!

Mission Team Huddle

Nineteen individuals from Tri-County Bible Church have signed on to travel to Brazil for a week in July to share the gospel through Servant Evangelism on our Youth Mission Trip. We will be helping the Moore family, a missionary family that our church helps support.

This past friday evening, we gathered to pray for the work that is currently being done there and to plan for the week we will be there with them. We split up into smaller teams to plan specific activities for the week.

Please pray for us as we continue to prepare our hearts for His work.

SAVED at the Compass

Teens! Join us at the Compass (110 E. 5th St.) in downtown Fowler on Saturday, February 23rd as SAVED performs.

Music begins at 6:30 pm CST.

Websites:
http://www.thecompassministries.com/
http://www.wearesaved.org/

WOL Cancelled Tonight (Jan 9)

There will be no WOL Club meeting tonight. We will resume next week, Jan. 16th.

Keep up with your Quiet Times!!

January Chillin'

We got 2008 kicked off Friday night with "Chill w/ Phil". We enjoyed chocolate fondue, which was popular and karaoke. Nonetheless, we had a great time, as always, playing games and enjoying food.

Skinner put a little diddy he made up in digital format. As of now, it's moreless the unofficial Chill with Phil theme song. It's in mp3 format and you can listen to it here.

Our regular WOL Club meetings resume on Jan. 9 at 6 pm CST. It's going to be a great year.