High School Ministry Asia's Hope Update

by Nick Cleveland

As you know HSM is raising money in support of Grace Place (Orphanage in Cambodia). Before yesterday at HSM we had raised $350 - which is close to 1/2 way. So far to go, but so much raised already! Today I received this email from our Pastor who is visiting Cambodia this week:

"I'm at an internet cafe right now...We had a very good flight (s) from CLE to LAX to Taipei to Phonm Penh (I lost track of hours after 24 - but I did sleep some through the long flight across the Pacific.First impression - I met Savorn and Sony - the AH country director and his wife at the Phonm Penh airport. WHAT JEWELS!! I felt like I met Hebrews 11 people - "the world is not worthy of them." Talk about gracious people!!Second impression - It's HOT! Phonm Penh reminds me a lot of Belem, Brazil when I visited there years ago.Three of the orphanage directors in PP met us at the airport along with Savorn and Sony. What wonderful leaders God has given this ministry.Dr. John Campbell is my gracious tour host - and is very considerate of any needs I have. Please pray that I'm able to encourage the AH staff and all the orphans, as well as be an effective testimony for the Lord! Thanks so much for praying!"

So far away from home, but so close to the heart is this work to reach "the least of these"! Pray for Pastor Bob, the orphanage, & the children. Also don't forget to SKIP STARBUCKS and CHANGE a life!

Are You Sure?

by Ben Framstad


Student Ministries had the priviledge of explaining the gospel to over 200 students this last Sunday both in Middle School and High School Ministries. In High School, students were shown the gospel of Jesus Christ via paintboard, an old technique common of open air evangelists in urban centers.

The evangelist begins and ends with a somewhat haunting question: Are you sure you know where you are going after you die? That is the most important question of life. Many people believe in heaven, but there are many different opinions on how to get there. Some people say "Join a religion" or "Just be good." But how good is good enough?

One person's perspective that many fail to consult is God's. Since He's holy, His standard is perfect just like He is. We are left to miss the mark in maintaining righteousness. Instead we fall into lawlessness, or sin. Our sin forms a barrier between us and God.

While God must judge us according to our sins, He also wants to offer us a way to be redeemed. In love, He sent His Son to live a perfect life. Though he didn't deserve to die, he was executed on a roman cross. He took the penalty that we should have paid for our sin. But it didn't end there. After three days in the tomb, he rose again and was seen by over 500 people over the course of 40 days after he rose. Then he ascended into heaven in a slam-bang finish, all to seal the deal and offer us forgiveness.

To accept Jesus' free gift of forgiveness you must repent, which means you turn from your current life of sin and start going in Jesus direction. Then you must trust, or have faith in Jesus. Believe what Jesus said about himself, what the scriptures say he did, and the promises he has for you.

That's the gospel. :)

Our First Line of Offense

It's been said that, "The best offense is a good defense." And while I understand the concept, I think it's a tad bit different when it comes to working with students. Students, any day of the week will be coming to your service, event, or Bible study with their defenses up. It's up to us to actively look to break down their defenses in an attempt to see their heart open to what God might want to show them. Here are a couple ways to be effective as a "First Line of Offense:"

1. Smile - I'm not talking about the "Wow, I can see that you've never had your tonsils taken out" kind of smile. This is more of a, "Hey, it's good to see you" kind of smile that let's students know that they are appreciated when they arrive and missed when they're gone.

2. Ask them about themselves - Students love talking about themselves. Check the stats, it's true. Try to have some basic questions in your back-pocket (not literally; might seem a little forced) that you can ask any student at any time. Questions like, "What school do you go to?", "What do you like to do for fun?" are great questions to ask someone you just met. If it's a student that you know, ask them about the things you know about. If they play basketball, ask them how the season is going. If they're into art, ask them if they've done any new projects lately. They're waiting to tell you; just ask.

3. Laugh - Laughter is a great way to disarm people. Students are expecting church to be boring and a waste of time. If before they even hear a Scripture verse or a Bible story they are laughing at a story that you're telling, consider them disarmed. And don't wait for them to do it. You be the first to laugh, and they'll be more likely to jump in with you.

Students have an uncanny ability to tell when leaders are genuinely interested or when they are just going through the motions. When they sense they are genuinely cared for and loved, they will be more likely to A. Come back, and B. Be disarmed. All because of our "First Line of Offense."