Today was our last day of ministry. We started the day off by having a nice sleep in before we were rudely awakened by Scott (who had also kept us up all night via snoring), we then had our breakfast and solo time where we read the story of Jesus' crucifixion out of Matthew. After this we put a healthy squirt of ether into the bus and she fired up just fine. When we got to ICYA we got everything prepared for our last day, and had a really good day ministering to the kids that came. After our normal VBS programming was over we all separated throughout the local community and invited the parents to a BBQ at ICYA. We got 300 hot dogs ready (Thanks to Andy Krahn's mean BBQing skills), and people started to pour in. It was also good to see a couple of people come and join us from our local church to see the ministry. The BBQ went very well. It was good to meet all the families of the kids that we had been working with for the week. After this was kind of bitter sweet. We had to say good bye to all of the kids. Tears were shed, Hugs were given, and encouragement was spread far and wide. Those kids will be dearly missed. After this we said our goodbyes to the staff at ICYA and thanked them for hosting us. We then had one last celebration session of worship, and team time and chatted together about all the good things God had done in and through our team. It has been an incredible trip. We thank you all for your prayers!
This has been a truly awesome week. There is simply no other way to describe it. I have really seen God move in cool ways this week, through both the VBS ministry and sessions at the Westwood church. I have also seen God unite us as a team, and I feel really bonded to each member of our team. thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers! -Matt
The Bible Break at the VBS today was super. Peter read the easter story and we had prepared questions for afterward. I honestly wasn't expecting much but the kids really engaged and the answers that came, came from the least likely of the kids. I was amazed that the kids who, previously, had not appeared to be listening, were now asking questions of us! That was definitely my highlight of the day. It's cool to see what God will do when we give Him our best and leave the rest to Him. -Matt H
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018
Thursday, March 29
Wednesday: Today was carnival day, an annual SOAR activity where all the youth groups put on a carnival for the kids at each of our ministries. From 1 till 3 we were each assigned to one or two kids from ICYA to walk around and play games, eat popcorn, and collect candy and balloon animals. This was an awesome opportunity to spend time one on one and get to know our kids better. The day was cold and windy, but we still had lots of fun!
Thursday: We went back to our regular VBS schedule today at ICYA. There were less kids than usual, but there was still a lot of energy from the group. Today was a good day to practice patience, and love on the kids even when we feel frustrated. Something we learned today multiple times was that kids are listening and paying attention more than it may seem. There were a lot of great responses to the bible story, which as really encouraging. This evening we were able to serve each other in foot washing. This gave us the opportunity to pray, encourage and pour into each member of our group.
Catherine: These two days and the days leading up were the most encouraging and cheerful. I felt tired most of the time but I had Gods strength to keep me going. The children at ICYA kept me on my feet! I entertained them with games and I found cheer in their smiles!
Bri: After a few restless nights of being sick and feverish, I was so encouraged to be filled with energy from the Holy Spirit. At no point did I feel tired or weak while spending time with the kids on Thursdays VBS, which was a huge answer to prayer. I've been working with kids from the ages 5-7, and I cannot tell you how much I've enjoyed spending time with each and everyone of them. These children may seem rough around the edges, but they're true diamonds when you have an opportunity to spend time with them. Each one is so precious, and I feel blessed to get to share Gods unfailing love with them.
Thursday: We went back to our regular VBS schedule today at ICYA. There were less kids than usual, but there was still a lot of energy from the group. Today was a good day to practice patience, and love on the kids even when we feel frustrated. Something we learned today multiple times was that kids are listening and paying attention more than it may seem. There were a lot of great responses to the bible story, which as really encouraging. This evening we were able to serve each other in foot washing. This gave us the opportunity to pray, encourage and pour into each member of our group.
Catherine: These two days and the days leading up were the most encouraging and cheerful. I felt tired most of the time but I had Gods strength to keep me going. The children at ICYA kept me on my feet! I entertained them with games and I found cheer in their smiles!
Bri: After a few restless nights of being sick and feverish, I was so encouraged to be filled with energy from the Holy Spirit. At no point did I feel tired or weak while spending time with the kids on Thursdays VBS, which was a huge answer to prayer. I've been working with kids from the ages 5-7, and I cannot tell you how much I've enjoyed spending time with each and everyone of them. These children may seem rough around the edges, but they're true diamonds when you have an opportunity to spend time with them. Each one is so precious, and I feel blessed to get to share Gods unfailing love with them.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Highlights from yesterday
A highlight from Tuesday was team time. We were each challenged to open up to the group about a barrier that keeps us from following God. You could see the barrier of uncomfort break throughout our group as we all shared our answers. We all opened up and it was amazing how encouraging and supportive our youth group was to each other as we prayed over each other’s struggles.
- Michelle
A highlight for me was also team time. It’s really amazing seeing everyone open up and be vulnerable with everyone. I love these kind of moments because we grow stronger every time we open up, and pray for each other. Team time for me couldn’t be any better. This youth group is amazing. It’s really encouraging seeing everyone support one another, and how we all care for each other when someone opens up from a deep part of their life. I’m really glad that I came to SOAR Heartland this year. Thomas
- Michelle
A highlight for me was also team time. It’s really amazing seeing everyone open up and be vulnerable with everyone. I love these kind of moments because we grow stronger every time we open up, and pray for each other. Team time for me couldn’t be any better. This youth group is amazing. It’s really encouraging seeing everyone support one another, and how we all care for each other when someone opens up from a deep part of their life. I’m really glad that I came to SOAR Heartland this year. Thomas
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Day #6- icya day 2
Gooday all,
Just a quick blog tonight as the day has gone away with not a lot of extra time to blog. Today we had a few more kids come to our program and it seems as though we have found our routine so to speak at our vbs. I have been very impressed at all of our youth giving their all to the vbs program and just befriending each kid that walks through the doors. One story that stands out is there was a group of 3-4 tough looking 12 year old boys that kind of looked like they were “too cool” for our vbs. After our vbs was over and we dropped them off at their house they followed us back to the drop in centre because they wanted to keep hanging out with our youth. It’s really cool to see all the connections and relationships that our youth have made with the kids here at icya in two short days. When we got back from ministry we had a very good session followed by a “team time” which we do every day where a lot of our youth shared some very deep things as the topic for the evening was discussing barriers that stop us from following God. Many youth requested prayer and we spent time encouraging and ministering to each other. Thanks everyone for all your prayers! Tomorrow we look forward to “carnival day”. Please pray for energy and enthusiasm for all of us!
-Andy
Just a quick blog tonight as the day has gone away with not a lot of extra time to blog. Today we had a few more kids come to our program and it seems as though we have found our routine so to speak at our vbs. I have been very impressed at all of our youth giving their all to the vbs program and just befriending each kid that walks through the doors. One story that stands out is there was a group of 3-4 tough looking 12 year old boys that kind of looked like they were “too cool” for our vbs. After our vbs was over and we dropped them off at their house they followed us back to the drop in centre because they wanted to keep hanging out with our youth. It’s really cool to see all the connections and relationships that our youth have made with the kids here at icya in two short days. When we got back from ministry we had a very good session followed by a “team time” which we do every day where a lot of our youth shared some very deep things as the topic for the evening was discussing barriers that stop us from following God. Many youth requested prayer and we spent time encouraging and ministering to each other. Thanks everyone for all your prayers! Tomorrow we look forward to “carnival day”. Please pray for energy and enthusiasm for all of us!
-Andy
Monday, March 26, 2018
Day #5- First Day at ICYA
Monday, Day 5,
We are at the half way point of our trip and wow what a trip it has been! We started off the day with worship at Westwood Church and then later continued on to InNer City Youth Alive, where the team successfully planned and managed a VBS for 25 children from the ages of 6-12. There was 5 groups of people like the bible study, games and crafts groups as well as the main session and floaters group who would check out each station and follow each age group. The VBS was from 12:30 to 3:00 and was very successful for being the first day of our VBS. We debriefed our first day and are hoping for even more kids tomorrow! We had a great evening session of worship and teaching and ended the day with our daily trip to McDonalds. :)
The highlight of the day for me was definitely our evening session when we each wrote on a paper of all the things that we liked about each another. That was a big team builder for us and sure created lots of tears for some. All in all, it was an amazing day and I look forward to tomorrow! -Branson
My highlight of the day was probably the VBS, mostly playing with the kids in the basketball court and doing pick ups and walk homes; seeing the kids homes. I also liked after the session we had team time and we did an encouraging exercise among our team and that was good too. The food is always good. -Sam Pauls
My highlight of the day was split between doing the VBS and getting to meet the kids and the encouragement I received from the team after session. the VBS was really fun, almost more for me than the kids, I think. I had a blast. I also really enjoyed the exercise in which we encouraged each other as a team. This really boosted me and it united us as a group. -Matthew Pauls
I really enjoyed the VBS, mostly just being with the kids. Especially when we walked them home after the VBS we got to be with them 1 on 1 and that was good. I also really liked the encouragement exercise we did as a group this evening. -Thomas Russ
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Day #4- Sessions at CMU/ Commissioning
So we spent the day at CMU. Started off with a cooler lunch on the bus; yogurt, fruit bars, juice boxes, baby cookies (!!!). Once we arrived at CMU the girls and guys were split up for separate sessions. Our worship leader Sarah did the girls talk, she told us a bit about her testimony and how every story has two versions. The disappointing version and the hopeful version. For the rest of the day we had the choice of 2 out of 14 workshop sessions. Some of the options were the soaking room, arts and crafts, learning how to study your Bible, the armour of God, and Bible journaling. After the first session we had pizza lunch (again) then some free time before the second workshop. After our workshops were finished we had about 50 minutes to chill, so we took the bus to Starbucks! When we returned we split into 2 groups and had an intersession that included sitting in a circle, a prayer to start the beginning of each persons encouragement, and then we poured out encouragement to each person in our groups (out loud and on cue cards) as we heard a word, verse, song, or saw an image from God. Our group was really encouraged by this and got a very good response from God and each other. After intersession the original plan was to go swimming, but we ended up not having enough time so we headed back to the church to wait for supper. Had a very entertaining meal, something about Sam grabbing Rachel's foot from under the table and making her scream...it's never boring with this group that's for sure. Session tonight was absolutely amazing, Carol spoke about going out and telling the world about Jesus, and each youth group prepared for our week of ministry, praying for and commissioning each other. The worship was crazy, in the best way possible. God was speaking to everyone in the room, kids were jumping up and down with their hands in the air, glow sticks were passed out and thrown around, it was a real party for God and everyone as we anticipate the upcoming week.
A definite highlight for me was the worship session, the energy in the room was so incredible and contagious. Seeing all the kids and leaders jumping up and down, praising God, getting each other into the big crowd of people at the front of the room just gave me so much joy. No one wanted it to end, we all just wanted to keep going. - Mikah
A definite highlight for me was the arts and crafts centre, and the people who wrote me somethings that made me want to cry every time i read them over and over. - Naomi
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Day #3- Prepping at ICYA/Team Free time
Today was designated a "team building" day. We started the day with a session immediately following breakfast. The session was on different traits that make up a good team. After our session, we went to Inner City Youth Alive where we would be working for the next week to set up. After this, we went to see the movie: "I Can Only Imagine" as a youth group for our team free time. After this we then went on a quick trip to Polo Park. We ended up back at the church for supper and an evening session of worship and team time.
Parker: My highlight of today was the sharing time we were able to have after the evening session. I feel we are a tight group and any chance we get to share, we do so without any fear of judgment or shame. I feel this is how teams/youth groups are meant to share and be open with one another.
Wyatt Harms: The highlight of my day was the movie. The story of how the lead singer of "Mercy Me" grew up, and went through trials to get to the point where he and the band are today was super inspurational and was amazing to see how God worked in others lives, and can work in my life.
Wyatt DeRoo: My highlight of the day was the morning sesh. Cam from the "Out of Town" at CMU was speaking on the different traits and personalities that come from or form a group/team. I found it was really encouraging and healthy to reflect and discuss on how we are important to the group. All around it was a very eventful day and I thoroughly enjoyed my time today. Thanks for all the prayer and support.
Parker: My highlight of today was the sharing time we were able to have after the evening session. I feel we are a tight group and any chance we get to share, we do so without any fear of judgment or shame. I feel this is how teams/youth groups are meant to share and be open with one another.
Wyatt Harms: The highlight of my day was the movie. The story of how the lead singer of "Mercy Me" grew up, and went through trials to get to the point where he and the band are today was super inspurational and was amazing to see how God worked in others lives, and can work in my life.
Wyatt DeRoo: My highlight of the day was the morning sesh. Cam from the "Out of Town" at CMU was speaking on the different traits and personalities that come from or form a group/team. I found it was really encouraging and healthy to reflect and discuss on how we are important to the group. All around it was a very eventful day and I thoroughly enjoyed my time today. Thanks for all the prayer and support.
Friday, March 23, 2018
Settling in!
Hello all followers!
We arrived safely to Winnipeg and got settled into our locations for the week. We are sleeping at Crestview fellowship church just north of portage on the far west side of the city and all of our meals and sessions are at Westwood community church. On Thursday we mostly just settled in and got situated. Friday was a full and fun day! We had a learning tour that we took part in where we walked around the city of Winnipeg and got tours of all the different ministries and organizations that are currently running in inner city Winnipeg. Some examples are youth for Christ, Naomi house, inner city youth alive, irrcom, ugm, and more. It was extremely eye opening and a good orientation to our week. Just walking through the city made us realize the huge need for help, and also amazing to see all the great things God is doing in the city! One exercise they got us to do today is everyone got $2 to buy supper. This was supposed to help us realize what poverty feels like for at least one meal. It was pretty funny to see the creativity among our team. Russ, Andy Krahn and Ben were spotted cooking beans and macaroni and cheese on the engine of our bus. They said it tasted ok too. Amazing what you can do for $2.
Thank you all for your prayers! Tomorrow we will be getting prepared for our vbs at icya and some free time! If you want to follow us on Instagram you can follow us @csyyouth.
Andy Neufeld
We arrived safely to Winnipeg and got settled into our locations for the week. We are sleeping at Crestview fellowship church just north of portage on the far west side of the city and all of our meals and sessions are at Westwood community church. On Thursday we mostly just settled in and got situated. Friday was a full and fun day! We had a learning tour that we took part in where we walked around the city of Winnipeg and got tours of all the different ministries and organizations that are currently running in inner city Winnipeg. Some examples are youth for Christ, Naomi house, inner city youth alive, irrcom, ugm, and more. It was extremely eye opening and a good orientation to our week. Just walking through the city made us realize the huge need for help, and also amazing to see all the great things God is doing in the city! One exercise they got us to do today is everyone got $2 to buy supper. This was supposed to help us realize what poverty feels like for at least one meal. It was pretty funny to see the creativity among our team. Russ, Andy Krahn and Ben were spotted cooking beans and macaroni and cheese on the engine of our bus. They said it tasted ok too. Amazing what you can do for $2.
Thank you all for your prayers! Tomorrow we will be getting prepared for our vbs at icya and some free time! If you want to follow us on Instagram you can follow us @csyyouth.
Andy Neufeld
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