Update

I've been reminded that it's been over a week since I've provided any update. This past week has been really busy but a ton of fun. I've taught 3 times, and teach again on Sunday morning, I've led a jr. high planning meeting, and had a guys video game night among other things and I'm loving it! From the first few weeks, I'm connecting most with a few of the jr. high guys. We had a video game night last Friday that went really well, and it's going to become a regular thing. The coolest part of the night, was the opportunity to share Christ with a student!
Things are also coming together with high school as well. We had a dinner scramble last Monday and split into 3 different groups, so it was a good chance for me to build relationships with a smaller group. I'm just really excited to keep going and continue to build those relationships and continue to fit in down here. Things are going well with peers as the church as well. Yesterday I spent the day golfing with Wescott (youth pastor), Bob (sr. pastor) and Dave (elder). It was nice to get out with the guys. I shot a 122 by the way, so I won't be switching careers anytime soon.
Since I've been here, I've had more opportunity to do some extra things like help a family move furniture, and am going to be doing projection for Sunday mornings occassionally and it's looking like I'm going to be the male chaperone on the 8th grade trip for the Christian school that meets at the churhc, so I'm excited about those types of opportunities.
My prayer requests would be that things continue to go well, and that I have more opportunities to build relationships outside of church and youth group, and more opportunities to share Christ as well.
Hope everyone that reads this is doing well!

Getting in the flow

This week has gotten off to a fast and busy start and I'm absolutely loving it! The end of last week was a struggle. There were no events planned, and I couldn't get a hold of anyone so I was getting bored. But these past 3 days have been busy and a lot of fun.
Sunday was busy with church and jr. high Junior high is going well, the guys event fell through last week, but it's planned better this week, and definately on for Friday night. We also had a fundraising meeting for Camp this summer, and a man in the church is having us putting the parable of the 10 minas into practice and giving everyone $100 (including leaders) with the intention of multiplying it. We're all coming up with ideas for little businesses and fund raisers.
Last night was 180 (high school youth group) and it was awesome. I spoke and shared my testimony and some verses that were impactful to me, and I think the students really connected with it. I think me sharing my story really helped show them that I'm here and want to be a part of this group and not just the strange new guy After 180 almost the whole group went to Dairy Queen, and I had a blast getting to know the students, and it was fun going from table to table. The best part was that some of the guys invited me to be a part of a small group they're in, so we're going to Applebees as a group tomorrow afternoon. ! I'm just trying to make myself present and get to know more people and just really try to be a part of the group. I'm excited that I'm getting into a routine and things are picking up.

Some prayer requests would be...

• Relationships would continue to build and that I would be active in finding things to do and not just wait for people to invite me to things.
• I'm also starting a month long series for Jr. high Sunday school on loving God and loving others, so pray that the series goes well.
• Ideas for me and the group for multiplying our money for camp

Thanks for praying! Feel free to comment or send email. Keep in touch for all who read this!

Brad

Week 1

My keyboard is finally up and working properly, so I figured a proper update was in order. I'm settling in down here just fine. I really like the family I'm living with, and the staff at foothills is great. I went to my first jr. and sr. high groups this past week, and they went well. It's going to be fun getting to know everyone. I spoke at jr. high this past Sunday, and it went well, and I'm already scheduled to hang out with some jr. high guys Thursday! I've also joined the softball team so I'm getting some my age and older fellowship as well. Tomorrow's my first staff meeting and also the day where I'll get a typical weekly schedule set, so it'll be nice to get into some routine! Everything's going great and I'm having fun with it!

stayton day 1

I'm here. Made it down fine and am getting settled. My keyboard is dead so I'm using an on-screen keyboard (thanks Bobby). I'm excited to get my first speaking opportunity to jr. high Sunday night. I'll update more once my normal keyboard is back but I'm alive and doing well

Take off

Hey all, I take off to Oregon in about 12 hours or so. I'm all packed (almost) and am excited and ready to go. My laptop's out of comission for tomorrow, so I will update Friday letting everyone know I made it down safely. Thanks for all your prayers and support.