Fun Times

Some Pictures of Fall 2009

The day I preached - December 10, 2009.

Filled with Thanksgiving

Just spoke to Angie. She is so blessed and full of thanksgiving. She had to do her public speaking assignment - teach in front of class. She says she felt God's presence and the Holy Spirit empowering her and lifting her to a place that was incredible. She says that when she first started it was kind of stuttering and slow, but then when the Holy Spirit took over there was such incredible ease and flow in her words. She was encouraged and her faith is revived. She is glad it is behind her, but is praising God for the boldness and empowerment to get this task done.

Thank you all for your prayers. Continue to pray for next weeks finals.

Pray...

Please continue to pray for Angie. My mother, Angie's grandmother, has gone to heaven. The following two weeks were going to be hard enough with finals and everything, but now with this she is really sad. Tomorrow she has to stand in front of the class and teach - please lift her up.

Fall in Mt. Zion

Change of season and change of weather - it all comes with the territory. The students at Mt. Zion have passed through the middle point of this semester and are now heading for the finish line. At this point, though, there is weariness, tiredness, discouragement, home sickness - Please pray that everyone at Mt. Zion would be uplifted and refreshed so that they can all finish with enthusiasm and joy. Also, this week will be Thanksgiving, however, not many of the students get to be home with their families, hence there is loneliness and sadness. Please pray that they would enjoy Thanksgiving with an attitude of gratefulness and joy, in spite of being away from home. Pray for those families that this will be their first Thanksgiving without their son or their daughter. Thank you all for your continual prayers and visits to this Blog.

God's Provision

The LORD has provided for Angie to come home for Christmas Break - THANK YOU JESUS! You can read how it happened by going to my personal blog.

Phone Call

(I wanted to repost this note for those that are new to the Blog. Angie has no internet, no computer, no cell-phone. The main way she communicates with us is by snail-mail. She does get a 30 minute call, if she can get on the calling log before all the spots are taken. The calling spots are few. In addition to the few calling spots they have to fit their 30 minute call into their full schedule, which consists of school, ministry, chores and jobs. They also have a curfew of 10pm. One of the reasons we began this Blog was so that we could keep family and friends abreast of all she is up to, since she doesn’t have all the means of communication that we are all privileged to be able to freely use. Hence, one of the reasons I get so excited when “I hear her voice”, is because I do not hear it all the time. I treasure the time I can speak with her, the 30 minutes are just not enough. However, I am so very thankful for them.)

Today I finally heard from Angie – yey!!! She said, “Thank you all for your prayers. I really felt them. We are now finished with mid-terms. I believe that because of all the prayer, I was calm and at peace. I actually had a confidence, in the LORD, that I haven’t had before. So, thank you very much for all your prayers. I am sure glad that is over.” Once mid-terms were done they immediately went into the next phase of work - she had to prepare a Lesson Plan and turn it in today. She felt led to prepare her lesson plan on “The Battle of the Mind”. Her three points were discouragement, deceit, despair. O, yeah, and that Satan is a liar and a loser. She was really encouraged by preparing it. The song that she has in her heart right now is The Battle Belongs to the LORD. This week she will be working on three teaching outlines that are due October 29th…please pray. She is also preparing to teach on December 10th…please pray. She is very excited because this week they get to go visit Time Square Church in New York. They get to be part of the Tuesday service. Their trip will be October 27th. Please pray for good weather; no snow; and that they will be blessed.

She sounded so good…thank you Jesus!

Mid-Terms

This week Mt. Zion has mid-terms. Please pray for all the students. That they would trust the LORD to bring to remembrance all that they have diligently studied. That they would rest in God's grace and power. That they would know that all things do work together for good. Pray for restful nights.

Talked with Angie

I spoke with Angie on the phone - it never gets old to hear to my daughters voice, what a sweet sound to my ears. Anyway, Angie is doing very good. She is really tired, but as she says, "A good kind of tired from doing the LORD's work". She has been a busy-bee. She told me that she once again had to prepare a speech/devotional for her class and this time she did it on prayer. She said that, of course, the LORD spoke to her before she could even share anything with the class. She was encouraged and exhorted to spend more quiet time with her Maker and to intercede more for her family and friends. She encouraged me so much - thank you Jesus! She also had her first outing (they go shopping once a month) and she actually had a Starbuck's coffee - yumm! It's amazing how we can just take these kinds of things for granted. She said that she savored every sip. She says the weather is really nice and she is really enjoying what the LORD continues to speak to her and challenge her with. She sends her love and asks that you pray for her mid-terms. Mid-terms start October 19th. - they have begun to get ready for them. So greetings to all, much love and prayers from Angie.

Got a call from Angie today. She sounded so joyful and excited. Yesterday they had their first visit to the Kid’s Club (a group of students from Mt. Zion get to go to this school and spend time with the kids). Yesterday they mainly got to play and talk with the kids; in subsequent visits they put together skits. She was so excited and actually surprised that their overseer picked her to be a leader of a group. She said that when she first heard her name she didn’t respond. Then her name was called again and then she realized it was her name they were calling. She mentioned that her prayer for this year has been for – boldness, diligence, discipline – she wants people to see Jesus in her and through her (what a blessing for me to hear this, thank you Jesus). She says that some of the students from last year have told her that they notice a difference in her (the LORD did a great work in her while she was here during the summer – praise God!). We laughed and enjoyed our conversation. Once again she sends her love to all and thanks you all for your continual prayers.

Talked to Angie today. It was wonderful to hear her voice. She sounds wonderful! She said it finally stopped raining, it is not that cold - YET! She is enjoying being back and has now fully unpacked - yey! The food is good. Her new chore is cleaning the sanctuary. She is, once again, going to be involved in Kid's Club. Their first outing/visit is tomorrow - she is excited! This year, most of her classes will require speaking in front of the class. As, most of you know, she is very shy and was really praying about this. She wanted to have boldness and not panic. Well, she had her first time of speaking in front of the class - they were supposed to share about their hobby (she laughed about this because she says, "well this will be a short one cause I don't have a hobby"). Anyhow, she spoke and it went really well. The next subject she will be speaking on is her favorite Bible character - she is actually excited about this one. Once again, she asked about everyone; she wanted to know how everyone is doing and their prayer needs. She said to tell everyone that she loves and misses them.

Call from Pennsylvania

Angie called...she sound really good. She is excited about being there and ready for another year. Their classes started Thursday. In fact, we had people over and she wondered why they were here on a Monday. I told her it was Labor Day. All she said was, "O, it was a school day here. We don't have holidays." I didn't get too many details, but she is well and excited about what the LORD is going to do this year. She says that she feels such peace and joy; she is glad that she went ahead and went instead of following her flesh and staying home. She says her flight was smooth and she didn't get sick (thank you all for your prayers). Another girl from New York told her that she reads her blog. We joked about Angie getting famous like Julie from the movie Julie and Julia (we had gone to see this moving while Angie was home - we both enjoyed it). She sends her love to all and continues to ask for your prayers. O, by the way, she is finally fully unpacked - yey!

News from Pennsylvania - Yey!

(Today I received a note from Angie. I hadn't heard from her, but God kept telling me to trust HIM, however, this note brought me to tears.)

Hi Mom ~ I am just writing you to tell you Hi, and to also let you know I am back to my second home. I haven't finished unpacking yet and it's Tuesday. I am so exhausted and tired but it is good to be here. Helping out all the first years as much as I can. The funny thing is that I met a girl from New Mexico and she recognized me because both her and her mom read my blog for Mt. Zion, isn't that crazy?! I'm famous :)! Any ways I just wanted to say Hi. Love you and miss you. By the way aren't these cards soooo cute :)!?

(side note on the cards - she got these cards while she was here, and I told her, "when you are back at school, I would love to get one of those cards from you - he!he!". Tell me they are beautiful? :D)

(My note: It was so good to here news from Angie!)

Going Back - 2nd Year

Going Back to Mt. Zion! I (Angie's Mom) will keep you posted as I get news from Pennsylvania. (This picture is a friend of the family with Angie with her new glasses - isn't she beautiful!?)

Summer

Summer - After many doctor's appointments and other emotionally charged events summer is over. Angie got glasses, surgery for breast-lumps, chiropractic care, etc. In all this summer was relaxing and fun. Angie was ready to be back though!

Home Again

THANK YOU all for your prayers...Angie is home!

There were possible cancellations, possible lay-overs, extreme sickness...but through it all Angie made it to Ontario Airport at 8:07 p.m. All she could say was, "Mom I saw God's faithfulness in every step of this trip".

First Year is Over

I just got off the phone with Angie and I and she wanted to thank everyone who has been praying for her. She is finished with all school work and today was the last day of finals (for her first year of school). She actually just received one of the grades, it is for Childhood Evangelism. She took this final on Monday. And...drum-roll please...she got a B - yeah!!! She sounds so relieved. They actually had some down time and she says that she felt really weird not having to go study or prepare for something. Tomorrow they will spend all day taking pictures and things of that nature. Sunday will be a relaxing day.

Again, thank you all for your continual prayers. God will be glorified!

Finals - First Year

Pray, pray, pray.

Finals begin today and go through this week.

We trust Jesus will be glorified!

Thank you.

Relief!!!

I just got off the phone with Angie. She is singing praises and thanksgiving to the LORD because she is done with assignments, homework, etc. Today was there last official day of classes - THANK YOU JESUS! Now she just has to study for final - which start next week. She wants everyone to know that she is counting down the days until she sees everyone...soon and very soon.

Trip to New York

The entire student body is taking a trip to New York tomorrow. They will be traveling by bus and will be leaving at 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. California time. Please pray for traveling mercies and that they will all have a good time.

Angie is doing better. Continue to pray as they will be winding down their First Year at Mt. Zion. And, of course, this means "finals" are coming! Thank you all for your prayers.

Week of Missions

I spoke with Angie and she is really encouraged and uplifted. Mt. Zion had a week of Missions. They had missionaries from all over the world come and speak and encourage the students. Angie was enfuzed with excitement as well as being made aware of the cost of going into a foreign land. All in all, the students came away encouraged and were also reminded that God is still working mightly all over the land.

Letter to Dad

Hey Dad,

I felt led by the LORD to write you a note because He gave me a Scripture for you. Well, first, He gave it to me in order to keep going through these times we are facing with the loss of your Mom and Dad and both of my grandparents. So I know how you feel in this time because I am hurting the same way you are. But just to let you know that the LORD is carrying me through while I am over here. Some days are harder than others, but the LORD is faithful and He is helping me and He will help you too if you just continue to put your faith and trust in Him. With Jesus you could make it because our lives are in His hands. He knows your hurt and your pain right now. So continue to go to Him in prayer and He will give you the grace and the strength to continue on. So keep on holding on to Him and He will make it alright! So lean on Jesus for He will never leave you nor forsake you. Keep on holding on to His promises and He will carry you through. I love you Dad and I wish I could be there with you guys at this time but I am over here at the LORD’S will. So keep holding on and keep on hanging to Jesus. Here is my Scripture verse to you.

Psalm 121:1-8
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

I hope and pray that this Psalm speaks and ministers to you. I love you and I miss you. Can’t wait until I see you guys. Just know that I am also praying for you and the family. Be encouraged and be blessed.

Love Always,
Angie

(I asked Angie if she would allow me to post this letter that she sent to her Dad. She said she would allow me to post it, if it meant that it would minister to someone. I believe it will.

Thanks for your prayers, Angie is doing better and continue on the work of the LORD.)

Mid-Terms

Mid-terms begin TODAY at Mt. Zion...

Pray...

Pray for Comfort

Angie's grandma, whom she loved dearly and in fact, is named after, has gone to heaven. In such a short time Angie has lost two much loved grandparents. I have not called and let Angie know, but I ask you to pray as I will have to call her to tell her. Angie has had such a hard go at this semester and now we add this. Also, next week begin mid-terms...yeah, lots to pray about.

I know God is with her and will give her all that she needs to get through this incredibly difficult time, however, I also know the power of prayer.

Thank you.

Update: I spoke with Angie. God is so good...He had been preparing her and comforting her already. Thank you for your prayers.

Pray

Please continue to pray for Angie. The second half of her first school year has been extremely difficult. She continues to be discouraged and down. She is pressing forward, but I can tell in her voice she is barely hanging on. In fact, there have been some students who have already left the school - this really disappointed her. If you think about it and feel so led, please send her a card of encouragement. She might not write back, but I know it would bring her great joy to receive a note from those she loves.

Thank you all for your prayers.

Pray for Comfort

Today we had to call Angie and give her the news about her Grandpa. She was devastated. Please pray for her.

Change of Seasons at Mt. Zion

While on Christmas break, Angie got to spend some time with her little cousins. As you can see they all had a great time together. Don't you just love these pictures:!

Spoke with Angie today...it's snowing in Pennsylvania! Angie had her first fall on the snowy/icy path - ouch!

She asked for your prayers because GETTING BACK has been and continues to be really hard.

Back in Pennsylvania

Angie came and went too quickly...

God truly was in her trip here and back...thank you all for your prayers. From school she was able to ride with 4 other girls to the airport. They were able to keep each other company and they split the cost of the taxi - yeah! Her trip here, other than being extremely tiring, was smooth and uneventful. There was a 3 hour delay, but could have been worse.

Going back was hard. She absolutely loved being home (even with all the events happening around here). She enjoyed seeing family and friends - thank you all who made time to see her and spend time with her. She, however, knew that God's plan was that she go back to finish what has been started.

We arrived at the airport and thought we would have to say goodbye at the security gate, however, this wonderful Continental Airlines employee gave my husband and I security clearance and we were able to go with Angie to the waiting area. We stayed with her until she boarded her plane (this was extremely difficult for me). My husband and I left the airport very quiet and prayerful.

Angie called us on Sunday from School - THANK YOU JESUS!

Her flight to her first stop was very scary. She said there was a lot of turbulence, she was so scared she could cry. Finally, they arrived at their stop. She had a 5 hour lay over. She later realized that she was at the wrong gate and almost lost her connecting flight to Harrisburg. She realized it and ran to the right gate and did not miss her flight. Here she found a fellow Mt. Zion student - how good is that!? She was able to fly from here to Harrisburg with someone she knew and she did not have to take a taxi alone to school...God is so good!

So she is back at Mt. Zion. Pray that all the students get back into what God has for them. That their excitement reignites and that they finish well.

Thank you all for your prayers for Angie's traveling and now continue to pray for her at school.