We had a "Mismatch" evening at Kids Klub recently. Wearing mismatched shoes or switching shoes with a friend at the last minute were the most popular options!

Our goal with having various themed evenings at Kids Klub is to encourage consistent attendance and participation. Last week we studied about God's call to Abraham to move far away. I explained to my 1st grade class that when God asks us to move somewhere, it could be so that other people will hear about Him and learn to know Him. One little boy said emphatically, "My mom doesn't know Jesus." He is living in a mission field, and we can pray that the seeds of truth that are planted in his heart on Wednesday evenings might not just affect him, but his family as well.

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Joel completed his internship and will be flying back to Ohio this afternoon. On Friday evening, we celebrated his birthday at Teen Night -- just a few days late! He will be greatly missed!

Crazy hair + a few other moments

For the past two summers, we've had a Crazy Hair Night at VBS, and the kids have loved participating in it. We had a Crazy Hair Night at Kids Klub yesterday. Creativity was flowing!
On Friday evening, Caleb shared with teens about God's amazing creation, from creating galaxies of stars to the human heart. Caleb wasn't able to bring a galaxy indoors, but he did bring a heart!
Rec Center continues to be a fun and safe place to hang out after school -- especially now that the weather is so much cooler!

Rec Center yesterday:

Kids Klub - Yesterday was "Blue Shirt" night.

Can you tell?

Throughout September and October, kids are receiving points for attendance, memory verse recitation, and theme participation. Last week's theme was "Wristband Day," and children were encouraged to wear the wristbands we gave them on opening night of Kids Klub. Yesterday a student informed me that -he should get 4 points -- for attending, having good behavior (which we occasionally award points for), wearing a blue shirt, and wearing his wristband again!

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In other news, the Mission Increase Foundation has awarded Aim Right a $15,000 Major Donor Matching Grant. Gifts of $1,000 or more before November 30, 2011, are eligible, as well as pledges of $100 or more per month over the next year. To date, nearly 25% of our goal has already been met. Praise God!

Teen Night 9.23.11

Darrell spoke at Teen Night on Friday evening. The topic was TRUTH. Some of the questions he challenged the teens with were: What is truth? Who is truth? Does what is true change depending on the circumstance?

Beyond Aim Right...

I received a note today from Kelsi, who recently completed her internship and moved back to her home state of Indiana. She gave me permission to share a portion of her note here:

"Other news in my life is I'm going to start volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club next week...and on Mondays I'm in a ministry called 5 Star that goes into middle schools and teaches them values. It's an after-school program that is a Christian organization. God has opened so many doors, and I am truly amazed."

I love hearing reports like this from former interns. Many may live in rural communities now, but they still find ways to be involved in molding children and youth. Praise God for the ones He calls to serve in Phoenix, and for those He sends out as lights in other corners!

Kids Klub

Kids Klub began on September 7th with an attendance of 63 children, ages kindergarten through 6th grade. God has provided enough interns for us to add an extra class this year, since classes go much more smoothly the smaller they are! One of our goals is to remain intentional about connecting with each child, whether through weekly visitation or individual student and class outings. We want each child to know that God values them, and that we value them!

Getting to Know the New Interns

As promised, here are some tidbits about our newest arrivals!

LAURA MCDOWELL

Where were you born? Washington, I0wa

Why did you decide to become an intern? I wanted to work with youth, and I felt God leading me here.

If money wasn't an issue, you'd be driving a: green mustang convertible

Toppings on your pizza would be: Cheese, pepperoni, cheese, sausage, cheese, bacon [Ya think she kinda loves meat 'n cheese?!]

A person you admire and why: My mom, because she's always there for me, even when I'm being difficult

Team sports you've played:Volleyball, track, cross country

Favorite Bible verse: Jeremiah 29:11

What motivates you to serve Christ? Everything He's done for me

You'd be excited to receive a gift card to: Wal-Mart [Hint, hint, friends and family!]

Phoenix is.... FANTABULOUS!

Next, meet:

TIFFANY GRABER

Countries you've visited: Africa, Belize

Favorite ice cream flavor: Mint chocolate chip

A hobby: Playing piano

What motivates you to serve Christ? Helping people is always a big motivation for me, especially people who are not as privileged as me.

A pet peeve: When people are disrespectful

You'd be excited to receive a gift card to: Starbucks [With a Starbucks on just about every corner, you can't go wrong with blessing Tiffany with a gift card!]

Something you miss about home: My dog

Where you were born: Washington, Indiana

Today's children and youth are searching for: Peace, joy, love, respect

Phoenix is....FANTASTICO!! and HOT!!!

And finally:

EVAN STOLTZFUS

Number of siblings: 4 brothers

If money wasn't an issue, you'd be driving a: 1967 Shelby Cobra GT 500

Favorite book of the Bible: Ephesians

Hobbies: Basketball, ping pong, unicycling [His cool factor is going to go WAY up with the kids!]

Why you decided to become an intern: Felt God calling me to Aim Right when I found it was the mission work I was looking for.

Toppings on your pizza: Pepperoni, pineapple, peppers [Nice alliteration, Evan!]

A pet peeve: Toilet paper turned backwards

You'd be excited to received a gift card to: Wal-Mart

Something you miss about home: Mom's cooking

Phoenix is: Awesome