Project #13

Over 20 amazing Westwood students gathered at Area 51 to create 41 care baskets (one for each room) for the Ronald McDonald House. They also brought A TON of things to fill these baskets - Like coloring books, crayons, pens, pencils, candy, bottled water, toys (watch OUT for the Flarp!), crossword puzzle books, cards, and Ryan even donated one of his favorite Ty bears!
We had 21 sand buckets and 20 Easter buckets to fill and 41 prayer blankets to cut and tie. One group gathered in the front to cut and tie and another group gathered in the back to organize the buckets and all the stuff. Eventually, it seemed like everyone was tying blankets, but we did get done. After that each of the students took 2-3 blankets each, found their own place in the room, and prayed over these blankets. This was the most moving and amazing thing I have ever seen in person. We included a note on each blanket saying this blanket is a symbol that someone does care for you and that someone is praying for you! After several minutes, we took the blankets, placed 1 in each of the baskets, then filled in the rest of the stuff. Every bucket was overflowing!

Ryan closed us in prayer and we prayed specifically for Lydia (Michelle's friend) whose parents are currently staying at the House. Lydia has cancer.

On Sunday, 8 of us delivered these baskets to the McDonald House. Steven prayed for us, the baskets, and the residents one more time, then we went inside. We met Inez, the resident manager, at the front and went door by door delivering baskets. Most of the residents were down stairs at an Easter celebration, however, we did get a chance to meet a few. They were grateful we took the time to think of them. One of the residents has been living at the house since June with a premature baby, she had pictures all over the door of this beautiful baby. Inez gave us a tour of the rest of the house and was extremely grateful the our students took the time to care.

The students of Westwood are both amazing and an inspiration to us all.

- Jeff Long

Project # 12

The messages of Middle School Disciple Now centered around the story of Jonah. He was called to go to a place he did not want to go and to minister to people he did not want to minister to. As a part of DNOW, we wanted to create a ministry opportunity that was similar to Jonah's, so we decided to serve at Thompson Middle School. It is a place the students did not want to go, and we were helping people they did not normally want to help, the school staff and their peers.

However scary the task might have been, the middle schoolers jumped right in and did an excellent job of serving. 100 middle schoolers canvassed the campus and picked up trash. It wasn't changing the world or saving a city like Jonah did, but it was a socially and emotionally challenging project for our students. And, unlike Jonah, they responded with instant obedience.

Middle School Disciple Now '08

100 middle schoolers + great music + crazy games + an awesome message + Jesus Christ = An AMAZING weekend! (and not much sleep!)

This weekend was really cool, not just because it was a lot of fun, but because God showed up and moved in the lives of students and leaders. All weekend long we followed the story of Jonah. This scripture led to a lot of good conversation...and not just about whether or not it was a whale or a fish! We looked at God's compassion and his love for people, what it means to have total obedience, and we also talked about how God is mighty to save.

"But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD." - Jonah 2:9

In the midst of all the music, speaking, fun and conversations it was also very cool to see students develop friendships with other believers - growing, discovering God's word, and serving together.

Here are some pics...