Solving the World's problems...

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-04-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

I watched Slumdog Millionaire today and was reminded of both the beauty as well as the desparity (is that a word?) of India. I miss the chai, the brilliant colors, the intense spices, and the hospitality of the country. At the same time, I want to cry remembering the enslavery to religion, abuse of women and children, the insanely ineficient buracracy, and the poverty of the nation. In short, it makes me want to go back - both to experience again and to effect change...however small.

YWAM shooting memorial

2008-12-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

The weather last night was identical to a year ago....snow on the ground...more snow falling... Although it made the memories all the more real, it also brought redemption....

Today, we remember. We remember our friends, Phil and Tiffany. We remember the horrific events of one year ago. We remember God's faithfulness through it all.

We also remember the police officers and paramedics who arrived first on the scene. In fact, we have so much to be thankful for in these hard working men and women! Not only were they first on the scene a year ago- clearing the building to be sure the shooter was gone, gathering frightened youth from bushes and closets; taking care of Charlie, Dan, Phil and Tiffany- but they have been nothing but supportive through this entire past year. They attended our memorial for Phil and Tiffany days after the shooting and have phoned Tiffany's family several times throughout the year - even remembering her birthday. Police Chief Don Wick has framed and adopted a phrase from Tiffany's journal, "I'm going to change the world by loving on people."

A year later, these men and women remember with us. Yesterday, "In an unprecedented gesture of support, the police department has virtually set aside (the day) to honor the victims of last year's church shootings in Arvada and Colorado Springs, which left four young people dead." (Rocky Mountain News) At 4pm, a service began to unveil a memorial to honor Phil, Tiffany, Dan, and Charlie. I stood in the hallway with my two little boys and was thankful to be there. Police Chief Don Wick shared, giving honor to his officers as well as to Phil and Tiffany. He also gave special mention to victims of other violent crimes that have been committed since he was named police chief July of 2007. Then, the memorial was unveiled and we were all given the opportunity to see it up close. A large silver frame enclosed the marble etchings of Phil, Tiff, Dan, and Charlie's portraits, including a simple description of what occurred a year ago. At the top, "Youth With a Mission" was engraved in the stone. Looking at this beautiful and sincere memorial to my friends, I was truly moved and amazed!

Then, at 10pm, the police and paramedics who were involved in responding to the 911 call last year began a 3 1/2 mile run through the cold and snow from the Arvada Police Department to our Youth With a Mission facility. They did this to bring healing and closure for themselves as well as to bring honor to Phil, Tiff, Youth With a Mission, and others who have died in the city through acts of violence. As they approached "the base," as we call it, we greeted them with cheers as tears of thankfulness and joy welled up from our hearts. We showered them with thanks and quickly escorted them into the warm building for water, hot chocolate, and other refreshments. Over the next hour, we had the opportunity to talk with them. Ben found one guy sitting by himself. In typical "Ben" fashion, he broke the ice with humor. "Thanks for running the 3 1/2 miles...but you guys are crazy!" As it turns out, the man's name was also Ben. He was the paramedic who worked on Phil and drove him to the hospital. After eight years as a paramedic, he says he has never seen anything like what he saw in our hallway that night. We thanked him for his work, though he seemed almost unable to accept our gratitude. With obvious emotion he shared that he also has never seen a community come together in forgiveness as we have. We shared that, although it is difficult to forgive at times, it brings so much more healing and freedom than harboring bitterness and anger. He seemed truly honored to speak with us, and I know we were honored to speak with him.

Midnight makred the beginning of our memorial service. We began with worship, then watched videos remembering our dear friends Philip Crouse and Tiffany Johnson. As memories of our friends- and the loss of them- flooded our minds, I am sure memories of that night- a year ago- flooded the minds of those officers and paramedics in the room. Some shared about how their lives have been impacted by Phil and Tiff- about how God has used their deaths to bring new life over the past year. Then we prayed. We prayed for Tiffany and Phil's families. We prayed for Dan and Charlie and their families. We also prayed for healing for the police officers and paramedics who had to witness and try to contain the aftermath of the tragedy. There was also another special family who was in attendance that we were able to pray for...the Murrays.

Over the past year, Tiffany Johnson's mother and Matthew Murray's mother have been in contact. At the unveiling of the memorial at the Arvada Police station, Tiffany's mother shared how it was not about "what Matthew did" but about the fact that both families had lost their children. When Peter Warren invited the Murrays to come, he let them know it was thier choice. "You dont' have to come," he said. In response, they shared they did not want to sit at home by themselves, but would rather be with us. Last night I found myself sitting in close proximity to the Murrays. As we prayed for them, I went over, along with others, and gently laid my hands on their backs. I don't know that I have ever felt compassion to a greater extent than I did last night! Tears came to my eyes as I so desperately wanted them to know God's peace and His love!

We ended the night by going outside and lighting candles and singing "O Come Let us Adore Him." We will never forget our friends- their lives or their deaths- but we will also always remember God's hand on our lives, His forgiveness in our hearts, and the strength He continues to impart to us each and every day.

love, Arie

economics 101...or something like that

2008-09-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

So, the American economy...now that's a topic many can relate to these days, eh? How 'bout the price of yogurt? Seriously, I had a conversation with a man about the economy in front of the yogurt section of the grocery store as we both sighed at the price. "Black Monday"...now there's a scary thought. I mean, seriously, a bank ran out of money?! Remind of of anything? Whaddya think?

created for...

2008-08-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

How many times do I wonder...what, exactly, am I created to do? Sure, I do many things I believe I have been created to do...mother my children, disciple students at YWAM Denver, lead outreaches, dance...but, where will what I am doing now lead? What is the "next step," so to speak, and where am I going?

Prayer

2008-06-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

God of the widow and the stranger,
you are made known in our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Born as a migrant,
exiled as a refugee,
He knew the pain of homelessness
but taught His friends the meaning and challenge of love.
Lead us as we build communities
rooted in hospitality and justice. Amen.

World Council of Churches
"In Solidarity with Uprooted Peoples"
November 1997

What is your passion? Why?

2008-05-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

comments, please?

Which is the bigger fight, homosexuality or sex trafficking? Why?

2008-05-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, now it's your turn. I know this is a potentially volitile subject matter. I did that on purpose. Write your comments. After a few days, I'll write mine.

The Latest

2008-01-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

I realize I have not updated my blog in quite a while! To be completely honest, I do not know what to say at this point. So much has happened in the past little while...I guess I will summerize for now.

After we got back from India, we had a week of debrief with the students before they graduated. Then, suddenly, it was Thanksgiving.

Sunday following Thanksgiving we went down to the Colorado Springs YWAM base where we assisted Stefaan Hugo (YWAM Worchester, South Africa base director) teach on the topic of the Holy Spirit. That went amazingly well and God really blessed our time there!

The following Saturday was our Christmas banquet/ end of the quarter celebration with the students who were preparing to go on outreach. Most of you have probably heard what happened later that same night. We were awakened at 4am to discover the news. At that time, all we knew was that there had been a shooting and that Tiffany, Phil, Dan and Chuck had been shot. We would later learn, to our horror, that Tiff and Phil had actually died. Since that time- nearly 4 weeks ago- much has happened. But, to be honest, I don't really want to write about it right now. Perhaps later. I drempt about the incident all night last night, so I would rather focus on other things right now.

So, after the memorial service on Wednesday, we headed down to Texas for Christmas. I was in a weird place, so the holidays were weird for me. I'm not going to lie. Nevertheless, it was good to see family and friends.

We are now back in Denver and (as of yesterday morning because of a sudden influx of students) I am working with the DTS, which begins this monday. Although this is my 7th DTS to work with, I find myself approaching this with as much excitement as well as trepidation as ever. I think that is a good thing. So, without a good closing to this blog, I will leave you now...and I will write more later.

Return from afar

2007-11-16T07:52:00.000-08:00

Back from India. Wow! What a different world that is! It is such an amazing country full of complex people and brilliant countries. Coming back I do not even really feel culture shock and I wonder if that is because I've been in and out of the country so many times or because India is just SO different from the United States.

Either way, our 9 weeks there was both challenging and encouraging. Things just are not always easy in India. Hiring a rickshaw, for example. Being a westerner, one can expect to pay a LOT- unless accompanied by an Indian. Preparing food is no microwave event either- especially when all one has to work with is one gas burner and a few large pots for 16 people!

But, seeing the students grow and learn was definately worth every inconvenience and challenge! God taught us how to be open and honest with one another and that "ministry times" may come in unexpected ways or look differently than we might expect. Some of the students also really learned how to serve others and look beyond themselves when things are going crazy- a valuable life lesson.

Although this outreach was in many ways more difficult than I would have preferred, looking back, I would have it no other way. Through the challenges we quickly learned lessons it would have taken much longer otherwise. It was through these challenges also that we learned to work through our differences and love each other no matter what.

india

2007-07-24T02:50:00.000-07:00

Wow! Time flies since I've written a blog. Well, we now have just over a month before we go to India. Plans are coming together and we are very excited! Our two boys still have no idea what they are in for, but I think they will enjoy it. Meanwhile, our students all seem very excited. We have our first team meeting tonight. It's happening!!!

new outreach info...india

2007-05-23T15:29:00.000-07:00

I write this with bitter-sweet emotion. Plans have changed. While we are still going on outreach in the fall, we will only be going to India (not India and Bosnia as previously planned). This is due to the immense cost of flights. To go from the United States to India to Bosnia and back to the States again, would cost a near fortune.

Although I am sad not to be going to Bosnia, we are excited we still get to go to India. It is one place I have always wanted to go, but never thought I would visit necessarily. So, it is a blessing. I hear it is one of those places everyone should experience once in their lives. The people seem amazing, the dress beautiful, and the food delicious! I can't wait!

Outreach

2007-05-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

Great news! We are leading outreach this fall! Yes, we will be going to India and Bosnia - leaving late August and returning 8 or 9 weeks later. Very exciting! We don't know too many details yet, but the entire summer DTS school will be leaving week 10 (as opposed to the "normal" week 12) to go to India for three weeks for a conference. From there we will break up into three separate teams. One team will remain in India, one team will go to Thailand, and we will head off to Sarajevo, Bosnia.

So, to answer your question, we will be taking the kids...yes, both boys. No, you can't keep them for two months. Sorry.

That's about all the detail we know right now. We'll keep you posted as we know more. In the mean time, please keep us in your prayers as we make plans and prepare to go.

brotherly love

2007-05-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

Greetings and salutations! Well, my life is a blurr of chasing after my two year old and feeding by two month old. But, what can I say? I love my kids and really can't complain. Though I get frustrated quite often (I'm not going to lie) I know my babies are a gift from God and even this time of trial should be cherished. I get irritated that Zion is at a push the limits stage, but he is cute. ...

The other day, we went for a walk to the mailbox (on the other side of our townhome complex). I put Micah in the umbrella stroller and had Zion walk. On the way home, Zion insisted on pushing Micah in the stroller. Of course, he could not see where he was going, but did not want help. The 1/2 block was a painstaking 15 minute walk. But, he was as gentle as he could manage with the baby in his care and he even stopped to check on Micah every few minutes. We made it home without a temper tantrum and I got to see Zion's love for his little brother. Time well spent.

what's up?

2007-04-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

So, what's new for the Gort family? Micah is growing like a little weed! At 2 months he's 12lb 9oz. Zion is going through a second jealous stage since Micah has been born. Keeps making the baby cry and is quite into the terrible twos. Ben is working in IT at the base and is keeping up with his exercise regiment at the YMCA. Arie works at home most of the time, but does get to go inot the "office" every once in a while to do some writing for the base.

Other than that, we're experiencing some winter weather this week. We are also working on a little garden...compost pile and all. So, we'll see how that goes. Hopefully, we'll have some tomato, green onion, peppers, and zucchini when it's all said and done.

Also, in another two weeks, we will find out if our outreach proposal for Bosnia was accepted. If so, we will begin planning to go to Bosnia for two months in the fall.

Micah...and other news

2007-02-21T14:45:00.000-08:00

He's here! Finally our new son Micah has arrived. Weighing 7lb 8oz, he seems HUGE compared to Zion at birth. Looking at him, I can hardly believe he fit inside me! Nevertheless, he's adorable...and still tiny.

A week after his birth, we are doing great! I am feeling almost normal already and Micah is a wonderful baby. Zion loves him, but is beginning to show more aggression; so we're trying to give him some extra attention.

As for news at YWAM Denver, our school of Worship, Intercession, Spiritual Warfare, and Evangelism just got back from a week of outreach in New Orleans for Marti Gras. They had an amazing time and God really showed them significant strategies for spiritual warfare and intercession. Both of our Discipleship schools are doing well also and one school is preparing to go to Mexico next week for a short one week outreach in Juarez. Please keep them in your prayers.

Baby

2007-02-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm 39 weeks pregnant...still no baby. I'm now officially pregnant longer than I was with Zion. At only 39 weeks, I really can't complain. But, I feel like a whale and look like I'm about to "pop"- so people tell me. So, it can't be long now!

News

2007-01-23T07:46:00.000-08:00

Well, it's week 3 for our winter schools. Everyone working with the students say the schools are all really full of amazing people who are really excited about what God is going to teach them. Although every school has an element of this, these students really seem to have a readiness many other schools do not have. It's exciting.

Zion is getting closer and closer to age two and is fully into everything he can get his hands on. Everyone loves him, though, and he is certainly a joyous child to be around.

The baby is still stuck inside me. I say "stuck" because I managed to get contractions going...only to find out I was not in true labor and was only causing myself pain. Hence, I no longer recommend "self-induced" labor.

Meanwhile, as we await the arrival of this little one, I keep busy working in communications at the base about 6 hours a week, chasing after Zion, and going to OB appointments. Ben is busy in IT...a job that never ends.

New Seasons

2007-01-10T15:09:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the beginning of a new school season here at YWAM Denver. Two DTS's and a school of worship, intercession, spiritual warfare, and evangelism have commenced and everyone is eager to meet new friends and learn new names.

It seems that, despite piles of snow and more in the forecast, the students have lots of anxious energy and are really looking forward to these next few months. As for us staff, we're lagging a bit on the energy; but are still eagerly expecting amazing things from this quarter.

On a more personal note, Ben and I are both eager to meet our second son and impatiently await the time of his arrival. Only a month away, the due date sometimes still seems like eternity from now. Zion has not figured out exactly what is about to happen to his little world, but he does seem excited about babies in general. So, I'm hoping he'll like his baby brother too.

Christmas Time is Here

2006-12-15T16:17:00.000-08:00

Well, it's not cold this week, but Christmas is definately in the air here at YWAM Denver. Yesterday our DTS left on outreach and today our Phase II graduated. That means Christmas holiday is upon us and we are without students until the 8th of January. I have to say, it will be nice to have some rest and relaxation!

As the baby grows and my due date approaches, I am more and more appreciative of the times when Ben is around and there are two of us to take care of Zion. He is very cute, but very active as well!

In January I will continue as supervisor of the written side of our communications department and Ben will take over IT. With the arrival of a new baby in February, our lives are sure to be busy! But, it should be good. We look to this new year with expectation that God will continue to challenge us as well as move us forward in the plans He has for our future.

random thoughts

2006-11-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed the older you get the more quickly time passes? I know someone with a whole theory on that. I swear,at this rate, by the time I'm in my 60's, life will just be a blurr!

If you were going to start a company, what kind of company would you start? I don't think I'd be much good at starting companies. But, I've always wanted a coffee shop/ private theatre with lots of ambiance and artistic flare.

Have you ever stood out in the rain on purpose and let the drops fall until you were soaking? I used to love to play in the rain. As I get older...what happens?

Do you ever just want to be so passionate and radical about something that people would think you were crazy...and then you remember you don't want to be deemed insane and stick to your "normal" behavior, hiding your passion and desires?

Have you ever "skated" on soapy spounges on the kitchen floor?

Fall

2006-10-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

A time for changing colors, walking through crunchy leaves, baking those "hearty" holiday favorites, and putting on sweaters. I do love fall! Here in Denver, the weather is beautiful as always, though incredibly unpredictable. High in the 80's one day, snow the next. But, I love variety, so I'm not one to complain!

As for the Gort household, Ben is busy working in IT at the base and I, Arie, am at home with Zion most of the time. We visit the library, go to parks, read books, bake, and sew. I am also working in communications at the base one afternoon a week- writing stories for newsletters and websites. It's fun. I enjoy both being a mom and getting to be involved with YWAM Denver.

The baby (I'm 23 weeks pregnant now) seems to be healthy and growing. We're excited to have another little one on the way- though unsure of how Zion will respond to the surprise as he has no idea what's about to happen to his world in a few short months!

The Return

2006-08-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

Coming home after a long time away is always a special time; and we are certainly enjoying hot showers, cooking our own food, and all the other little conveniences we have at our disposal and often take for granted.

Nevertheless, our seven week outreach to Mexico was wonderful in and of itself. Our ten students and three staff got along famously (for the most part) and really learned a lot from eachother. It was such a joy to watch the students take hold of what God was teaching them and really gain personal victories. It was also amazing to see many Mexican people come to the Lord, many others begin to be discipled, and others still show us new aspects of our Heavenly Father. In the same way, it was an amazing experience for us to be able to help lead a team and grow in our leadership skills and abilities.

Though we definitely had our challenges, those challenges helped us to grow. All in all, this trip was very successful and we look forward to many more outreaches in the future.

Mexico

2006-05-24T18:10:00.000-07:00

We're going to Mexico! In three weeks, we (as part of a team of 14) will be heading down to the beautiful land of Latin America for two months! What an answer to prayer and a blessing from God! We will depart Denver the morning of 17 June and arrive in Mexico City that evening. After spending two weeks doing ministry in the city itself, we plan to travel a short distance to a suburb where we will spend two more weeks. Then, the final portion of our outreach will be spent in Guatelahara. Throughout our time in Mexico, we will be doing lots with children and will do much "open air" style evangelism. But, we are also looking forward to blessing many with God's love through random acts of service and kindness. It'll be awesome!

Spring DTS

2006-04-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

It's already nearing the end of week two of the Spring 2006 DTS. We have 30 beautiful students who are a quieter, more reserved group; but are eager to hear what God has for them. It is such a privledge to work with students who really desire to learn and grow! Thus far, they are very considerate of each other, respectful of authrity, and attentive in class. If they continue in this way, God will do much in the next few months!

Our family is doing well and are blessed to be able to work with this school. Both Ben and I have amazing small groups and little Zion is blessed to have babysitters who love and adore him so much! It gives me, his mommy such peace to know he is being well looked after when I cannot be there with him!

Emergency!

2006-03-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

Honestly, I never thought I'd be taking my ten month old son to the hosptial because of breathing problems! Yes, I suppose I am of the "it won't happen to me" generation. But, at the same time...should I expect things like this to happen? Nevertheless, my gen x optimistic paradigm was shattered Wednesday afternoon when I had to take Zion to the hospital. Though I outwardly remained calm, my heart was racing as my husband pulled the car into the parking lot and we walked through the emergency room doors. I stiffled a panic attack when the attendant said, "stay right here. We want to get you back right away" and then called back to the nurses, "we have a ten month old baby whos'e oxygen is at 82%."

As they got tylenol, pedialyte, and oxygen in him and his breathing went back to normal, I was able to relax a bit more. My baby was going to be okay. Despite having to be admitted into the hospital, my heart rate remained normal as I knew my son was being taken care of. After several tests, the prognosis was good. He had a virus affecting his lungs and breathing- not serious and something that would clear up on its own. We only had to wait until his oxygen levels returned to normal. Two days later we were sent home with oxygen for when he is sleeping. He's now doing much better and should be back to normal now. Unfortunately, he did develop an ear infection the last day in the hospital. So, we do have antibiotics. Although I still don't expect to endure another ordeal such as this, I have a new appreciation for what can happen and I am extremely thankful for modern medicine and the United States.

Thus sayeth the Lord

2006-03-03T07:57:00.000-08:00

I'll be honest, when I hear the word "prophet," I want to run. It's not because I'm afraid they will expose something hidden or chastise me in public. It's because I've experienced too much hype and emotion from others overly excited about what has turned out to be nothing more than just that...hype and emotion. So, you can imagine my response when I heard "prophets" were coming to our staff conference. (ugh!)

Nevertheless, because I trust leadership and because I do believe we as God's children can hear from God, I tried to go into it with a good attitude and humble heart. Their teaching was okay at best, honestly. Really, we already knew everything they had to share and I felt like they should be teaching in a DTS. But, when they began praying for people, I knew they indeed had something to offer us. The words they heard from the Lord were not only fitting for the individuals they were praying for, they were specific and detailed. I, as all of us, knew...there was NO WAY they could have known some of the things they said. It was truly a bit creepy...in a good way, if that makes sense.

One thing they said to me was that I knew from the time I was a little girl what God wanted for my life. That's true...since I was six I've known I wanted to be a missionary. No one has been able to tell me otherwise. To Ben, they asked if he had ever seen an angel as a boy- a fact he had since forgotten. They then proceeded to give us details to a vision for the future we have had in our hearts for years.

Though I will continue to use wisdom and discernment when it comes to prophesy and other gifts of the Spirit, though this week, God has reminded me that He does use these gifts to encourage and exhort His people. Oh, and by the way, they never once used the phrase in my title, "thus sayeth the Lord."

My thoughts

2006-02-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

Life never stops. Ever notice that? Even boredom lasts only a few minutes. But, though life is busy for us, it's good. We are healthy, have the amazing opportunity to disciple young people on a daily basis, and have everything we need. God keeps us ever trusting Him with finances- but even when things look impossible, He is always faithful! Every month...it truly is amazing!

As I sit and ponder at the computer this evening...free to get lost in my thoughts because Zion is asleep...I am not only amazed by the faithfulness of God; but am comforted by His love and joy. He really loves me! He really loves you, too, by the way. When was the last time you really KNEW that? I admit, it is not always that I recognize His love in my own life.

Well, this was not meant to be a sermon; but rather an update. So, I'll tell you...things are going well. Staff conference is next week and we'll all be going down to Colorado Springs for a few days. We're really looking forward to this time of relaxation with eachother and inspiration from God during this time. Please keep us in your prayers- we really want to be open to hear what God has to say while we are there.

what's up with us

2006-02-15T17:23:00.000-08:00

This past week all of our fall quarter students returned from outreach. It was such a joy to see them again and we re-bonded well as a school. However, the lighthearted reunion was only tempoorary. At the end of the week, they graduated DTS and headed back to their respective homes. I know we will see some of them again. Others, perhaps not. It's sad to say goodbye to those you have built relationships with, but it is always encouraging to see the growth in each of their lives. I know these students will impact the world.

This week, it's back to normal here at YWAM Denver. As of last week, I am now not just "working in communications," but "communications director." Though this job will require more responsibility on my part, I am excited about it. I am also thankful that "more responsibility" does not necessarily translate into "more time at work" as I like to spend as much time home with Zion as I can.

Once again, I can't belive another week is almost finished. It will be December again before I know it! Speaking of December...it's cold here! 'Sposed to be negative 2 tonight!

Christmas in January

2006-01-26T11:05:00.000-08:00

We just returned from Michigan where we celebrated Christmas. Yes, Christmas in January. Doesn't bother me. Just extends the holiday a bit longer. In Michigan, where the snow never leaves, who can tell the difference between December and January anyway?

No, seriously, it was a good time. We got together with Ben's family, ate lots of yummy food, opened gifts, and sang the "shoe song." (Dutch tradition equivilent to stockings)

Now we're back at home and back to "normal" life- whatever that is. Actually, the day after we arrived back, I got a call from a friend wanting to know if we could watch their dog for the weekend. So, life is not yet "normal." I don't mind. Variety keeps things interesting!

What is normal, is that Ben and I are back at work and getting into the "swing of things" here at YWAM Denver. Thankfully, Zion is a good baby and seems to be able to adjust quickly to most changes in his life. Ben is "projects man" around the base this quarter and I am working in communications twice a week. Well, I think that's about all the news I have for now.

Winter quarter

2006-01-05T08:05:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It's 2006 already... I can't believe Zion will be a year in May! He's eight months old today-and as cute as ever! He's crawling and getting into everything now!

As for news, we're living back down in Denver this quarter. No more mountain drives through the snow. The base is once again humming with students. We just started our winter schools this week. As always, everyone is excited to be here and can't wait to see what God will do.

Ben's job is maintenance and IT this quarter. It's a nice break from the intensity of small group leading, but by the end of the quarter, he'll be ready to work with the students again. Arie is working twice a week in the communications department. It gives her lots of time with Zion, but also allows her to participate in the ministry.

The past few weeks

2005-11-28T13:26:00.000-08:00

Whoa! What a crazy past few weeks! Let's see...I got back from Texas and then Zion got sick. After that was a week of insanity! Good insanity...but, craziness nonetheless. It was YWAM Denver conference week...

Conference for leadership began early in the week and everyone else was running around like chickes with their heads cut off to make sure all went well. We had the incredible priviledge of having Loren and Darlene Cunningham (founders of YWAM) come to speak to our staff and students. It was so amazing to hear their stories and to re-gain focus as to why we are here doing what we are doing. Ask me sometime and I will tell you more. Amazing!

The conference ended with a ribbon cutting ceremony for our lodge up here at Eagle Rock. Again...amazing! Loren and Darlene participated in this event and God was glorified all over the place. The lodge is beautiful and we can only thank the Lord for making it possible!

Last week was a blurr as well. Only three days of teaching and then Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time of celebration and relaxation as we prepared food, at it, and just hung out for a few days following the feast. A much needed break after the conference week!

My Job

2005-10-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

I'm in Texas taking care of my younger siblings for two weeks (and missing my husband dearly). My job is basicly from 7-8am and 2-9pm. The rest of the time I'm "on call" and taking care of my own son, Zion. So far, it's been a fun little adventure. Unless you truly know my family, you will not be able to appreciate some of my experiences thus far- so I will spare you the details. Instead, I'll just say that I am consistantly having to bring certain members of my family "back to earth" in order to get tasks accomplished. At times, it is all quite funny. I must say, though, everyone is very well behaved and willing to help out in order to have things run smoothly. (praise God!) All in all, I am enjoying this temporary (this is the key word) role of guardian to my younger siblings. ...speaking of...it's time I go get them from school.

Zion

2005-10-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

For all of you who have been waiting patiently to see a photo of Zion...here it is! Isn't he amazing?! :0)

New Mexico/ Eagle Rock Update

2005-10-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

This coming week, the Eagle Rock DTS will be headed to New Mexico to do prison ministry for the week. Each Tuesday evening thus far, the students have been learning dramas for this purpose and they are all very excited to put into practice the things they have learned thus far in the school. We, as staff, are also looking forward to this "mini outreach" and we anticipate God doing much during this time.

Ben will accompany the rest of the staff and all the students on this little adventure. However, Arie and Zion will detour to Texas for two weeks. Although it will be sad to miss the excitement of the New Mexico ministry times; we are looking forward to the time with the family (and I'm sure everyone here is grateful to escape the nine hour car ride with the baby!)

Please keep both of these trips in your prayers. We look forward to sharing stories with you later!

Mountain DTS

2005-10-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

Already the end of week two - time is flying! The internet up in the mountians is sketchy and cell phone use is minimal at best (not that it matters to us too much since we don't have a cell). But, the students are wonderful and it is exciting to see God already working in their lives. We have 24 students- 16 girls and 8 guys who all have a passion to grow in their relationships with God.

Zion Photos

2005-09-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know...everyone wants to see pictures of Zion. Well, here's the deal. Once upon a time, there was a digital camera at the base. :0) And then there were two. :0) :0) And then there were none. :0( This being the situation, I'm afraid all of you will just have to hold out for a little bit until I can either borrow someone's personal camera or I finish the roll of 35mm that is currently in our camera. I promise I will do something soon...I feel the wrath of many angry friends and relations if I do not. Just hold on a little longer. Please?

Internal Communications

2005-09-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

As of earlier this week, Arie has a new job description at the base as Internal Communications Director. Because of the growth of YWAM Denver over the past couple of years, our weekly staff meeting announcements are no sufficient communication. Thus, we have formed a communications department (internal communications being a sub-division) and we are looking forward to implementing some of our new ideas.

The following are some of the new forms of communication we will be experimenting with and building upon.
*We will be making a monthly calendar for all staff including birthdays, special events, and important meetings.
*For ten minutes before each corporate worship session, we will have announcement slides projected.
*We will make a quarterly newsletter from staff to staff in order to help keep everyone aprised as to what is happening in various departments.
*We will also be working on other projects for external communication such as a supporter's newsletter, articles for press releases, articles for the web, and brochures.

As a writer, Arie is very excited about this new development and looks forward to working on these projects.

Eagle Rock

2005-09-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we learned we will be staff up at our mountain campus. Known as "Eagle Rock," it is a cozy and inspiring camp about 30 minutes away from the business of suburban life. Though our plans for outreach are still very much pending, we are excited about the upcoming change of pace we will enjoy in the mountains.