Fall 2013 What’s inside:
3
4 6
We Walk tour a must-attend event for you and your GEMS
Ways to establish Who’s the Greatest in your club
New international GEMS club in Kenya thriving with 62 girls
If you would prefer to receive an electronic copy of Cable, send a note to cable@gemsgc.org to be added to our email list.
Cable
the Counselors’ Newsletter
The theme this season is Who’s the Greatest? John 3:30 says, “He must become greater; I must become less.” Sometimes our view of God can get distorted, blurry, or can even become non-existent. Have you ever been driving and the glare from the sun was so bright it was hard to see the road? Or, on a cold winter morning, your windows got fogged up and you couldn’t see the road? Well, the road didn’t change—it was just your ability to see that was altered. Sometimes I think that happens to us: our view of God gets fuzzy and it’s hard for us to see Him! So this year we are going to take a long look at God and His greatness. In John 10:10, Jesus tells us Satan wants to steal, kill, and destroy us! One way Satan does this is by distorting our view of the Living God. That’s exactly what he did to Eve in the garden—he made her question her view of God. Satan wants to do the same to us because when our view of the Almighty God is blurred, we have a hard time seeing Him and His greatness. Recognizing God in our lives is a great way to keep Him in focus. Throughout the season, I will be using this space to help you write your spiritual autobiography. This will make you mindful of God, especially in big life events (the birth of a child, a wedding, a funeral, a baptism), the everyday events (joy of a sunset, moved by music, peace of hearing children’s laughter), and spiritual events (being pricked by Scripture, deciding to follow Christ, unconditional love).
So let’s begin the journey of seeing the greatness of God. Take some time to quiet your mind, and then go to God in prayer. Ask God to clear the distractions and noise from your mind as you begin writing and answering the following questions: 1. What has been your religious upbringing (during childhood, young adulthood, etc.)? What have been your experiences of church, GEMS, retreats, ministry, outreach, justice work, etc.? You might want to focus your reflection on several significant spiritual or religious experiences. 2. Who has been influential in your faith as a child, as a young adult, and today? 3. If you were to choose a metaphor that describes your spiritual journey up to now, what would it be (a road, hike, hanging bridge, river, etc.)? In the next Cable, we will look at a few more questions and passages as we continue this journey into the greatness of God.
Kathryn Miller Executive Director
1
GEMS Girls’ Clubs Executive Board Shirley Batts – Portage, Michigan Cheryl Boer – Eden Prairie City, Minnesota Cori Dykhouse – Port Lambton, Ontario Sally Janssen – Zeeland, Michigan Mary Klingenberg – Mount Hope, Ontario Debra Liccar – Crete, Illinois Henrietta Reinders – Rockwood, Ontario Pat Scott – Jacksonville, Florida Amy VandenBerg – Grand Rapids, Michigan Mary Jo Vis – Riverside, California Cindy Visser – Zeeland, Michigan
GEMS Girls’ Clubs Staff Executive Director - Kathryn Miller Director of International Ministries - Jan Boone Training Manager - Lenae Bulthuis Office Manager - Michele DeHaan Managing Editor - Kelli Gilmore Graphic & Web Designer - Lisa Hunter Customer Relations - Hannah Noorman Conference Coordinator - Alecia VanHulzen Senior Editor - Amy White To honor God by being responsible stewards of His creation, Cable is printed on post-consumer recycled paper and uses vegetable-based inks. Canada Postt Publication Sales Agreement #41124116, return undeliverable copies to Cable c/o GEMS Girls’ Clubs, PO Box 39, Norwich, ON N0J1P0
President’s Letter Dear Sisters in Christ, The other day while in a Costco parking lot, I noticed a family trying to fit a newly purchased freezer into their car. The packaging had been discarded and every door of the car was open as they tried to get it into the backseat. A short time later the trunk was open and they tried to fit it in there. They were really trying! While this was very entertaining, I politely moved on. With this issue of Cable on my mind, I was struck that there is so much we can do in a year at GEMS—so many great ideas! Like a freezer into a car, we can stuff the year! But dear ones, keep it manageable. Ask God to help you determine what is most important—what will fit. What will be most effective in pointing the girls to Jesus, to growing their relationship with Him? What will inspire the things of God in them for life? Will it be that craft?
Or will it be the singing, the lesson, the theme? Or special activities? A We Walk event or Get Connected! Camp? Or…will it be Jesus through you? You matter so much. Keep your focus on Him—let Him help you know what is most important. He will make everything fit perfectly. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3 Together in His Greatness,
Henrietta Reinders
If you have questions for the GEB please send them to us at boardquestions@gemsgc.org.
Bid Out Loud Online Auction We want girls to use their voices. We want them to stand up and speak out—to be living examples of Micah 6:8 as they act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. And that all starts with a relationship. Our mission is to bring girls everywhere into a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. For over
55 years that mission has not changed. As a ministry we’ve grown, we’ve evolved, and we’ve adapted in order to accomplish this goal more effectively. We’ve expanded to a truly international ministry and are advancing our curriculum to get God’s message of love and salvation into the hands of as many girls as possible. And you can help us do just that! Your role as a counselor and mentor to girls is crucial, but this November we are giving you one more way to support the GEMS ministry so we can reach girls everywhere.
Bid OUT LOUD 2
GEMS Online Auction
Club News Missionary Blogs Visit The Esther School website (estherschool.org) for links to the blogs of each of our families and individuals serving at the school in Zambia. Each blog is packed with great information and updates to use in club!
Digging Deeper Not enough time to get through all of the information in Connections (the Counselor Helps for SHINE brightly and Sparkle Magazines)? Your girls can download the Digging Deeper questions from the GEMS website (gemsgc.org) to help them go further with the Bible lessons. Just click on the picture of the magazines!
Camp Coming Be on the lookout for more information about the next Get Connected! Camp happening at Cranhill Ranch in Rodney, Michigan August 4-8, 2014!
We are hosting a silent auction on Friday, November 22, and we would love it if you would shout your support for GEMS by participating! You help your girls use their voices, and now you can use your voice, too! Items have been gathered from all over North America and can be found at biddingforgood.com/ GEMS. Stop by and check out what’s for sale. Post the link on Facebook, share it with your friends, and help us spread the word! Then, on November 22, come back and bid on your favorite items! This is a great way to help us expand our presence and reach even more girls for Christ! Log on now and bid out loud as you support the GEMS ministry!
We Walk Step Out—The World Needs You! Your GEMS have soccer practice and music lessons and dance class. They have extra school events and family vacations and homework. They have busy lives—and so do you! We understand that. We really do. So when we say that the We Walk tour is a must-attend event for you and your GEMS, we mean it! Amidst your packed schedule, this is one Saturday morning worth investing in. Designed for GEMS and their moms/mentors, We Walk helps girls understand they have a place and a purpose—not just some day but right here, right now. Author and speaker Sara Lynne Hilton uses themes from her two Micah Road Mystery Books (Shadows in Tenebray Forest and The Secret Order) to help girls understand they can step out and change the world when they heed God’s call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. During breakout sessions, girls get some time with Sara to talk about issues like bullying and what it looks like to be yourself, while moms/ mentors get some helpful insights on raising girls in our ever-changing culture. Mixed in with amazing worship—this is a morning you don’t want to miss! Your GEMS and their families will be deeply blessed. Upcoming Tour Dates:
October 12 Brookfield, Wisconsin
When Jalena, a first-time GEM from Edmonton, Alberta attended a We Walk last October 26 season, she Brockville, Ontario was inspired to do more. “She November 9 made a pledge Grand Rapids, Michigan at the We Walk tour to raise money for The Esther School,” her mom said. “[She] decided to go for $360.” Jalena raised the money to help build the school in Zambia—a cause she learned more about at We Walk as she was inspired to do something to make a difference. Find out more about this amazing morning on the website and plan to join us at the nearest event!
3
Who’s the Greatest? It can happen when you’re cut off in traffic. Or when you get in line at the grocery store with one item behind the family with a full cart. Or when your friend hasn’t called to check in for a while. You think things like: Do they not notice me? ME! I’m right here! Have they considered how I feel? Or what I want? Or what might be best for me? What about ME? If we’re honest, we tend to think about ourselves a lot—what we want and what we deserve and what we can do to get ahead. But John the Baptist offers us a different way to position ourselves in relation to our lives and our world. It’s a simple equation. He says, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30). He > i. There’s no other option. God is greater, and He commands us to love others so they will know Him (John 13:34-35). When we make much of God, we help others see that He is the greatest. And for the world to clearly see Jesus in us, He must increase and we must decrease. This season, the GEMS Annual Theme is Who’s the Greatest? Throughout the year girls will investigate how to make much of God as they position themselves in humble and grateful obedience to Him. They will grow to understand that when Christ is the center of all we think, say, and do, we allow others to see Him more and more! If you haven’t conducted a theme night with your girls yet, it’s not too late! Order your Theme Resource Book and take girls on a walk down the red carpet as they explore their own talents and learn how to use the gifts God has given them to shine His light into the world as they proclaim His greatness!
Theme Resources Don’t miss all of the amazing resources GEMS offers to help you bring the Annual Theme to life for your girls throughout the season. Check out the leader’s section of the website for free: •
PowerPoints to use along with the Theme Devotional and Object Lesson booklet
•
Instructions and photos for creating a Greatness Gallery to display each month at club
•
Customizable monthly parent newsletters
•
Everything you need for hosting a Family Celebration
•
Printable artwork
•
And more!
Threading the Theme Each month, SHINE brightly and Sparkle Magazines will focus on a name of God in their respective Bible lessons. These names help girls understand more about God and His greatness, and the themes will be subtly woven into the rest of the magazines. You can visit the GEMS Leaders’ blog for ideas on how to draw these themes out with your girls and bring them to life in club. You will find all kinds of resources and ideas for helping make God greater every month!
tips the
4
In October, we’ll be making puzzle piece necklaces in SHINE. SHINE As we talk about friendship and the fact that God is our Friend, girls will gain a greater understanding of the ways we’re all connected and the ways God wants us to support each other. This would be a great craft to weave into your small-group time with your Discovery Level (grades 4-6) GEMS. You can then visit the blog to get instructions for weaving this idea into the rest of your lesson and into the Who’s the Greatest? theme!
When We Become Less, God Becomes More First of all, a big shout out to all the counselors who attended the Vancouver Conference and lifted up wholehearted praise to the audience of One! What a fantastic time we had together in God’s presence! As a band, Colleen, the guys, and I are simply amazed when we get to do what we love and watch hundreds of women add their energy and then together reflect it all back to the Father. Here’s what Bill (on guitar) had to say in a recent email: The GEMS ministry is a great one to be able to be a part of. Those ladies who invest so much time into our girls deserve a good, fun Conference, and I personally am happy to serve them by giving them my personal best in music! We’re already pumped for next year in Grand Rapids and hope you can all be there! One of the things I took home from Conference is a copy of the book Embracing Obscurity by Anonymous (seriously—nowhere do we find out who wrote it!). As counselors we’re encouraged to read this as a personal or group study around this year’s theme based on John 3:30. Well, I’ve read it and have to say it was time well spent: lots of great teaching and encouragement to show us that as we become less, God becomes more! Since finishing the book, I’ve been thinking about the theme as a club worship leader and have the following suggestions to help us apply it with our girls during worship:
• Sing more songs about God than about us (watch out for the lyrics loaded with ‘I’ and ‘me’) • Lead from the floor rather than the stage if possible • Consider leading from the back of the room/group (like a coach instead of a commander) • Encourage postures that show humility (lifting hands in surrender, bowing our heads/knees, even lying flat out on the floor) • Avoid highlighting who wrote/recorded the song, except if that detail points to God’s glory • Include moments of silence (aim for a full minute!), encourage listening and waiting in God’s presence This list is probably just a start, but I hope it will help us be intentional about establishing Who really is the greatest, first of all at club gatherings and then, with God’s help, in each of our daily lives as well. May the Lord show us even more ways to decrease so that He can increase! Grace Moes is a counselor at Mississauga Meadowvale CRC in Ontario and has led praise and worship with her longtime friend, Colleen Reinders, at GEMS conferences, camps, and events in addition to creating several worship CDs for the ministry.
Urban Curriculum What a Girl Wants, What a Girl Needs Renee Bacon, author of Kingdom Girl, knows how important your role as a counselor is. Every girl that comes to your club wants to know she is valued, loved, and has purpose. Some girls may not want to be there and were coerced into coming. Others can’t wait for club to start and wish it didn’t end so soon. A few may be testing the waters, checking things out to see which side of the spectrum they will fall on. Whatever the case, they are there—and whether they see it or understand it yet they need to be there. They may prefer to be at the mall, home watching television, on the computer, texting, tweeting, playing outside, hanging with friends, etc. All those things are fine, but they don’t satisfy or fulfill their real need and longing. You possess something they want and need: a relationship wrapped in the love of Christ. Even though girls may give the appearance they want babying, sympathy, or special treatment, that kind of attention will only cripple them and handicap you. Your club provides a safe haven, community, snack, activities, life skills, etc., but above all an encounter with the true living and loving
Savior. Whether they fully comprehend it at their tender age or not—that is exactly what they need. In all you do, in planning, preparing, and doing club, remember to always give them what they need. Keep doing so until it’s all they ever want.
Kingdom Girl The first curriculum for our new Urban Ministry is for girls in grades 4-6 and covers all kinds of topics. One of the lessons focuses on attitude and shows girls godly ways to respond to various life situations with an attitude that is pleasing to God. We all know that’s not easy! The stories and activities guide girls through thinking about their own attitudes and how to make sure they line up with Scripture. If you have a diverse club—which could mean various races, socio-economic backgrounds, family situations, or levels of knowledge about God and His Word—Kingdom Girl will be a great option for your group! Visit the GEMS website to download a sample copy today!
5
GEMS International The Esther School How do we line up our actions with the lavish heart of God? Is that a question you are currently asking yourself? It was indeed what Jillian and David Draayer were asking themselves as they began to consider the next steps in their lives as a couple. And through the work of the Holy Spirit—the work only He can do— the Draayers have said “yes” to His gentle leadings to serve as teachers at The Esther School. Jillian and David have been married for just over a year, are graduates of Calvin College with teaching degrees, residents of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and are passionate about serving the Lord with their lives. Jillian will serve as the first, First Grade teacher at the school. Dave will wear multiple hats, serving as the Physical Education teacher for all grades, the chapel coordinator, community outreach worker, and will work alongside Kevin DeKam learning the role of the school administrator. In the fall of 2014, Dave will step into the role of administrator when Kevin and his family return to the states after completing their two-year commitment. You can follow the Draayers as they move to Zambia and continue striving to live their lives for Christ by visiting their blog: draayersinzambia.wordpress.com or by visiting The Esther School website.
Student Sponsors Needed
New International Clubs Thriving We are excited to introduce you to one of our newest international clubs! This club meets at an all girls, Christian school in Machakos, Kenya. The Club Coordinator is Zipporah Wairimu Maina. “Zippy,” as she is affectionately called, attended the special training held for six women from three African countries last April. She trained her counselors in May and started her club with 62 girls in early June. “The girls LOVE coming to GEMS and they want to bring all their friends, counselors are really growing and enjoying teaching the materials and relating to girls in new ways, and parents—while skeptical of something new at first—are very pleased to see what their daughters are learning.” Thanks to all of you who participate in the Sister Club program and make the growth of GEMS Clubs around the world possible. By participating, you are making it possible for more and more girls to learn about and enter into a relationship with their heavenly Father. Participating in the Sister Club program is one way you can obey Christ’s command to go and share the good news. For information on becoming a Sister Club and participating in the World Tour of Sister Clubs with your girls, simply email: kathy@gemsgc.org or jan@gemsgc.org.
6
Jan Boone is the Director of International Ministries for GEMS— leading trainings, equipping new clubs, and coordinating the progress of The Esther School.
As we continue to add a new grade with 24 students each year to The Esther School, additional student sponsors are needed. Sponsorships make it possible for children to attend the school. Caregivers and parents give 16 volunteer hours of service at the school; however, no funds are available for providing any form of tuition. For a gift of $600 per year (or $50 per month), you will be providing the following for your student: school uniforms with shoes, backpack, schoolbooks and supplies, library books, daily morning breakfast and lunch, and annual physicals. If you ask yourself this question, “Would it be possible for me to sacrifice some pleasures in order to send a child to school that would not have the opportunity without my help?” And then ask yourself a second question, “Would God have me do this?” You likely have your answer… Visit estherschool.org and check out the Get Involved link. You can download the Student Sponsorship overview and application. Return the completed application to: GEMS Girls’ Clubs, Student Sponsorships, 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507.
GEMS Annual Counselors’ Leadership Conference You give. You serve. You fill and mend and console. You mentor girls. It’s a big job, and it’s never done. But you never walk alone! GEMS strives to equip counselors for their role and prepare them to serve God by serving girls. We have regional retreats and workshops each year, but our Annual Counselors’ Leadership Conference is one of the main ways we train women. But Conference is about much more than simply teaching you the best ways to implement GEMS curriculum (we do that, too, of course!). It’s about filling you up. It’s about helping you grow in your relationship with God so you can be an effective leader as you pour out your gifts at club and in life. This past July, women from all over North America gathered in Vancouver, British Columbia to worship and learn as part of the GEMS sisterhood. Here is what some of them had to say about the experience: “I love the freedom to worship. This is a place where I feel God’s love. What a blessing to be part of this ministry!” “I LOVED Conference, it was a wonderful experience that I needed in order to become better equipped as a GEMS leader. I am already looking forward to next year and many more Conferences to come!” “My first experience was amazing and life changing.” “This is my first year as a CIT and coming to Conference, and it not only helped me personally in my faith but also encouraged me to look at how I can help young girls learn more about God our Savior. I also learned the importance of being a role model to them. I encourage other CITs to consider going next year!”
Come to Grand Rapids! Next summer, Conference will be held at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan! Mark your calendars for July 23-26 and prepare to learn and grow from speakers Jolene DeHeer, Tammy Trent, and Allison Allen while being led in worship by Grace and Colleen along with the Unity Band. Check out the website for more information, and don’t forget to register early to get a special rate!
“I LOVED Conference, it was a wonderful experience that I needed in order to become better equipped as a GEMS leader. I am already looking forward to next year and many more Conferences to come!” 7
Dynamic Youth Ministries P.O. Box 39 Norwich, ON N0J 1P0
A Penny at a Time Finding creative ways to inspire your girls! The Canadian penny is being phased out of circulation, and the Regina Sonlight GEMS Club decided to capitalize on the opportunity to raise money for The Esther School. “We have a smaller club of 10-15 girls and we are in a small church community,” said counselor Julie Odia. “We have a lot of fun learning and creating together.” The small size of their club didn’t stop them from reaching out to make a big difference in the lives of children in Zambia. “We challenged our small group of girls (with BIG hearts) as well as our church family,” Julie explained. Together, the community collected pennies and raised over $160. The girls had a sleepover to roll the pennies, giving the counselors a chance to talk to them more about The Esther School and the ways their small act of justice would directly affect the lives of the students there. These lessons are crucial for girls to learn: that God is calling us to partner with Him in His redemptive work in the world. That even the smallest effort can make a huge impact when it’s done for God’s glory. That all it takes is a little creativity and hard work to make a lasting difference. What creative means can you use to inspire your girls and make an impact in your church, your community, or your world? If you’d like to get involved with the work at The Esther School, check out the website (estherschool.org) for more information and ideas!
“We challenged our small group of girls (with BIG hearts) as well as our church family.”