CABLE
winter 2014/15
the Counselors’ Newsletter
Director’s letter As I recently read I Kings 19 about Elijah and his personal struggles while trying to serve God it struck me: God was not in the tornado-like winds, the overwhelming earthquake, or the blazing fire. He was in the still, small, you-have-to-leanforward-to-hear-it voice. As I look back on the last few months, the Lord has patiently taught me to stop, listen, and hear His voice. God wants us to seek Him, so He often comes by way of a nudge, a whisper, or with that knowing in the pit of your stomach that says, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).
Inside: 2015 board results | 3 leadership training | 4 all in the family | 7
I really enjoyed my previous position at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy as Vice President of Advancement, and felt I was to stay there to finish out my career. As odd as it sounds (or even boring!) I actually was getting into public policy, politics, laws, and how government affects our everyday lives. But in April, there was His still small voice providing me with unique situations, Bible verses, prayers, and conversations with Him (on my twohour commute) that led to me joining the team at GEMS Girls’ Clubs.
I am so glad I listened and obeyed. To let God use me to fulfill His plans in the lives of others and to share His plan of salvation and love is very exciting—and sometimes frightening. Living in the moment and waiting on God’s voice is never boring. You don’t know what is next, but it is completely affirming when you realize you are on His winning team! It is my goal to come alongside you—to encourage and uplift you as you minister to and mentor young girls. I have very fond memories of my own counselors. The hayrides, the badge work, the singing of carols at local rest homes, the spiritual guidance they gave me when life was tough—especially being teased unmercifully about my red hair—it was all very meaningful. Don’t ever think that what you are doing is insignificant! Just a positive word from you can be life changing to a girl! May God’s face shine upon you and give you peace!
Kristine Palosaari GEMS Executive Director
GEMS Executive Board Shirley Batts – Portage, Michigan Cheryl Boer – Gilbert, Arizona Linda Hermen – Beecher, Illinois Judy Kapteyn – Sarnia, Ontario Mary Klingenberg – Mount Hope, Ontario Debra Liccar – Crete, Illinois Pat Scott – Jacksonville, Florida Amy VandenBerg – Grand Rapids, Michigan Mary Jo Vis – Riverside, California Cindy Visser – Zeeland, Michigan
GEMS Staff 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 Executive Director - Kristine Palosaari 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 Post Publication Sales Agreement #41124116, return undeliverable copies to Cable c/o GEMS Girls’ Clubs, PO Box 39, Norwich, ON N0J1P0
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President’s Letter Dear Sisters in Christ, Christmas. It’s a good time for reflection. Have you ever wondered what it was like for Jesus to leave Heaven for 30 plus years? Heaven—with all its perfection and light and beauty—and be willing to confine himself to the size of a baby when He was used to being able to hold the universe in His hands? I’ve often wondered what it was like for Him to submit to being formed in a womb that He created. Yet, He did. His love for humankind was that great! I have to confess I don’t really comprehend the depth of that kind of love. But the Bible teaches that it is true. We are all familiar with John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son … God loves so much that He gave; Jesus loved so much that He obeyed. And because He did, we can know Him. Because we know him, we too can obey His command to share that message of love with the girls God has entrusted to us.
Take time to be refreshed by His presence and talk to Him frequently through prayer. Know that there are women who pray regularly for you and your clubs. If you have specific prayer requests, please let us know and we would be happy to pray with you about them. Our prayer is that you will find time to ponder the incredibly deep love of Jesus. Blessings,
Mary Jo Vis Executive Board President Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. (Luke 1:68)
2015 GEB election results We would like to thank all of the women who let their names stand on the GEMS Executive Board ballot. The women nominated will actively help direct the future of the GEMS ministry. Please keep the GEB in your prayers as they use their gifts and skills to impact girls around the globe!
Andrea Mulder attends Woodstock Maranatha Christian Reformed Church in Norwich, Ontario and has served as both a counselor and Club Coordinator for the past 13 years. “The GEMS ministry is near and dear to my heart. Whether it is keeping up-to-date with the developments of The Esther School, GEMS in Zambia, connecting with former GEMS through Facebook, Instagram, and email, or visiting our local club on a craft night. GEMS is part of me. Serving on the GEB will be God-honoring, enabling me to be a member of a dynamic group of women striving to bring girls everywhere into a living relationship with our Savior.” Cindy Visser attends South Olive Christian Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. For the past 24 years Cindy has served GEMS as a Club Coordinator, counselor, Local Conference Committee member, Leadership Trainer, and member of various committees and boards. “I just love GEMS, and to me it is really awesome that God called us to go global. I love the Titus 2 part of the ministry—that it enables counselors to meet girls where they are. The material is all so relevant, and I’d like to help encourage people and promote and grow the training opportunities to encourage women to be the best leaders they can be.”
Do you know someone who has: •
evidence of a mature faith, a genuine commitment to Christ, and a passion for building His kingdom?
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familiarity with and dedication to the GEMS ministry?
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proven communication skills?
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vision—and the ability to articulate it to others?
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sensitivity to constituents and supporters?
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ability to attend bi-monthly board meetings in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
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ability to travel to annual Conference?
If so, consider nominating her today! GEB Nomination Form Nominee Name_________________________ Address________________________________ ______________________________________ City ___________________________________
In addition to those elected, the following women have been appointed to serve on the GEB:
State/Province__________________________
Debbie Liccar attends Crete Reformed Church in Illinois where she has served as the Club Coordinator for the past 19 years and as a member of the GEB for the past four. “God has laid a passion on my heart for young girls across the world. I want to answer God’s call in letting girls all around the world share in the understanding that God the Father has a plan and a purpose for them through His Son, Jesus Christ.”
Phone_________________________________
Judy Kapteyn attends First Christian Reformed Church in Sarnia, Ontario. She has been involved with GEMS for nine years and now serves as a co-Club Coordinator of a combined local club in addition to her service on the GEB. “I enjoy working with the girls and I am passionate about the program. It is amazing to see God working in the lives of the girls and the counselors. I am convinced that the success of GEMS is rooted in the emphasis on prayer—to God be the glory.“
Email__________________________________ Church/Organization_____________________ ______________________________________ Pastor/Sponsor’s Name___________________ Reasons you believe this woman would make a valuable contribution to the GEB: ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Your Name_____________________________ Address________________________________ ______________________________________ City ___________________________________ State/Province__________________________ Zip/Postal Code_________________________ Phone_________________________________ Email__________________________________
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Linda Hermen attends Momence Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Illinois. She has been involved in GEMS for 32 years as a counselor, Club Coordinator, devotional leader, as a member of a Local Conference Committee, and the GEB. “GEMS continues to be such a blessing in my life as God has allowed me the opportunity to work with His girls and fellowship with other counselors. Although the heart of GEMS will always be in the individual clubs, leadership at the board level is imperative to the continued growth and vision of the ministry.”
Zip/Postal Code_________________________
GEMS LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Inspired, refreshed, renewed GEMS LEADERSHIP TRAINING SPRING SEMINAR
GEMS is all about girls. As a counselor, you no doubt get that. But did you know that one of the primary ways we help bring girls into a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ is by equipping you? Leadership training is crucial to the overall health of the ministry and to the success of every club. There are several dimensions to training, but two of the big ones are Conference and Local Workshops. Here’s how they work: Every summer we host an international Conference. We pour a lot of thought and planning into every aspect of this event. We not only want to prepare you for your work in club and train you to teach the new Annual Theme, we want you to walk away feeling inspired, refreshed, and renewed. Together we learn from amazing speakers, are motivated for the upcoming season, and rediscover God’s deep love for women and girls. We also find plenty of time for worship, fellowship, and fun. Basically, Conference is pretty amazing. You shouldn’t miss it. But that’s not all. Every fall, a local leadership team hosts a training event in your area. These women
are equipped by the GEMS staff to in turn hold trainings close to home. Local Workshops are all about collaborating, sharing, learning from other women what works for them, and offering suggestions and ideas to each other. It’s a time to learn and grow through talking, sharing, and engaging with other women in your area. Each of these local leadership teams is comprised of a Leadership Trainer and an Area Coordinator.
It is only through mentoring and encouraging other women that we are then better equipped to minister to our girls. My small role as a Leadership Trainer for GEMS is counted as one of my greatest privileges.”
invaluable training
Karyn Dekker is one half of the leadership duo in Florida. She’s been involved with GEMS for seven years and has been a Leadership Trainer for two (though her roots are much deeper—she was also involved in the ministry as a young girl!). We asked Karyn how leadership training has impacted her. She said: “Throughout my years of involvement in GEMS, leadership training has been invaluable! From practical tips related to being a counselor, to spiritual growth fostered through Scripturefocused workshops—I can testify to the importance of leadership training. Additionally, the friendship and sisterhood with fellow lovers of Jesus and GEMS are deeply cherished.” We also asked her about being part of the leadership team.
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Allison Allen, 2014 Conference speaker
mentoring and encouraging other women that we are then better equipped to minister to our girls. My small role as a Leadership Trainer for GEMS is counted as one of my greatest privileges.”
“Being a part of the leadership team has deepened my passion for God, GEMS, and the mission of helping bring girls into a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. The meticulously planned training provided to the leadership team has stirred my desire to provide meaningful training experiences in my area. Also, being part of the team has furthered my understanding of the Titus 2 principles applied to this ministry. It is only through
- Karyn Dekker
Charlene Blaauwendraat is an Area Coordinator from Nova Scotia. She’s been involved with GEMS for over 15 years. She started as a counselor when her girls were in the program. “I was asked to become the Club Coordinator and to start learning the ropes by co-coordinating the first year with the very organized and seasoned coordinator who would be retiring the next year,” she said. “It was a great learning experience and a great way to get started in a new role that I knew nothing about.” Still feeling a little overwhelmed, though, Charlene made her way to her very first Conference that summer. Here’s what she said about it: “That first Conference was an amazing experience! The praise and worship was awe-inspiring, the speakers were wonderful to listen to, the hospitality was amazing, and the love that poured off the stage was God-sent! That Conference did two very important things for me. First, it fed my soul and my spirit, and second it gave me a great picture of what to aim for in the upcoming GEMS season. From that first year to now, I have tried very hard to attend Conference every summer, and I always feel so much more prepared for the season when I am able to go. I’m not sure what I find more valuable: the personal spiritual growth or the hands-on experience of working with new GEMS Continued on following page
Club News GEMS SUnday mailing Club Coordinators—watch your mailboxes in January for information about GEMS Sunday. You, as well as your pastor, will be receiving a theme outline, a litany, a children’s bulletin, and a sample of the bulletin covers/ inserts available through the GEMS Service Center. Don’t wait to meet with your pastor to start planning!
GEMS has Pinterest! I pinned that to my new board yesterday! Does that sound like something you’d say? If so, follow GEMS on Pinterest! You will find lots of crafts, activities, words of encouragement, and free printables—all recommended by the GEMS staff! Pinterest.com/gemsgc
Women work through the Annual Theme Badge Booklets at Conference.
“The praise and worship was awe-inspiring, the speakers were wonderful to listen to, the hospitality was amazing, and the love that poured off the stage was God-sent! That Conference did two very important things for me. First, it fed my soul and my spirit, and second it gave me a great picture of what to aim for in the upcoming GEMS season. “
More info from GEMS! If you’re not currently receiving our monthly e-newsletter, email servicecenter@gemsgc.org to start receiving updates on the ministry as well as inspiration and ideas for your work in club.
- Charlene Blaauwendraat
Continued from previous page materials. These two aspects of Conference are woven together so well that I’m not sure you can experience one without the other.” When she was asked to be an Area Coordinator several years later, Charlene stepped into the role.
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If you haven’t experienced Conference or a Local Workshop—we encourage you to do so. See the registration form for more details, or visit the GEMS website to get to know your local leadership team. And if you think you might want to encourage and train other women in your area as either an Area Coordinator or Leadership Trainer, let us know! Contact the GEMS Training Manager, Lenae Bulthuis, today! lenae@gemsgc.org
Do your GEMS love reading The Micah Road Mysteries stories in SHINE brightly Magazine? If so, there are more mysteries to solve! Stop by the GEMS store and purchase a copy (or five!) of Shadows in Tenebray Forest and The Secret Order and see what Chloe and Tasha are up to! The Mica
“I was amazed at how the practical side of learning so much new information was interwoven with a deep desire to have everyone on the leadership team grow in her spiritual life. This was the same type of experience that I loved so much about Conference. This personal training experience has shown me how important counselor training is. I tend to be a
goal-oriented person, always having my checklist at hand to make sure I’m getting everything accomplished, but now I’ve come to realize the importance of building relationships with other counselors, and, even more importantly, having a relationship with my Mighty God!
The Micah Road Mysteries Books
Music from the heart Ashley, a 14-year-old from Colfax, Washington, would tell you her primary language is music. The songs she grew up singing in church, listening to at home, and learning to play on the piano have strongly influenced her faith. So when she received her September SHINE brightly Magazine that explained the need for items for the music program at The Esther School, Ashley knew she had to help. “I wanted the young boys and girls to have the same experience I did,” Ashley said. “I grew up around musical instruments and because of that I came closer to God.”
“I wanted the young boys and girls to have the same experience I did.”
So Ashley started small and began collecting change for the SHINE brightly Dime Drive. Last month, we received our first check from Ashley for just over $5—but we know it won’t be the last!
“My parents and sister have been so helpful and have given me coins or have put them in my Esther School Dime Drive jar,” Ashley said. “I want to try to help in any way I can. I will pray for the money [SHINE brightly] needs to get the instruments and start up the music program.” Encourage your club to join Ashley and the rest of SHINE
brightly readers by collecting spare change to bring music to The Esther School. Simply collect dimes and send your change or a check for their value to: Esther School Dime Drive 1333 Alger St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Every dime matters! Learn more at gemsgc.org and share the quick promotional video with your congregation. Together we can help support the music program at The Esther School!
GEMS International
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
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new faces at The Esther School This November and December, Roger and Joan Sikkenga will be staying at The Esther School to assist with teacher training and help establish a three-year educational development plan for the school. Roger, a retired Christian school principal and administrator, will be working with Zambian officials to ensure the proper registration of the school. Joan, a registered nurse, will be volunteering in the village clinic. Roger and Joan have experience working in developing countries as they spent four years in Nigeria. Roger served as a visiting professor in the University of Jos, and Joan helped establish and set up a clinic there. Kenya and Uganda are countries they have worked in as well.
THE ESTHER SCHOOL
Lisa Brearley will be joining the Sikkengas on their trip to Zambia. Lisa will be stepping into the role of first grade teacher when Jillian Draayer goes on maternity leave for the remainder of the school year. Lisa previously taught first grade at Denver Christian School and most recently served as Youth Director for the Christian Reformed Church Conference Grounds in Michigan. She is very excited to return to Zambia, a place where she says, “the children captured my heart!” We are excited to have the Sikkengas and Lisa join the team at the school. Please join us in praying for their successful transition!
A big thank you goes out to our two newest North American Sister Clubs, Stratford Christian Reformed Church and Aylmer Christian Reformed Church— both from Ontario. Sister Clubs make it possible for the work of GEMS International to carry on in countries around the world. As we go forward with the Sister Club program, we are striving to make it easy for all clubs to participate. For just $250/ year, your club can become a Sister Club to a group of GEMS in another part of the world. When you sign up, you will start receiving the World Tour of Sister Clubs—an activity packet that features a different club/country in each issue. You and your girls will learn about life and customs in that country and see photos of girls and clubs in action. To learn more and download a Sister Club Application, visit gemsgc.org.
All in the family Helping you make the most of SHINE brightly Magazine Some of the best times are when everyone we love is gathered around a table—rubbing shoulders and sharing food. Sometimes, though, family gatherings carry a heavy reality: Someone is missing. Divorce divides people and disagreements can cause uncomfortable moments. This isn’t exactly the relaxing, memory-making family moment you had in mind, but it can be the harsh truth. How do you, as a GEMS counselor, navigate the tough conversations that may happen about home life when you’re with your girls? Start by checking out what the January issue of SHINE brightly has to say.
With every change or big announcement there is potential for a girl’s world to be rocked. And you have the unique opportunity to help them through some of these bumps and turns. by memorizing Malachi 3:6a. This verse can act as a comfort during the rough ups and downs girls may face in the future! Normal, Page 18. Families are full of variety! The number, color, and age of siblings in each family can be quite different—and that’s something to celebrate! But how do you shine a positive light on this topic when a girl in your club doesn’t like that she’s an only child
or another girl doesn’t think her family is normal? Read the story then ask your girls to describe their family in a word or two. Ask them if they’ve ever felt like Callie did when she was teased about her family. If so, what did they do? As a group, talk about how there is no such thing as normal. Then ask each girl to share something silly about her family. Warning: this may create lots of giggles! For more tips on how to use your SHINE brightly Magazine to the fullest, visit gemsgc.org/blog!
Sparkle Sisters
And don’t forget about your youngest GEMS! In each issue of Sparkle Magazine the Sparkle Sisters share fun facts and encourage girls to dig into God’s Word to learn more. And they love to travel! Have your girls in grades 1-3 print off the Sparkle Sisters’ picture from the GEMS website, color them in, snap a photo, and send it to us—they could be featured on the back of the next issue!
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The Ups and Downs, Page 8. Life’s events often look more like a bumpy rollercoaster ride than a smooth riverboat cruise. With every change or big announcement there is potential for a girl’s world to be rocked. And you have the unique opportunity to help them through some of these bumps and turns. Start by having your
girls take this quiz to figure out what they might do in tough situations. Then, read the “Spinning Out of Control” paragraph together. Create a space for conversation. Let girls share and make sure you open up, too! As a group, close your share session
Dynamic Youth Ministries 1333 Alger St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Adapting the theme Each year, women and girls around Canada and the United States study a passage of Scripture as they delve deeper into God’s truths and how they apply to our lives. Several resources are designed around this Annual Theme including the Theme Resource Book—a book that outlines a theme night and provides everything you need for completing the Annual Theme Badge, hosting a family night, and weaving the theme throughout your season. But one of the best things about GEMS is that everything we produce is customizable. You can adapt the theme materials to meet the needs of your GEMS, counselors, and families. Lots of groups open their season with a theme night. Some close their season with one. Lisa Wong is the Club Coordinator at True Light Presbyterian Church in Alhambra, California where she and her fellow counselors serve 15 girls in grades 2-5. Their club begins in September with a bring-your-parents informational evening. It’s the second meeting that girls get particularly excited about, though—it’s theme night!
“We set up our room like a cafe, and the counselors dressed up in button-down shirts, neck ties, black pants, and black aprons,” Lisa said. “We saved the actual snacks for the end of the night like we always do. Snacks were more elaborate than usual.” The Annual Theme Badge Book this year is a menu, and Lisa said her girls started them at theme night but will finish them over the course of the next two meetings. What does the theme look like in your club? How are you incorporating the Bring the Message theme into your lessons and activities? No matter what your club looks like, there’s a way for you to do this well! Get creative and take advantage of all of the resources available to you through the GEMS website and online store. BRING THE
MESSAGE ISaiah 6:8