Connection
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Fall 2016
Sharing news and light with friends of GEMS
GEMS Girls’ Clubs Executive Board Shirley Batts – Portage, Michigan Cheryl Boer – Sun Lakes, Arizona Amy Brooks – North Haledon, New Jersey Linda Hermen – Beecher, Illinois Judy Kapteyn – Sarnia, Ontario Mary Klingenberg – Hagersville, Ontario Debra Liccar – Crete, Illinois Grace Moes – Mississauga, Ontario Andrea Mulder – Norwich, Ontario Tina Rooks – Grand Rapids, Michigan Lorelle Rozendal – Grand Rapids, Michigan Cindy Visser – Zeeland, Michigan
GEMS Girls’ Clubs Staff Lenae Bulthuis – Training Manager Michele DeHaan – Operations Director Kelli Gilmore – Managing Editor Lisa Hunter – Graphic Designer Hannah Noorman – Customer Relations Jill Postma – International MInistries Director Alecia VanHulzen – Conference Manager Amy White – Publications Director/ Senior Editor
president’s Letter Greetings from the GEMS Executive Board, For the past 58 years, GEMS Girls’ Clubs has been a ministry whose mission is to help bring girls into a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. As the world around us changes and technology is forever evolving, GEMS is here to be a constant in girls’ lives. With nearly 800 clubs in North America and over 100 clubs overseas, GEMS has been able to provide a Christ-centered environment through mentoring and teaching God’s Word. As an international ministry, GEMS not only pours into thousands of girls’ lives, but thousands of women’s lives as well. We were founded on the principles of Titus 2—the idea that older women are called to train and encourage younger women in the way they should go. Each year,
hundreds of women attend leadership training events, and their dedication allows GEMS to walk alongside girls and show them the life that Christ has called them to. If you have not talked to a representative from a local GEMS Club lately, I encourage you to do so. Each club has stories of how God is working through their women and girls. It is exciting to see how GEMS not only makes a difference in girls and women’s lives, but in the lives of their families and friends. Thank you for supporting the ministry of GEMS! Sincerely, Debra S. Liccar
GEMS Girls’ Clubs Executive Board President
expanding curriculum for girls One of the primary ways we accomplish our mission is by providing clubs with relevant, biblical curriculum. As counselors foster relationship with their girls, these resources are invaluable—helping them get to know their small group and teach life lessons, all while having a lot of fun!
KINGDOM GIRL Our newest line of curriculum was born from a repeated request from counselors. As churches reach out and invest in their communities, a growing number of clubs were blessed with girls who had grown up in church as well as girls who were new to learning about God and His Word. See Curriculum, page 2
curriculum Continued from page 1 In response, Kingdom Girl—Getting real with God was created for girls in grades 4-6. This curriculum draws in girls no matter their exposure to ideas about God and faith. Because of that, it’s a great fit for clubs who have a wide variety of girls. Then, last season, we added Kingdom Girl—The stories of Jesus for girls in grades 1-3. This study of Jesus’ parables is one more way counselors can engage their GEMS and show them what it means to live from His life-changing love. SUPPORT GROWTH The GEMS board and staff are committed to finding new, innovative ways to reach more and more girls with God’s love. But we can’t do it without you. Would you consider making a monthly, annual, or one-time gift to the GEMS ministry to help ensure we can continue to show girls around the world what it means that God loves them and wants to partner with them to redeem His world? Mail in the form below or visit gemsgc.org to give. Name: _____________________________ Address: ___________________________ City: _______________________________ State/Province: ______________________ Zip/Postal Code: _____________________ Phone: _____________________________ Email*: _____________________________ Amount: $______________ My check is enclosed.
{Please make checks payable to: GEMS Girls’ Clubs}
Please bill my credit card: qVisa qMaster Card qDiscover Card Number: _________________________________ Expiration Date: _____/_____ *Including your email address gives GEMS permission to send you periodic updates.
GEMS Training Manager Lenae Bulthuis speaks at the GEMS Conference in July
Love Overflows May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you (1 Thessalonians 3:12). Each year GEMS Girls’ Clubs has an Annual Theme. Collectively, clubs around North America take an in-depth look at a passage of Scripture. Bible lessons, object lessons, service projects, and crafts are developed to help bring God’s Word to life for girls. This fall, GEMS and their counselors are diving into the truth of God’s infinite, overflowing love. Love is word that’s packed with emotion. We use it to express how we feel about our family and closest friends and to describe the things we can’t imagine living without. But more than that, love defines God. It’s who He is—it’s what He does. And His love overflows throughout the earth. And the best part? We don’t have to do anything but receive it. When we open our hearts to His love, it transforms us. When God’s love overflows in our lives it can have a huge impact on the people around us. This season girls will learn what it means to let God’s love overflow through their lives and into the world around them. We are going to be drenched in His love and invite everyone we meet to experience it, too! SPLASH PARTY Leadership Training is an integral part of the GEMS ministry. We equip women to
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mentor well so they can have a deeper impact in the lives of girls. This past July, women gathered at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana for GEMS Leadership Conference. One of the most anticipated parts of Conference is the Annual Theme night where women get to experience the new theme first-hand. Things got a little wet this year as participants enjoyed a splash party and were soaked in God’s love—and loaded with tips and ideas for making this theme fun, interactive, and meaningful for girls. EQUIPPED AND INSPIRED Beyond the Annual Theme night, women attended workshops, GEMS participated in LEADERSHIP corporate worship, TRAINING and experienced CONFERENCE mass meetings that challenged them to accept God’s radical love in theirGEMS own lives and equipped them to show girls LEADERSHIP how to do the same.
TRAINING LOCAL WORKSHOPS
GEMS invests in counselors in a variety of ways—and this annual event is one of the most powerful avenues for ensuring GEMS women are ready for the ins and outs of LEADERSHIP mentoring the next generation.
TRAINING SPRING SEMINAR
That’s why we’re already planning for next summer! From July 27 to 30, GEMS counselors from around North America will gather at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. Registration opens January 2— so encourage the women in your life to sign up!
GEMS around the world During the past few months, new leaders in Kenya have been eagerly introducing GEMS to their congregations and beginning to teach their girls. Munyiva Kitavi and her husband, Mwaya, have become outstanding GEMS advocates in Kenya as Munyiva serves GEMS as a Regional Director for that area. Through their involvement with World Mission and Munyiva Kitavi the education of indigenous pastors in the eastern and southern regions of Africa, they are able to spread the word on the importance of mentoring girls using GEMS materials. Intimate knowledge of their homeland gives ample opportunity to reach out to tribes, such as the Maasai, who for hundreds of years resisted the Gospel. In general, the Maasai men and women coming to know Jesus as Savior are first-generation Christians. They eagerly express their desire for more knowledge and resources to reach their youth. In God’s perfect timing, he placed the Kitavis in just the right situation to assist pastors and church leaders striving to teach their youth. Elijah, a Maasai pastor, states, “I believe that [GEMS] will transform our society by raising a generation of godly women.” His church, Stable Anchor Church, is just one of dozens of new Kenyan clubs started in 2016.
helping hands THE ESTHER SCHOOL The Esther School, an outreach of GEMS Girls’ Clubs, is a Christian day school in Nyangwena, Zambia. Opened in the fall of 2012, the school equips orphaned and underresourced children to serve God, their families, and their communities to their fullest potential. As the school expands, the goal is for it to become an independent ministry with GEMS Clubs continuing to support its growth and development.
As The Esther School continues to expand—adding a new grade each year— girls continue to reach beyond themselves and learn what it means to live and serve in love. The heart, passion, and creativity of the GEMS who give their time and talents to help the school is inspiring. Girls from Covenant Christian Reformed Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba made cookie jars last season and sold them at a local craft sale. “For many of our 25 girls this was one of the highlights of our GEMS year,” said Club Coordinator, Joan Reenders. “We sold all of our jars, and some people even gave a cash donation.”
interviewed some of the GEMS, and two new girls even joined the local club because of the exposure at the craft sale!
The money the girls raised went directly to The Esther School. A local radio station
the girls from finding the Will the forces guarding the secret keep a mystery that will truth or will the girls succeed in unraveling change their town forever? MEET THE AUTHOR Sara Lynne Hilton is the former Senior Editor of SHINE brightly Magazine. She is a frequent speaker at conferences, camps, schools, and other events. She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with her husband and two children.
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Visit her website at www.gemsgc.org information about booking a visit.
The Micah Road Mysteries are a product of GEMS Girls’ Clubs, an international ministry that equips women and girls to live radically faithful lives—doing justice, loving mercy, walking humbly with God.
www.gemsgc.org
These books are great for readers of all levels but are primarily written for girls between the ages of 9 and 14. Share the gift of mystery and good reads by ordering a subscription of SHINE brightly Magazine for your daughter,
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These entertaining stories keep readers engaged, but the motivation behind Chloe and Tasha’s crime solving is to live out Micah 6:8—acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
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After solving their bigChloe and Tasha are ready for a break. Road Detective Agency gest case ever, the owners of The Micah someone called The would love to relax for a while. Instead, that seem to lead Agent starts leaving the girls clues—clues propels the pair into a nowhere. Finally an unusual discovery hidden doorways, messages, mystery complete with encoded guarded secret. concealed compartments, and one heavily
The Secret Order
This short-story series first made its appearance in SHINE brightly Magazine. While this is still its primary home, the main characters, Chloe and Tasha, have also appeared in two full-length chapter books—Shadows in Tenebray Forest and The Secret Order.
They started their detective agency because they didn’t want to be the kind of people who sat back and watched. They didn’t want to be the kind of people who did nothing in the face of injustice. Since then, Chloe and Tasha have graduated from saving cats in trees to helping stop thieves and bringing comfort to their friends, all while learning a lot of important lessons along the way.
The Micah Road MysTeRies
Good mysteries keep us on the edge of our seats. But The Micah Road Mysteries also inspire girls to seek justice in every aspect of their lives.
September 2016
mysteries with a purpose
on fitting in Vol. 46 No.1
$4.25 USD $4.70
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Love Overflows what makeS a good friend?
granddaughter, or neighbor. Pair it with a copy of Shadows in Tenebray Forest and The Secret Order for a complete set—she’ll never have to miss a Chloe and Tasha mystery again! For purchasing information, visit gemsgc.org.
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2016 gems open A big thank you to all the contributors and participants who made the 2016 GEMS Open possible! With your support, GEMS is able to continue to grow and challenge young girls everywhere to live passionate lives that embody justice, mercy, and humility. Thanks again to these businesses and individuals: Event Sponsors
Myles and Glennys Kuperus Michael & Debra Liccar & Family Eudell & Mary Jo Vis
lunch Sponsors
Cheryl Boer Richard & Judy Eppinga Larry & Linda Hermen
cart Sponsors
Jeff & Mary Klingenberg Halliard Soap Company Carlson Wagonlit Travel De Jong Enterprises, Inc. Rooks Architecture Dan & Pat Scott
hole Sponsors
Wavern & Beverly DeVries Leon & Louise Koops Harry & Henrietta Reinders Cornucopia Family Foundation Kerkstra Precast Meadowvale-Mississauga GEMS Club TreSorelle Farms
Tee Sponsors
David & Shirley Batts Keith & Betty Davis Andy & Kathie Hoekstra Larry & Jeanie Koops Shannon Scott Woody & Mary VandenBosch Advantage Outdoor Services Best Way Disposal
Cherry Valley Excavating Cindy’s Hair Care, LLC Fairlife Milk Heasley Seeds L&M Costa, Inc. Rycenga Building Center Sovereign Order of Saint John Steensma Lawn & Power Equipment Stroo Funeral Home, Inc. VanDam & Krusinga Building and Restoration Van Den Berge Pest Control, Inc. Witte Travel & Tours Wolverine Lawn Services, Inc.
Golf-At-A-Distance
Lisa Sitser & Charlene Blaawendraat Mike & Lenae Bulthuis Dean Butler Carole DeBoer Karyn Dekker Robyn Kelderman Amy Ledeboer Kristy Van Maanen Lori Meyers Donna Wiersma Tammy Rabb Kim Roose Leneé Struiksma & Teresa Peterson Allison Vander Haar Loretta VanderStreek Geraldine Vanderveen Sandra Vanderveen Suzanne Van Wieren Debbie Veenstra Josh & Alecia Van Hulzen Brookfield Christian Reformed Church GEMS Area 30 GEMS Area 28 Ornamental Iron of Kalamazoo
Contributors
David & Linda Fink Kevin & Amy Schaaf Audrey DeLoof Jim & Jane Lise George & Gepke Elzinga Andy & Grace Moes Brian & Kristin Vosteen R&M Construction Visser Farms LLC
Bluewater Orthopaedic & Sports Supply J.K. Machining Mall City Containers Mulder’s Landscape Supplies, Inc. Paris Cleaners Van Amerongen & Son, Inc. Wonder Pharmacies Ltd. Gleneagle Golf Club Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club Property Resources, Inc. Mines Golf Course Ironwood Golf Course Maple Hill Golf Course Winding Creek Golf Club Gracewil Country Club Broadmoor Country Club Boulder Creek Golf Club Grand Buick Celebration Cinema Rivertown All Star Printing Pageworks On The Border Kregel Publishing House Ludwicks Graphics Unlimited Arnie’s Target of Grandville Top Distributing Walmart of Portage Calvin College Menard’s Andrea Mulder Cindi Visser Lewis Paper Meijer of Portage Whitecaps Community Foundation Costco of Kalamazoo Richard & Judy Eppinga
Kristine Palosaari Colleen Reinders Tina Rooks Lia Leenstra Shirley Batts Robert Flak James Koops Herb Tucker Jeanie Koops Tammi Rua David Aupperlee Justin Gritter & Edward Jones Grand Beach & Sugar Beach Resort Bay Meadows Family Golf Course Ramada Plaza Michigan’s Adventure Baker Publishing Group Abigail Marie Photography Zondervan/Harper Collins Christian Publishing Water & Vine Guest House and Event Space John Ball Zoo Bronson Athletic Center Meiklejohn House Bed & Breakfast UBU Furniture Detroit Red Wings Community Relations Klassic Coconut Maple Reinders Construction Halliard Soap Company Treystar Ryske’s Restaurant Elizabeth Nightingale Kenneth & Ruth Lobbes John Kraay Simon Vreman Caveman Pallets LLC William & Florence Hoving