connection
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14 sharing news and light with friends of gems
final farewell The other day when I was at Starbucks, the barista told me that the gentleman in front of me paid for my coffee and wanted to know if I would pay for the next person’s. I said, “Of course.” Then the barista told me, with tears in her eyes, that the very first customer that day started this and it had lasted all day. Jacob Kounin, a social scientist and educational theorist coined the phrase the “ripple effect” to explain how, “One small change can create a ripple effect that leads to greater changes with profound impact.” Jesus even talked about the “ripple effect” in the parable of the good Samaritan when he said, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).
the conference bring back an enthusiasm for ministry that has an impact on the worship experiences and programmatic activities of all of our ministries. In addition to an overall increase in congregational enthusiasm, I also delight in the increase in the spiritual maturity of the church. As our GEMS counselors have shared their insights over the years, the formative power of the GEMS Conference has contributed significantly to the spiritual growth of the whole family of God at Seymour Church. I highly recommend the GEMS Leadership Conference. I am confident that you will find the money budgeted for this event to be well worth it for the benefit of the whole congregation.”
You have the chance to start a “ripple effect” in your congregation by encouraging each of your GEMS counselors to attend the GEMS Leadership Conference at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan this summer. Here’s what Dr. Philip De Jonge of Seymour Christian Reformed Church had to say about Conference:
The “ripple effect” of sending your GEMS counselors to the GEMS Leadership Conference will be felt throughout your congregation.
“I always enjoy observing the ripple effect of the GEMS Leadership Conference on our entire congregation. [We] send several of our counselors with the expectation that these women will have their skills honed and their passion enflamed. We are never disappointed. Of course, all of our members anticipate that our GEMS leaders will return better equipped to lead our GEMS ministry, but the unanticipated benefit is the inspirational ripple effect felt throughout the whole congregation. The women who attend
spring
Lastly, I would like to share with you that God is sending my family and me on a new journey. While we are excited and filled with great anticipation for this next journey with God, we will miss partnering alongside each of you in mentoring women and girls.
GEMS Girls’ Clubs EXECUTIVE BOARD Shirley Batts – Portage, Michigan Cheryl Boer – Eden Prairie City, Minnesota 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 Girls’ Clubs 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 Conference Coordinator – Alecia VanHulzen Senior Editor – Amy White
Kathryn Miller
send me! conference 2014 This summer, women are going to learn what it looks like when, like Isaiah, they raise their voices in a resounding chorus and say, Send me! (Isaiah 6:8). Women from around North America will gather at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan to gain a deeper sense of the impact they can have as they mentor girls and pour into the next generation. They are going to be equipped to go out and share the good news of Jesus in and through their lives. Every summer, the GEMS Leadership Conference prepares women for their roles as counselors. They learn the new Annual Theme, attend refreshing and informative workshops, hear dynamic speakers, and partake in corporate worship. But Conference is much more than that, too—it’s a time for women to be refreshed and encouraged so they can effectively serve in their GEMS Clubs. We train women so they can impact girls for all eternity. Leadership training is an integral part of what we do at GEMS, and your continued support allows events like this to be possible. Churches and Christian organizations that send counselors to Conference see a noticeable difference in the impact their clubs have on girls. So, if you haven’t already, consider encouraging the women in your club to join us this summer at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, July 23-26 for a life-changing experience. You can view the website for more detailed information and to register today!
GEMS LEADERSHIP TRAINING CONFERENCE
we walk tour For the past year and a half the We Walk Tour has traveled around North America inspiring women and girls to live out Micah 6:8—acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. The final stop was in Abbotsford, British Columbia earlier this year. And, even though the tour is over, there are still lots of great resources available for inspiring the girls in your life to take action to set things right. Author and speaker, Sara Lynne Hilton, has two exciting mystery books in addition to her regular appearances in SHINE brightly Magazine. The first and second books in the Micah Road Mysteries series are a fun way to Sara Lynne Hilton engage girls and teach them about justice and following God. Visit the GEMS website to learn more and buy a copy for your favorite GEM today!
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GEMS
getLEADERSHIP connected! camp TRAINING LOCAL WORKSHOPS
Every other summer, GEMS hosts a camp for early teen girls. At Get Connected! Camp girls are challenged to GEMS grow deeper connections—with their peers, with their LEADERSHIP counselors, and with God. Away from the noise and TRAINING distractions of everyday life they are able to learn and SPRING SEMINAR grow in their faith while they have a ton of fun! This August, Get Connected! Camp will be taking place at Cran-Hill Ranch in Rodney, Michigan. We are still looking for college-aged women to serve as counselors. If you know anyone who wants to spend a week of her summer leading, guiding, and having a blast with a small group of girls—send her to gemsgc.org for an application!
the esther school
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
THE ESTHER SCHOOL Building a community of faithful and skillful servant leaders
In January, a storm hit Nyangwena, Zambia—home of The Esther School campus. Significant damage was done to the preschool building as well as other parts of the facility. Thankfully, the school day was over and all of the students had gone home before the storm hit. The entire community has since rallied together to repair and rebuild after the storm, and we are so thankful for God’s provision—from the willing hands in Zambia to the willing supporters in the U.S. and Canada who offered financial support when they heard the news. Even with small setbacks like this, the school continues to grow and thrive, and we are thankful for the families and individuals who will be joining the staff at the school this summer. Brent and Kathy Miedema and their family will be taking over as the Administrators of Finance and Site Development. In addition,
We are asking God to supply just the right teacher to lead the third grade class in 2015-16. If you know of any experienced teachers (or retired or nearing retirement teachers) who might love a new adventure, please email jan@gemsgc.org for details regarding this opportunity. Miedema Family two new teachers will join the team as a new grade continues to be added each year. CeCe Heather CeCe Walden of Carmel, Indiana will be the new second grade teacher and Heather Miedema of Hudsonville, Michigan will be the new music teacher as well as coordinating home schooling for families serving the school.
One non-teaching staff member is also needed for this fall, so please share this opportunity with others! We are looking for a Communication Specialist/Student Sponsorship Coordinator who will be responsible for all communications, media, and online programming, as well as maintaining communications with all student sponsors. For a detailed job description and information about housing and other benefits, please email jan@gemsgc.org.
imagine what i can do! Nine-year-old Rachel believed she could make a difference. After hearing about The Esther School at her GEMS Club, she knew she wanted to help build the school in Zambia, Africa. “She thought of several ways she might be able to raise money,” Rachel’s Mom, Kelly, explained. “Selling rubber band bracelets, duct tape accessories, lemonade—all of which involved a stand in the neighborhood.” Unfortunately, Michigan winters do not lend themselves to neighborhood stands, and Rachel wanted to make money right away. “I reminded her that I do fundraiser jewelry shows quite often for others, and if she was willing to do all the work, I would be happy to donate 100% of the profit,” Kelly said. Rachel took her mom up on the offer and immediately started compiling her guest list. She then spent the next few weeks addressing invitations, sending messages, and making phone calls. “She reached out to everyone she could think of to ask if they would place orders for jewelry or make a donation toward the event… [she] left no stone unturned in who she was willing to ask for support. While other friends played in the snow, she wrote orders!” Between the jewelry she sold and the donations she received, Rachel was able to raise $1,200 for The Esther School. Around the time of her sale, the school was hit by a storm that did serious damage to the preschool and other buildings on campus. Rachel decided to give half of what she raised to rebuilding after the storm and the other half to purchasing school supplies.
“As her parents,” Kelly said, “we are in awe of what Rachel was able to accomplish! I love that the seed was planted at her GEMS group to support this ministry! That seed, paired with passion and hard work, turned into an incredible life lesson of what a “kid” can do for God’s Kingdom!” When telling a family member about her fundraiser Rachel smiled and exclaimed, “Imagine if I can do this at nine years old, what I can do when I’m 17 or 18!” We agree! When Paul reminded Timothy not to let anyone look down on him because he was young, he also reminded him to set an example (1Timothy 4:12). Like Timothy, Rachel was eager and willing to do just that!
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gems 18th annual golf open
REGISTRATION FORM (or register online at gemsgc.org)
Name Address
On Friday, May 9 we will be holding our GEMS Open at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Belmont, Michigan. You may be thinking, I don’t live in Michigan, so this doesn’t apply to me. But it does! We need sponsorships and donations from all over North America for this event to be a success, and we also have a golf-at-a-distance option for people who still want to play but can’t make it to the Michigan location! This long-standing event not only offers golfers a great day for fun and fellowship on the greens, but it lets you show your support for the overall GEMS ministry—with the proceeds specifically benefitting Get Connected! Camp, a summer camp for early-teen girls. From high-ropes and zip lines to one-on-one time with counselors, at camp girls experience truth in an interactive, energizing environment that impacts them for a lifetime.
Telephone Email
OTHER GOLFERS IN MY FOURSOME Name Address Telephone Email Name Address Telephone Email Name Address Telephone Email
So join us on May 9 at Boulder Creek Golf Club, or find a way to get involved. You can find out more information on the GEMS website.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES mEVENT SPONSOR - $1,000 mLUNCH SPONSOR - $750 mCART SPONSOR - $500 mHOLE SPONSOR - $250 mTEE SPONSOR - $125 mCONTRIBUTOR - (In-kind or monetary) Sponsor Name Company Name Address Telephone Email Amount Enclosed
INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION GOLF AND LUNCH — $135 x $135 = ____________
GOLF AT A DISTANCE x $95 = I will be unable to golf with you this year but I would like to make a donation or in-kind contribution of . You can fax this form with credit card information to the number below or send it with checks payable to GEMS Girls’ Clubs 1333 Alger St SE • Grand Rapids, MI • 49507 Phone 616-241-5616 ext. 3032 • Fax 616-241-5558
Visa Mastercard Discover Expires __ __ / __ __ Card Number __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Name on account ______________________________________ Address on account _____________________________________ City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal code____________________________ __________________________________________________________