Jan 2017 Newsletter

January 2017

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Training the Next Generation to Follow Christ in Every Aspect of Life

Seeing God at Work through Pioneer Clubs We come from a county of 5,000 people. Our church has around 250 members and we had been using a different mid-week curriculum for the past 15 years. This summer, our staff had decided to go in a new direction, as we have changed our church name and also built a new building. We researched as a team and felt Pioneer Clubs curriculum was the best fit for us. Last summer, we had training for team leaders and we began to receive really positive feedback almost immediately.

In the past, we had about 35-40 kids attending our mid-week program, but after just 8 weeks of using Pioneer Clubs material, we were averaging 75 kids weekly and had over 100 enrolled! We are absolutely amazed and so grateful at all God is doing in our tiny community!

We have had parents tell us, “We had to make our kids come last year. But this year they are BEGGING to get to club!”

We honestly believe that the new curriculum has given our leaders the “spark” they needed. And, because they are excited about the material, their enthusiasm is overflowing onto the kids and we are seeing a huge change.

As you know, the Lord does the work and our job is to remain faithful and show up! We have 35 people on our team and they are doing an incredible job.

We love the changes, the material, and the response by parents, kids and teachers. Glory to God! Emily and Dustin Hughes First Baptist Church, Salida, Colorado

CELEBRATING OUR LEADERS & VOLUNTEERS!

In this issue of By Faith, we want to recognize and thank all the Pioneer Clubs coordinators, leaders, and volunteers serving all around the world! Because of their dedication and devotion to serve children, precious young lives are being positively influenced and eternally impacted. The testimonials featured in this issue give just a glimpse of what God is accomplishing through the hard-working club leaders in North America, Cuba and across the globe. May God continue to bless all that they are doing for His glory!

How Mrs. “N” Changed My Life

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I was a scared and lonely ten year old growing up in a nominally Catholic family in the 1960’s. An operation caused me to sit on the sidelines at recess where I met Christine. She invited me to go to Pioneer Girls with her and I did. That’s where I met Mrs. “N.” She explained that you could know Jesus and experience salvation. That day I went home and asked my parents, “Are you saved?” They forbid me from going back to Pioneer Girls. But they could not snuff out the hope I had been given.

I could know Jesus, but how? I kept asking my friends and they told me to have faith. But how?

It took seven years before I was able to drive myself to Christine’s youth group. It was there that I learned that faith was a gift from God and I gladly received it.

Knowing Jesus not only soothed my soul, but it also brought me into a loving community.

In college, I decided to be an engineering major. I chose engineering because I believed that machines could not hurt me the way people did. In Jesus Christ, as I was loved well, I began to love back. Eventually, I led a small group of women. And later, I began to disciple other women.

In the ensuing years, this engineering major went back to school for a counseling degree. I now work for a large church in pastoral care ministry. I have the privilege of telling wounded people that Jesus really does care about them and their circumstances. And that the church is there to be a loving community for them.

Today my husband and I serve together in our church choir. Worship is an important part of our walk with Jesus. All three of my children love Jesus and have married spouses who love Jesus as well. My son and his wife serve on the mission field in South Asia. My middle daughter is certified in ESL and has volunteered to teach English to recent immigrants. Her husband just accepted a job on staff at the church. And my younger daughter and her husband are training to become church youth workers.

All this from one visit with Mrs. “N” at Pioneer Clubs, almost 50 years ago.

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Laurie Director-Care Ministries, Indiana

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My Walk with Jesus Began at Pioneer Girls I grew up in Wheaton, Illinois and attended Pioneer Girls at College Church.

My friend, Holly, invited me to go with her when I was nine years old. It was 1968--when Catholics were not allowed to read or interpret the Bible. My Mother and I had to meet with our priest to ask permission for me to have a Bible. I remember being terrified that he would say no. But my Mom was my champion and she spoke up for me. We walked out of that meeting with permission granted.

I felt closer to my Mom after that day . . . knowing that she stood up for me.

I was so happy as I proudly carried my brand new Bible to Pioneer Girls meetings and started memorizing Bible verses, including the Pioneer Clubs’ theme verse: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) I gave my life to Christ soon after I became a Pioneer Girl. I loved wearing my uniform and was very excited to work with my Mom to earn badges. I also enjoyed all the new friends I made and that these friendships extended to school as well.

My fondest memory of Pioneer Girls was attending the Saturday morning Daddy/Daughter Breakfasts. These were

special times for me and my Dad. He worked outside every day in the hot sun, the pouring rain and in Chicago’s unrelenting wind and snow for Peoples Gas Company. My Dad worked many long overtime hours to take care of our large family. Consequently, I didn’t get a lot of one-on-one time with him. But he always made time to take me to my Pioneer Girls Daddy/Daughter Breakfasts.

Mary Kanak (left), her Pioneer Girl picture and her daughter, Breanne (right)

As a young girl, I remember that all of us girls admired and looked up to our adult leaders. We wanted to be like them. We memorized our Bible verses, acted kindly towards each other, and paid close attention to them during the Bible lessons.

Today I work at Pioneer Clubs headquarters in Carol Stream, Illinois.

I feel like my life has come full circle.

Pioneer Girls helped me find a place to belong and begin a lifelong relationship with Jesus. Now I serve Him at Pioneer Clubs and am humbled by His love and care for me, from the time I was a child to this very day.

Mary T. Kanak Executive Assistant Pioneer Clubs

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Why I Chose Pioneer Clubs for My Daughter Growing up on the east coast of Pennsylvania in the ‘70’s, I had never heard of Pioneer Clubs. Instead, my mom introduced my younger sister and me to Girl Scouts which we both participated in wholeheartedly from Brownies on up to Cadettes. I loved that my mom led our troop throughout the years; involving us in service projects, exposing us to tent camping, learning new things through badge work, and making friends. Choosing a Midwestern college as well as a Midwestern husband, rooted me solidly in the Wheaton, Illinois area.

I followed in my mom’s footsteps by becoming a Girl Scout leader for 6 years for my oldest daughter. I enjoyed leading the many activities, but the philosophy and goal of Girl Scouts had changed dramatically since I was a girl. When my second daughter arrived (12 years after

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my first) I knew that I wanted to find something with a more Christ-centered philosophy. As I looked into what our church had to offer, I discovered that it ran a Wednesday night program called Pioneer Clubs.

As I explored what Pioneer Clubs entailed, I loved that Christ and the Bible were the core of the program along with learning life skills. When my daughter started second grade, I suggested Pioneer Clubs to her. She liked the idea even more when I told her I wanted to be her leader. I had a two-fold reason for volunteering— to help my daughter to grow in her relationship with the Lord as well as with her fellow peers. At that time, my daughter had recently been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and I felt, as her club leader, I could help direct her in positive peer interactions.

My daughter looked forward to attending each week because of the variety of spiritual and physical activities that are provided within the club booklets. My co-leader and I were able to adjust the program’s content in order to maximize the girls’ learning in relation to their interests. I stayed with my daughter and the rest of the girls from 1st grade until 6th grade which brought stability as we watched the girls grow in all areas over the six years. During those years, I was able to positively direct my daughter in proper social responses when needed as well as help her learn to verbally express herself better when I noticed that she was struggling with a project, a thought, or a peer.

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What Kids Think about Club

I loved earning the badges and putting them on my Pioneer Clubs bag.

Anne

Over 45 years ago, my mom showed me how to be a good role model for my kidsget involved with what they are doing.

I encourage those who are considering Pioneer Clubs to get involved-be a leader or at least offer your assistance to the leader once a month. My Pioneer Club girls especially loved the cooking, sewing, games and acting badges which always needed many hands to run smoothly.

It also touched my heart to listen to the prayers of these girls over the years as they grew in their knowledge of how much the Lord loves them and for them to learn how to show that love to those around them. I am thankful that the biblical values threaded throughout the Pioneer Clubs program has become part of the rich Christian tapestry of my daughter’s life.

Linda Gulbransen Board Member, Pioneer Clubs

and I appreciate that you b Clu er ne the other Pio r helpers volunteer you ren ild ch the time to help and le Bib learn about the s art ke to help them ma

and crafts. ~Dylan

Pioneer Clubs ARUBA When we first started Pioneer Clubs Aruba, we were excited to work with our members who had already accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Our goal for each member was for them to know God’s Love and that they would grow each day becoming more like Christ.

While working with our members, we noticed that each one has his or her own unique qualities: those who are creative, funny, caring, supportive, quiet, helpful, committed and responsible. Within a few months of attending our club, our quiet members learned to express themselves.

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There were days when a few of our members had tough times at school where they faced bullying, peer pressure, low self esteem and even struggled to pass certain subjects. In these moments, we stood side by side with them as we encouraged them to be strong and of good courage. We told them to not fear nor be afraid for the Lord their God was with them and that He would not leave them nor forsake them. Within a few months, we received the greatest testimonies from our members of how they overcame their obstacles through Christ.

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Our club enjoys the DELTA handbook. Club members are learning about friends, family, themselves and more about God. As leaders, we see that they are learning to become disciples as they equip themselves to do every good work for the Lord and learn that God’s word IS a lamp unto their feet, and a light unto their path.

It is great to see our members grow spiritually and become passionate about Christ. Pioneer Club Aruba is looking forward to the great things ahead!

In Christ’s name we remain!

Natasha James-Landlau Pioneer Clubs, Aruba

Fun Facts about Aruba • Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636.

• Economy: A 19th century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening of an oil refinery in 1924.

• Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

God is on the move here . . . especially with our younger generation!

• Religion: Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, Jewish

• Languages: Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish

A Win-Win Charitable Gift An Interview with Sandi Vander Kooi— Former CFO and Vice President of Finance at Pioneer Clubs Briefly explain how you were introduced to Pioneer Clubs.

My sister was in Pioneer Girls while I was in high school. She connected with Zondra Lindblade Swanson at a parents’ weekend. Zondra told me about what would be involved in being a Regional Representative when I was uncertain about teaching. The job description included about 20 of the 25 items on my “wish” list, many of which I thought were mutually exclusive. I was wrong.

8 Cherith as Head of the Rapids State Park.

I was then asked to be the Central Division Director during the time when lines were redrawn putting North Central into the Western Division. I moved to Wheaton, Illinois at that time to lead five regions.

When I learned about a new position being created—Operations Manager—I asked if I might be considered and I was.

I learned how to create programs for computers and I proposed that Pioneer Girls secure their own computer system rather than use an outside company. My work also involved analyzing financial reports. This was the impetus for my desire to pursue an MBA. When the former Treasurer retired, I was promoted to that position. I was ultimately promoted to Chief Financial Officer and then Vice President of Finance at Pioneer Clubs.

What sets Pioneer Clubs apart for you?

Pioneer Clubs has continued its mission to reach children with the gospel. Club is designed to help them come to know the Lord, study the Bible and apply biblical principles to everyday living. This is done through building relationships with other children and with Christian adults who can be role models. I am glad that we still believe in personal interaction and haven’t moved to only internet interaction.

You worked for Pioneer Clubs for 44 years . . . explain the various positions you’ve held at this ministry.

I started out as a Regional Representative for the North Central Region—Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota.

This position involved directing Camp

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How has Pioneer Clubs influenced your life?

As both a Regional Representative and Camp Director, I was in a role of being a Christian leader. This challenged me to grow daily in my relationship with the Lord. Changing responsibilities allowed me to continue to learn new skills and consider ways to move the organization forward. Keeping Christ central in work and life has always been my main goal.

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What led you to invest in a Gift Annuity with Pioneer Clubs?

I wanted to support the longevity of Pioneer Clubs as well as receive a return on my money. So I felt a Charitable Gift Annuity was a good way to go. Years ago, I invested in a Charitable Gift Annuity with Pioneer Clubs (actually two of them), as I was able to give a little beyond my annual gifts. I saw it as a way to encourage ongoing income for the organization as well as myself when I reached retirement. When I gave (my gift part of the amount)—was credited as a contribution. While the rest of it was held to be sure Pioneer Clubs would be able to pay me my appropriate interest at the agreed upon time. Meanwhile, the organization was able to use any growth in the investment. Now I receive that interest as income with part of that being tax deductible.

It is truly a Win-Win for Pioneer Clubs and for me.

What is your advice to people who may be considering investing in a Gift Annuity with Pioneer Clubs?

A gift annuity is a positive way to encourage Pioneer Clubs in their ministry through some funds now and some invested for the future of the organization. The annuity allows for some income and part of that is tax deductible.

A Transformational Prayer That Changed My Life Forever I was in Pioneer Girls when I was in 6th grade. We lived in Encinitas, California at the time and only at the address we had for 6 months. Unbeknownst to one of the volunteers who was helping a young girl learn how to accept Christ as Savior, my life was changed by what I heard that night. I was so starved to learn how to know God and where I would go when I died that I listened with eager ears. I was relieved to hear the answers to questions for which I had been desperately searching.

That evening at bedtime (I thought you couldn’t pray except before going to sleep), I prayed the prayer I had heard at Pioneer Girls, accepted Jesus Christ into my life and immediately felt His presence all over me. That feeling stayed with me for years. In 11th grade, a neighbor’s mother gave me a Living Bible for Teenagers and I began to learn the Bible.

Until that day, I had only known one verse, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Accepting Jesus Christ into my life was the most life-changing thing that happened in my life and the volunteer in Pioneer Girls that night had no idea she had helped lead me to the Lord.

I am now almost 59 years old and still deeply in love with the Lord. I have walked with Him all these years. I owe my early conversion to Pioneer Girls.

—Michelle, Pinehurst, NC

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Pioneer Clubs and My Decision to Become a Missionary I grew up in New Jersey with three older brothers in a family of unbelievers (though my grandparents on my dad’s side were believers and prayed for our salvation). My classmate and girlfriend at school, Linda, invited me to a Bible Club at her church when I was in junior high. There Laura May, a BCM International Missionary, taught us fascinating Bible stories using flannel

graph. She had a wonderful prize box.

If you earned enough points you could choose an interesting prize! That prize box motivated me to read my Bible, memorize verses, and keep attending club meetings. At the age of 13, after just a short time of going to church, I accepted Christ as my Savior.

Shortly after I accepted Jesus, the pastor, who was very missions-oriented, gave a call for anyone who wanted to serve the Lord full time. At the age of 13, I heard the Lord calling me to become a missionary. During my teen years, the Lord gave me many opportunities to prepare for that calling. I taught first grade Sunday school and helped in the Pioneer Girls’ ministry at the church.

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When we went to Camp Cherith in Pennsylvania for a retreat one time, the Lord gave me the gift of leading one of the girls to Jesus! What a privilege to be used by God!

When I was at Philadelphia College of Bible preparing to enter missions, I spent my junior year (1977-78) in Israel studying at the Institute of Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem. Who would have ever imagined that there was a Pioneer Girls Club in Jerusalem? Once again I was able to minister to young girls—a community of internationals who lived in Jerusalem.

I am so grateful for the opportunities I had as a teen in Pioneer Girls. That training in my early years as a Christian developed me into the missionary I have been over the years. From 1982–1995, I was a church planting missionary and since 1997 my husband, Carlos, and I have been with T.E.A.M. Ministry in Mexico.

Yes, the Lord has been watching o’er me and His mercies have gone before me every step of the way for 44 years! I am so thankful for the people in our Pioneer Girls Club that prayed for me and those who still continue to pray for me today!

Carlos & Sandy Rios T.E.A.M. Church Planters serving in Mexico

President’s Page

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I Still Proclaim Your Wondrous Deeds

I’m sure you’ve been told that when you see an iceberg floating in the ocean you are only seeing about 10% of it.

The other 90% lies below the surface of the water and goes unseen. This is a very interesting fact of nature, but what does this have to with Pioneer Clubs?

Well, the stories you’ve read in this issue of By Faith are very much like the tip of an iceberg you see above water. These are just a few of the thousands of stories that could be told about the impact that Pioneer Clubs has made in people’s lives over its 78 year history. As you’ve read, there are adults whose lives were changed by this ministry as a child and they continue to walk with the Lord. And there are children today learning to follow Christ in every aspect of life who will have similar testimonies 30, 50 and even 70 years from now.

And I know firsthand the life-long impact Pioneer Clubs can make in the life of a child. When I was in elementary school in the 1960s, Pioneer Clubs was then Pioneer Girls. Naturally, I did not attend. But I was part of Christian Service Brigade, an organization for boys that provided the impetus for the start of Pioneer Girls. The years I spent in Brigade helped form my faith and the many lessons I learned back then remain with me to this day.

I think Psalm 71:17-18 is a great synopsis of the kind of impact our ministry has had in the lives of people.

Those verses read, O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

As you’ve read, the children this ministry served years ago are still proclaiming God’s wondrous deeds and proclaiming His might to another generation. And we are still teaching children, so that in the future another generation will rise up and do the same.

But we need your help to continue to make a difference for years to come. By the end of June, we need to raise $335,000 to remain viable and healthy. Just a month ago that amount was $375,000 and we have seen God provide for our needs. But there is still a ways to go to meet our financial obligations.

I am so grateful for each and every person who partners with us to make a difference in children’s live. Please pray that God would use the work of our hands for His glory and that He would provide for our needs through His people. There is so much we can do and through His strength we will!

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Please Pray 1. God would use His people to provide the financial resources needed for us to continue to reach children for Christ.

2. For the development of partnerships with like-minded ministries that will allow us to expand our impact.

3. For our staff as we develop innovative new resources to help children follow Christ in every aspect of life.

Thoughts to Ponder

God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.

― John Piper Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.

― Elisabeth Elliott

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

― Martin Luther King, Jr.

PO BOX 788 WHEATON, IL 60189 www.pioneerclubs.org