Aim Right Ministries

Teen Camp '08 almost didn't happen.  With challenges in securing transportation, finances, staff, a campground, and a speaker, the roadblocks were obvious.  Prayer for specific camp needs became routine throughout months of staff meetings, and one by one, obstacles became opportunities.

 

When we realized there had been a scheduling miscommunication with our usual camp location in Colorado, God opened doors at El Nathan Christian Camp in Flagstaff, AZ.  They generously adjusted rates for our group, and our transportation costs were lowered considerably as well.  After numerous speaker inquiries, Gustavo Ramirez, a Pennsylvania pastor, agreed to come and speak.  Our camp dates just "happened" to be the only available week he had during the summer.  We continued to see God answer our other prayer requests, providing the counselors and funds needed.

 

Three teens accepted Christ as Savior at camp, and many other already born-again teens were challenged to a deeper walk with God.  Gustavo's messages on the father heart of God especially resonated with those who have no present earthly father, or live with heart-scars inflicted by their fathers or other men.  Healing and hope from the Father of compassion were accepted tearfully and joyfully.

 

One of the highlights of camp was the time of worship in song that preceded each chapel message.  Our Teen Ministries Director, Keith Byler, led these Spirit-filled moments, and it would be difficult to find a more enthusiastic group of worshippers!  The youth and staff also participated in "choir" each day and shared several songs  during the Sunday service at Crossroads Christian Fellowship after they returned from camp.

 

SPECIAL THANKS to each of you who prayed fervently, supported generously, or volunteered willingly.  May God reward you for your kindness!

 

- Amy Unrau, Office Administrator

This week is a jungle adventure to discover Jesus as around 60 children have joined us each evening for VBS.  Aim Right is targeting "The Projects" this week, a large government housing complex, and our bus has been packed!  Children have been divided into groups by age and travel around to a different site each night to hear a Bible story, play games, eat a snack, learn a memory verse, and complete a craft. 

 

Each evening, I have been promising a special prize at the end of the week for perfect attendance or almost-perfect attendance, and some of the children are trying their hardest to come every evening.  Late last night, a girl called me who hadn't been at VBS and explained that she couldn't come because her mom just had a baby.  I assured her she could get a prize anyway, since she had a valid excuse!

 

The children have also been doing an incredible job memorizing the Bible verses.  Of course, candy is a nice incentive,  but many of the verses are quite challenging.  Speaking of candy, we are still using candy from the large donation we received last fall. 

 

On Saturday, a youth group from Oklahoma flies into Phoenix and will be assisting us with VBS week #2, when we target children living in the Garfield neighborhood.  Please pray for the group as they teach VBS, interact with the children, and adjust to our hot weather.

 

- Amy Unrau, Office Administrator

 

On Saturday, March 22, Aim Right Ministries and City of Grace teamed up for the first-ever Girls Day at the Zoo.  Thirty-nine girls ages 5 to 17 attended the event and were paired up with "big sisters" from City of Grace.  Throughout the morning, big sisters and little sisters connected and laughed and visited the many zoo exhibits.  Participants met for a special lunch in a scenic, private area of the zoo and enjoyed sack lunches decorated with a bright orange smiling giraffe.  Each girl received a stuff animal with a "Jesus Loves You" tag as a gift from City of Grace. 

 

SPECIAL THANKS to the ladies from City of Grace who volunteered of their time to make this a memorable day for all of the girls.  Your kindness is (and will be) remembered!  As I was taking a girl home after the zoo outing, she sadly said, "I miss my friends" and she was referring to her big sisters.  Also, thank you to the only men involved in the outing---our bus drivers Troy and Kyle who drove us safely there and back. 

 

How fitting that on the Easter weekend of remembering JESUS reaching out to US, a group of ladies humbly followed in HIS footsteps, laid aside their plans for a day, and REACHED out to "the least among us"--children. 

 

- Amy Unrau, Office Administrator

Aim Right's staff and interns spent the holidays away from Phoenix and came back refreshed and ready to plug into the work again.  Keith Byler recently added the responsibility of teaching at Teen Night and is also organizing something brand-new for Aim Right...a teen worship service.

 

Teen girls' and guys' Bible studies will meet separately each Monday evening, then come together for a time of praise and worship, followed by a brief message and prayer time.  The teen service will be known as "OUT LOUD," and our prayer is that it will encourage youth to unashamedly live their faith "out loud" in front of their peers and family members.

 

In other news, auction day is rapidly approaching!  This year's event is scheduled for February 16 and will feature beautiful quilts and comforters, antiques, quality furniture, meat and cheese from Amish country, and many more items.  For more information, visit our auction blog at http://aimrightauction.spaces.live.com.

If you live in the Phoenix area, we hope to see you on Feb. 16!

As the rest of the country braves ice and snow, we have had several days of rain (which is highly unusual for Phoenix!).  An answer to prayer was the sunshine God provided for the annual "Bike Party" nineteen children attended on Saturday.  The party is hosted by local philanthropists, and this year marked 25 years of this special event where each child who is invited receives a free bicycle.  Each family also receives a large food box and a turkey.  Highlights of the party included a mound of shipped-in snow, horse-drawn carriage rides, petting zoo, inflatables, snow cones and cotton candy.  We are grateful for the local generous contributors that have continued the Bike Party tradition year after year.  Teens involved in our programs who attended a Bike Party years ago still remember it vividly!

 

On Sunday afternoon, several youth enjoyed lunch together (Aim Right provides lunch twice each month for youth who attend Sunday morning church--often a group of 30 to 40) and then rehearsed a play they will perform at the Kids Klub Christmas program and party tomorrow.  CitiChurch members in Scottsdale are bringing 120 donated, filled stockings we will distribute after the party, along with candy sacks (Yes, we still have candy left!). 

 

For many Christmases, we have been blessed by donations of new toys through Toys for Tots.  The gifts were picked up this morning and will be wrapped by interns throughout the week, then distributed to individual children next week.  Many parents have expressed that money for Christmas presents for their children is limited, so the individual gifts make Christmas a bit more special for the children with whom we work.

 

This Friday evening, Aim Right has reserved a church's roller skating area for our Teen Night party.  Pizza and pop are also on the agenda.  How can you go wrong with that?

 

Next week, we will say good-bye to intern Roger Beachy, who has faithfully served for 16 months.  We will miss him greatly, and are praying for God to send one or two male interns to fill the vacancy. 

 

May God bless you this Christmas season, as you reflect upon the treasure that Jesus is! 

 

Amy Unrau, Office Administrator