Aim Right Ministries

With our programs set to begin in September, the month of August has been one of:

 

(1) Rest

(2) Preparation

 

We thank God for a bit of "down-time" to reflect upon last year's programs and discern the new directions He may be leading this year.  One project in-the-works is a restructuring of Kids Klub into small groups.  Already, God has provided the extra volunteers that will be needed to make that transition.

 

Some other August highlights include:

 

(1) Darrell's return to leadership after a refreshing 4-month sabbatical.

(2) Distributing back packs to needy students at Edison Elementary School (Special thanks to City of Grace for providing back packs again).

(3) Intern appreciation at a local ice rink honoring Troy Moser, Joanna Matthews, and Sheila Schlabach. 

 

An interesting tidbit about the back pack giveaway...Edison's social worker, for the 2nd year in a row, has done an amazing job of recruiting deserving students and has allowed us to go into the school to personally give out back packs.  This year, teachers sent selected students to the cafeteria, where we had an eyecatching display of back packs arranged on the tables.  There were smiles in abundance as the students sorted through the options and then exited the cafeteria with a new back pack.  Among the chosen students were several of our Kids Klub attendees (The surprised looks on their faces said, "Why are we seeing you at SCHOOL?"). 

 

It was especially neat to reconnect with a girl who came to Kids Klub around 4 years ago, but with whom I had lost touch after the family moved.  I would guess that she is now 8 or 9 years old.  When I first knew her, She had been diagnosed with hyperactive disorder (according to mom), and it was always evident if she had taken her medication prior to coming to Kids Klub.  The meds would cause her to slumber through the service, while not taking them yielded one wild little girl!  (:  On a sadder note, I remember her family's living conditions being one of the most depressing on our weekly visitation routes.  Please pray that we can discover where the family lives again and be able to bring the hope of Jesus to them.

 

Amy Unrau

Office Administrator

 

 

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!