God loves his kids.

Hey everyone,

So much has happened since I last blogged. I'm overwhelmed with how God loves his kids in Paola. There are so many things that I thank God for that he has done, and so many things are yet to be done! So, continue to pray over this ministry - that it would be effective in causing kids to know the acceptance, love & peace that comes through the Gospel message. Pray that all of us on committee & leader team become settled in God's love and that we would have an overwhelming sense of strength to take on this mission that God has led us into.

Giving Thanks:
Here are some amazing things that we are so thankful for. God has allowed incredible seeds to be planted that have led to some of these things below. I'd love to tell you more, but for now I'll just give you the highlights.

June - Guys started meeting together weekly in what we call "the man cave" where we grow to be disciples of Jesus.
July 20 - Paola Young Life and the Gateway Region hired me as their part-time area director!
July 28 - United Way of Miami County presentation.
August 13 - Ruritans of Hillsdale presentation
August 25 - I was called to substitute teach for Photography I & II at Paola High School. (And then band later that week).
August 26 - Baehr Foundation presentation.
August 27 - Roman Foundation granted funds to Paola Young Life for program expenses & startup funds.
August 31 - City of Paola / Chamber meeting for Paola Young Life (discussed space needs, community services, timeline, etc).

Courtney and I are also so thankful that we're back to a few sources of income. I joke about having 5 jobs - but I'm thankful for each one. (Young Life, Construction, Substitute Teaching, Landlord, Sales). God has used each of these jobs to share the gospel, advance Young Life, send kids to camp, help pay the bills, etc. It is our desire to be on Young Life staff full-time - but we're incredibly satisfied that this is what God has given us at this time and that he's used them for HIS purposes.

Financial Status:
In a year of economic hardship, Paola Young Life has raised nearly $60,000 for ministry purposes in 2009 - 2010. What an awesome show of support from people in our community who have put their faith in this ministry and who love kids. Further, what an incredible testimony of how God loves His children and has prepared the way for relationship with them. So beautiful.

I'm off to a Young Life Staff retreat and I'll be back Thursday! Keep praying and pursuing Him in response to HIS incredible pursuit of you and me.

Deeply yours in this mission to reach kids,
Ryan
Paola Young Life
913.259.4PYL