Summer Training Project

TET: Matt Reagan “The Cost of Eternity”

stpweb — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:26:08 +0000

In the last training session before our departure from project, Matt Reagan shared about heaven. He encouraged us to live with our heads in the clouds, never giving up the hope for more we have in Christ. He illustrates the splendor of our new body and souls to encourage us to see that the prize is worth any cost. As a practical, he pushes us to play the “heaven game” on the way back with others to remind each other the hope we have.

RET: Jon Saunders “Resolutions”

stpweb — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:01:10 +0000

Jon Saunders, the last of the RET speakers, tells us to grow up. Discipleship is not babysitting so we cannot approach it with an “I-deserve” mentality.

“Long for Jesus and you will grow up.”

RET: Paul Poteat “How Do You Avoid This Summer Being a Mountaintop?”

stpweb — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:52:11 +0000

In this RET session, Paul Poteat encourages us to make the most out of our time and our resources in order to avoid spiritual amnesia. STP is not a mountaintop that you climb and then coast down for the rest of the year until next summer. Instead it is a continual fight to battle our compulsion to forget the impact of the gospel on our lives.

RET: Eric Lonergan “Sharing with Family and Friends”

stpweb — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:36:55 +0000

Eric Lonergan explores the dangers of being indifferent or overly passionate in sharing with others after STP. He reminds us that God loves us despite us, not because of us. He encourages us to share with love and with words, letting the gospel bleed out from us and define who we are.

RET: Ken Currie “How (not) to Fall Away From CO”

stpweb — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:32:20 +0000

In the first Return Training talk (RET), Ken Currie, the director of COM, shared on practicals of staying in Christian Community by giving main reasons why people leave. He explains how our culture tends to value individualistic tendencies, but he defends the value of community from a biblical perspective.
Then he encourage us to commit to three P’s: A Purpose, A Person, A Process.

BST: Jens Paulson “How Do I Study the Bible Without Bible Study Training Every Week?”

stpweb — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:15:32 +0000

Jens Paulson gives practicals on getting in the word after STP. Ask people on project about their plans and Jens’ study schedule on the Sermon on the Mount.

Have a plan.

EVT: Larry Martini “Evangelism and Your College Campus”

stpweb — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:00:16 +0000

“Open your eyes… do not go alone… be a sniper. For Christ.”

Larry Martini encourages us to be intentional in our relationships and how we go about building our community and evangelizing to others in this coming school year.

LDT: Jack Thompson “Leading on the Campus”

stpweb — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:54:46 +0000

Jack Thompson encourages us to start thinking for our campuses and gives a list practicals to intentionally engage the campus for Christ.

TET: Steve Discher “Suffering”

stpweb — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:49:20 +0000

What is the purpose of suffering? How does God use suffering in a Christian’s life?

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:14-15).

Steve Discher attempts formulate a framework for suffering and how it points to Christ.

LFT: Matt Messerly “A Good Life at No Cost -Family”

stpweb — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:31:21 +0000

“Our main goal is not to build awesome families, nor is it to build a Christian nation… our main goal is Christ going forth in our lives.”

Matt Messerly talks about the theology of family, how Jesus values family but also how we can let family become an idol if we are not careful.

BST: Jens Paulson “What About Prayer?”

stpweb — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:09:08 +0000

Jens Paulson explains reading, meditating, and praying as all important parts of Bible study. He shows us that God lovingly commands us to pray and walks us through practical acronyms: IOUS and ACTS in thinking about how and what we pray.

EVT: Larry Martini “Evangelism and Mercy Ministry”

stpweb — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:03:01 +0000

Larry Martini describes mercy ministry as, “alleviating physical needs to point people to Christ.” Instead wallowing in guilt or becoming desensitized to the needs in the world around us, we are encouraged to engage the world with passion and with intense acts of love (Luke 10:30-37).

LDT: Jack Thompson “Encouraging vs. Flattering Your People”

stpweb — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:55:01 +0000

From 1 Thessalonians 2:5-12 Jack Thompson begins by showing us the two pitfalls of flattery: saying what we don’t need to say in people pleasing and refraining from saying what we need to say because of our fear of people. Encouragement is different from flattery because it is not self-seeking or even other-seeking, but because it is gospel-seeking. True encouragement points people towards God.

TET: Steve Discher “The Cost of Vulnerability”

stpweb — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:43:17 +0000

“That at all costs, we would be open to each other in the context of community, because of the gospel of Christ.”

Steve Discher shares on how we are made to be in community and encourages us to live in the light, to be accountable to each other in our successes and our failures seeing what Christ has done in us.

LFT: Matt Messerly “A Good Life at No Cost -Technology”

stpweb — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:31:19 +0000

Matt Messerly draws from the story of the Tower of Babel as an illustration of how we tend to use technology to build towers for ourselves. Instead, Hhe encourages us to draw from the example of Noah who built the Ark in obedience and faith in God.

BST: Jens Paulson “How Does the Bible Change the Way I Live?”

stpweb — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:14:43 +0000

Knowing God changes our lives at all costs.
There is no cost. The only cost is to the flesh (Romans 8:9).

Jens Paulson shares on the three P’s of the NAture of Biblical Change: Planted, Produce, and Process.

EVT: Larry Martini “The Gospel, Your Life, and Community”

stpweb — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:06:25 +0000

Larry Martini begins by tracking down the history of community from the beginning with the relationship between God and His creation. THen he explains how this influences our how we evangelize in light of community.

LDT: Jack Thompson “Bearing Your People’s Burdens”

stpweb — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:00:41 +0000

Jack Thompson defines burdens as our standing before God. This roots out the possibility of comparing ourself to others, but instead leads to acts of encouragement that points to Christ.

End of week 9…

kheron — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:11:14 +0000

There is actually less than a week left! Everyone’s last day at work was on Saturday and Wal-mart people were working early so the AiT soccer was moved to the evening (a lot more pleasant because it wasn’t as hot). On Sunday, Ken Currie led Life Training – Why People Quit Campus Outreach (theological dissonance, no time in the schedule, the pain of a broken relationship or hidden sin). Campus Time was moved to the evening, so there was free time, church and then our last Sunday to go in the pool or the beach. For Campus Time (from around 6pm-9pm) each campus met up and shared their vision and experiences from the summer – some of them played sports beforehand. Curfew was at midnight, as it will be for the rest of Project as no one works on Monday.

Walking back to Project from Life Training

The Return of Staff

kheron — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:39:05 +0000

On Friday, at 12am (curfew) war began. The students were called together on Thursday (at 11.45pm) and told that curfew was at midnight but that they could hide around Project (within certain boundaries) and when they were hit with a water balloon throw by one of the student leaders they had to go to their rooms. By about 1am almost everyone was in their rooms – the last few people were hiding behind fridges, in water cisterns and Ken (who was on the roof last year) was in a mysterious hiding place – no one knows where.

9am found us at Bible Study Training and after some rapping from Sahr and Greg we dove into the topic “How do I study the Bible without Bible Study Training Each Week?” lead by Jens Paulson. Basically, we can do it by dependence (IOUS), discipline (have a plan) and community (getting someone else involved).

Here is the link to the Bible reading plan for Shirkers and Slackers
http://www.ransomfellowship.org/publications/notes_biblereadingprogram.pdf

Everyone headed off to work and in the afternoon staff started to arrive back, it was great to see them again as well as the Curries!

AiT's official picture taken after BST

The long awaited Job Social!

kheron — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:15:17 +0000

They say a picture is worth a thousand words…

After work all the groups were preparing and practicing their skits

Tables were set out and the co-workers started arriving

Time to talk, eat and show them Project

As the sun went down we headed to the chapel

MCs Aaron and Elizabeth introduced the many shows

Hardees guy’s poem and songs

The co-workers loved it

Levi Peterson shared the gospel using Ephesians 2:1-8

Pray for the students as they have only two more days of work with their co-workers and the conversations that will happen after last night’s social. It was very encouraging to see so many co-workers come and know that they have heard the gospel.

TET: Steve Discher “The Cost of Discipleship”

stpweb — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:51:44 +0000

“Discipleship is our mission.”

Steve Discher talks on the significance of discipleship in the pursuit of Christ, both for disciples and for leaders.

LFT: Matt Messerly “A Good Life at No Cost -Time Management”

stpweb — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:26:59 +0000

“Your time is redeemed. So redeem it.”

Matt Messerly makes a five-step outline of how we can redeem the time that has been wasted in our sinfulness by actively pursuing the redeeming wisdom of Christ.
1. We waste time.
2. We are foolish.
3. Jesus redeems our time.
4.We are made to be wise.
5. We actively redeem our time.

BST: Jens Paulson “How Do I Go Deeper?

stpweb — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:36:44 +0000

“Knowing God, at all costs, for a lifetime.”
Jens Paulson talks about how to different ways to study the Bible: systematic, exegetical, and Biblical.

EVT: Larry Martini “Why Share the Gospel?”

stpweb — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:30:13 +0000

In this talk, Larry Martini compares dangerous motives and Christ-centered motives to share the gospel, concluding that we share our faith because we love God.

Machine gunners & snipers

kheron — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:16:43 +0000

A morning to sleep in (for most at least; some people worked), go to the beach and relax. At beach evangelism Larry Martini (on a caffeine high) shared about “Evangelism and your college campus” with the hope that a sustained desire to give our lives away on the college campus will develop. We are called to a race (Hebrews 12:1-2) but God is to sustain us, it is about endurance. We can share our faith like a machine gunner (everywhere and to everyone, all over the place, not very accurate) and share it like a sniper (very accurate, working in one person’s life). We are to pray over August about where we can go in our college. Then, as machine gunners we hit the beach to share the gospel and got back and shared the stories. For the rest of the day, many Wal-mart workers went bowling to raise money with their co-workers, a couple of group dates went on and lots of people were organizing themselves for the presentations at the job social!

LFT: Matt Messerly “A Good Life at No Cost -Work/Rest”

stpweb — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:11:12 +0000

In his first life training talk, Matt Messerly explains Christian rest and how the gospel can make work restful through three main points:
1. Work before the Fall.
2. Work after the Fall.
3. Work after the Cross.

Preparing for the Job Social

kheron — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:46:03 +0000

Everyone headed off to work bearing posters and invitations for the Job Social on Thursday; we are hoping lots of co-workers will come! The groups of people at different jobs are each preparing a skit, a dance, a rap or another show for their co-workers. After work and Ait everyone gathered together for the last team time together and then D-group. Pray for gospel conversations at work and AiT in the little time we have left!

Last normal week

kheron — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:40:37 +0000

Countdown begins. 10 days left. Everyone headed off for the last week of work (it has gone by so fast!) and there was AiT in the afternoon. We had Arby’s for dinner and then walked into the Chapel; it was dark and spooky with members from Sandlot dotted around dressed in black. When everyone was in, the music started and they started jumping around everywhere with glow sticks to pump us up. Chris and Linda were the MCs for the night, we saw a “STP Memories” (or “Ese-te-pe memowrias”) video and then Jens and Nikki walked us through a normal week for the team in India and read us the India team’s update – India is the prayer emphasis for the week. Steve Discher gave the talk on “Suffering”. The purpose of it? It’s for our good (it sanctifies, tests our faith and helps us long for heaven), it’s for other’s sake (so we can comfort them, so they can be saved) and because Christ suffered for our salvation (he took the punishment for sins, now suffering is not punishment but grace). Back at Project, Jeremy (who just came back from a CCP in Malaysia) shared some of his experiences there.

End of week eight…

kheron — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:24:48 +0000

Sunset

There was soccer on Saturday as well as a full day of work for most people; it was the Wal-Mart’s worker’s last Saturday! On Sunday Matt Messerly shared about “Family”, how we are to love our family but love Jesus so much more. We have a spiritual family in Christ (born again into it, and adopted by God) and that we can easily fall into idolizing our family or neglecting them. There was Campus Time and then everyone went to their churches (second last week of Church, so sad!). There was much appreciated free time in the afternoon (beach, group dates, meeting up with co-workers) and then at 8.20pm everyone headed off to the Brazilian Steakhouse RIOZ for a half price all you can eat meal with our co-workers. Not all of the co-workers invited came but there were a good number, keep praying that many would come to the evangelistic Job Social this coming Thursday and for the conversations that went on last night as well as them seeing us in community.

Students with Bi-Lo co-workers

“Dale a tu cuerpo alegría macarena”

kheron — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:45:33 +0000

9am found us dancing the Macarena before Bible Study Training to wake up (although quite a lot of people resorted to Dunkin Donut’s coffee) and we had a special performance from a certain room that arrived late because they had just woken up, they had to “walk it out”. Jens Paulson shared “What About Prayer?” and tied together how we are to read the Bible (hear God speaking to us), meditate on it (speak God’s truth back to your heart) and pray (speak back to God) with the acronyms IOUS (Incline, Open, Unite, Satisfy) and ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication). Everyone headed off for one of the last weekend shifts and by 11.30pm everyone was back and eating free chicken brought by the KFC girls and free cakes and bread from the Bi-Lo Deli.

LDT: Steve Shadrach “Brown Like Campus Outreach”

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:34:31 +0000

Steve Shadrach, author of Brown Like Coffee and Fuel and the Flame, came in as a guest speaker and gave a outside perspective of Campus Outreach. Shadrach encouraged the leaders to calling of a vision, not a label.

TET: Andrew Knight “The Cost of the World”

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:24:59 +0000

Andrew Knight came down with the CCP team and shared on the significance of missions as a calling and as a lifestyle for Christians. How do we become global Christians? How can we go out and love others in the world.

“If not you, who? If not now, when?”

A rainy morning with a touch of improv

kheron — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:12:58 +0000

The rain poured down all morning, but those that went to work early were able to enjoy blue skies. There are exactly 2 weeks left, pray for co-workers and the meal on Sunday as well as the Job Social next Thursday – they are all being invited to come to see our Project, see some work skits and will hear the gospel. We had Dagwoods’ subs as well as banana and peanut butter at Project meal and then everyone put their pyjamas on to go to Okey’s for a night of Family Games. Many teams of four people went up to do improv (based on “Whose Line is it Anyway?”) and it was a blast. Then we could either watch the movie “Where the wild things are” or play board games. A fun night ended at curfew; midnight.

"Sound effects"

Newscasters

BST: Reid Jilek “How Does the Bible Affect Me?”

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:11:04 +0000

Reid Jilek opens from Psalms and encourages us to “prosper,” to move forth, lest we shrink back. In light of this he walked us through the nature of Christian meditation and how it differs from the common culture’s understanding of meditation.

EVT: Elliot Stokes “Obstacles to Evangelism -Unbelief”

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:05:54 +0000

Elliot Stokes helps us to fight through the obstaclesself-dependence and insecurity, results of unbelief. He encourages us to set our sight on the power of the cross and not in our self.

LDT: Eric Lonergan “Servant Leadership”

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:01:35 +0000

Eric Lonergan explores two possible selfish tendencies of leadership, oppression and neglect. Oppressive leadership causes disciples to flee while negligence weakens our integrity.

TET: Matt & Lisa Reagan “The Cost of True Love part 2″

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:49:26 +0000

In the second part of their relationships talk Matt and Lisa Reagan focus giving gospel-centered answers to practical questions such as: “How important is physical attraction?” “How do I know he/she is the one?” “How do I guard my heart?”

(split up into “part 2a” and “part 2b”)

TET: Matt & Lisa Reagan “The Cost of True Love -part 1″

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:23:10 +0000

Over the period of two days, Matt and Lisa Reagan share on the struggles and joys of friendship, dating, and marriage based on their experiences.

LFT: Charlie Brooks “A Good Life at No Cost -Will of God”

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:06:35 +0000

What is God’s will? To live for Him. Charlie Brooks shares on how to know the will of God and questions our desire to know the future. Do we really desire God glorified, or is it the sin of anxiety and pride?

BST: Reid Jilek “What if I Don’t Want to Study the Bible?”"

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:00:29 +0000

Reid Jilek emphasizes our need to hear the gospel again and again. The Spirit blows where it will and we need to turn our self towards it.

EVT: Elliot Stokes “Obstacles to Evangelism -Fear”

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:48:00 +0000

Elliot Stokes delves into our fear of evangelism, rooting the biggest source in our hearts. Our pride and desire for the approval of others needs to be crushed and given back to God.

TET: Matt Reagan “The Cost of Your Self”

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:14:03 +0000

“Jesus comes and says, ‘You don’t have to fight, you don’t have to try, you don’t have to keep struggling… It’s over. I did it for you. You can be done now. Just come, be part of my kingdom and enjoy everything, I give you everything….’”

Matt Reagan borrows imagery from the film Alice in Wonderland (2010), comparing our self to the Red Queen in rebellion against the White Queen, Christ. In doing so he reminds us to whom our life belongs and the battle against our flesh.

LFT: Charlie Brooks “A Good Life at All Costs- Church”

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:52:28 +0000

“Our culture does not get excited about the idea of church… many evangelical Christians fall into that category, they’re not flocking to the churches as much…..”

Charlie Brooks takes our fear of submission and shares on the benefits of becoming committed to the church.

BST: Reid Jilek “Why Do We Need to Study the Bible?”

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:35:40 +0000

“The point of the Bible is Jesus.” Reid Jilek examines incorrect motives to study the Bible and then shares reasons why we really should study the Bible.

EVT: Elliot Stokes “Evangelism”

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:52:01 +0000

Elliot Stokes presents evangelism, not just for the pros and weirdos, but also for normal regular Christians. Evangelism isn’t just limited to the pulpit, but will look differently according to the gifts of each individual.

LDT: Eric Lonergan “Faith-filled Leadership”

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:28:37 +0000

God proves Himself faithful despite our unfaithfulness. Eric Lonergan encourages us to fight to remember that we are sick and see the Lord our god who is fighting for us (Joshua 23:3-6).

LDT: Eric Lonergan “Grace-filled Leadership”

stpweb — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:12:24 +0000

Eric Lonergan draws from the account of Gideon, pointing that “God uses us despite us, not because of us.” Leaders rejoice in the progress and joy of their disciples because of God’s grace, not because of our strength.

Backrubs and Breakouts

kheron — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:13:06 +0000

A relaxing morning was followed by Evangelism Training “Evangelism and Mercy Ministries” by Larry Martini. There is so much need in the world, we must meet spiritual needs but also physical ones (Mat 25:31-46), not because of guilt but because we have been loved by God and point people towards Christ as we do so. Our beach evangelism ended slightly early because of heavy rain, which resulted in a mud fight and everyone in the pool going round to make it a whirlpool. Forever Young then encouraged us all with backrubs which were amazing and then there were Guy/Girl Breakouts – the guys went to the beach in athletic clothes and played violent games, the girls went to a room behind the church in pyjamas and talked. Reinforcing stereotypes? Sadly, yes – but it was a great time.

Time is flying by…

kheron — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:06:18 +0000

Most of us can count off the days of work we have left on our two hands. It’s good to know but it also marks the end of Project and the end of relationships with co-workers that have been steadily developing. Pray for them and for the time we have left. We have the amazing opportunity to go a Brazilian steakhouse for half the normal price and are inviting our co-workers to come as well, this Sunday night. Pray that they would come and there would be gospel conversations and many stories to tell! Team times were at 6.30pm and then D-groups. After the vulnerability talk the day before, groups were encouraged to open up more and share more things.

I Dig the Pig (Piggly Wiggly!)

STP’10 Student Testimony 3

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:47:07 +0000

Team Leader Nikki Seviola, shares her life.

Share your dirt

kheron — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:09:22 +0000

Getting in the word before work...

Second last week of work, time is suddenly flying by way too fast. It was a very hot and humid day with a breeze (a sure sign of rain) and sure enough, it came as we were having our Project meal – Kyoto! That evening Forever Young and the Pit Crew joined together – they are organizing this week. After Jack told everyone that we were in trouble for littering we were not expecting a sudden climax as a group came out to do a dance for us! (It was all lies to make an anticlimax!)
Then we saw a bit of “Whose Line is it Anyway?” in preparation for Thursday’s social. Steve Discher shared on “The Cost of Vulnerability” – we need to be vulnerable in community and we can be because of the gospel. We were encouraged to share “our dirt” with people, we are free to do so and should because sin is so deceitful and progressive (starts small, grows quickly).

End of week 7

kheron — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:20:15 +0000

Saturday consisted of work for most of the day, and there was soccer in the morning. Sunday was a busy day – At Life Training Matt Messerly shared on “Technology”. We are to use technology for God’s glory, not our own and also satisfy ourselves in Christ and then use technology, not seek satisfaction in technology. Campus Time allowed the students to get to know each other better and share fears and hopes for ministry on campus. Everyone went to their churches. We had the afternoon off – people went to the beach, had group dates, went out for a meal, watched the World Cup Final at Project, played volleyball and then there was a time of Praise and Worship and Okey came for Theology Time, Q&A.

Life Training

FIFA World Cup

STP’10 Student Testimony 2

admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:17:07 +0000

Leah Elbert, Sophomore at the University of Minnesota.

Credits:

Artist: Cory Asbury

Album: Selah (Instrumental) [feat. Nathan Prior],

Faithful to the End, Let Me See Your Eyes.

p 2009 Forerunner Music

Walk away with a word, a phrase or a summary

kheron — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 19:13:27 +0000

The day started with rain in the morning as, at 9am, everyone went to Bible Study Training. After some cha cha-ing to wake us up, Jens Paulson spoke on the Bible; “How Does it Change the Way I Live?” We are to expect to apply God’s word in our lives, in grace motivated obedience. There was a series of questions to ask as we read and we are to walk away from our Bible study with a word, phrase or summary so we can remember and chew on it/marinade in it/simmer in it, etc. the rest of the day – change comes from the fruit of sanctification, through being saturated in God’s word. We then inductively studied Jens’ shoe to understand the inductive method more and then everyone headed off to work.
Highlight of the day: Quite a number of people went to Chick-fil-A dressed as cows to get their free meal in celebration of Cow Appreciation Day (9^th July).

http://www.chick-fil-a.com/

All American Social

kheron — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 02:13:28 +0000

After work at McDonalds, KFC, Zaxby’s, Sonic, Chick-fil-A, Hardees, Krystal, Bi-Lo, Wal-mart, Piggly Wiggly, Jack de Bruhl, Painters, Eagles, Anthropology, the Pier, the snow cone stand, and the liquidation place, everyone came back to Project for the all-American social. It started off with beach games, a massive relay involving sprinting, swimming, somersaulting, cart wheeling, finding a sandal, a sponge race and bubble-gum blowing. Then there was a quiz bowl (15 random questions) followed by the American Idol. Each team presented an act and the winner was the Sandlot, singing “Aeroplanes”.

TET: Matt Reagan “The Cost of Your Freedom”

stpweb — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 23:13:14 +0000

Matt Reagan shares on “the most important thing”, that is the joy we have in our salvation through Christ which is more worthy than any costs.

LFT: Jon Saunders “A Good Life At No Costs- Generosity”

stpweb — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 22:42:31 +0000

Jon Saunders probes our dependence on money and encourages us to die to flesh by instead placing our confidence in Christ.

BST: Paul Poteat “What is the Bible?”

stpweb — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 22:16:40 +0000

Paul Poteat explores our perception and attitudes toward the Bible. What is it to us? And what is it really?

Keep praying for our co-workers

kheron — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:39:18 +0000

Wednesday, a breath of rest in the middle of the week. After a morning off, Larry shared about “The Gospel, Your Life and Community” in Evangelism – it’s all about celebrating the gospel together, in front of other people. Instead of going out onto the beach, we all went to our rooms to write to someone about the gospel and what we have been learning. We had the evening off and everyone found ways to amuse themselves – one of these ways was the famous gallon challenge. One of the three guys actually succeeded. Keep praying for us to be a light at work…

“I’ve been working at Bi-Lo grocery store in the deli this summer. A co-worker that the Lord has laid on my heart is a guy named TJ. We had a really slow night the other day and I started asking him some questions about what he believed. I was able to share the Gospel story with him. He didn’t seem to be impacted at all, saying that the Bible was too radical to believe, but I am praying for more opportunities to talk with him and that God will soften his heart and open his eyes.” Katie

A typical Tuesday…

kheron — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:54:35 +0000

Work, AiT and back at Project for 6.30pm Team Time (organizing, praying for India, playing pool games, sharing…) and at 8pm everyone disappeared into their rooms for D-groups and most groups heard a Tim Keller sermon – “Blessed Self-Forgetfulness” where he explained how when we are filled with Christ, we are no longer aware of ourseles and as we are more and more complete in him. So we are less self-centered and truly humble. Having low-self esteem is not humility, it’s about forgetting yourself. And it all came back to the gospel – it’s what God says about us, not what we think of ourselved or what others do. Pray as students are feeling tired – that we would focus on the gospel all the more.
See the India team’s blog as well… http://ccp.cominneapolis.org/blog/

Meaning, muzzle, motivation

kheron — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:00:47 +0000

Back to work and Ait (although the gym was closed because of the holiday so all the training was outside in the heat, the AC will now be appreciated again). There was no Project meal and for theme night, after watching some bad American Idol auditions (in preparation for good ones at Thursday’s social), Steve Discher talked about “The Cost of Discipleship” and went over discipleship’s meaning, what muzzles it (or prevents it, he wanted 3 Ms) and our motivation for discipleship. He encouraged us to take advantage of discipleship this summer and then to use our time in college wisely, as well as to learn from someone else and look for someone to pour into, because of the grace and love poured out on us.

Happy 4th of July! …End of week 6

kheron — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:36:14 +0000

Everyone worked on Saturday (Ait played soccer in the morning) and those that had the time made it to Bi-Lo for ribs, hot dogs and hamburgers – free for us as STP! That night (at 11.30pm when everyone was back from work) we had a send-off for the India team.

One of the teams praying with Mike

On Sunday 4^th July, Matt Messerly spoke on Time Management (our time and our life has been redeemed, it doesn’t belong to us anymore so we are to manage, budget, spent, invest and give it away). There was Campus Time after Life Training for the different campuses on Project to get together again and then everyone went to church.

Finding out CO/Project stories by speed dating - U of M Campus Time

In the afternoon in celebration of the 4^th there were volleyball games going on as well as a pool “spoons” game. Project meal was moved to Sunday (instead of Monday) and Larry made the burgers for our cookout! That night everyone went to the beach to watch the fireworks (or went to Surfside to see the display). A lucky few were able to enjoy a boat ride from the manager at Bi-Lo and then go to a Brazilian restaurant in celebration of the 4^th – the people at Bi-Lo have established relationships with us over the years of STP and are happy to bless us with these things. A number of co-workers have been coming to Project to find out what it is all about, pray for our relationships with them and gospel conversations.

In anticipation of a busy weekend…

kheron — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:23:57 +0000

Friday morning found us in Garden City Baptist for Bible Study Training and after waking up dancing to Tunak Tunak Tun, Jens Paulson spoke on How Do I go Deeper? He introduced Systematic, Exegetical and Biblical Theology and encouraged us to take the time to dig deeper. Everyone headed off to work – anticipating long days because of the 4^th of July weekend rush.

God answers prayer!

kheron — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:13:48 +0000

Rachel from Ait shares…“We are getting to know the workers at Crabtree Gym and yesterday we engaged with Kenny about life, what it means and its purpose. Maggie and I shared the bridge diagram with Kenny [a tool we have been using for beach evangelism]. He didn’t become a Christian there and then but was receptive and seemed to be challenged by it, keep him in your prayers.” Gospel conversations have started happening!

After work and Ait there was the great awaited photo-scavenger hunt social: “Where in the world is the CCP team?” We had to photograph different people in the groups (a guys room and a girls room were teamed up) doing crazy things at Broadway on the Beach Boulevard (5, 10 and 20 points for different activities) and if anyone found a dressed up member of the CCP team it was 100 points. We gathered back at Project after 2 hours of hunting, waited for the results (saw and learnt some Scottish dancing in the meantime) and saw the pictures – Erin and Nina’s team won!

Walk like an Egyptian infront of the pyramid and make a pyramid out of cups

Beach Evangelism…

kheron — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:45:27 +0000

Every Wednesday is a day off for almost all the disciples and there is leadership training and then at 1.30pm everyone drives to Garden City Baptist to hear a talk on Evangelism. Larry Martini (and his moustache) spoke about Why We Share the Gospel, some of the bad motives and the good ones (obedience of God, love of people but most importantly, out of love for God).

Larry and his moustache

We broke up into pairs to talk about what our motives are to pray over them and then each different group headed off either to Surfside beach or to the beach opposite our hotel. Everyone goes in pairs or in threes, usually with a room leader, team leader or this week a member of the CCP and walk up to people on the beach to share our faith.

Leah, Eb and Raquel

Chris and Joe

: Jon and Reid

At about 3.45pm everyone gets back to Project and debriefs with their team – sharing stories, names and praying for the people that we talked to. Yesterday there was ice-cream for us all after debriefing and it was great!

Praying after a debrief

A Long but Good Day

kheron — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:34:06 +0000

Sunrise prayer

5.30am found lots of the students waiting around the poolside to go to the beach for sunrise prayer. Groups of about 10 people split up with a CCP member to pray for their trip as well as other parts of the world. Everyone headed off to work after that and there was AiT in the afternoon. Some of the guys from Crabtree Memorial are coming to some talks and Lenny has been talking to Corie, a guy that trains at the gym, pray that those are AiT could have gospel conversations. There was team time and then D-groups. A CCP team member went to each of the D-groups to share exactly what they would be doing in India and answer any questions so the students could get a picture of what the India team are really going to go through.

Just do something!

kheron — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:00:58 +0000

Monday morning, back to work again! At 6pm there we had our Project meal (Arby’s) and then met in Garden City Chapel for the theme night, led by the CCP. They danced down the aisle, Andrew (Cheese) and Roz introduced themselves and what was planned for the night, they had a skit on what travelling partners should NOT be like when they are in India, Justine shared her testimony on support raising and Andrew Knight then gave the talk – the cost of the World. We became aware of the need for the gospel to spread, the emphasis being on the unreached nations , and we are commanded to do something, because God has chosen us to be the ones to spread his word. The students left challenged, encouraged, humbled and with the message: Just do something!

CCP team entrance

Stormy weather… End of week 5

kheron — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:04:32 +0000

On Saturday the students headed off to long shifts of work and a large group of students went to play soccer at 8.30am (to help the soccer girls in AiT) and then to work afterwards.
Sunday found us at Life Training and Matt Messerly spoke about Work & Rest (The gospel makes work restful) and then the CCP (Cross Cultural Program) team (India team) introduced themselves formally and gave a short talk on the unreached people in the world after showing a video. Everyone went to their respective churches and thoroughly enjoyed time to rest in the afternoon. There were group dates, some students went to the movies and about 4pm a storm started up and there was a full on mud-fight, followed by running into the ocean and then the 40 or so students played ultimate football (ultimate Frisbee with a football) in the rain with lightening licking the skies and finished off by swimming and body surfing in the ocean. Being here is now a reality, people are getting tired so yesterday was an appreciated day of rest.

: Matt at work!

Pre-mud fight

STP Channel 8

kheron — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:35:17 +0000

This is a recap of what Relationship’s week was all about (last week). Special Guest, Stephan Dischaer

EVT: Elliot Stokes “What is the Gospel?”

stpweb — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 20:13:08 +0000

In our first Evangelism Training Talk, Elliot Stokes communicates the significance of the gospel in our lives and walks through the bridge diagram.

LDT: Eric Lonergan “Authentic Leadership”

stpweb — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 20:04:02 +0000

In this talk Eric Lonergan encourages thinking for others and depending on God for strength, drawing from illustrations in the book of Judges including Samson and Gideon.

TET Matt Reagan “The God Who Pays Costs”

stpweb — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:45:49 +0000

In his second theme talk, Matt Reagan talks about the god who sent His Son to pay the cost of our sins. “He gives, you take. End of story.”

BST Paul Poteat “Knowing God At All Costs This Summer”

stpweb — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:31:53 +0000

Paul Poteat shares on how to know God at all costs by studying the Bible as he starts by unpacking Psalm 119:4.

Welcome India team!

kheron — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:07:40 +0000

They arrived today with t-shirts celebrating Andrew Knight’s birthday (His face on the front and together they spell out “It’s his B-Day”) and will be here for the next 10 days. They are in charge of this week and there will be a focus on missions. Everyone was excited to see the team as they are at the same schools and have been on Projects before so they were warmly welcomed! There was Bible Study Training led by Reid (Meditation – engaging our hearts with the Bible, it’s not just an intellectual activity) and it was amazing how after 15 minutes of thinking about a passage so many people could share different things. Then everyone headed off to work!

Samm helping out at Walmart!

LFT: Jon Saunders “A Good Life At No Cost-intro”

stpweb — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:06:55 +0000

Starting with 1 Timothy 4:4-5, Jon Saunders asks three questions:
Why is Paul saying this? What does it mean that God has made everything good? How can the word of God and prayer make things holy?

TET- Matt Reagan “At All Costs”

stpweb — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:41:04 +0000

The first talk heading off STP2010. Matt Reagan opens by explaining what our theme “At All Costs” really means.

STP’10 Student Testimony 1

kheron — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:13:50 +0000

Christopher Hull, from Sioux Fall, SD tells us how the gospel has impacted and changed his life.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17

Opportunities to shine…

kheron — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 22:57:57 +0000

Most of staff left today (now the student and teams leaders are in charge of everything!) and after work and AiT all of the students had a BBQ from Jack’s and went bowling for the social! The themes for each team were: Funk, Punk, Hip hop, Country, Reggae. But here is one testimony of what happened upon interacting with the locals here.

“One Sunday at Barnes and NobleI met a 21 year-old named Ashley who started talking to me and the conversation got to STP. I explained that it was a growth experience for believers in Jesus Christ. She told me she was a Christian and when I asked her what that meant to her, she said that she tried to live a pretty good life and believed in God. She further explained that her mother and brother are atheists – her father is a Muslim. She said that she became a Christian through a friend. I asked Ashley if she would be interested in coming to one of our STP meetings, possibly on Monday night, and she seemed very interested. We exchanged numbers and I will be calling her closer to Monday. Please pray that Ashley would come on Monday night and that the Lord would speak to her and that she would believe in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.”

Linda Sandager

What is a D-group?

kheron — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:22:44 +0000

Discipleship groups are an integral part of project. The disciples (3 to a room) are discipled by their room leader. The room leaders (6 to a team) are discipled by their team leaders and the team leaders are discipled by the student leaders who are discipled by the staff. Accountability and fellowship is vital for a Christian and as Project still has over a month to go, people really start getting to know each other and sharing in struggles. In the discipleship groups everyone can update about their week, what they have learnt, sin they have seen or are struggling with and then go over the Philippians study and the talks for that week to try and process them more. Finally there is the chance to pray for one another and for somewhere in the world (this week, CO Thailand).

The D-groups were at night after a morning off for most people, the Evangelism Training (Obstacles to Evangelism: Unbelief) and beach evangelism. At 10.15pm there was the staff send-off (they are leaving Project to travel and use the summer time to raise support before coming back for the last week) where some students said a few words (open mike) and then gathered in campuses to pray for their own staff.

Relationships – Part II

kheron — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:18:25 +0000

Saddle up! The hats Matt and Lisa Reagan found before the last part of the talk

After another long day of work and AiT everyone rushed back in time to be ready for team time at 6pm. It is sweet to be part of a team and spend time getting to know not only each other but what everyone else has been learning up till now. At 7.30pm everyone headed to the chapel for Relationships Part II. There was a focus on the gospel as the most important thing, biblical principles, advice as well as Matt and Lisa’s story. We then went to Garden City Baptist to finish the meeting and had guy/girl breakouts for Q&A sessions. Curfew was extended until midnight.

Monday morning again…

kheron — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:34:06 +0000

At Project the sun rises over the ocean, light stretches across the sky and little by little people appear out their rooms to spend time in the word alone or with others. By about 7.30am there are lots of people sitting around tables finishing up and the cars start to pull away and by 8am a lot of people have left for work. There was AiT in the afternoon and a Project meal at 6pm (Kyoto, japanese food) followed by the Relationships talk Part I given by Matt and Lisa Reagan. Before the talk we watched a “news broadcast” team Identity Crisis made where they interviewed Stefan Deeschѐre and showed a funny video of interviews they had with people on the pier.

Heading off to work!

End of Week 4…

kheron — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:37:45 +0000

Half-time at the AiT soccer game

Leeland at Walmart

The parents had a great weekend, on Saturday there was breakfast as well as a talk from Matt and Paul about what happens here and the students had a chance to share their experiences with the parents. Other than that there was AiT and work for the rest of the students. In Life Training on Sunday Charlie Brooks shared about God’s will (ultimately, our sanctification – the important thing is the person that we are becoming, not our circumstances). Everyone went to church at 11am and had a day of rest. There was Praise & Worship led by Elliot Stokes and then Theology time with Matt Reagan and Jon Saunders.

Welcome parents!

kheron — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 20:04:58 +0000

Kate and Sneha in Dunkin Donuts

Parent’s weekend has started and they have a chance to see their kids, see Project and get a feel for what we are doing here – as well as enjoy the beach! In Bible Study Training Reid Jirek talked about “What if I don’t want to study the Bible?” I don’t have time, I don’t feel like it, I don’t need it are some of the excuses we give but the root comes from unbelief – we don’t see how much our whole Christian life is one massive need because of our sin and don’t believe how good the gospel really is. There was a very useful informal Q&A session on Philippians and then everyone headed off to their different jobs.

Low Country Boil

kheron — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:49:57 +0000

Another great project social – the Low Country Boil! After work, AiT and a heavy rain shower and thunderstorm, the students gathered at Project dressed up as Hicks or Southern Belles. After lots of pictures being taken, Paul led the students in song, improvising with his guitar! Then the potatoes, shrimp and sausage were sieved and throw on top of the tables so everyone could grab the food and eat! There were about 4 rounds of food, then we had Banana Cream Pie and some dancing went on. We finished an amazing night watching the NBA final.

My life at Project

admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 03:56:15 +0000

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Excessive desire for the approval of others…

kheron — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:12:00 +0000

Evangelism Training

Sam Poteat giving the girls talk

After a quiet morning for the disciples and leadership training, Elliot Stokes talked about how our fear is an obstacle to evangelism because the excessive desire for the approval of others keeps us from obeying God. When we fear, we seek approval from others but if we don’t fear we can love instead of needing people. We are to focus on Jesus and set our eyes on him, not on ourselves so remember how big our God is. The different teams headed to the beach or the pier and shared the gospel, this time equipped with not only the bridge diagram but the possibility to share their testimony with what God is doing in their lives now by the gospel. There was free time and then the guys and the girls split up – the guys played ultimate Frisbee and then had a talk and the girls had the equivalent of a sleepover (for 3 hours) and heard a testimony, a talk and had a Q&A session. Learning and gaining wisdom from the staff was very encouraging, humbling and useful.

Work, Team time, D-groups…

kheron — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:06:58 +0000

Another very hot day (heat index of 110 degrees) at work and AiT just stayed in the gym! People arrived back to Project in the evening for team time as did the AiT group, after going to eat at Cici’s Pizza. The different teams split up – some went to the thrift store to get ready for the social on Thursday (Low Country Boil), others just spent time getting to know each other and Identity Crisis planned for next week (every week is organized by a certain team – this week: The Sandlot). At 8pm everyone was back at Project to get into D-group time in the rooms.

Team time at Sonic!

Wal-mart workers!

100 degree days…

kheron — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:21:09 +0000

After a 100 degree day at work and an intense AiT work-out everyone gathered at Project for subs from Dagwoods with chips and salad. The students all split up and ate with their campuses. The Sandlot were in charge of Theme Night and so there was a presentation about the future of all the staff on campus! Then Kirsten Trace from CO in Thailand gave a short presentation on the work the CO is doing there and the need for staff and support. Matt Reagan spoke on “The Cost of Self” and how we are already perfect in God’s eyes by Jesus’ blood; to believe the gospel is to be holy – we just don’t believe it and try to be God, the heroes of our own story and we must kill self and trust the gospel.

Monday = "Me" Sharing what we have been learning at AiT

Sunrise

End of Week 3

kheron — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:15:46 +0000

Saturday found some people up at 8.30am to go and play soccer and others watched the World Cup but most people were working throughout the day (some until 11pm or midnight) and basically people came back at night exhausted to talk and socialise before curfew. Sunday was a welcomed day of rest, at Life Training at 8.30am Charlie Brooks shared about The Church and out attitude toward it – we are to dive in, the church isn’t there to serve us, we are to serve her! After that everyone had some time off before heading to church and afterwards people hit the beach, went out for a meal or just slept. At 7.30pm we had Praise and Worship time followed by Theology time with Okey. That was cut off by approaching lightening followed shortly after by heavy rain showers. Time here is suddenly starting to go by a lot faster!

KFC girls at work

Just before Life Training...

Why study the Bible?

kheron — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 14:01:39 +0000

It points to Jesus! The students having orientation at Wal-mart had a very early start, they had some food and the Bible Study Training session and then went off for their orientation and work! The rest of the students met at 9am for the session lead by Reid Jirek. After that everyone headed to Project and went off to their jobs at different times throughout the afternoon.

Back to childhood…

kheron — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:45:38 +0000

After a long day of work (and a very hot day for the athletes in training) lots of old students trooped into their rooms with work or sports clothes and emerged with pigtails, superman t-shirts tucked into their pants and at least 10 years younger (if not 15). The social? Recess! Everyone had to make a packed lunch – PB and jelly sandwiches and other snacks (Gushers!) and then they all headed to the parking lot of Garden City Baptist. After going to the nearby playground to eat their packed lunches there were games of kick-ball, four square and basketball or just skipping, drawing on the ground with chalk and finally, a game of “Ships on the ocean”. A very fun night finished at Project with Toy Story!

Enjoying PB and jelly sandwiches at the Play park

Second Week of Project – Video

nmoreno — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:54:04 +0000

Campus Outreach Minneapolis Summer Training Project 2010 – Week 2 Highlights

No ordinary people

kheron — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:24:42 +0000

Yesterday was a very welcomed day of rest (for the disciples!) and in the afternoon for Evangelism Training one of the points was quoted from CS Lewis, that people matter. There are no ordinary people, we will be immortal horrors or everlasting splendours and they must know about Jesus because what they believe about him will determine what they’ll become. Evangelism is not our job but our joy – we are to share it because the gospel should be resting deep in our hearts, so we should repent from our lack of desire to share the good news, rest in what Jesus has done and know we are accepted in him, so don’t have to be accepted by the people we are sharing with. After going on the beach for an hour or so to share the gospel, we debriefed and then had the evening off – time for group dates, games and time to chill.

Sharing the gospel role-play between Elliot and Reid

: Learning to juggle on a group date

Evangelism Training

kheron — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:02:05 +0000

Most people headed to work yesterday – really getting into the swing of things now. Athletes in Training met in the afternoon and there was a short devotional on why they play sports and that it should ultimately be done thannkfully as they rejoice in what God has done, not to prove themselves or find their identity there, but to lift their teammates up above themselves and care about them more. There was team time at 6.30pm, the team in charge of this week and next week got some planning done and the others played games and had fun. In the D-groups (discipleship groups) everyone had time to share about their lives, talk about Philippians and the talks we have been having as well as pray over Bhutan.

We can’t hear the gospel enough…

kheron — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:13:52 +0000

Walmart workers waiting to get to work

Thank the Lord that most people are now starting work (except a group of Wal-mart people that start on Thursday), Project is definitely quieter. The Athletes in Training had a sprint work-out, lifted and then had a time of praying and sharing what they were all going through. This week’s team “Forever Young” (I wanna be…) are in charge of the events so everyone had pizza, ants on a hill and watermelon quickly and then everyone headed down to the pier for the group photo to be taken (that picture will appear here at some point). It took a while, but it was a beautiful sunny day and a great time. At 8pm we had the Theme Night meeting and after a game of the staff pretending to be someone else (and getting students to guess who they were) we had a talk on “The Cost of Freedom” where the gospel was explained again and many were overwhelmed by the fact that the cost of us getting to God has been paid for in Jesus’ blood. Christianity is about us resting and celebrating what God has done for us. The costs he asks us to give up for should be no cost at all, but something given up joyfully.

Mat 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field”

Smiling up at the official photographer on the pier

Day of rest…

kheron — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:01:27 +0000

At 8.30am everyone met in the chapel for Life Training – the talk was on money and generosity. The cost is that we are to kill the love of money but it is ultimately for our joy, so we are not enslaved by it but free to give it away because we are eternally rich in Christ. Everyone went off to their church (the students are split into 3 groups and go to Garden City Chapel, Garden City Baptist or Pine Drive Gospel Church). There was a time for rest – some slept, read, went out for a meal and others lay on the beach or were in the pool. At 7.30pm there was an optional time for Praise and Worship lead by the staff just behind the motel. At 8pm Pastor Okey came for theology time where students were able to ask him all sorts of questions about the Bible.

Garden City Chapel

: Time of Praise and Worship

Friday: The Bible… and some donuts

kheron — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:01:10 +0000

On Friday mornings no one is working, and there was a Bible Study Training session lead by Paul Poteat on “What is the Bible?” That day many people headed to either Dunkin Donuts before or after the meeting to celebrate national donut day (buy a drink, get a free donut) and then in the afternoon and evening a lot of people were working. Those that don’t start until next week spent time in the word, on the beach or at the Laundromat.

Saturday: Weekend

kheron — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:00:31 +0000

Brook working in Anthropology

Not quite a day of rest, most people work either in the morning and afternoon or from afternoon until nighttime. The Athletes in Training went to the gym at 8.30am and played a game of soccer followed by some lifting. There are still a number of people that have jobs but haven’t been able to start working yet and are waiting for when they can start up.

Five Seaworthy Boats

kheron — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:00:05 +0000

Today found most people working in the morning and afternoon, and at 2.30pm the Athletes in Training headed to Crab Tree Memorial Gym for the third time since they arrived and their focus was on their individual sports – more technical details and some lifting. At 6pm there was a project meal that came from Chick-Fil-A and the five teams ate together as they planned for the competition that night. The challenge of this weekly social? To build a boat that would be able to go back and forth across the pool bearing at least one person and in accordance with the given theme. The themes were: Navatica, The US Navy, Titanic, Peter Pan and the Lost Boys and A Romantic Night in Venice. Every boat was able to get to the other side (although there was some wet cardboard involved) and even the Titanic managed to sink and then transform into a lifeboat and reach the other side of the pool safely. All in all a fun social organized by staff!

Making the boats seaworthy in creative ways

Team Sandlot’s Ship and Titanic' crew in the background (note the violinist)

A breath of mid-week rest (06/02)

kheron — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 23:20:02 +0000

The disciples had the morning off and got into the word, hit the pool and/ or the beach or just slept in! The room leaders and team leaders went off for their own discipleship groups (everyone is a disciple and accountable to someone else) and everyone gathered at Garden City Baptist at 1.30pm for Evangelism Training. The gospel is what is to motivate us to go and share the good news! After that the different teams hit either the beach across from our motel or Surfside Beach and spoke to people! There we rejections, but there we also many that listened and responded in different ways. As a storm rolled in everyone got back, had a team debrief about the experience and then had root beer floats in the rain. The evening was a time of rest where some people went on group dates, others headed to the pier to look for sharks and others spent time in the word. At 10.30pm everyone gathered for Campus Time to pray for their campuses back at home.

Spending time reading the Bible

Holding the baby shark the fishermen caught before throwing it back into the ocean

Not even here one week… (06/01)

kheron — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 23:11:06 +0000

But for most of the disciples it seems like they have been here much longer. As there was team time in the evening, the teams being New Kids on the Block, Identity Crisis, Forever Young and Sandlot, the students were able to have fun and games (some teams were on the beach for this time) as well as get to know each other more and share hopes and fears for the summer. At 8pm there was the first D-group (discipleship group, the 3 disciples in a room and their room leader) where testimonies were shared – it was a quiet night on Project that night as everyone was in their rooms sharing God’s grace in their lives.

People have been settling down into their jobs, others start officially next Monday but everyone is starting to get the feel of how Project will be running.

Having a meal at Project and getting to know each other

Philippians Bible Study Plan

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:42:03 +0000

This summer we are studying the book of Philippians at our Summer Training Project. If you would like to follow along with us and study, then you can download the plan here.

First Week of Project- video

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:15:09 +0000

Campus Outreach Minneapolis Summer Training Project 2010 – Week 1 Highlights

Paul Poteat, Elliot Stokes, Ka…

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:00:37 +0000

Paul Poteat, Elliot Stokes, Katie Stromwall lead us in worship

http://tweetphoto.com/24991567

Matt reagan is speaking at the…

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:57:30 +0000

Matt reagan is speaking at theme training on : ‘The God who pays costs’ http://tweetphoto.com/24989326

First day of work for many of …

admin — Mon, 31 May 2010 14:59:06 +0000

First day of work for many of our students, project meal tonight and Matt Reagan will talk about our theme ‘At all costs’

Leaders Arrived Safely

admin — Tue, 25 May 2010 18:31:40 +0000

Our leaders arrived safely in Garden City yesterday. They are spending the next few days getting ready for the rest of the project to get there. They are setting up bunk beds, arranging rooms, making some Wal-mart runs, etc. Tomorrow they will head down to the beach to share their faith with people.

The disciples’ caravan heads out early Wednesday morning. Pray for safe travel for all of them as well.

Leaders Caravan

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:07:14 +0000

Stopped in Richmond, KY last night and headed out this morning for Garden City, SC. Should be arriving at project this afternoon! Disciples’ caravan leaves Wednesday.

What to bring:

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 05:29:22 +0000

What Not to bring!

Laptop computers – we strongly discourage students from bringing laptops
Portable DVD Players / Portable TV’s – we don’t want you sitting around project watching movies all day long
Game boys and game systems
More than one suitcase

What to bring!

Financial:

All your support checks, organized, and tracking sheet
Social Security card, drivers’ license or passport
Health insurance card
- If you don’t currently have health insurance, talk to Nick ASAP
First two weeks’ rent (about $400)
Transportation charge ($250)
Check Book – if you are paying rent

Normal packing:

Small bag for overnight on the way down
Duffle bag suitcases – they really help in packing
Storage cubes for storing your clothes at project
Sun screen and beach gear
2 towels, one beach, one bath
Bible/notebook/pen/few good books
Footballs, Frisbees, soccer balls, games!

Girl Specifics:

2-3 “snappy casual outfits for “nicer” group dates and church (try to have at least 1-2 that is not denim
~ 10 – mix & match summer items (not too short shorts, tanks, skirts, capris, pants, other shirts, sun dresses)
T-shirts
Bathing suit(s) and bathing suit cover-up
Flip flops
Something light to sleep in
Pillow
Try to take no more than 3-4 pairs of shoes (sandals, flops, tennis, etc)
Ask around if other girls are bringing hair dryers, straighteners, curling, etc – no need for everyone to bring one
Shampoo – unless you need something particular, its nice to go in together with you room when you get to SC and purchase large bottles of Shampoo, conditioner, etc – no need to transport all that
Pack in crates, that you can stack up for a book shelf – so your storage containers become storage while at project

Guy Specifics:

Lots of T-shirts
2 jeans, khakis
A few polo’s for snappy casual events like group dates
A few nice button-downs
Nice shorts / workout shorts

Buy toiletries in bulk

Turning in Support

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 05:19:34 +0000

Dear Students,

Before you leave with your caravan we will be collecting support at Bethlehem. Please make sure your support is ready to go to ensure we get on the road in a timely manner!

All checks are made payable to: Campus Outreach Minneapolis … (If your supporter accidentally made the check payable to you, please sign the back over to: Campus Outreach Minneapolis, and sign your name)
Memo Line: STP – [Last Name, First Name]
Properly filled out Supporter Tracking List – (you keep this)
Properly filled out Supporter Contact List – (you turn this in)
Check the Support Raising Training Page for more info
Have everything organized in an envelope with your name on it please!

Online Support for Project

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 05:10:14 +0000

Dear Students,

If you are expecting online donations for project (give.cominneapolis.org) The STP finance team will provide you reports when you arrive to project. Thanks!

If you have supporters who want to donate online, send them this link or have them see the attached .pdf

STP2010_online_giving

Sign up for a Checking Account – Get $25 free!

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 04:44:03 +0000

Dear STP Participants,

Most students generally sign up for a checking account while at project. You need to be able to deposit pay checks, setup direct-deposit, write checks for STP costs (Rent, etc …) While it is not required to have one, it is strongly suggested. Because no Minneapolis based bank is in SC, we have partnered with First Federal Bank (the bank that is inside of Wal-Mart)

They will give you $25 after having the account open for 90 days (If you setup direct deposit, or make 30 Debit Card Purchases)!!

In order to be ready for filling out paperwork on Friday, May 28th’s job hunt day we have the ability to pre-setup your account by filling out the form below. Please take 5 minutes and fill out the attached form. This form is completely secure.

Please fill out the attached form and bring $50 cash to project to start the account. Don’t worry about a photocopy of your Drivers License or Social Security Card, the bank will collect these at project!

F.A.Q.

Do I have to open a checking account? No, It is strongly encouraged though! No Minneapolis based banks exist in S.C. Many of you will be writing checks throughout the summer.
Do I really get $25 for free for opening the account? Yes – just keep the account open 90 days, and utilize either direct deposit or make 30 transactions on your check card.
Do I have to use First Federal? No, but most students will either work or shop at Wal-Mart so it makes it very convenient!
What about my Wachovia account from last summer? Feel free to use again, or cancel and open a First Federal Account.
Does my home Wells Fargo account work with Wachovia in South Carolina? You are able to use Wachovia ATM’s but are limited to selective services.
Will there be First Federal Representatives available for questions at project? Yes, when you arrive to project on Thursday May, 27th First Federal staff will assist you, collect paperwork and signatures.

Transportation: to project

nickstromwall — Tue, 18 May 2010 23:28:31 +0000

Drivers:

Please make sure to take your car in before departing. I would recommend checking:

Get your Oil Changes
Inflate your Tires properly
Check your wipers and replace if needed
Be sure to have your proper car insurance card and information with you
Have one credit card ready to purchase gas on the way down. Be sure to keep your receipts together. We will give you an envelop to store your receipts. You will also need to fill out a reimbursement form.

Directions to Project:

We will be stopping at the Madison East Town Mall (near their food court)
We will sleeping at the LaQuinta Inn in Richmond, Ky

Directions will be provided when your caravan leaves, or feel free to download a copy below:

Leaders_Caravan_Directions

Participants_Caravan_Directions

Reminder:

Arrive to Bethlehem Baptist Downtown – (720 13th Ave South, Minneapolis MN 55415) at 550am. We will depart at 6 a.m. Please be on time!
View Larger Map

Prep Party Documents

admin — Fri, 14 May 2010 13:00:12 +0000

In case you misplaced the documents from the prep party last Friday, you can find all of the documents here.

Health Insurance for the Summer

admin — Tue, 11 May 2010 21:19:52 +0000

Dear Students,

In order to attend the Summer Project, you must have health insurance. You might be able to get insurance from your school, or you can sign up for temporary insurance.

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers “instacare” tempory insurance for 30,60 or 90 days

click on the above link, than on the short-term tab

Question?

Contact Nick Stromwall (nick@cominneapolis.org) or 612.424.8149

Thanks!

STP Info/Prep Party Friday Night

admin — Thu, 06 May 2010 13:36:29 +0000

This is just a reminder that we are having a mandatory informational meeting for Summer Training Project this Friday, May 7 @ 6pm at Bethlehem Baptist Church (North Campus) 5151 Program Ave Mounds View, MN 55112. Dinner is included.

You will need to bring:

Your laptop (if you have one). this will be used to apply for some jobs online
Any support money that you have received already (must be accompanied by all of the proper documentation). If you need any of the forms, visit http://stp.cominneapolis.org/blog/support-raising/
Parental consent form. If your parents did not mail it in or turn it in online, then you should bring a signed copy to the meeting.

If you are unable to attend for some reason, you must email Matt Reagan mreagan@cominneapolis.org

See you Friday night!

Campus Outreach Staff

Map to the church:

View Larger Map

Leaders Retreat: Bridge Diagram Workshop

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:03:56 +0000

Larry Martini talked about some things to keep in mind when sharing the bridge diagram with people on the beach. He also did a role play with Kelsey Simmons to give us an example of what sharing the bridge diagram could look like.

Leaders Retreat: Skills

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:02:01 +0000

Charlie Brooks concluded our time by talking about the skills of the leader. How do we apply the picture of discipleship that is laid in scripture to the everyday interactions we have with the people we are leading? His last point was to pray for the growth of the people you are leading – we often forget the importance of this.

Leaders Retreat: One-on-One Workshop

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:00:58 +0000

Matt Messerly talked about some things to keep in mind when having a one-on-one with students from project

Leaders Retreat: D-Group Workshop

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:59:28 +0000

Steve Discher walked us through some of the essentials to leading a d-group

Leaders Retreat: Character

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:58:04 +0000

Andrew Knight talked on our retreat about the character of a leader. He then moved to talking about diagnosing character issues in the people that we disciple. Listen to his talk here:

Leaders Retreat: Inductive Bible Study

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:56:26 +0000

Jens Paulson took us through the inductive Bible study method for a workshop

Leaders Retreat: Knowledge

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:54:46 +0000

Ken Currie opened our time at the Summer Leaders Retreat with a talk on knowledge. We need to understand intellectually the truth the underlies any experience we may have in life. He also talked about the interconnectedness of knowing God, knowing self, and knowing the world

Support Raising Videos Online

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:14:44 +0000

If you missed the support raising training this past week, then you can find a video of the training session on the support raising page. Download the support raising packet on that page and follow along with the videos.

2010 Parents Packet

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:04:16 +0000

If you are thinking about the project and have parents that may be interested in more information, tell them to download our 2010 parents packet

How to think through making decisions

nickstromwall — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:01:24 +0000

This is a helpful article on how to think through making decisions. Read through this if you are still deciding about applying to project. Remember applying to project doesn’t mean you have to go, just gives you the opportunity!

(Read the below attachment)

Decision_making

Why go to STP?

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:23:53 +0000

Shawn Vradenburg gives testimony of why he is going back for his 3rd summer:

2010 STP Application Deadline

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:25:07 +0000

The deadline for applications is only 1 and a half weeks away (March 17). Click Application at the top of this page to fill out the online applications. Remember filling out an application does not commitment you to STP. Commitments will be due on April 7, 2010.

Follow the COM Blog throughout the school year

admin — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:12:37 +0000

Thanks to all of you that followed this blog this summer. If you want to stay updated on COM ministry events, read posts from staff members, see student testimonies, hear talks from weekly meetings, you should visit our COM blog and subscribe by email. We will be updating it a few times a week once the school year starts.

SBP Video for Parents

admin — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:45:42 +0000

A summer beach project video specifically for parents. You can hear, from a parent’s perspective, about campus outreach minneapolis as well as summer beach project:

Return Training – Making the Most of August

admin — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:20:28 +0000

During return training, Eric Lonergan shared with us about making the most of August (or the “evil days”)

Return Training – Relating to Friends After SBP

admin — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:18:39 +0000

During return training, Charlie Brooks shared with us about how we are to relate to our friends after beach project.

Return Training – Relating to Parents After Beach Project

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:13:30 +0000

During return training, Jon Saunders shared with us about relating to our parents after coming home from beach project.

Final Theme Talk – Exiles

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:24:41 +0000

For our final theme talk, Andrew Knight shared about trusting in the to gospel to not miss opportunities to advance the gospel back on the campus.

SBP Video Online

admin — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:06:28 +0000

The 2009 SBP video is here:

Visit our vimeo page to download the file if you want it on your computer.

Luggage Pickup Friday July 31st, 8-9am BBC downtown parking lot

nickstromwall — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:56:48 +0000

As many of you know, the COM van had a new transmission put it.

Because of this, the van and trailer will be delayed.

Luggage pickup will be tomorrow, Friday July 31st from 8-9 a.m.

Luggage will be moved upstairs to the 2nd floor in the Campus Outreach office and locked after 9 a.m.

If you can’t make it between 8-9 a.m. call brie at 612.455.3449 to arrange pickup. (church office closes at 4:30 p.m. on Friday)

We’ve All Gone Home

admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:27:04 +0000

This morning all of the staff and students woke up at 5:15am to head back to Minnesota and Michigan. We woke up, ate breakfast, prayed, and hit the road by 6am.
Last night we had our final meeting where Andrew Knight shared with us about not missing opportunities to spread the gospel back on the campus, but by faith trusting God to do big things through our lives. That talk will be available online next week. At the meeting we also revealed the project video and t-shirt. The video will also be available online next week.
In the coming weeks, we will put some quotes from students about all that God did in their lives this summer. Thanks to all of you who followed our blog all summer and prayed for us down at Myrtle Beach.

two complexes on project

SBP Intern — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:00:51 +0000

Only two more days left. This morning project had Return Training with John Saunders, Charlie Brooks, and Eric Lonergan. They emphasized the importance of being intentional with their down time as they prepare for the coming term. Later tonight, they are eating out as rooms for the last time.

During the final Campus Time, disciples ate subs and played games liek signs, kickball, and the human knot. After that, they had the opportunity to share with others about what they had learned over project and pray together.

the count down 45.08.23

SBP Intern — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:08:18 +0000

Yesterday disciples enjoyed their last campus time. It was a neat time to share how and on what areas God has been working throughout SBP.

As for today, in a few hours project is gonna be having one of the last meetings from 10 to 12 pm, “Return Training.” Keep praying for these last meetings and last hours of project. Pray that disciples will have the energy to finish strong.

1 Peter 5:12-14

Leaders Training – Bringing it Back to Campus

SBP Intern — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:28:30 +0000

Mike Polley on his last talk at Leaders Training about taking what we have learned this summer and applying it back on the campus

Evangelism Training – Don’t Waste Your Time at College

SBP Intern — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 04:50:19 +0000

James Gisler speaking about how not to waste time at College during Evangelism Training.

Theme Night – Suffering

SBP Intern — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 03:11:41 +0000

Mike Polley on his last theme night speaking about Suffering.

Bible Study Training – Meditation

SBP Intern — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 03:07:46 +0000

Josh Schrock talking about the importance of Meditating in Bible Study Training

Life Training – Holding Loosely to Circumstances

SBP Intern — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:50:57 +0000

Reid Jilek speaking about how to hold loosely to Circumstances in Life Training. (Sunday 19th)

FREE DAY

SBP Intern — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:41:10 +0000

Since yesterday was the last day of work, many disciples jumped into the pool last night with their job uniforms on as a SBP tradition.

Today is a free day and disciples are heading different directions. A good amount of disciples are visiting Charleston, others are going to be visiting North Myrtle, and some are just going to stay around project and enjoy the day.

four teams and four corners

SBP Intern — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:54:02 +0000

Staff came back late yesterday much to the excitement of project. There was also a Job Social where disciples entertained co-workers with skits and also had the chance of sharing the Gospel and the reason they were on Beach Project and working in SC.

All of project went through a time of evaluation and reflection this morning as disciples continue to prepare for their return to their campus. After that disciples went back to work or relaxed, knowing that their job this summer is over. Activity on project is indeed growing as more and more people are finishing their jobs and isntead spending time with each other and the staff.

Big Arrival

SBP Intern — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:44:48 +0000

Last night the U of M students gathered at the beach to pray for their campus, after enjoying some goodies made by the girls.
“It was Amazing” says Charlie Schumacher.
As for today, Staff should be arriving project around 5:00 pm, which makes the disciples excited. Furthermore, the project social is gonig to be having special visitors. We are expecting a great number of co-workers from the different places that disciples have been working throughout this summer. This social meal will be followed with a Gospel presentation led by Justin Richardson.
So, we would appreciated if you pray for tonight’s activities.

(students enjoying the sun set after a group date)

This is a short clip from Theme Night.

six plus four is ten team leaders

SBP Intern — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:58:18 +0000

Wednesday this week is a little different. After evangelism, instead of debriefing, disciples will be cleaning in anticipation of the returning staff. There will also be a communal time of prayer held this evening. Continuing last week, James Gisler will share with us during Evangelism Training. He will be speaking on “The Gospel and the Campus.”
Otherwise today is pretty standard, the team leaders are just getting back from their Leadership Training Session. Until training today, disciples have been getting in the word and meditating on what they have learned from last night. There is still so much to be done and be thankful for even on the last week of project.

seven days fom tuesday is tuesday

SBP Intern — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:40:42 +0000

During Bible Study Training, Josh Schrock focused on Meditation. He shared on its significance in the Christian walk, that as needy people, Christians need to constantly meditate on Scripture and internalize its truths in order to grow.

There was Team Time after that. Most of the teams got their team shirts today and many disciples wore them last night before curfew.

Mike Polley will be leading the final Theme Training today. He will be sharing on “Suffering: Living in Exile.”

eight is the days we have left

SBP Intern — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:35:22 +0000

Tonight we have the final Bible Study Training headed by Josh Scrock. These last couple days will be directed toward reflecting and focusing on our vision for our various campuses in the coming semester.

Natin Moreno says, “Please be praying for courage and boldness as these dashing young students are impassioned by the grace of our loving God.”
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain -Philippians 1:21 (ESV).

nine weeks on SBP

SBP Intern — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:00:08 +0000

…and nine days later we will all be back home. Feels like another great weekend coming to a close.

Disciples spending their time going on group dates, swimming in the ocean, doing laundry, and a fun game of mafia under the tent. Besides the reports from the fireworks and the cheers of people riding the air-launched swing next door to us, it is very tranquil here on project. Rev. Okey is once again sharing with the disciples after a worship session led by Dan Harper.

Some of the disciples had lunch with their co-workers on project today, a little taste of the job social to come. There are a lot to look forward to this week, including the return of the staff later this week.

Evangelism Training – The Gospel and the World

SBP Intern — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 04:06:15 +0000

James Gisler talking about the Gospel around the World in Evangelism Training.

Please make sure to watch this clip.