Child Sponsorship - JOER Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Joer doesn't have any brothers. The other boys you may see pictured with him were boys also from child trafficking. There were 15 boys all together but the Kids' Ranch in the Philippines only took 4. They don't know his real birthdate, age or name. The government just made them up for the paperwork. They don't know the whole story about when and how he was brought to the house where they were selling children (most likely to other countries). Someone anonymously texted a message to the police to check out a big house full of boys because something seemed suspicious. Sure enough, they were selling little boys that were half Philippino and half something else (Chinese, Japanese, Korean ect...).
Thankfully, Loraine and the other who run the Faith, Hope, and Love Kids Ranch in the Philippines were contacted, and 4 of the 15 kids were given a good, safe environment to grow up in! Joer came to the Ranch with big sores all over his head and legs. The first week, when he didn't get his way, he would purposely bang his head on the wall, floor, or something else to get his way. He realized that after 2 weeks, it didn't work. His head has a weird shape to it because of all his tantrums before! Thankfully, he doesn't do it anymore! He loves to dance and color and wants to build houses when he grows up.
The picture is of Joer and Loraine Lamar (Calvary missionary in the Philippines)! He calls her "mommy" because they have never had a mother before. He hugs her every morning when he wakes up and kisses her goodnight before going to bed! He's a sweetheart! He also goes to pre-school Monday to Wednesday. He's good in coloring and is learning to write the ABC's!
The $34 a month that we will send to Joer goes to his food. That's a little over a $1.00 a day for 3 meals. Food there is just as expensive as in the states. They raise their own meat and are now starting to raise their own veggies. Of course, it helps pay the cook, gas, electric etc... 100% of your money will go to Joer and his needs. You can also write letters and send pictures by just dropping them in the Joer sponsorship box on the table in Velocity.
Joer needs YOU! Thanks for being a part of his future and his eternity!
-Kevin
Myspace secret hangout Monday, August 25, 2008
THIS THURSDAY! SPREAD THE WORD!
-kevin
Revelation is going to be epic! Sunday, August 24, 2008
We kicked if off this weekend in Velocity and I can't wait to dive in. This weekend was the introduction - it was kind of like shaking hands with the book and going to lunch with it. After the students left, they were much more acquainted with the book, but over the next 9 months, they'll get to know it really well. On the weekends we'll go chapter by chapter, then on Wednesdays, we'll take a topic that we didn't get to dive into and learn it hands-on in a real creative way. It's going to be an awesome study and I'm excited to see how God uses it.
We debuted a bunch of new stuff when we started this weekend: new shirts ($8 from each shirt will benefit Voice of the Martyrs), a resources table we're calling "The Battle Station" - full of tracts, postcards, business cards, and books about Revelation. On Wednesday, we'll meet the child we'll be sponsoring from the Philippines. His name is Joer and he's an awesome 3-year old little boy who was rescued while trying to be sold. His one prayer request is "that people would stop selling kids." We hope to be a big part of his life!
If you're interested in staying up-to-date with Revelation, go to velocityabq.org/revelation or youtube.com/vsmrevelation. We have an audio podcast for the weekend messages, and we'll have video podcast for the Wednesday night services.
-kevin
Acts 9 & 11 Tuesday, July 08, 2008
acts chapter 9
In acts chapter 9 i would say that god really shows his glory and power through the things he was doing. If you turn to acts chapter 9 vs1-3 you see that saul is a persecuter of christianity... But we all know God loves his people. and if you read in vs 3-10 you see that god eximplifies his love for the people of the earth. you know god could have handled this very deferently then he did. you really see gods mercy when you think about the way god handled a killer compared to man. just think about this... god showed his love on a sinner just like you and me,his name was saul, think about how man handled saddam hussein! they killed him! i know there is a little of a difference there but you can defferently relate. but sin is sin and no sin is grater or lesser than another. we all deserve the death penalty. and beleive me if you havent repented and turned to the lord you will get it!! even though it might not be on this earth everybody who does not have a rellationship with the lord will have thier death penalty. no matter how much you have messed up there is always hope through our christ jesus. John 3:16 says. "for god so loved the world so much that he gave his one and only son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." jesus loves you and has plans for you. he is just waiting for you to repent and turn towards him. so what are you waiting for!?
acts chapter 11
peter and the gentiles-
if you turn to acts chapter 11 you see that about half the chapter is paul exclaiming his actioons of the previoust chapter.Acts chapter 11 vs 3: you entered the name of the gentiles and even ate with them they said. vs 4: then peter told them exactly what happend. when i first read this i thought exactly of jesus and how he entered the jewish homes and even ate with them. there was someting different about jesus than the rest of the jews. He stood out and even tought about things the pharisees did not at all like. but jesus was persistant with what his god wanted. he was not ashamed to publically speak what god wanted him to. In the same train of thought we should as believers do what god has called us to do weather its staying away from temptation or witnessing to your friends,witnessing to your family or stopping whatever sin you have been carrying around with you. whatever god has called you to do you need to do it. to some people the vs john 3:16 means nothing but we need to take it to heart and realize that JESUS was MASSACRED for our sins!! he needs you and you need him weather you realize it or not. so with saying that we all need to shape up and get for real for our god and savior jesus christ.
-phil
conquering Jerico Saturday, June 07, 2008
here's a brief overview of what we're studying this weekend in Joshua 6...
-kevin
The Sequel Tuesday, May 27, 2008
hey for those of you who dont know me my name is phill or phillip either works. or you could call me zoro haha just joking.. alright so anyway if you havent read my first blog you probaly should because you will understand this one more. Heres the link http://velocityabq. org/upcoming. asp its titled wake up right past the snow cone blog by kevin haha. alright so in my last blog i was talking about how we need to do what god has called us to do. And that includes being his witness not for our own personal gain but for the sake of others and what he wants us to do. I know serving the lord isnt always the popular thing to do but dont you think it would be the right thing in the long run? Being a follower of jesus these days doesnt really fit in dont you think? Everywhere we go there is sin and temptation and evil going on everywhere. Weather its from our computer or to our school or to the mall we need to do our best to resist it at all costs.. it states in acts chapter 2 vs 17-21(nlt version): 'In the last days god says, 'I will pour out my spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old me will dream dreams. vs18 In those days i will pour out my spirit even on my servents- men and women alike- and they will prophesy. vs19 And i will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below- blood and fire and clouds of smoke. vs20 The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the lord arrives. vs21 but everyone who calls on the name of the lord will be saved.... Now this isnt something to take very lightly because when the lord says he is going to do something. He is going to do it. We all have to realize that the time when the lord returns is coming quick and we all have to shape up. I regret everything wrong i have done, but the horrible thing is that we cant undo our past. But Gods son loved us enough to die on the cross for our sins for our sake of being saved. We do not deserve him by anymeans but he has saved us through his blood. Nobody ever said being a christian would be easy and we have to live up to that standard. In acts chapter 12 james is killed and peter gets thrown in jail for their faith in jesus christ! We need to make sure that we are stronger than ever in our faith and be ready for whatever god puts in our path because he has plans for you! and he wants to use you! but you have to be willing to take up your cross daily and do his work. And once you start that the rest is easy. God will use you in different ways and will just do miracles in your lifes, it will definently blow you away. Well thanks for reading. keep on the lookout for another blog soon.
sincerely zoro.. jk jk
-phil
Yummy goodness Saturday, May 03, 2008
Sno-cones go on sale TONIGHT before and after service for $1! We'll sell them May through mid-June before and after Sat & Wed services. 8 people who are signed up for Lone Tree will also have the chance to sign up to serve sno-cones to raise money for Lone Tree!
Choose from 8 amazing flavors: cherry, red raspberry, peach, lemon lime, lemon, grape, pink bubblegum, and orange!
So, bring some money and hook it up with a sno-cone, yo!
-kevin
The End of the Beginning Thursday, May 01, 2008
This weekend is bittersweet. This Saturday and Sunday, we wrap up a 55-week study through the Book of Genesis - one of the most fascinating studies I've ever done! We started it in June of 2006 and we finish up almost 2 years later (of course there were breaks, holidays, vacations, etc in between)!
In Chapter 49 & 50, Jacob dies, Joseph's brothers get scared he'll take revenge now that their father is dead, but Joseph reminds them that they're completely forgiven. God used their evil deeds for good. Then, Joseph dies.
God is so good. I love how He can turn something as terrible as brothers selling another brother into slavery to save His people! What has God used in your life that you never though He could? Think real hard - I'll bet there's something.
Hope to see you this weekend.
-kevin
Q&A Buffet TONIGHT! Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Don't miss out on Q&A Buffet with Kourtney and special guests, Jason and Denver! Hope to see you there!
(Also, if you didn't know, tonight is 31-cent scoop night at Baskin-Robbins, so after Q&A go get some more sugar!)
-kevin
Wake Up! Sunday, April 27, 2008
Hi, for all of you who don't know my name its Phillip but you can call me phil or whatever you like =D. I just want to start off with saying a little bit about myself. Im almost fourteen and I love to skateboard, snowboard, hang out with friends, and there is a lot I hope to accomplish in my lifetime. The reason im writing this here today is because I feel lead to being a pastor in the near future which I am very very excited about .
If anybody knows me well enough I think it would be my mom. And she knows I love sleeping haha. Maby its just me but in the mornings I feel like I could attack somebody because of how tired I am! I just want to keep sleeping and not doing what I should be…. Waking up for school!! In the same way I think many of us Christians could relate to this by not waking up our souls and doing what god has called us to do. I think that this generation of Christians has become much to comfortable about preaching the word of god. It says in Acts chapter 1vs8 (NLT version):But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
God was definitely not kidding around when he said this.
If you look in the book of Jonah chapter 1vs2 it says: "Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. And announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are." Well if you keep reading this you find out that Jonah buys a ticket to Tarshish hoping to escape the lord. If you continue reading Jonah gets swallowed by a great fish for his disobedience to the lord. It kind of makes you realize how god will always be more powerfull than you are! It happens that in chapter 3 Jonah goes to Nineveh and proclaims gods word. Within few words to the people everybody in this wicked city was repenting for what they had done.
We are comfortable in our own little states of being. And we don't like change! But we have to wake up from our sleep and realize that nothing is impossible for god. And destruction will come without doing the things the lord has commanded. So the next time your at wal-mart and you get the opportunity to share the love of Christ do it!! Don't be scared because you think your not qualified enough or your too young! For nothing is impossible with the lord and he will supply you with your needs, he will give you what you need when you need it. If you knew something that your friend needed to know very bad and didn't tell them would you be a good friend? Of coarse not! In the same way you know the truth about jesus and you need to start declaring it in not just your words but your actions. Calling yourself a Christian puts a title on yourself that you cant get rid of, trust me people will be waiting for you to trip up so they can say that you are no better than they are and when you do tell them what you know about forgiveness and teach them what they need to know =D this has been amazing just being able to talk to you people about this and living in this country that we do. We should be so thankfull for what we have here in our country as in how we can worship our amazing god freely! So my message to you today is to take what you know and use it to help and teach others =)
Thanks for reading this it really means a lot to me. I hope you don't just read this and walk away from your computer the same way you walked up to it but you walk away with a different perspective about things.
So just once again thanks for reading and all the support! Never stop praying!
-Phil
4FOR5 Friday, April 25, 2008
The dance video is out. Enjoy, but don't spend too many hours watching it!
Be friends with 4FOR5 on myspace at myspace.com/4for5!
-kevin
Almost Done Saturday, April 12, 2008
I started teaching the book of Genesis in June of 2006. This week I finish up chapters 47 & 48. We only have 2 more chapters after this week which means I should finish by about the 1st or 2nd week of May. This is week 53. It's been one of the most fascinating books I've ever taught through. I haven't taught through a lot - Philippians, Galatians, Jonah, Philemon (only 1 chapter anyway), James, 1 Samuel, and most of Acts, but it's still been my favorite. Creationism, the Flood, the Fall, the lives of giants of our faith - Abe, Isaac, Joseph, etc. Amazing.
If you're interested, you can check out some of the teachings HERE.
We have some killer ideas for what we'll be studying after Genesis, so hang tight - it'll be sweet.
-kevin
Up and coming... Thursday, April 10, 2008
We have some sweet stuff coming up in Velocity...
The South Dakota Indian Taco Dinner Fundraiser (whoa, long name!) is THIS SUNDAY, April 13 from 5-8pm in the HUB. This is a great way to support fellow Velocity students going on the trip! Buy a ticket this weekend in service or at the door.
The South Dakota Shoe Drive also starts this weekend and will run through May. It’s another great way to support the work up in South Dakota by donating NEW shoes and socks to kids who don’t have much. Bring them to Velocity in April and May and we’ll take them with us when we leave in June!
Another exciting event that starts this weekend is Lone Tree sign-up! Sweet! It’s July 21-26 this year and is sure to be excellent, as always. Grab a flyer in service or sign up online starting Saturday!
-kevin
Famine Sunday, April 06, 2008
Are you going through a time of spiritual famine? Check out this weekend's message, Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures from Genesis 47 to learn some great insights on how to get back on track with God!
-kevin
back to it Friday, April 04, 2008
After a few weekends off of Velocity due to Easter and The Weekend, we're back to it this weekend! We'll be finishing up Genesis 47, so bring your Bible and a friend and plan on being there!
-kevin
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: February Friday, February 01, 2008
This month's "in the spotlight" event is The Weekend 2008! It's going to be INCREDIBLE! Our biggest one yet! Fantastic worship from Kristian Stanfill, challenging Bible Study with Fernando Ortiz, crazy games, rad contests, small groups, tons of friends, and soooooo much more. I could try to type it all here, or you could go to theweekendabq.org to see what it's really all about.
Sign up in service and online starts Sat, Feb 2 and goes till we fill up, so DON'T WAIT!
P.S. Think 80s.
-kevin
Hardcore sledding Monday, January 28, 2008
THIS VIDEO WILL GO OUT ON ALL THE PODCATCHERS THIS WEEK!
Check out some pictures from The Peak 2008 on Velocity's myspace. More will be posted on velocityabq.org soon!
-kevin
We're BACK! Sunday, January 27, 2008
After a few snow-packed strips of road, some fog, 2 empty gas tanks, and some other adventures, we made it back in one piece! If you went on the Peak and are missing something, it may be in the Student Ministry Building. Stop by some time this week to grab it. It will go bye-bye by Friday.
-kevin
Estimated Time of Arrival Sunday, January 27, 2008
Due to weather conditions in Durango they got off to a later start then expected, but they are now on their way and their estimated time of arrival is now 9:00 PM.
-Nate Hoffman (on behalf of Kevin M.)
10:50PM Saturday, January 26, 2008
The hot tub and pool are about to close. Bad news for all the insane people in there! We were just reflecting on how crazy it is that they still have so much energy after a day of snowboarding.
Tonight was great - Nate taught on Matthew 8 - Jesus calming the storm. We also had a great time of communion and extended worship. It's been a good weekend and I really think God has done some great things in people's lives. We have a short day tomorrow, then we head home. Short and sweet.
-kevin
5:34pm Saturday, January 26, 2008
Just got back from the mountain. It was an awesome day. Perfect weather - clear skies and sunny. Some people got hot even! Only 1 minor injury - just a hurt wrist that will be better very soon. Thanks for your prayers! We have dinner in 26 minutes, so it's shower time and hang out time till then. On the way down the mountain, Kourtney, Denver and I discussed what we would have for dinner if we could choose anything. Not a good idea. That made us REALLY hungry. Oh well, our need for fuel will be met soon.
Don't forget to check the Velocity mobilog for a few pictures over the course of the weekend.
-kevin
8:14am Saturday, January 26, 2008
Just got done with devos - Jesse and Janae taught. Jesse's was great and I'm sure Janae's was too. We're getting everyone together and we'll be taking about 115 people up the mountain! Almost as many people as we had on our whole retreat last year! Wow! They're psyched!
-kevin
6:08am Saturday, January 26, 2008
It's early.
-kevin
11:32pm Friday, January 25, 2008
Session #1 went great! Thanks for your prayers. Jamming 193 people in a room meant for about 130 wasn't the easiest, didn't smell the best, and wasn't always comfortable, but we still had a great time. Katie Tye won a brand new snowboard (although she skis, or maybe more accurate, she did ski) and was super stoked for that! Ives rocked it out for us. Tomorrow morning, girls' breakfast is at 6am, guys at 6:30. Janae and Jesse teach the morning devos, so you can be praying for them. We hit the slopes after that for an awesome day of fresh powder and sunny skies!
Right now I'm enjoying a fresh Double Tree cookie - the ones they're famous for. The nice lady at the front desk told us to tell the kids if they want a warm cookie to come ask for one at the front desk. I don't think she really knew what she'd be getting herself into. We'll probably keep that little secret to ourselves.
-kevin
We've arrived! Friday, January 25, 2008
The buses are just a few minutes outside of Durango, but most of the vans are here already. The band is here, unloaded and ready to sound check. When students arrive, they'll head to their rooms, hang out for a while, then session #1 starts at 9:30pm. I'm in my room right now - as everyone else unloads - sprinting to finish my message for tonight. I'll be teaching on John on Patmos Island. Although he was in exile, away from familiar faces and places, he had some sweet time with the Lord. That's our desire this weekend - meet with Jesus. Sure, the snow will be great, the mountain will be a blast, the food is great, the hotel is awesome, BUT JESUS IS FANTASTIC! And we will take full advantage of being away from the familiar this weekend by spending time with the Lord.
Tonight, we'll look briefly at 3 opportunities we each have up here in Durango - opportunities to hear from God, be used by God, and change for God. We'll look at 3 great things about John being sent to Patmos in exile - 1) he was isolated for Christ, which gave him time to be 2) attentive to Christ, which obviously led to being 3) befriended by Christ.
PARENTS, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP AND COOPERATION TODAY IN GETTING STUDENTS LOADED AND ON THE ROAD! Although this is our BIGGEST winter retreat ever, it was also our most organized and quickest at getting on the road! THANKS!
Oh man, the snow is coming down and it's supposed to be clear & sunny on Saturday - THE DAY WE'LL BE ON THE MOUNTAIN! It's gonna be sick! Parents, stay tuned here for updates over the weekend...
South Dakota deadline extended! Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Since we have a few more spots available for the trip, we're extending the deadline for applications and deposits. Get them in by Sun, Jan 20 to be considered for the trip.
Also, due to the date change, the parent/team meeting on Wed, Jan 16 has been moved to Wed, Jan 23. We'll fill you in on more details then!
Until then, if you have any questions, feel free to call us at 338-3699 or email us at vsmmissions@gmail.com!
Find out more about this awesome missions opportunity at velocityabq.org/missions!
-kevin
Bird's Eye View Monday, November 12, 2007
Have you ever stopped from your busy, media-saturated lives to think of what God thinks when He looks down on this world He created? Not just you as an individual, although some people need to do that also, but as a whole? Every person, every city, every nation, every tribe, every single facet of human life as a created being. He does not categorize us as white, black, brown, yellow, green, or purple; American military or jihad; prostitute or priest; straight or gay. He categorizes us in two groups - the group that will claim Him (Jesus) as our Lord and Savior, and the ones who deny that simple truth. Saved and unsaved. Heaven or hell. And even despite that difference He loves each of us.
I saw a movie tonight that shook me in to prospective. Near the end of the film, two completely separate identities were muttering the same thing. One of them was an American FBI agent. The second was the son of a Muslim Jihad leader. They each muttered "don't worry we will kill them all", each speaking of the other, each speaking with the same hate. I realized, despite their justifications for hatred toward each other, God looks down and looks upon His creation destroying themselves. He sees a creation that is filled with what humans categorize as justifiable hatred. We don't look at a person as a soul that could be hurting and needs love; no, we look on and hate the person if they are different than us. He looks at each person and regardless of the gut wrenching things they do, He loves them.
When are we going to learn to look through God's eyes, and better yet, let God look and LIVE through our eyes?
When are we going to learn not hate the person but the sin?
God does not hate the humans He created, but the sin that lives within each and every one of us is what He hates.
Hatred is not a seperate entity than love. Hatred is the lack of love. So whether we hate a little or hate a lot, remember do not be the one that God looks down upon and weeps because He sees the way we treat one another but love each other the way that Christ loved us. And when that fails, because it will, it's just how we are, find yourself at the cross because He will remind you what love is.
-Sarah Whitesage
REPRESENT! Monday, November 12, 2007
I read about a guy who was told by God to go and witness to some people, but he chose not to do it - he decided to do the opposite. Eventually, the people all around him began to notice something was wrong - everything in their lives was going wrong because of him! When they asked him who he was and what he did, he claimed to be a Christian. It was obvious, however, that he wasn't living like one. Eventually, they had to throw him out of their group - he was all by himself. It wasn't until God finally got his attention through some pretty big events that He was able to use him to witness to the people in a city and he was even amazed at what happened - the whole city changed their lives and began to live for God!
That man was Jonah.
You can read his story in the book of Jonah.
Here's where I'm going with this...
Many of us are just like him. We've been commanded to be a witness to a generation that's dying in its sin. Instead, however, we do the opposite. We want to party, cuss, have sex, drink, and seem cool like everyone else - we're running from God, as if He can't stop us (like He did with Jonah). The saddest part is, if you were asked if you are a Christian, many of you would say YES despite the life you're leading.
It's time to gain some perspective.
It's time for the world to see what it's REALLY all about.
How many opportunities have you missed?
How many people think it's ok to drink/do drugs/have sex/dress provocatively and call themselves a Christian because they know you? It shouldn't be that way.
It's time for a reality check.
When people see your life, what do they think of Jesus?
God wants to use you for the same thing He was eventually able to use Jonah for - changing a generation. Will you let Him?
-kevin
November Prayer Concentration Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Inspirational Stories
The power of a simple shoe box gift can be far-reaching, blessing both the child who receives a box and the person who prepares and fills it. The following stories exemplify how God is using Operation Christmas Child and the follow-up Bible lessons to touch the lives of children, their families, and entire communities. Through these simple gifts, the message of God's love is being shared around the world, and many lives have been impacted for eternity.
The Gift of Receiving
Philippines
From a ministry partner:
Receiving a fully-packed shoe box made one young boy very happy. His mother is a laundry woman and his father is a janitor and is partially paralyzed. He helped pay for his Grade 3 schooling by driving a wooden trolley along a railroad track. He lived in a house 2 meters away from the railroad track and is an active member of a pioneering Presbyterian Church.
The gifts were personalized for the recipient of the box. Letters, cut-outs, and posters were with it. His box was amazing! It came from a retired Union Pacific railroad worker and was received by a boy who transports people using a handmade trolley that runs alongside a Philippine national railroad track. Amazing! God connects people by a railroad track!
Click HERE to read more stories of how these shoeboxes are having an impact all over the world...
-kevin
Transform yourself! Monday, October 15, 2007
-kevin
What Teenagers Look For In A Church - new research by The Barna Group Monday, October 08, 2007
Click HERE to read an interesting new study done by The Barna Group about what people like you across America look for in a church. What stands out to you about these new statistics and our need to get the word out about the saving power of Jesus?
-kevin
When It Comes to Religion, APS Exercises Guidelines to Be Neutral Yet Accommodating Thursday, October 04, 2007
Sometimes when Katya Orsen is having a rough time at school, she'll close her eyes and quietly pray. "Some days you can get really mad at someone," the 18-year-old La Cueva High senior said. "When I pray, I'm trying to calm down. But you don't really do it out loud."
Students can be religious in public schools— within certain guidelines— but they say when they need to be, they do it quietly.
Albuquerque Public Schools board policy advocates a "neutral" stance on religion yet makes accommodations for practicing a faith.
Principals say they make accommodations for student religious needs when they arise: giving excused absences for tribal Feast Days or Jewish high holidays, setting aside an empty classroom for a Muslim student's daily prayers or a Bible Club's weekly meeting before school.
Last week, groups of primarily Christian students throughout the country, including Albuquerque, held their annual "See You at the Pole" before-school prayer gathering, which doesn't violate any policy because it's held before classes with voluntary participation.
The First Amendment to the Constitution has been interpreted to prohibit government— in this case schools— from sponsoring religious activity at the same time it protects the right to practice religion as an example of free speech.
Flooded with questions about teaching intelligent design and "abstinence only" in public schools, the American Civil Liberties Union plans to send packets to all New Mexico superintendents and principals outlining legal boundaries for religious issues.
At APS, some students are given accommodations for their dress. Muslim girls, for instance, who wear the hijab— the traditional covering of the head and body— are not in violation of the school dress policy because their clothing is considered part of a uniform, Highland High principal Nicolette Dennis said.
APS policy allows up to one hour a day release time for religious instruction. Mormon students at La Cueva are allowed to attend seminary classes at a nearby Latter-day Saints building. They take summer school or correspondence courses to make up for the time they miss.
The school year calendar is scheduled to avoid conflicts with the primary Christian holidays of Christmas and Good Friday, while those who must leave for other religious holidays are "nonpenalized."
Highland High freshman Andrew Balis, who is Jewish, said for the most part, his religious observances occur outside school hours after sundown so there's usually not a conflict for him.
La Cueva Principal Jo Ann Coffee said she has 25 to 30 students who miss school for the Jewish high holidays.
"It's their decision," Coffee said. "The student has the right to make up their work."
Still, teachers are given a list of key religious holidays for scheduling purposes. Many Native American holidays, she said, occur during the winter break, so it's not an issue.
Religion is included in philosophy, literature and world culture instruction.
For Highland High teacher Becky Gordon, it is an important aspect of her Eastern Civilization and World History classes.
"We look at Christianity as a force behind the development of Europe," Gordon said.
Students spend a week or so learning about Islam and visit a local mosque to observe a Friday afternoon prayer.
Gordon's aware of Muslim students who are fasting during Ramadan, only because she'll note the observance during class and ask if any students are participating.
"I had an athlete once who observed Ramadan," she said. "He still went to his practices. That's hard."
Any Bibles or religious documents may be studied for historical, artistic, literary or other academic reasons, according to APS policy.
Also, APS allows schools to be used by church groups for religious purposes outside of school hours.
At La Cueva, several of Linda Fillwock's students are taking Bible as Literature for spiritual reasons, in addition to getting a senior-level English credit. Most in the class are Christian, with a few professed atheists and agnostics sitting together in the back.
College-bound students take the class, mindful that the Bible is a recommended book on most reading lists.
"The Bible is like the most historically accurate (piece of literature)," said Parker Thomasi, 18.
Fillwock breaks it down by stories, poetry, songs, epics and historical significance— such as the exodus of Moses and the Jews from Egypt.
"They approach it as literature, not as a religion," Fillwock said. "The theme of friendship. The theme of suffering from the Book of Job."
Some students who have attended Catholic or Christian schools say the public school environment allows them to study and interpret the work themselves, unlike a religion class where theology is dictated. Teachers, for example, must stay on the side of neutrality.
"(Students) have more rights than people think they do," said La Cueva German teacher Ed Heyen, who sponsors the Bible club "Bear Truth."
Allowed in school
Traditional dress by Muslim students.
On-campus prayer before classes.
Excused absences for religious holidays.
An hour a day release time for religious instruction.
Celebration of holidays with a "strong" instructional tie. Staff are encouraged to consult with parents for guidelines.
Not allowed in school
Teachers or administrators cannot counsel students on which religious beliefs to follow.
Public school officials cannot lead children in prayers or religious ceremonies.
Schools cannot be a vehicle for proselytizing for religious or anti-religious beliefs.
Coaches may not require pre-game prayer by athletes.
-Andrea Schoellkopf of the ABQ Journal
October Prayer Concentration: Pastors and Ministry Leaders Tuesday, October 02, 2007
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 - 12And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
October is pastor appreciation month, so what better time to remember our pastors & ministry leaders in prayer? Here are some ideas of what to pray for:
- Pastor Skip and his vision for Calvary
- Donovan Medina (Calvary worship leader) as he heads on to new things
- Kevin & the Velocity leaders
- Kourtney as he joins the Velocity ministry team
- Nate Heitzig as he takes on Vertical
- Nick Crespo as he takes on Renovate
- pastors around the world facing persecution
- ministry leaders and those who serve the Lord by serving us
-kevin
a day of FUN in Denver... Sunday, September 30, 2007
here's how Saturday went down...
We rolled into Elitch Gardens about 10:30am...
...Branden had to get wanded down by 2 security guards...
We stopped for a group pic before our long day,
rode a bunch of sweet rides including the 250' Tower of Terror...
...the log ride...
...The Twister...
By 3:30 we headed back to the hotel for swimming and napping. Pool Rule #7 says: "All women must wear bathing caps."
We went shopping once more and I posed with some Lego people.
At the restaurant where we ate dinner, we went through the haunted house.
And of course we ended the whole night with a group picture.
We meet at 8:15am in the lobby, packed and ready to rock. We'll head to breakfast as a group, then go to the 11am service at Rocky Mountain Calvary, then head home for the weekend. It'll be good to be back and see my little girl, but it sure has been a great weekend away!
-kevin
Night #1 in Denver Saturday, September 29, 2007
for dinner:
no words for this:
we waited for 2 1/2 hours for the Cheesecake Factory:
Denver reading about Denver:
Finally eating:
4 crazies:
in the parking lot:
-kevin
the great state or coloRADo! Friday, September 28, 2007
Here's what we've been up to so far...
Most of the group still in ABQ:
Chris wading across the river to get to the cool slide in Trinidad:
The awesome slide we played on & in:
Girls posing for a pic in the middle of the water fountain:
Van karaoke:
2 Millers in sweaters:
you can't be too careful:
13 people in an elevator - Jessica was convinced we exceeded the weight limit (we didn't):
-kevin
What are you living for? Tuesday, September 11, 2007
It's been 6 years now since September 11, 2001 - the day Americans had a vivid reminder that we all have no idea what today holds or when our last day is going to be. So, take some time today to think about it - what are you living for? Live today in the light of eternity.
-kevin
AUGUST Prayer Concentration Sunday, July 29, 2007
This month, we're concentrating our prayer efforts on YOUR SCHOOL! Your school is a bigger mission field than you may realize. Youth groups spend so much time trying to get the students to come to them, but you get to go to the people who need Christ! Plus, at your school, as a Christian American, you have every right that any other student has - you can hold Bible studies, start a Bible Club (if you don't have one already), witness, share your beliefs, and more - just like anyone else!
This month, pray for God to prepare you and your school for what He wants to do this year. Pray for boldness and open doors for you to share Him with everyone there. What a great opportunity to share Christ's love!
-Kevin
Life is like a box of chocolates... Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Dear friends and family,
If I remember correctly, the last time I wrote was right before school started back up. After a month of no class due to the strike, we were all rushed to get everything done in two weeks and end the semester. For one class, I had a group project that was supposed to be done in 3 weeks - we did it in 4 days. And I was working two of those days and had class the third day! It all worked out, though, and although I don't know what grade we got, I'm sure we did well on the presentation.
This weekend a young group of 3 Americans was here and I showed them around Campinas, we hung out with the boys, and then on Saturday they helped me get ready for Karaoke Night at church on Sunday. We spent the better part of Saturday and all afternoon Sunday getting ready. About 10 or 12 people showed up, and we did karaoke for an hour or so. We had prizes and everything! Then it was time for service, and we went out for a quick bite to eat afterwards.
With only a couple more groups coming while I'm here and the kids all gone at camp this week, there isn't much for me to do in the office right now. School is out, and my roommate is in Holland for a few weeks, so yesterday I was sort of at a loss for what to do. I decided I wouldn't let that stop me, so today I stopped by the office for a little while and then headed to the church. I spent the afternoon talking with Natalia, one of our graduates - an outspoken girl about my age - about life, really. Living by faith, trusting in the Lord for a job, place to live, etc. Then we offered to help out and wound up spending a couple hours making phone calls to other graduates to find out if they were employed or in need of help to find employment. Tomorrow I will go to Natalia's house for lunch and then teach her how to make chocolate chip cookies. From what she tells me, her oven is bigger than mine!
The plan is to skip off to the beach this weekend. Next week, I will work on some projects in the office, hopefully spend a few days with the kids out at the orphanage, and then spend my last weekend in town.
I leave for home just two weeks from tomorrow, arriving in Albuquerque on Friday evening, Aug 3. Pretty incredible. 6 months come and gone. At first, I didn't even want to think about going home - I will miss life here dearly. But the closer it gets, the more excited I am. God is already providing for me back in Albuquerque -- I will be moving into a house near campus with 3 friends, already have a job, and am excited for this next new phase of life.
Life is an adventure! Especially when we're walking with the Lord! (Check out John 3:8 and Eccl. 11:1-10)
Many blessings to you all!
Love in Christ,
-Kara
July 15th - NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY! Saturday, July 14, 2007
Celebrate early with Ice Cream Sundaes for just $1 on sale before and after Saturday night service in front of the PLEX! I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!
-kevin
Where do I even begin? (BRAZIL UPDATE) Thursday, June 21, 2007
Dear friends and family,
It's been a month since I last wrote. A lot can happen in a day, let alone a whole month! So I will try to stick to the highlights...
School might be a "logical" place to begin. I mean, that is why I moved to Brazil for 6 months, right? Well, ironically enough, the last time I wrote must have been right around the last time I had class. The staff, professors, and students in a handful of the colleges within my university (Unicamp) have been on strike for close to a month. I heard yesterday that the professors had gone off strike, and there is rumor that the students of my area of study have done the same. But regardless, there is still no class. The central issue is autonomy and keeping the public university the way it is; the government apparently has some different ideas and the universities are not happy (mine is not the only university on strike).
So what do I do in life? Work has kept me plenty busy. Since it is summer time (in the States anyway...it's still winter here, despite what the sunny, 70- and 80-degree weather might lead you to believe), we have groups coming down to do work projects and/or vision trips. I have taken on the role of aiding in coordinating the groups, their itineraries, etc. I also act as the primary translator and spend most of my time with the groups when they are here. There are always more projects to keep me busy at work, but that is my main role right now. It's pretty incredible, as it is exactly what I am going to school for and have been looking forward to doing in life after I graduate. Not having class is a blessing, freeing up my schedule and allowing me to be available to accompany our groups.
No class was a blessing in a special way these past couple weeks. My mom came down with my Aunt Donna, Filly from the youth group at my church, and Anne from my aunt's church. I enjoyed showing a little bit of Campinas to my mom, and then we left for a week "vacation" to Rio and Salvador. Donna, Filly, and Anne stayed and worked at the City of Youth.
Rio and Salvador were very different experiences, and we loved them both. We stayed in a hostel in Rio on Copacabana beach. Spent time walking the beaches, saw the botanical gardens, hiked the first part of Sugar Loaf mountain and took the tram to the top to enjoy the incredible view, toured the Christ Redeemer statue at sunset, enjoyed a little bit more of Copacabana beach, toured the largest favela (slum) in Rio, and visited the Indian Museum. My favorites from Rio would have to be the beaches and the favela tour. Incredible. In Salvador, we stayed with the aunt and uncle of a Brazilian friend of ours from Albuquerque, Joelba. They were wonderfully hospitable and acted as our tour guides, taking us to see the beaches, a lighthouse, a fort, lake with white sands, the Mercado Modelo. We took the elevator from the lower city up to the upper city, walked around in colorful Pelourinho, and saw many historical churches. It was rainy the first 2 of 3 days we were there, which put a damper on our hopes for beach time. As a result, we spent one afternoon at the new mall, said to be the largest mall in Latin America. Tuesday morning before we headed home to Campinas, it was finally beautifully sunny and we enjoyed a few hours on the beach.
The rest of the time with my mom was full of organizing Valentines, a birthday party and a Valentine's party with the girls from the City of Youth, the hippie fair, and of course lots of good conversation. :o) We said goodbye last Saturday, knowing it will just be another month and a half and we will see each other again...crazy!
It's been a month or more now that I have been opening up the church early on Sundays for people to come and hang out. I continue to do that and have included some prayer time for the church now as well. At most 4 or 5 people come, but I still pray that God would bring someone up who would continue to open the church once I'm gone, that more people would begin to come, and that a more united and alive church would result.
I may not have class or homework, but I usually find something to fill up my evenings. I'm generally either just hanging out with people or having Bible study with Thayan. He and I meet 3 times a week for Bible study. On Tuesdays, he shares something from the Word. On Wednesdays, we are studying Ephesians. And Thursdays are my days to share. Last night, my evening was filled with baking until Thayan showed up for Bible study. I made chocolate chip cookies. I believe I have shared with you all the adventure that cookie-baking is. I can only bake 3 cookies at a time, so even though I spent 2 1/2 hours on the project last night, I still put half of the dough in the fridge to be finished another day. I'm attaching a picture of my kitchen for your amusement. We have two refrigerators - the one on the right works and overfreezes in the freezer part. The one on the left doesn't even think about getting cold. And the little guy in front of the refrigerators is our beloved little oven. Hence only three cookies at a time. :o)
Whether you're enjoying baking lots more cookies at one time than I could ever dream of doing or caught up in a busy work schedule, going to school or glad to be out for the summer, going through good times in life or struggling, I hope and pray that the Lord is ministering to you in a special way.
Please keep me in prayer as I have lots of decisions to make concerning living and employment arrangements when I return, which is right around the corner. And that these last few weeks I am here would be blessed and used by the Lord according to His will.
Love and blessings,
-Kara
Pray for FILLY! Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Filly's passport came in, but not her visa. She needs her visa to fly to Brazil. So now pray as they do their best to change her departure date from Sunday to a couple days later (which isn't something they normally do). Pray that her visa gets here soon and she's able to switch her departure date and get out to Brazil as soon as she can! God is bigger than all of this - what a great way to see God work through prayer!
-Kevin
A little bit of everything... Tuesday, May 22, 2007
It's been an interesting week, filled with lots of translating, driving, a ride in an ambulance, a birthday party or two, and the list goes on...
Last Saturday was the big 2-1 for me. I worked all day, which included taking the American couple who is here to the Hippie Fair in the morning and then out to the orphanage to work on their project, painting House 6 at the boys' campus. I got home around 6, took a nap and got ready for church. A handful of people from the Hope's graduate church that I go to on Sunday nights was at service Saturday, which had never happened before. Turns out they were there for a birthday party for me. After service, we all retreated to another room. My friend Thayan had arranged everything and the room was full of finger foods, soda, and the biggest cake I've ever seen in my life! It was a fun little party! I headed home with Nayana, Thayan, and Igor and opened gifts there. I had been anxiously waiting to open my "party in a box" that had been compiled by friends and family and sent in the mail. It was a party in a box alright! Presents, party favors, streamers, balloons, princess tiaras (one from Dad and one from Mom), cards and all! Corenne had made me a cake, so we had more cake at home too! It was a pretty good 21st birthday.
Sunday morning I attended church at Calvary, streaming online on the Calvary site. That was a breath of fresh air and something I hadn't thought of before. I've decided that will probably become a weekly thing now. So that means I will attend 3 churches! haha.
The work week has been full of translating, whether it's monthly reports, Valentine's cards, or conversation between the American couple and their painting helpers. Bob, the American gentleman who was here this week, fell getting out of the tub on Monday and broke his ankle. I rode with them in the ambulance (my first time in an ambulance!) to the hospital on Tuesday to help with translating. After Tuesday, he was in a wheel chair, which was tricky, of course, getting him around. All in all, however, they did enjoy their time out here, and the maintanence crew at the City of Youth was able to finish up the painting they weren't able to finish. House 6 looks beautiful and there is a big bunch of very happy and grateful boys!
On Wednesday, I cut my hair. I had my keys in my hands and was headed home and decided I'd stop by the hair salon across the street to perhaps set up a time to cut my hair. Well, an hour or so later I was on my way back across the street to my apartment with about 6 inches or so less hair!
Saturday night I went to the rodeo with some friends. Lots of fun! We didn't get home until 4:30 in the morning. I think their rodeos last a little longer than ours. The arena was huge! It was quite the rodeo!
On Sunday, I opened up the church around 4 in the afternoon. Last week I invited everyone to come early and hang out. I am hoping it will be a way to get everyone a little more involved in the church. Hopefully people will be hanging around the church more, and who knows, maybe some ministries will spring up. But for now, this is my ministry. By 5 or so a couple girls showed up, and shortly later 4 more people came. I had brought some chips and dip, cookies, and soda. So we enjoyed the junk food and played some games. It was fun. I will continue to do this each week. Please pray that God would use this in some way and that it would continue well after I am gone!
I bought a Bible in Portuguese today! I am very excited to finally have a complete Bible in Portuguese!
School is going well. English class is still a bit sporadic, but a little more consistent than it was for a while. Work is going well. It is the first "serious" job I've really had. It feels good to be doing something that feels important. This week I will attend a capoeira class. Capoeira is a Brazilian martial arts kind of sport/dance. If I like the class, I will sign up and start going 3 times a week.
I hope all is well wherever you are! Thank you to everyone who helped make my birthday special! May God bless you each and may you know His love more and more every day!
Much love and many blessings,
-Kara
All About Filly's Brazil Trip Saturday, May 05, 2007
I will be leaving on June 3rd and won't be back until the 17th or so. When I arrive, we will be staying in a hotel the first night to catch up with the massive time change. While I'm in Brazil I will be keeping the orphans entertained, which I've heard I'm very good at, before they get their teeth cleaned! After we are done in the dental room where I will be spending most of my time with Donna (Kara & Kevin's Aunt who is an orthodontist), we will eat dinner in a different house every night, from what I know that is the plan. Kara says that she will make sure I will see her while I'm there and we will eat ice cream that she says is the ice cream served in Heaven! Oh Kara! And Donna says while it may seem that all that I'll be doing may seem like hard work but I know that will mean so much to the children there! I can't wait until I'm there - none of it seems a reality yet and it most likely won't be real to me until I get there!! Thank you all for your Prayers they are much needed and appreciated!!
-Filly
There's no place like home... Thursday, May 03, 2007
The question is...where's home?
Tuesday was Brazil's Labor Day, so I had no class on Monday or Tuesday. I decided I'd take the opportunity to see Vitoria. I left on Thursday, hoping to spend the whole weekend on the beach. Thankfully I checked out the weather before I went and knew it was, unfortunately, going to rain all weekend. So I hit the beach on Friday, with a forecast of lots of sun at temperatures in the 90s. I spent the weekend with my friend Thiago's family - him, his mom, brother, and sister. They all were either at work or school on Friday, so I was on my own to brave the city of Vila Velha, one of 5 neighbor cities that make up the greater Vitoria area. I poked in and out of shops, walked along the beach, and enjoyed the sun and a little bit of the water. Saturday, as predicted, it rained all day, and unfortunately we basically just stayed home the entire day...my host wasn't exactly as animated as I had anticipated. Saturday night, the plan was to go to the rodeo. We showed up 3 hours after it started, missing the entire rodeo and arriving shortly after the first band had started to play. Needless to say, Saturday was a bit of a dissappointment.
Sunday, however, was a great day! Some of Thiago's friends from church, whom I had met Friday night and also went to the "rodeo" Saturday night, picked me up Sunday afternoon and took me to a Catholic church up on a hill, a major tourist spot in Vila VIlha. From the church, you can see just about everything. We even saw some monkeys on the way up. After that, we drove around in Vitoria a bit, just to see a little bit of the city. Then it was back home for a quick shower and off to church. After church, we all went out for pizza. We went to a place called Rodapizza, where they have what's called a pizza rodizio. Instead of ordering a certain kind of pizza, it's all you can eat, and they bring around about every kind of pizza imaginable...including steak, heart of palm, 4 cheese, corn, chocolate, ice cream, passion fruit...and the list goes on. After 15 slices of pizza, I thought I might die...and I ate less than everyone else! We headed to the beach for an after-pizza stroll.
Monday morning, it was up bright and early and I jumped in the car with Thiago, "mom" (Rosa), and his brother, Junior, to head to Hope Mountain, the other orphanage that Hope Unlimited has here in Brazil. All three of them work there. There was no class on Monday, but I got a tour and spent the morning and early afternoon hanging out with the boys, playing ball and chit chatting. Then Thiago took me to the airport and it was home again, home again.
As I met people in Vitoria, they would ask me where I was from, and I hardly knew how to answer. Campinas? The United States? One of the boys at Hope Mountain even told me I had a "paulista" accent, meaning from the state of Sao Paulo. My response was, "and what about an American accent?" To which he replied, "well yeah, you know, mixed!" Haha.
People always talk about how as you grow up and experience new things, you "find yourself." I'm not sure if I'm finding myself or losing myself. haha.
I spent Tuesday at a retreat with Nayana's church. Lot's of fun! I participated in a swimming relay. My team took third.
Yesterday was my only class this week. Today and tomorrow are work days, and the weekend is already here again.
I hope you all are doing well. Please write me and let me know how I can be praying for you. Take care and God bless,
-Kara
Pitter Patter Sunday, April 22, 2007
I believe the rainy season is beginning. And it made off to a great start with me on a bike for about 30 or 40 minutes. I borrowed a bike from my friend Thayan (Nayana's brother) and took off to explore a little on my own this afternoon. Around 5:30, I had just arrived at Taquaral, a huge park surrounding a lake, and it started to sprinkle. I thought about heading home, but decided I would endure the rain if it came while I was still out and take a lap around the park. Yeah, the rain came. On the home stretch, I wound up walking for fear of my wet breaks failing me or falling due to lack of windshield wipers, or a windshield for that matter. Not to mention it was dark at this point, so visibility was virtually none. Other than the fact that my borrowed cell phone got soaked and won't turn on, it was a fun little adventure. :o)
Last weekend was a lot of fun. After church Sunday night, we went to one of the guys' house for a barbeque. It was more like a full out party, complete with music, a disco ball, and a strobe light. On Sunday, Andrea came over. She is a former student from Hope, and I am very hopeful to begin a really good frienship with her, a great ministry opportunity.
Before I came down here, the girl graduates were on my heart. I wanted to establish friendships with them and provide a good friend and a good influence in their lives, something that all too often few and far between. But it hit me, why does it take coming to Brazil to motivate me to have purpose in my relationships with friends or anyone I come into contact with? I (we) should live with purpose like that every day no matter where I am, influencing the world around me for our Lord and Savior.
I taught English only once this week, and that will be true of next week as well. Thursday I will leave for Vitoria to spend the weekend there, returning on Monday. I will get to see the other Hope orphanage, spend some time on the beach, hopefully go surfing, see a rodeo, and who knows what else.
There's so much more I could write about, but I will leave it at that. Thank you all so much for emails and snail mails...I love hearing from you!
Many blessings,
Kara
P.S. I figure it's probably about time to send some pictures homes...I don't believe I have sent any yet! So, I hope you enjoy! Pictures are as follows:
1. Me and the roommate Nayana :oD
2. My presentation about study abroad at UNM
3. A night view of the street from my apartment window (postcard material, if you ask me :oP)
4. Andrea and me last Sunday
5. Shower water is heated by an electric device on the shower head here. Ours burns out every few days, so I've become a handy-woman and learned how to fix it. :o)
P.P.S. This just in: the cell phone is working again!
TTFN
-Kara
Mexico Car Washes! Thursday, April 19, 2007
Come support the Mexico team by having your mom bring in her minivan or your dad bring his 18-wheeler to get nice and clean!
We'll have 2 car washes:
- THIS SATURDAY, April 21 - 9-1pm at Southwest Orthopedic
Tickets are selling for a suggested donation of $4, so get a ticket or just come by! Hope to see you there!
-Kevin
Monday, March 12, 2007 (from Brazil) Tuesday, March 13, 2007
6:00 a.m.: the alarm goes off, and I hit "snooze."
6:04 a.m.: the alarm goes off, and I hit "snooze."
6:08 a.m.: the alarm goes off, and I hit "snooze."
6:20 a.m.: the alarm goes off, I turn the alarm clock off and reluctantly roll out of bed, carefully lowering myself to the floor from my top bunk. I head straight to the shower to begin getting ready for my day. No matter how hard I try to convince them it's time to be awake, my eyes want nothing more than to close, and my body longs to be back in bed. The goal is to be out of the house by 7:15, catch the bus by 7:25, make the half-hour journey to school, arriving just before my first class, which begins at 8.
7:30 a.m.: I grab my bag, hoping it contains at least everything I need for the day, snatch my keys from the table and head for the elevator after locking the door. I'm out the door and on my way to the bus stop where at least 10 buses pass before I get on one. I hail my bus when it arrives, as here buses are hailed and taxis are not, and jump on board. I only make it as far as the second step of the entrance to the bus, which is farther than I got last week, and we're off. If there's a "Please stand behind the yellow line" rule, no one pays attention to it. But, I'm quite convinced the yellow line doesn't even exist. I expect to be standing, surrounded by other passengers and holding on for my life, for the next half an hour as the bus whizzes across town, apparently never slowing except to stop and let more people on or a few off. As passengers get off a few at a time, the crowd inches back to let more people on. Less than half way through our trip, a woman gets up from her coveted seat and I watch, waiting for the young man closest to her to sit down. He instead offers me the seat, and as I am already starting to sweat from the mass of people around me, I gladly accept. What a gentleman.
8:05 a.m.: I get off the bus across the street from the building where my class is. I hurry across the street and up the hill, up the stairs and into class. My hopes that the professor would be late - as she was last week - are crushed quickly, but class has not started, so my worries are gone. After and hour and half or so, I'm beginning to have trouble paying attention. An hour and a half is slightly premature for this, in my opinion, as the class is 4 hours long. I stick with it another 25 minutes, and the professor lets us out for a 20-minute break. Unfortunately, not only do I not enjoy this class (anthropology, which interests me, entirely based on philosophy, of which to say I am not a fan is quite an understatement), but it isn't what I had hoped for and to my knowledge will not fulfill the requirement I have at UNM. So, I have 20 minutes, what better use of my time than to go talk to my trusty friends in the international relations office and see if we can't find a class that would be a better fit for me? I have every intention of returning, but somehow 20 minutes turns into an hour and 40 minutes, and I leave the office quite confident that tomorrow I will be able to switch to another class - geographic history.
11:40 a.m.: I leave the office and head to one of many "cantinas" on campus with great expectations of taming my growling stomach.
12 noon: I head next door to meet with my group from my audiovisual production class to discuss our project. Our project for this semester: a completed documentary on transvestites in Campinas. We plan to interview a variety of people in order to get a look into how transvestites fit (or don't fit) into society. We plan to give voice to the transvestites themselves, family members, neighbors, police, and a Christian pastor, to name a few.
I want to take a moment to comment on this project... It is interesting to me that I am involved with this specific project right now. At church, we have just started studying Romans in small groups. Romans 1 talks about how man exchanged that which was natural for that which is unnatural, and God turned him over to his lusts because that is what he chose over God. How easy is it for us to look at transvestites, for example, and be appalled, disgusted, repulsed by their sin? And yest, we do the same thing. God is equally as disgusted with our sin. We are taken back by theirs because it is obvious, radical in our eyes. Ours, however, is hidden, more discrete. But their sin is no different from ours. We too, as a result of the Fall, trade that which is natural for that which is unnatural. Communion with God is natural, according to the way God created us - perfect in His image, walking daily with Him in the Garden of Eden. But we have chosen that which is unnatural - separation from God, serving our own lusts and desires - and turned it into our nature. Romans goes on in the following chapters to address this - we judge others for their sin whem we are just as guilty. In the most basic essence of our sin - trading the natural for the unnatural - we do exactly the same thing that we look down on others for doing. How great is His grace that He would save us, even after we have turned our backs on Him.
12:20 p.m.: With little to talk about, our group disperses, and I head back to the cantina. There's a man with a little stand selling music, and as a result the air is filled with instrumental music, creating the very peaceful atmosphere in which I sit. I think the music helps the afternoon feel a little cooler - even though the sun is shining brightly as always, and I wouldn't exactly say I'm cool right now. Or perhaps it's the ice cream I just ate... No, I'm quite sure it's the music.
1:53 p.m.: It's time to head to class. I have class from 2 until 6 and then I'll head home.
Until next time,
-Kara
Dating & Relationships Thursday, March 08, 2007
The statistics reveal very clearly that this generation (just like many others) is mixed up when it comes to how to relate to the opposite sex. Teen pregnancies, STDs, single-parents, a high divorce rate, and so much more prove this sad fact. This Saturday & Sunday and next, we'll learn from God's Word (Genesis 24) what principles have been laid out for us as we study the account of Isaac and Rebekah meeting for the first time, falling in love, and getting married.
God has a plan for us when it comes to relationships and as we'll see, God's plan is ALWAYS the best plan!
Hope to see you there!
-Kevin
Bring it on. Sunday, March 04, 2007
It's been an interesting week. Nayana and I have been in our apartment a week and a half now, and we still have no refrigerator. My goal is to have a refrigerator and internet by the end of the week. The control over both of these situations is not completely in my hands, but I am going to push for them to happen soon.
I went to campus every day this week, but haven't had a class yet. After lots of running around trying to get signatures to authorize my entry into the classes I wish to take, I was finally able to register on Thursday. I didn't get all the classes I wanted, but I think the way my schedule worked out will be good. I have 4 classes, three are social communication classes, which will hopefully transfer directly and help with my public relations requirements, and the fourth is an anthropology class. Most of my classes are 4 hours long, but only once a week. I will only have class three days a week - Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
I still plan to teach an English class, and I will go speak with Silvia on Tuesday to get the details worked out. I am slightly nervous, as I have no idea what I am getting myself into. But hey, welcome to my life, right?
I am realizing that life here is a little more expensive than I had anticipated, but God is a pretty good Guy (that's an understatement, of course), and is providing as always. I will begin working with Corenne, probably this week, on the days I don't have school, helping with PR type things--calling churches, sending letters, etc. I will get paid, and that will be a blessing. (And no, I'm not breaking the law, even though in my last email I said I couldn't legally hold a job. I can't legally hold a Brazilian job. But since I will be paid from the States, it is legal.) Not to mention, this will be wonderful training for me, and Corenne suggested that perhaps I could even earn credit for it as an internship at school. We will look into that.
Yesterday some friends and I went to a water park about 20 minutes from Campinas, Wet 'n' Wild. We had a lot of fun. It's so hot here, I wish I could always be in the water, so it was nice to have the opportunity to do so yesterday. We came home, changed clothes and were off again, this time to a park called Taquaral. It's a huge park here in Campinas, and last night they had their annual Full Moon Run. Some people ran 5k, others 10k. I, as you may have guessed, stuck to the 5k. haha. Yesterday was a great day, fun with friends!
It feels like life begins officially tomorrow. Bring it on! :oD
~kara~
-Kara
Brazil Update Saturday, February 24, 2007
It's a hot, bright, sunny day in Brazil. Hot, but beautiful. I am happy to report that last night was our first night in our new apartment, Nayana and I. We only had one matress, so I slept on the couch. But that has since been resolved. It's been quite a process and a lesson in patience waiting for this apartment. Do you believe it's already almost 3 weeks that I've been here? I am very excited to say I no longer live out of a suitcase. We very close to being settled; Nayana has more things left to organize than I do, and we still lack a refrigerator. But, it's all falling into place.
This past week was Carnaval. During Carnaval, all the churches retreat to a camp to escape the craziness of the holiday. Everyone is welcome - from kids to parents. A friend and I went with a church that is just down the street from my apartment. We left on Saturday and returned on Tuesday. It was a great little retreat, despite the fact that I was sick the whole time. I can finally say, however, that I am ridiculously close to being better!
School starts next week, so the apartment came at just the right time. I will figure out my schedule on Monday, and classes start Thursday.
Nayana's boss wants me to teach an English class three times a week for the staff there. Since I am not allowed to be paid legally, according to my visa, it sounds like I would get to eat a meal for free each day. I am pretty sure I will wind up teaching the class, although it will depend on my school schedule. I have no idea what I'm getting myself into, but it should be interesting and I will keep you posted!
Many blessings,
-~kara~
Lots of good stuff... Friday, February 23, 2007
We've got a few new things posted on the site that you definitely shouldn't miss out on!
Pictures from Tea With Emery are posted - click on Fun Stuff and you'll see them. Those pictures are right next to pictures of 4:21's Sled the Slopes pictures. Don't miss those - we had a blast! And even better than pictures, we've got videos. The Talent Show video is posted in the video section right next to te Sled The Slopes video.
And of course, we've got the latest Bible Studies from Velocity, including our last installment in our Chicks Who Rocked It series - Ruth.
-Kevin
New Bible Club! Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Check out our Bible Club page to see info on Bible Clubs across the city. Our newest one comes from Albuquerque Christian School. If you go to ACS, make sure to swing by the Bible Club page to find out all the info about it.
-Kevin
Get Your Bible Club rockin'! Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Don't forget - we've been collecting money in Velocity to help out YOUR Bible Clubs with business cards (see the ones we got for LBJ's Bible Club in the picture), posters, flyers, banners, and other stuff. I would also love to come speak at your Bible Club and if I can't, I may be able to find someone who can, so talk to me about it! Keep going with your Bible Club - they're such an awesome opportunity to reach out to your schools with the love of Christ. And always remember to live the life of a Christian at school, at home, or anywhere you are - when people see your life, are they getting an accurate representation of Christ?
Keep going strong!
-Kevin
At Last Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Hello, all!
I figured it would only be right for me to send a quick email to let you know I made it safely. It was a long trip, one I've never had to take all by myself. There was very little sleep involved, so I arrived quite exhausted. That's not to mention that it takes much more energy for me to communicate in Portuguese than it does in English. Both of my bags made it, but one was ripped beyond repair. Thankfully nothing seems to be lost.
I caught the bus from Sao Paulo to Campinas and arrived here around 11 this morning. (6 am Albuquerque time). After a shower, I felt human again and was out just in time to meet a friend for lunch.
I am definitely not homeless, but I really could not tell you where I will live for the next six months. It's an interesting situation, but I'm sure it will all be ironed out soon enough. For the time being, I am at Philip and Corenne's (the president/co-founder of Hope Unlimited and his wife).
Let the adventures begin! ~kara~
-Kara
Do you ever wonder if I'm really American? Saturday, February 03, 2007
I mean, I am leaving to Brazil on Superbowl Sunday. And what could be more American than Superbowl Sunday? I'm pretty sure it's forgivable, though.
I was woken up about 6:45 this morning by a call from Brazil. Unfortunately, I have no clue who it was, and the connection was lost. It was obvious I wasn't going to fall right back to sleep, so I laid in my bed thinking of all the things today would hold. Packing, some phone calls, taxes, packing, laundry, a trip to the bank, and probably some more packing. My room is a disaster right now, and the thought of trying to organize it all and make sure I have all I need to basically move to Brazil is slightly daunting. But I know it will all come together.
It has been amazing to see God's hand in this trip already, and I haven't even left yet! He has provided financially in amazing ways. My visa was a breeze (once I was finally able to send my application to the Consulate in Houston). I just received another document from the Consulate yesterday that is required for my registration for school in Brazil. As of yesterday, it looks like I have a place to live as well. The plan (which is always subject to change in Brazil) is for me to live with 3 other girls my age. One of the girls, Nayana, I met almost 8 years ago, the first time I went to Brazil. The other two I will meet this week.
The David Crowder song "Foreverandever Etc..." comes to mind:
"I think I'm on the brink of something large. Maybe like the breaking of a dawn. Or maybe like a match being lit Or the sinking of a ship, Letting go gives a better grip. I'm finding everything I'll ever need by giving up, gaining everything. Falling for You for eternity, right here at Your feet, where I want to be. I am Yours."
I definitely feel like I'm on the brink of something large. Some moments it's scary, others exciting, and sometimes I just don't know what to think or feel. But I'm ready to let go and jump into whatever is coming my way, and I am excited to see what God brings about from it.
Here are some specific ways you can pray for me right now: A safe and smooth trip all the way to Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. That registration for school would go smoothly and classes would go well this semester. That God would do a mighty work in me and through me - however that may manifest itself.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support! I will be keeping in touch, and I'll try to not be so long-winded. ;o) I hope you all will keep in touch as well and let me know what's going on in your lives. May God do a mighty work in and through you all as well!
Many blessings,
-Kara
February Prayer Concentration: Kara Miller Thursday, February 01, 2007
Kara leaves for Brazil THIS SUNDAY - February 4th! She'll be gone for 6 months till the beginning of August. She'll be studying abroad at the University of Campinas, helping with other missionary groups that come, volunteering at the orphanage, ministering to the graduates of the orphanage, translating, and doing whatever God will use her for.
Here are some things to be praying for:
>her safety
>that her studies would go well
>that her times of ministry would be fruitful
>that her heart and others hearts would be open
>that God would use her powerfully!
-Kevin
Q&A Buffet TOMORROW! Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Don;t forget about Q&A Buffet TOMORROW, Wednesday, January 31st. It's a great opportunity to bring a friend - tell them there's free food...and oh yeah, some Q&A too! It's always a good time with 6th-12th grade jammed in the PLEX! Free food, free drinks, free Q&A, and a good time all the way around!
We'll be giving away the iPod and other giveaways tomorrow, so don't miss out!
-Kevin
Semester 2 of MOMENTUM starts TONIGHT! Thursday, January 25, 2007
Momentum is about flying past the norm of the Christian walk.
It’s about being equipped to go further and faster than you ever
thought possible, every minute, pushing closer and closer to
your Creator. It’s about leaving everything behind and blasting
past a stale, ordinary relationship with God. Sit down, buckle up,
and hold on...it’s time to gain some MOMENTUM!
If you're already in a small group or not, come to the PLEX tonight at 7pm to meet with your semester 2 group. If you did semester 1, you'll be with the same people, same leader, same host home. If you're just joining, we'll get you put in a group tonight!
The cost is $20 for semester 2 if you're just joining now.
Hope to see you here tonight!
-Kevin
JENN TURNS 23! Wednesday, January 24, 2007
It's Jenn's 23rd birthday today - don't forget to tell her happy birthday!
-Kevin
Bible Club support Thursday, January 18, 2007
Do you need support for your Bible Club? Bibles? Posters? Banners? Business Cards? In Velocity, we've been raising money to help Bible Clubs in ways just like that! Talk to me (Kevin) if you're interested in getting some help with your Bible Club. The picture to the right is a business card I designed for LBJ's Bible Club - I'd love to make one for yours as well!
-Kevin
The Peak is over...almost Monday, January 15, 2007
What an incredible weekend - some of the best snow we've ever had on a retreat, great fellowship, excellent schedule, and some great work that God did in many people's hearts.
The theme this weekend was purity; specifically Psalm 24:3-6. Nick taught about "The Path to the Peak" - vs. 3-4 - what God looks for in the lives of His followers - clean hands and a pure heart. On Saturday night, Nate taught about "The Benefits of Being A Believer" - vs. 5 - about the amazing things God has done for us because He loves us so much. We also celebrated communion that night. On Sunday night, I taught on vs. 6 - "It's Time To Revolt!" God was challenging us to do something about the impurity in our lives and our world. God really moved in our hearts this weekend and our prayer is that it would really impact lives especially as we head back to ABQ.
We've been on schedule this weekend - better than any other to date...until today. We were ready to leave by 9:45 - 15 mintues ahead of schedule, however one bus was left here the whole weekend and still won't start. It's about noon right now - they've been trying to jump start it since 8:30 this morning! The guys went ahead and went back to ABQ along with most of the leaders, and Nick and I stayed back with about 55 girls, waiting for the bus to get started. We're hoping to be home by around 5pm, but we'll see!
-Kevin
We're at The Peak! Saturday, January 13, 2007
We made it to Durango Friday night at about 7:30pm - great time! The Double Tree is a beautiful hotel - great staff, excellent food, awesome location. Everything has gone perfectly smooth so far - we're right on schedule and gearing up for an action-packed day tomorrow. Nick taught tonight on Psalm 24:3-4 and gave everyone a great challenge to cleanse their hearts before the Lord. 1 student gave his life to the Lord and about 20 made commitments to renew their walks with Christ - what a solid way to start the weekend!
Pray that God would continue to work in students' hearts and that we would really meet with God this weekend - individually and corporately.
Jenn and Donovan teach tomorrow morning on sexual purity, so that should be great, then Nate Heitzig teaches tomorrow night on Psalm 24:5 - about the benefits and blessings of following Christ.
-Kevin
Get us your Bible Club info! Thursday, January 11, 2007
Every day as you head to school, you have an opportunity to stand for your faith in a world that’s dying all around you. An awesome part about being an American is the fact that we are guaranteed rights for our religious beliefs.
One of those rights is Freedom of Assembly. You have the right as an American citizen to freely assemble, study the Bible, pray, hold concerts, pass out flyers, etc, but many people don’t take the opportunity.
It's up to you to keep us informed with Bible Club info at your school! We've only got a few so far, but velocityabq.org will eventually be a great place to go to find out info about Bible Clubs all over Albuquerque!
Get us all the info about your Club - when you meet, where you meet, whop's in charge, things coming up, and much more.
Also if you need some help with guest speakers, posters, flyers, Bibles, prayer, or anything else, let us know - email velocityabq@yahoo.com.
Our newest Bible Club is LBJ - check out the Bible Club page for more info!
-Kevin
The MOBILOG is up and working! Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Now you can text or email your own pictures to be featured right here on Velocity's own website! Send them to vsmpics@gmail.com, and once they're approved, they'll be posted for the world to see!
-Kevin
Kara is headed to Brazil! Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Hello, and Happy New Year!
I hope all of you are doing well. The holidays are over, and I think that means "normal" life is settling back in... for most people anyway. I don't always fall into the category of "most people," and this year is yet another example.
I'm sure most, if not all, of you know I will be studying abroad in Brazil this semester. I can hardly believe it's almost here! I leave for Brazil on Sunday, February 4th -- just less than 4 weeks from now! I will be gone for about six months, returning late July or early August.
This is quite an opportunity I have. The school I will be attending is the Universty of Campinas (Universidade Estadual de Campinas), which "happens" to be in the same city as the orphanage I work with, Hope Unlimited. I look forward to spending time with the kids and helping as I am needed with them, in the office, etc. while I am down there. I also hope for great opportunities for ministry with the graduates--kids about my age plus or minus a couple years.
I plan to keep you all updated on what is going on while I am gone through emails. If you prefer not to be on this list, just let me know, and I will take you off. (Don't worry about offending me either! No problem.) And likewise, if you know someone who is not on this list but would like to be, let me know so I can add them.
I greatly appreciate your prayers as I continue to prepare for my trip, as well as while I am down there. I have yet to receive my visa, and there are various odds and ends I need to wrap up before I leave. Please pray that God's will will be done in all of this, that I would glorify Him in my studies and my service, and that I would be used by Him! You all will be in my prayers as well! And please feel free to send me an occassional email as well so I know what is happening in your lives!
Be blessed,
Kara
-Kevin
We got a makeover! Wednesday, January 03, 2007
If you didn't notice that something is new about velocityabq.org, you're crazy - IT'S ALL NEW! Here are some of the newest, coolest features:
- read this blog (updated whenever we feel like it) to keep up with stuff coming up or something crazy that happened in service last week
- win an IPOD NANO (January only - what do I look like? an ipod manufacturer?)
- subscribe to the podcast - let your friends know too!
- e-mail/text your own pictures of things you've been up to lately and they'll be posted right here on velocityabq.org!
- subscribe to the Velocity Google calendar to keep informed of important stuff coming up in Velocity
- get stuff like wallpaper, buddy icons, and banners for your computer or website - GET THE WORD OUT, YO!
- TONS MORE STUFF - feel free to look around!
WARNING: Good times ahead.
-Kevin
Getting The Smack-Down Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Have you ever gotten in trouble? Ever had your parents get mad at you, or even ground you? Of course, you say, everyone has. Well yes, we have all gotten in trouble, but did you know that parents aren't the only ones who get angry at their children? In Hosea, God gets mad at the Israelites. Why don't we have a look at chapter one of the book of Hosea and see what all was going on at the time.
In Hosea one, God commands his prophet Hosea, "Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the Lord" ( 1:2 ). Hosea was quick to obey, and married Gomer. She gave him a son, and God commanded them to name him Jezreel, "because I will soon punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. In that day I will break Israel's bow in the Valley of Jezreel" ( 1:4-5 ). God was angry with the Israelites, they had sinned against him, and he wasn't happy about it. Soon, Gomer had a daughter, and God said to Hosea, "Call her Lo-Ruhamah, for I will no longer show love to the house of Israel, that I should at all forgive them" ( 1:6 ). The name Lo-Ruhamah represents a reversal of the love that God had earlier shown to Israel, but that later was promised again. Soon Gomer had yet another child, again a son, and God commanded that she name it Lo-Ammi, "For you are not my people, and I am not your God" ( 1:9 ). After reading all of these verses, it seems hopeless. But remember, God forgives and forgets, lets read the next two verses. "Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, you are not my people, they will be called sons of the living God. The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited, and they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel" ( 1:10-11 ). Although God was very angry with Israel, he promised that they would be restored, that his anger would not last forever. No matter what the situation is, God is always there for you, looking out for your best, making sure that you are always safe. So next time your parents get mad at you, think of the Israelites. Even though God was extremely angry with them, he still forgave them, and your parents will do the same.
I would also love to come speak at your Bible Club and if I can't, I may be able to find someone who can, so talk to me about it! Keep going with your Bible Club - they're such an awesome opportunity to reach out to your schools with the love of Christ. And always remember to live the life of a Christian at school, at home, or anywhere you are - when people see your life, are they getting an accurate representation of Christ? 
