this july, rvc is partnering with wildwood hills ranch to take a team of families to the iowa camp to help at-risk youth. for more information about this incredible ranch check out www.wildwoodhillsranch.com
for more information about joining the family iowa mission team download rvc_08_july_iowa_info_packet.pdf and fill out the rvc_08_july_iowa_trip_application.pdf
i had two thoughts run through my mind this morning, i'm excited for a new season and new small group leaders.
the need for a new season. the lakes downtown are one of my favorite things about the minneapolis area. i absolutely love going for a long bike ride and a short run. i know that i'm not the only one. as you may know, after work or on the weekend, there are literally thousands people just like me enjoying a good walk, run, or bike. i'm excited for spring to really hit!!
the need for new small group leaders. we already have over 150 incredible great small group leaders but in the past 6 months our church has grown dramatically and we are in need of more small group leaders. our philosophy is simple. if you have a good heart and a good idea, pray about starting a group. we try to use the same leadership principle that both samuel used to find the king of israel and jesus used to build his church... look at the heart not what just what looks good on the outside. we do have a small group training for our leaders but it starts with a good heart and a good idea. i'm excited for new small group leaders!!
on the same weekend rvc passed the 2000 mega-mark, i got a very timely and encouraging email.
a very kind lady told me about her "misgivings about mega-churches" and her "concerns about getting lost in the crowd" but a year and a half ago her and her husband decided to give rvc a try because of the variety of small groups offered.
she went on to say that in the midst of a very difficult time of her life, both her and her husband have found so many wonderful friends in their small groups and have grown closer to the Lord. she said that she could not express her gratefulness for rvc small groups.
i am so proud to be a part of rvc, no matter how big it gets, you can find a small group of friends that will be there during the good times and the hard times!!
as a child my parents told me stories about a neighborhood friend of my grandfather, the late great missionary, mark buntain. as a young man he traveled by boat for over two months to fulfill a temporary missions assignment in india. well his assignment was not temporary, in fact it still continues today long after his death. little did i know that some 20 years later, i would have the honor of speaking at one of the schools he started.
after 72 hours of traveling, 28 services, in 10 days, in 3 cities, i summarize my india missions experience as intense!! the crowds of people, the constant noise, the unique smells, and the relentless heat will not soon be forgotten but the beautiful smiles and overwhelming kindness of so many left even a greater impression.
our missionary hosts are to be admired for their incredible sacrifice and commitment to a culture so different from our own. (jonathan, you are a stud even with your man handles) the team of 21 was phenomenal. my personal highlight was sharing this experience with my amazing parents, brother and his family!!
here are just a few pictures ...
tara and i leave this week to help lead a mission team to india where over 1.1 billion people call home. neither of us have ever been to india before so we are really excited, but i'm not sure if we are ready for what we are going to see.
we have heard and read so many great things about the people and the places but experiencing the people and the extreme poverty is something that cannot be understood unless you go. $125 is the average annual income of one of the states we will be visiting, this is so hard to imagine!!
your prayers are greatly appreciated as we try to help with some of the physical and spiritual needs that we are certainly going to encounter.
our rvc small group leaders rock!!
we had such a great time at the small group leader training on monday night. these trainings are a lot of fun but so incredibly important for the vision and growth of small groups at rvc. i cannot stress this enough!!!
as promised...the first ever small group guru award goes to... table 4 - kari cornwell, isabel ketterling, missy perry, mary wavinak, dana mohs, and nancy holte. congrats ladies!!
to check out what they know... Download rvc_2008_spring_small_group_trivia_game.pdf
river valley church is partnering with the la dream center to provide love and support to one of the most diverse cities in america. the trip dates are may 19-25 and the cost is about $975.
i am so proud to be a part of a church that not only cares about their own community but also the needs all around the world.
for more information check out the informational packet and the application
4-5 months prior to each trip their will be an informational meeting with more details and exact trip cost and dates. please note that the trips and dates given are tentative and may change slightly
level of trips
level 1 trip. 5-7 days / < $1000
level 2 trip. 8-10 days / < $2000
level 3 trip. 11-14 days / < $3000
trips scheduled
la dream center. intercity/compassion ministry. may 19-25th. level 1
vietnam. orphanage work. june 15-27. level 3
iowa. kids camp. july 12-17. level 1
colorado. youth local ministry. august 3-9. level 1
mexico. youth ministry. august 11-19. level 1/2
swaziland. children's cup/orphanage work. september 24 - october 5. level 3
peru. construction of water well. october 18-26. level 1/2
israel. educational/inspirational. november 21-december 3. level 3
romania. church plant. november. level 2
mexico. family trip/ywam base. november 22-29. level 1
more info
for more information about these mission trip opportunities please email pastor justin at justin.mack@rivervalley.org with specific trip requests.
the 2008 spring small group guide is now available at www.rivervalleychurch.org.
i am amazed at the number and quality of our small group leaders. i was hoping and praying for about 85 leaders but over 120 stepped up to lead over 65 different small groups.
the numbers may not mean much to you but when you realize that the purpose of every one of these groups and the main priority of all these leaders is to help lead people to an authentic, life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ...that is pretty exciting!!
i have some really good small group news i'm going to share sometime this week, so stop back in the next couple of days to check it out...
