Refuge Restart

Well this will be the last Article for 2010 ( Will resume Jan.) The blog has been something extremely hard to keep coming, but it is holding me accountable with keeping my communication consistent with you guys.  Have you ever been on your computer and it locks up, or even better do you remember playing a nintendo game and the game freeze up. Well do remember what you had to do? You guessed it push the restart button. 

Well, after analyzing and reviewing our student ministry, I see us getting a little bogged down and starting to shutdown. To prevent this from keeping us unproductive I believe we need a restart. We have seen some awesome growth and amazing ministry taken place. There is always room for improvement. 

One area were we will be restarting is the organizational parts of the student ministry. 

Second will be Follow up enforced and held to the highest level of accountability. 

Third we will track spiritual maturity of every student. 

Fourth we will pray for every student weekly.

Fifth we will have a adult in every students home that comes to any aspect of our services.

Sixth we will minister to parents like we have never done before. ( Bring your Parent to Refuge, Parent Banquet, Parent Life Class, student hot line for info)

Seventh mentoring will be carried out to every student and upcoming youth workers

Eighth 25 more regular attended students

Ninth will always finish on time on Wed. nights

Tenth will double our volunteer support 

Here are the goals for 2011. After this restart I pray that the ministry will run smoother and will become self sustainable for many years to come. We will be meeting with all Youth workers and any interested youth workers on Jan. 23 @ 3:00 - 4:30. 

Refuge Youth Worker Training 2011

3:00 opening prayer and worship 

3:10 Organization presentation 

3:20 Presentation of Positions Needed 

3:35 2011 Preview of Year 

3:40 Fill out Youth Worker App and background check app

3:50 sign up for teams 

4:00 Area Training begins 

4:25 Dismissal Closing Prayer 

I pray that you have a blessed Christmas and a time of rest of the Holidays. Thank you for all your hard work you have done this year.

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UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY

OUR 2ND ANNUAL UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY IS NEXT WEEK. THIS WILL BE A BLAST, BRING SOME FOOD FOR THE AGAPE FEAST. ALSO BRING A $5.00 GIFT FOR YOU FAMILY GROUP. THIS WILL BE OUR LAST REFUGE OF THE YEAR. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE. ITS GONNA BE A BLAST. 

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Meeting Sunday

ALTitude MEETING 

WHEN 11:40 PM

WHERE REFUGE

LUNCH IS PROVIDED

RSVP

AGENDA 12-5-10

- STRUCTURE OF STUDENT MINISTRY

- AREA ASSIGNMENTS 

-PARENTS, MISSIONS, SUNDAY SCHOOL, EVENTS, FAMILY GROUPS, REFUGE WEDNESDAY NIGHTS, 

REFUGE BAND, REFUGE SMALL GROUPS - COMING JAN.2011 SUNDAY NIGHTS

-GOALS FOR 2011 

-UPCOMING EVENTS

 DEC.15 UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY

JAN.1-4 SKI REFUGE

SCHEDULE NEXT MEETING

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Refuge Bowl 4th annual

Cedar Ridge Field 

11 to 2 

show your schools 

wear your colors

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Dnow 2011

$50 due by January 12
$60 after January 12
Host Home - February 10
Leadership Team - November 14

DiscipleNow is a weekend retreat in Decatur.  Students stay in the homes (by grade/gender) of Westmeade members for the weekend.  Leaders will be assigned to each home.  The leaders will teach the material from the theme “Why?”.  This year we are dealing with the idea of suffering and why God allows us to suffer at times in our lives.  We will combine with over 20 other churches (& 1,100 students) in Decatur on Feb. 9 & 12 for HUGE Rallies.  They will both be held at Decatur Baptist this year.

Parents, we could use your help: 

1.) open your home as a Host Home to our students; 2.) drive students around during the weekend; 3.) help a Host Home with food; 4.) help with the Saturday afternoon activity.

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Turkey and Ham Sale

Download now or preview on posterous

Texas Smokehouse.pdf (456 KB)

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New Series Give Thanks

We have so many blessings, and this series will go beyond stuff to be thankful for. This series will challenge us to a lifestyle that shows our thankfulness in how we share Christ with others. Because if we are truly grateful for the live Christ has given us then we will show it.

Week 1 Radical GratitudeWeek 2 Show Thanks ( story of Mary anointing Jesus with perfume)
Week 3 live a life of thanks

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New Series TRICK OR TREAT OR TRUTH

OCT.13-OCT. 20 

FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF CREATION SATAN HAS BEEN AT WORK DECEIVING GOD'S PEOPLE.THROUGH THIS 2 WEEK SERIES YOU WILL LEARN THE SCHEMES OF STAN'S DECEPTION AND LEARN HOW TO DEFEAT THEM BY STANDING FIRM ON THE TRUTHS OF GOD. 

on Oct. 20 Tyler Campbell will be our guest speaker. He left a career in Pro Baseball to run after God's calling to missions in China talking about listening to the truths of God. 

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HOW TO SAVE A LIFE SERIES WK 5

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE NEW FORMT AND SERIES. 

BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU TOO. SEE YA TOMORROW NIGHT. 

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SYATP 7AM AT YOUR SCHOOLS FLAG POLE

What is See You at the Pole™?

See You at the Pole™ is a global movement of prayer which is student-initiated, student-organized, and student-led. It revolves around students praying together on the fourth Wednesday in September, usually before school and usually at the school's flag pole. It involves student in elementary schools, middle/junior high schools, high schools, and colleges/universities across the globe. Adults often pray in support of the students on campus by gathering nearby, at their places of work or worship, or at city halls.

Why meet at the flagpole in front of the school?

In 1990 when youth ministers in Texas first challenged young people to meet on a common day to launch their school year in prayer, one of the concerns what how to help those who wanted to pray together find each other. It was noted that virtually every school has a flagpole, and the flagpole provided an easy-to-identify place to gather. Also, one issue that the teenagers were praying about was the spiritual health of their country and their leaders, in obedience to 1 Timothy 2:1–2. Hence, the location and name of the event!

How did See You at the Pole™ start?

See You at the Pole™ was inspired by the initiative of student in one youth group in Burleson, Texas, early in 1990. The teenagers felt led to go and pray at night at several area schools during a weekend youth group retreat. They had a profound time of prayer, and their experience was shared with thousands of other youth from across Texas in the form of a challenge in June 1990 at a large conference. More than 56,000 students on 1,200 campuses in Texas and three other states were documented at the first See You at the Pole™ in September of that year. The movement continued to grow nationally and internationally from 1991 on. For more information, readthe See You at the Pole™ history.

Is See You at the Pole™ legal?

The answer to this question is a firm "Yes!" The right of students to gather and pray outside of instructional time—while at school—is clearly a Constitutionally protected form of free speech. This has been affirmed in regard to "Equal Access Clubs" by the 1990 U.S. Supreme Court decision inWestside Community Schools v. Mergens. And in 1995, President Bill Clinton directed then-Secretary of Education, Richard Riley, to prepare guidelines for what the government deemed "appropriate religious expression on school grounds." These guidelines were issued and upheld by the government several times since. In them, See You at the Pole™ is specifically named as legal, appropriate, and protected:

"Students may also participate in before or after school events with religious content, such as "see you at the flag pole" gatherings, on the same terms as they may participate in other noncurriculum activities on school premises. School officials may neither discourage nor encourage participation in such an event."

It should be noted that among the legal groups which affirmed the legality of See You at the Pole™ by drafting the USDOE guidelines were the Christian Legal Society, American Civil Liberties Union, the Anti-Defamation League, National Council of Churches, National Association of Evangelicals, and People for the American Way, as well as six others. For a complete list of the Drafting Committee and Endorsing Organizations, contact the National Network of Youth Ministries or call (858) 451-1111.

If students who are praying are told by someone from the administration (or otherwise in authority at the school) to stop praying during See You at the Pole™, we recommend that you obey that authority and move your prayer time off campus. See You at the Pole™ is about praying, not arguing about your legal rights. You may want to bring a parent, youth worker, or other adult with you to speak to the authority later. If necessary, you may want to contact a legal group who can clarify your rights for the school official.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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SUNDAY NIGHTS - THERefuge SERVE

FOR STUDENTS THAT ARE NOT INVOLVED IN AWANA COME OUT AT 6PM TO THE REFUGE FOR MINISTRY TEAMS. 

Students - we are starting a new ministry which will allow you to use your gifts & take ownership of your student ministry.

THIS IS WHERE WE CAN BUT MOTION TO WHAT WE ARE LEARNING. MINISTRY TEAMS ARE DESIGNED TO GIVE STUDENTS A OPPORTUNITY TO USE THEIR GIFTS FOR THE LORD. COME OUT ON SUNDAY NIGHTS TO SERVE. . 

 We will train & equip you to play a major role in planning & preparing for our student worship services & other areas of THEREFUGE.  The different team choices were announced on Aug. 29, & teams will begin meeting on Sept. 12.

1st Impressions “You only get one chance to make a good 1st impression”. This team will work on making guests feel welcomed/loved from them minute they enter THERefuge Space to the moment they leave. From greeters, to table leaders, to the exit, these students will leave a lasting impression that says, “we love you”.

2nd Touch The ministry of this team begins after a guest has left the building. We want students to know that we noticed their presence. With the ministry of care, this team will write cards, make phone calls, send texts, and make visits to students who have attended a THERefuge event within the past week.

Announcements Everyone needs to know what is going on/coming up. This team will effectively & creatively inform everyone of what is happening at THERefuge. This will take place live & via video (Worship Service & THERefuge Website).

Decoration/Stage Design The feel of a room can change drastically with a well-crafted design. Principles and themes, during teaching times, can be communicated more effectively with the right environment. The goal of this team is to help provide that environment for each teaching series (and theme nights) in the worship service.

Drama Worship services can be enhanced with well-planned and executed drama. Teaching is often displayed and received at higher levels when learned visually. The ministry of this team is to design, practice, and perform drama, skits, and sketches both live and on video to assist with planned teaching themes.

Games & Connection Events  Leader -Heather During the course of our student worship service, we would love to provide some type of game or connection event that will: supplement the theme, assist in learning a principle, or provide connection between the students. This team will design, plan, and run these types of games and events each week.

Media & Design Videos, photos, graphics, and websites - Brandon/ Heather-  oversees this group - are a part our everyday lives. We encounter them multiple times a day. Church is no different. This team’s ministry is to make videos and graphics, take pictures, and to keep THERefuge. presence on the internet up-to-date and use it as a tool to reach students for Christ.

Praise Band Music is often described as the heartbeat of the soul. For Christ-followers it is a way to express our worship to God for Who He Is and what He has done. The goal of this team is to lead students, each week, to the throne of God through the expression of music and song. (depending on the numbers we may keep this til after the service like it is now)

Production Team Each week, computers, lights, and sound are operated from behind-the-scenes to provide powerful elements within the worship service. The ministry of this team is to support many of the other teams as they seek to move the hearts of students toward a deeper relationship with Christ.

MISSION TEAM - this is a crucial part of our student ministry we are so involved in so may mission opportunities, that they need planning and organization to preform them effectively.

 
-FIRST PRIORITY
-ADOPT A BLOCK
-ONE
-PRESBYTERIAN TOWERS

SUMMIT- FOR THOSE FEELING A CALLING TO FULL TIME MINISTRY - leader Brandon

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New Series How to Save A Life

New SERIES

This is going to start this Wednesday night, this series is going to be nothing like we have never done before. It has the potential to radically change our student ministry. It will be packed with amazing games, worship, and stories from other students. We are also going to give the person who brings the most visitors during the 7 weeks of this study $100.00 cash. 

About it. 

 To Save A Life Series
I want to let you know about an upcoming series for our teenagers, which I believe is going to be life changing for those involved. The seven-week series starts on Aug.25, and it is based on the movie To Save A Life. The movie is about the real-life challenges of teens and their choices. 

In the To Save A Life series, we will deal with hard but very real issues like social acceptance, cutting, teen suicide, depression, and somehow being Jesus’ hands and feet in a hurting world. Even though these are difficult topics, over the next few weeks the series will help the students in our ministry become equipped to reach out to the hurting and lonely on their campuses. In a compelling scene from To Save A Life, the youth pastor tells the main character, Jake, “At some point, you’ve gotta answer the question, ‘What’s your life going to be about?’” Let’s help the teens in our ministry see themselves as loved by God and able to live a life of real significance.

www.tosavealife.com

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REFUGE Tonight

Tonight at the Refuge we are going to be reflecting on what we talked about this month, ONE LOVE and ONE HOPE we are going to be doing this around tables, trying to bring the church group devotion idea to the refuge.

don't forget to order your tshirts two more weeks to order

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New Series ONE(equipping students to be missionaries on the biggest mission field of their lives)

ONE 

This is something I feel God has laid on my heart for the school year in 2009 -2010. This ministry has branched out to South Carolina, Detroit and two churches in Mississippi. I am thrilled that God has allowed this to not just impact the students here in Decatur but all over the World. 

It is called ONE and it is an outreach method we will do through the Student Ministry. The whole month of August and September  we will be focusing on how the Bible commands us to do this. Students I pray, that you will  get behind this vision to reach ONE person for Christ this year. Imagine that if every ONE in our student ministry invested an entire school year in ONE unchurched person in their school what could happen.

1. A person would be in the kingdom of God
2. Our student ministry would double in size in ONE year
3. We would be fulfilling our commandment in the great commission.

Please pray with me, I know this is what God wants us to do as a Student Ministry. 

Not only will this be an opportunity to share Christ with someone but it may even develop friendships for a lifetime.

FIRSTPRIORITY

This is another ministry that our student ministry is going to be a part of. As aParent, I know that you are passionate about reaching this generation with the love and message of Jesus Christ. 

 What do we do about the students who will never EVER come to a church or church sponsored event? These students are also known as... the majority. On average, 12 percent of students attend church. Your numbers may spike to 20 percent if you are in the Bible belt. Don't believe me? Talk to the churches in your community and run the numbers. It will shock and motivate you. I did, and it was dead on. 8,000 students in decatur and we are effectively reaching 2,500 of them.... 

Knowing these things, we can all agree that public schools are the largest mission field in the USA. Twelve percent of students attend church, 95 percent attend school. Do the math.

What do we do then? What is our role? You and I are not there 8 hours a day. We are fortunate if we are allowed to each lunch there weekly, do a devotion here and there, and attend the school functions.

Our responsibility is to raise-up Campus Missionaries out of our groups and give them the resources to be successful.

Campus Missionaries are students who care about their friends and others who walk the halls of their campus every day. Campus Missionaries have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They are interested in seeing Jesus have an impact on their campus and in the people they influence. Campus Missionaries are willing to do whatever they can to see that Jesus is represented on their campus. Fellow student ministers we need your help 

Jesus said in Luke 10:2 that the work is plentiful but the workers are few. 

Ways to get involved

Parents

These are adults who are watching and cheering on the game. Up front, these parents are dedicated to praying and supporting the students as they work to minister to their campus. Behind the scenes, these parents are waking their son/daughter up early for practice,rearranging schedules, encouraging when the "game" doesn't go well, and running the booster club. Putting fan in the stands is really an easy task when their kid is passionate about playing in the game. Most parents are asking how they can be involved in impacting their student's school. 

Students 

Becoming a Campus Missionary

To become a Campus Missionary you need to:

·              Have a desire to see your campus impacted for Jesus Christ;
·              Begin praying daily for the people in your school;
·              Be involved in your local church youth ministry;
·              Be willing to tell your story and how Jesus has impacted you; and
·              Tell the Gospel story to those who will listen.

 To find out more info on how you can get involved visit www.fpdecatur.org also you can sign up for the training day at this link http://www.fpdecatur.org/register/register.php

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NEW REFUGE SHIRTS 2010

HERE ARE THE NEW DESIGNS FOR THE NEW SHIRTS, TELL ME WHAT YA THANK. WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE. 

 BACK OF SHIRT

FRONT OF SHIRT

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Day 3 Devi

Sent from my iPhone

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Fuge day 3

"“What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers!" Matt.9:37

God is doing some awesome things with our students. We are having revival in our youth wish all of our students could have came. Continue to pray that God would move. We are having defining moments!

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Fuge camp Day 2

It's a great start this week. One student being felt called to missions. Please continue to pray for our students. Were praying for into the city.I pray that you guys have opportunity to share Christ. Sent from my iPhone

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FUGE camp day 1

We are having a great week, please continue to pray for our Students. Tonight will be a great night because we will hear from all the students about their sites. In the Past this has been a amazing time for our students. 

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CAMP NEWS

EVERYBODY WHERE YOUR REFUGE TSHIRTS ON THE DAY WE LEAVE.Also, here are a few reminders that will be helpful for your group as you prepare for camp. There will be several fun activities planned for students during the evenings. One of these will be a county fair where students are encouraged to dress in country/western attire. There will also be a variety show where students may perform things like songs, creative movements, or monologues on stage. Make students aware of these activities so that they can prepare.

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This Wed. Night

We are going to be packing the back packs and having a time of prayer, Dana will be leading worship. We have tons of food and snacks that are FREE. Also Brandon will be rapping too. You don't want to miss this night it will be a incredible night hope to see you all. 

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invisible screening next week

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Invisible children trailer

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Invisible Children killed in bombing in Uganda

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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The Harris Brothers coming to Decatur FREE EVENT

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to let you know about an opportunity we have coming up on Sunday night, July 25.  We are 99% sure that the Harris brothers ("Do Hard Things" authors - therebelution.com) are coming to speak to our students on that night.  We will meet on Sunday, July 25 from 6-7:15pm in our  Central's main sanctuary.

We were hoping to know for sure by now, but their publicist hasn’t pressed them for details and decisions lately (their mom passed away on July 4 after a long fight with cancer).  However, we are pretty certain they are coming at this point.  Hopefully we will know for sure by the end of the week.  For now, you are welcome to “tentatively” announce it to your students on Wednesday night.

Thanks,
Gabe

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Invisible Children Screening

SCREENING JULY 14 IN THERefuge AT 6PM

Invisible Children: Rough Cut

In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a filmmaking adventure transformed into much more when these boys from Southern California discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims. After returning to the States, they created the documentary “Invisible Children: Rough Cut,” a film that exposes the tragic realities of northern Uganda’s night commuters and child soldiers. See this film and you will be forever changed.

The film is 55 minutes long, and includes a shorter 35-minute version for different screening options. Also included on the DVD are special features including deleted scenes, extras, filmmaker commentary, update on the war, and trailers from Invisible Children. A small booklet is packaged within the DVD box that tells the story of Invisible Children and how you can get involved

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The volleyball tourney in action

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Sent from my iPhone

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Volleyball Tournament tonight

Volleyball tournament tonight at the refuge, come on out it is a 4 on 4 tournament. We have FREE FOOD too. 

Aaron Downs sharing the gospel, bring 4 friends and you could win a big prize!

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Mission Oppurtunity

Mission Project—Feeding the homeless lunch at the Soup Kitchen of the CCC,  Thursday, July 8^th.  If you can come help make sandwiches, please come to the church kitchen at 8:30 on Thursday morning.

If you can help serve lunch, please be at the CCC on 1^st Ave. by 10:45 Thursday. 

Thank you for serving in Jesus’ name.

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Tyler Hogan Preaching Tonight

This week Tyler Hogan will be preaching the second week of Simply Amazing. This week the series focuses on WHEN LOSING CONTROL IS A GOOD THING Hope to see you tonight we have free food tonight as well, and a new Wii game JUST DANCE. 

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Episode 42 Simply Amazing:WEEK 1 THE ROUTE TO GREATNESS

  
Download now or listen on posterous

Episode 42.m4a (6269 KB)

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New Series starts tonight 2 week series

Hunter Preaches tonight  WEEK 1 JUNE 23- THE ROUTE TO GREATNESS

Tyler H. Preaches next week  WEEK 2 - JUNE 30 - WHEN LOSING CONTROL IS A GOOD THING 

Hope to see you tonight

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NEW SERIES

CURRENT SERIES

WEEK 1 JUNE 23- THE ROUTE TO GREATNESS
WEEK 2 - JUNE 30 - WHEN LOSING CONTROL IS A GOOD THING
WEEK 3 - JULY 7 - WHEN YOU MISSED THE CUT

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Guys retreat 2010

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GUYS RETREAT 2010 PAINTBALLING

WE HAD A BLAST WE SHOT OVER 30,000 PAINTBALLS DID THE ROPE COURSE AND WERE CHALLENGED ON WHAT A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST DEMANDS. AMAZING RETREAT.

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Guys retreat

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PAINTBALL INFO 3 DAYS AWAY

HEY GUYS I TOLD YOU WRONG YOU CAN NOT BRING YOU OWN PAINT BECAUSE ITS SAFETY REASONS. 

THEY HAVE PAINT YOU CAN BUY. YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES 450 PAINTBALLS.   

FROM THE WEBSITE 

We are a field paint only facility!

We now offer Kee Action Paint

Currently we have

 RPS Premium @ $60.00 a case 2000 BALLS IN  A CASE 

All paint can be purchased in 500 round bags for $16.00 per bag…

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Day 6

Yesterday the group went to the capital, me and Dana stayed because i got a bug. The group went to do street evangelism, they handed out all the bibles, they feed the homeless and a orphanage. They also went into the Christopher Columbus Church.Please pray for the group today as we travel we have four sick Brandon, Kim, David, and Kyle please pray no one else gets sick and we make it home safely.
Day 7
This morning we are going to a church service in Juan Doilio.

Columbus church

Capitol

Feeding the Homeless on the streets

Feeding the Homeless on the streets

Feeding the Homeless on the streets

Buying food for the orphanage

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just landed in Huntsville we made it to God be the glory.

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we just landed in ATL we have 3 sick including me

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DR DAY 4

The day started off rainy, we went to score to put the filters together. We had to clean them, drill out the holes to put the gasket on the buckets, and lastly hook the hoses up to them. 

This is us putting the water filters together.

This is us putting the water filters together.

This is us putting the water filters together.

This is us putting the water filters together.

This is us putting the water filters together.

This is us putting the water filters together.

This is us putting the water filters together.

This is us putting the water filters together.

This is us putting the water filters together.

This is us putting the water filters together.

This is us preaching the gospel by sharing that God is the living water. We also did a demonstration of the filter working. We told them that God purifies us from all sin. 

Preaching the Gospel.

Drinking the purified water. 

After the service a man named Antonio was reading a new testament and I was able to share Christ with him personally, he received Christ. 

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