Speech at Ontario Christian Church

My speech at Ontario Christian Church went really well. I wasn't as nervous and I didn't shake this time! When I was done speaking and the congregation clapped, it felt really good because the clapping was louder then I ever thought it would be! I was really happy. Then Pastor Randy had the elders and my family come up when I was done speaking and pray around me! They are also going to be hosting the first Equipment Rally/Shootout day in August! It was a really positive thing being able to speak there and get wonderful feedback! I am getting more comfortable with this speaking thing!! I am also excited that the word is getting out about Soccer Kicks 4 Kids, and people seem to be so loving and giving towards this ministry!

Dare2Serve Carnival

Dare2Serve 09 put on a carnival at John's Park on Friday. It was a REALLY fun time for everyone. The kids really seemed to enjoy it and were even at the park waiting for us when we got there! One little girl remembered me from the other day and came up to me and said hi and gave me a hug!! My friends and I were running the relays. The kids all had a really great time and seemed to really enjoy it! It was so much fun and just so awesome I can't even explain it! (I didn't get pushed into a pool this time, though it was so hot I really wish I would have!) I am definitely going to be doing the Dare2Serve next year!

My First Speech

On Thursday night I gave my first speech! I was sort of nervous but not too bad. Even though I wasn't that nervous, I was still shaking! (My mom said you couldn't tell though) I spoke to the kids at Dare2Serve 09. It was more like a interview I guess you could say since I went up there and Pastor Tom was up there and he asked me questions and I answered them! It made it really comfortable being my first speech and all. The kids there were really great; they were really nice and made me feel really welcome! I will be speaking again at Ontario Christian Church on Sunday. I am pretty nervous about that but I think I will do well! I am so thankful that I got to participate in the Dare2Serve!

Dare2Serve 09

I got to share in the Dare2Serve 09 work week today. It was an awesome experience! Last night was the opening night with an orientation and the Pastor Steve, youth leader, of Berean Church (the host church) talked with us. It was so amazing to hear him talk. He shared that he believes the best way for us to share the love of God is to serve and go on missions. It was very refreshing to hear this and very inspiring. I can totally relate to wanting to serve on mission trips as a way to reach out to others. Today I did this by going to Liberty Park and helping out with a summer program for children. It was amazing how independent these kids were at such a young age! We played with the kids and then ate lunch and after lunch went swimming at the park's pool. I had an interesting experience at the pool... I got pushed in! (Did I mention I was fully clothed!) It was a really fun time and I encourage anyone to serve anywhere because it gives you a great feeling inside and it could change someones life!

Interview for Soccer Kicks 4 Kids

I recently got to experience something totally new! Tom Roepke, the Youth Pastor at New Hope Church, interviewed me for Soccer Kicks 4 Kids. Not only was it my first interview for Soccer Kicks 4 Kids, but it was the first time I have ever been interviewed! I was pretty nervous! I was shaky in the beginning, but then as it went on, I got more comfortable! The video interview turned out so much better then I thought it would! I am so excited about it! You can watch the video interview. It is posted near the bottom of the page after the posts.

Details On the First Shipment

I'm excited to announce that the first shipment of equipment will be sent to the Swahiba Youth Network (SYN) in Nairobi, Kenya. SYN organizes many Christ centered programs in Kenya throughout the year, including a mentorship, counseling, and sports development program. It's a blessing to know that our first shipment of equipment will be used to help this program!

The First Shipment

Exciting News! The first shipment of equipment will be sent to a group of children in Kenya, East Africa this summer '09!