Holiday Confessions

Now that November has ended, we're in the thick of the holiday season I have a couple of confessions about this time of year...

1. Thanksgiving food is not my favorite, sorry Turkey lovers. 
2. Christmas is great but Brittany and I are the type of people who don't listen to Christmas music or begin to celebrate until after Thanksgiving.
3. For years I've been vocal about my dislike of snow but suddenly I find myself actually hoping and praying for snow in the valley for Christmas.
4. Lastly, and in direct conflict with our OYAMA students' opinions, I am not looking forward to Christmas break and not being with the students weekly for a month. 

What I love most about this time of year are all of the reminders about how good and how faithful our God is! More than ever, this is a season to take stock and reflect on all of the great things the Lord has done and blessed us with. 

In Youth Alive there's another confession I have... I LOVE what we get to do! The good, the hard and the ugly is all worth it to see young people stepping into the Lord's calling on their lives. 

As I look back on the month of November, these are all of the things I am thankful for - 

• Seeing our students actively engaging in their internships (preaching, serving, teaching)
• Having fun learning together as a group as we discuss and practice creative communication techniques when preaching and teaching
• Welcoming OYAMA alumni Sean and Linsey Conlogue (Next Gen Pastors in Shorline, WA) as well as Jeff Gowing (Youth Pastor in Florence, OR) as they speak into the lives of current students
• Hard lessons learned as "integrity" became a key word and theme for the month of November. Our students make us so proud with how they conduct themselves as great men and women of God
• OYAMA leading the team while serving at Oregon Kids Convention
• Chances to speak and preach at other youth groups and churches
• Taking the group to serve and learn at a church that is doing ministry in new and unique ways
• Having opportunity to talk with many future potential students as well as seeing how God can use Oregon Youth Alive to be a blessing to many people even outside of OYAMA
• Seeing my wife thrive in her passion as a Basketball coach at McNary High School! It's her favorite time of year as she coaches and walks alongside the local teen girls. I love it!

Lastly, I am thankful for all of the people who have invested in Oregon Youth Alive, my wife and I and our OYAMA students! Thank you so much for your prayer and financial support. We could not do what we know Jesus has called us to do without the love and support from all of you!

If you feel the Lord directing, you can sign up to be a financial supporter at https://giving.ag.org/ just type in ministry code: 282345. Here you can set up monthly giving or just provide a one time gift.

I would love to connect with you personally about what God's up to in the state of Oregon and in OYAMA. Feel free to contact me and let's set up a time to talk. Until next month... Merry Christmas!