This week we had the privilege of learning about the Old Testament from Jodie Smith, our last speaker for the semester. She spent four days with us and we studied things from all over the OT.
We started by looking at six misconceptions of the Old Testament and the creation story in Genesis. We looked at the account of Noah, the plagues, the ten commandments, and many kings, both good and bad. We analyzed the song "Days of Elijah" and also did a comparison of Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly. For another one of our sessions we spent some time learning about Hebrew poetic devices and wrote our own laments.
My favorite part about our time with Jodie was in the last session when we made an alter of rocks, each rock symbolizing an important lesson someone learned on their time on Outtatown, something that they never want to forget. It was a really meaningful exercise to use something tangible and permanent to represent something that God has been speaking into our lives.
Heather Snyder
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Sky Diving
One day a few people on our site were sitting around contemplating what we should do that weekend, Shaun suggested we should go sky diving. At first the idea was kind of a joke but by the time sunday rolled around 22 of us had decided to jump out of a moving aircraft.
Skydiving was one of the most ridiculously cool things I've ever done. From the plane I had the best view ever, I could see all the way to Vancouver Island and Mount Baker. When the plane door opened and it was time to go I was so excited I wasn't even scared. The freefall lasted about 15 seconds and then the parachute opened and the view was even more spectacular. When I landed on the ground I was met by the cheers of people who had already gone. If you have the means I highly suggest going skydiving.
Lisa Schellenberg
Skydiving was one of the most ridiculously cool things I've ever done. From the plane I had the best view ever, I could see all the way to Vancouver Island and Mount Baker. When the plane door opened and it was time to go I was so excited I wasn't even scared. The freefall lasted about 15 seconds and then the parachute opened and the view was even more spectacular. When I landed on the ground I was met by the cheers of people who had already gone. If you have the means I highly suggest going skydiving.
Lisa Schellenberg
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Silent Retreat
We recently had the chance to experience an entire day of silence. We focused our time listening to God's voice in solitude by spending time in prayer, studying the Bible, going for walks, and doing nothing. Though it was a little uncomfortable for some of us, we agreed it was an excellent way of communicating with God. Many of us experienced God in a way we never had before. Some encountered God in a very personal and extraordinary way, which made us realize that He still speaks to people in this day and age.
Kevin Brandt
Kevin Brandt
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Esperanza
We left Camp Charis smack’n early at 5:45 Friday Nov. 7. We drove for a couple of hours and then got on a ferry for an hour and a half. Lori and I took advantage of the ferry and walked about the deck. Once we got off the ferry we drove all afternoon until we once again got on smaller boats this time with just our luggage and food for the week. A twenty-minute boat ride later and we were at Esperanza.
It rains a lot in Esperanza! Thursday was the only day that it did not rain the whole week. We had class in the mornings and work duties around the camp in the afternoons. We chopped wood, stacked it in different woodsheds, helped with a house they are building, did some cleaning and leaf raking as well.
The staff at Esperanza taught us about the First Nations and their history. It’s really interesting to hear Canada’s history. Back in my high school we were never taught Canadian history, so I had never heard about the residential schools. It was kind of shocking to hear all this history.
This week I was complaining about the cold, damp, and rainy weather. I was staying in a cabin called King’s Palace with Kris, Lisa, Natalie, Tristan and Breanne. Our cabin was the only one with a dehumidifier, so each morning our clothes, towels and shoes were dry. God told me, look how blessed you are Kelly. You have a heater, a warm cabin, warm sleeping bag, rain gear plus the only dehumidifier in the camp. I realized that I couldn’t complain about my circumstances.
Kelly McCoy, the Iowan
It rains a lot in Esperanza! Thursday was the only day that it did not rain the whole week. We had class in the mornings and work duties around the camp in the afternoons. We chopped wood, stacked it in different woodsheds, helped with a house they are building, did some cleaning and leaf raking as well.
The staff at Esperanza taught us about the First Nations and their history. It’s really interesting to hear Canada’s history. Back in my high school we were never taught Canadian history, so I had never heard about the residential schools. It was kind of shocking to hear all this history.
This week I was complaining about the cold, damp, and rainy weather. I was staying in a cabin called King’s Palace with Kris, Lisa, Natalie, Tristan and Breanne. Our cabin was the only one with a dehumidifier, so each morning our clothes, towels and shoes were dry. God told me, look how blessed you are Kelly. You have a heater, a warm cabin, warm sleeping bag, rain gear plus the only dehumidifier in the camp. I realized that I couldn’t complain about my circumstances.
Kelly McCoy, the Iowan
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Week Two at Charis
This week we had two really good speakers who both got us really thinking about our relationship with God and our families. Our first speaker, Steve Klassen (not our site leader, an older Steve) really focused and valued how to embrace a healthy lifestyle with God. He taught us how we need to listen to God through his word, at work all around us, in silence and solitude, and through our hearts. This was a big focus in his teaching since listening to God is so important and many of us don’t spend the time to just sit with God.
Our next speaker was Dan Unrau who spoke about family systems. He focused on the balance of families and how we only change once our families become unbalanced. We talked about secrets and triangles within families and how they are unhealthy, while differentiation and playfulness within families are healthy. Overall we had a very interesting week learning more about ourselves and learning more about God.
Anneke
Knowing Yourself Week
Following our week of urban adventure in Vancouver, we traveled to Charis Camp just outside of Chilliwack, BC. Charis is a cozy and beautiful place, which is pretty much our home base for the rest of the semester.
Our first week at Charis was a week for class, assignments, mentoring and reflection. We explored the topic of “knowing yourself”. We took a personality test, discussed the importance of values and explored different “love languages”. Not only did these exercises help us to understand ourselves, but also we learned more about each other and how to be better friends within the community. We also spent time with our small groups. We met for a bible study, focusing on the concept of grace.
We had time to relax, play games, explore the wilderness, or just hang out. The small group challenge put us head to head in a variety of skill testing activities. Rolling down hills, collecting leaves, relays and more.
It was also a fun week of growing both in self-awareness and friendship, and we topped it all off with a sweet Halloween bash.
Michelle
Friday, October 31, 2008
Vancouver Urban Plunge
The Vancouver Urban Plunge has come and gone, and because of the experiences our hearts have been affected in ways many of us have never dreamed possible. Outtatown partnered up with YWAM Vancouver, and they led us through a week that was meant to put us out of our comfort zone. From wandering the streets getting to know the area, to trying out new ethnic foods, to the Rose Prayer Walk, we began to grasp the lives if the Vancouver population. We visited three different temples including a Buddhist temple, A Sikh temple and a Muslim Mosque. All of these places had there own you unique flair and we learned a lot from each one.
One of the most profound days was “impact Vancouver day” in small groups we had to be creative and design a way to impact the city. My group created a “wanna chat?” circle. We took out some chairs onto East Hastings and were there only for one purpose, to listen. It was amazing how many people actually sat down and poured out their stories. We listened to stories of tragedy as well as celebrated the stories of triumphs with the people sharing. We did not realize how many people are just looking for an ear to listen to them.
Overall, the Vancouver urban plunge was extremely successful opening our eyes to issues that dominate the city, and need more people to focus on. Through all the brokenness we first saw in the downtown eastside, beauty was prevalent and by the end of the week, it shone bright with hope.
Regan
One of the most profound days was “impact Vancouver day” in small groups we had to be creative and design a way to impact the city. My group created a “wanna chat?” circle. We took out some chairs onto East Hastings and were there only for one purpose, to listen. It was amazing how many people actually sat down and poured out their stories. We listened to stories of tragedy as well as celebrated the stories of triumphs with the people sharing. We did not realize how many people are just looking for an ear to listen to them.
Overall, the Vancouver urban plunge was extremely successful opening our eyes to issues that dominate the city, and need more people to focus on. Through all the brokenness we first saw in the downtown eastside, beauty was prevalent and by the end of the week, it shone bright with hope.
Regan
Guys Week
Guys week has come and gone and what an experience it was. From the quality male bonding time to discovering and enjoying Canmore, Alberta to paintballing to just cuddling up at night to watch Braveheart; we as men did a lot. Also as men, with the help of Blayne Greiner and Gary Cropley we talked about our “feelings” about the other sex and what does it mean to be a Godly man in North American society.
With Blayne sharing not only where he’s at with God but his own personal stories, I for one gained some insight and I’m sure many of the other guys did as well. Of everything we did do as a group my favorite would be the session we spent coming up with questions to ask the ladies about themselves. Just the whole process of brainstorming, deliberating, agreeing and fine-tuning was so humbling to see because as a young adult I realize that I’m not the only one trying to figure out my role and looking for God’s guidance when it comes to relations to the opposite sex.
By the end of the week, I was in some ways sad to leave because of everything that had happened and been accomplished as men of God. But not too disappointed because the girls from our site came to pick us up in the morning. If there is one ideal that I will take away from this weekend is that if we as men treat all women the way Christ treated the church there would be a lot less tragedy and more joy everywhere.
Vijoy
With Blayne sharing not only where he’s at with God but his own personal stories, I for one gained some insight and I’m sure many of the other guys did as well. Of everything we did do as a group my favorite would be the session we spent coming up with questions to ask the ladies about themselves. Just the whole process of brainstorming, deliberating, agreeing and fine-tuning was so humbling to see because as a young adult I realize that I’m not the only one trying to figure out my role and looking for God’s guidance when it comes to relations to the opposite sex.
By the end of the week, I was in some ways sad to leave because of everything that had happened and been accomplished as men of God. But not too disappointed because the girls from our site came to pick us up in the morning. If there is one ideal that I will take away from this weekend is that if we as men treat all women the way Christ treated the church there would be a lot less tragedy and more joy everywhere.
Vijoy
Girl Week
Girls Week
Fun, adventure, learning. These were all things that we experienced while on girls week in Calgary. Our speaker, Sharon Peters from Vancouver, shared the beauty of being ourselves, and the beauty of being women. She made a point of helping us discover who we want to be, not what we want to be, and encouraged us all to witness the beauty God placed in each one of us as women.
Amidst all the things being learned in the classroom the week was also filled with amazing activities planned by our very own female site leaders. We spent time go-karting, mini-golfing, shopping, hiking a mountain and experiencing God’s wonderful creation, and of course a spa night. A Christmas party also took place where caroling, candy and a gift exchange were involved. I know what you are thinking, a Christmas party in October? But it was the last time the girls from all three sites would be together for a very long time and making it memorable was perfect.
All in all the week was awesome, we learned new things, met new people and had a blast doing it. I think that a lot of us had anticipated a long hard week without the guys, but being on our own yet surrounded by 70 girls for 7 days allowed so much room for us to grow, experience and just be girls.
Shayleen
PS: We also got this awesome hip-hop instructor to teach us some sweet dance moves. A lot of us failed quite miserably but it was fun while it lasted.
Fun, adventure, learning. These were all things that we experienced while on girls week in Calgary. Our speaker, Sharon Peters from Vancouver, shared the beauty of being ourselves, and the beauty of being women. She made a point of helping us discover who we want to be, not what we want to be, and encouraged us all to witness the beauty God placed in each one of us as women.
Amidst all the things being learned in the classroom the week was also filled with amazing activities planned by our very own female site leaders. We spent time go-karting, mini-golfing, shopping, hiking a mountain and experiencing God’s wonderful creation, and of course a spa night. A Christmas party also took place where caroling, candy and a gift exchange were involved. I know what you are thinking, a Christmas party in October? But it was the last time the girls from all three sites would be together for a very long time and making it memorable was perfect.
All in all the week was awesome, we learned new things, met new people and had a blast doing it. I think that a lot of us had anticipated a long hard week without the guys, but being on our own yet surrounded by 70 girls for 7 days allowed so much room for us to grow, experience and just be girls.
Shayleen
PS: We also got this awesome hip-hop instructor to teach us some sweet dance moves. A lot of us failed quite miserably but it was fun while it lasted.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Week Four
We finally left Pinawa, well sort of. Not to take away from the place but a few people were starting to feel the affects of being stuck in a small town for an extended period of time. So, we took to the road and got to Winnipeg to make it for the morning service at the Vineyard church. We had the rest of the day free and a few people were able to visit their families. We ended the evening with a Missions Under Discussion cafe at Canadian Mennonite University and drove back into Pinawa.
Returning to Pinawa we were blessed by a man named Nathan Rieger, who is the pastor of the Vineyard chruch we went to. He spoke to us for two days about idols. Not just the statues and alters of other religions but the things that we're trying to squeeze next to Jesus. If a mantel piece can describe our lives then it is to be Jesus that is above the fireplace and he is not supposed to be sharing that place. One phrase was, "Jesus is Lord, and they're not". Not to say that we are to deny what we enjoy but that we are aware of what we put before God. Nathan explained that idols give us three things. They give us value, they give us power, and they give us a response to pain. The second day of our sessions was my favorite. Nathan got us to sit in a circle and left the floor open to us. He wanted us to share some of the idols in our lives. In the end, about half of us did. It was a surreal experience; one of those things that usually happens between best friends after a tragedy happens, but it happened in a group of 38. People shared significant things and it brought the group closer together.
That was only Tuesday. That afternoon we went back into Winnipeg to do our first urban plunge. The first day was The Amazing Race which involved many parts of the city that even Winnipegers hadn't been to. It put us in close contact with the marginalized people and we gained a lot from the experience. The Thursday and Friday were spent in groups doing different ministry assignments, most of which were labor intensive. It was a contrast to The Amazing Race, which included praying and talking to random people in the street. Some people enjoyed the fact that they just put their heads down and pulled nails for four and a half hours while some didn't. It made us all think about the nature of ministry. Overall, we went into our Thanksgiving weekends with a new perspective on poverty and an awareness of it all around us.
Josh
Returning to Pinawa we were blessed by a man named Nathan Rieger, who is the pastor of the Vineyard chruch we went to. He spoke to us for two days about idols. Not just the statues and alters of other religions but the things that we're trying to squeeze next to Jesus. If a mantel piece can describe our lives then it is to be Jesus that is above the fireplace and he is not supposed to be sharing that place. One phrase was, "Jesus is Lord, and they're not". Not to say that we are to deny what we enjoy but that we are aware of what we put before God. Nathan explained that idols give us three things. They give us value, they give us power, and they give us a response to pain. The second day of our sessions was my favorite. Nathan got us to sit in a circle and left the floor open to us. He wanted us to share some of the idols in our lives. In the end, about half of us did. It was a surreal experience; one of those things that usually happens between best friends after a tragedy happens, but it happened in a group of 38. People shared significant things and it brought the group closer together.
That was only Tuesday. That afternoon we went back into Winnipeg to do our first urban plunge. The first day was The Amazing Race which involved many parts of the city that even Winnipegers hadn't been to. It put us in close contact with the marginalized people and we gained a lot from the experience. The Thursday and Friday were spent in groups doing different ministry assignments, most of which were labor intensive. It was a contrast to The Amazing Race, which included praying and talking to random people in the street. Some people enjoyed the fact that they just put their heads down and pulled nails for four and a half hours while some didn't. It made us all think about the nature of ministry. Overall, we went into our Thanksgiving weekends with a new perspective on poverty and an awareness of it all around us.
Josh
Sam, Natalie and Vijoy.
Downtown Winnipeg.
Tim, Janell and Lisa posing.
Dave, Kris, Katy and Heather blending in.
Barkey, Lori and Kyra dressing up.Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Tara Bishop with our group.Saturday, October 4, 2008
Week Three
We are just finishing our third week at Wilderness Edge Retreat Center in Pinawa, preparing for our first Urban Plunge experience in Winnipeg. The past three days we've had the pleasure of hearing from Tara Bishop who has lots of insight into the field of urban mission.
Tara is the associate pastor at 614 St. Jamestown church in Toronto. She took some time to teach us about her community and the ways in which her church is able to work there. The St. Jamestown district is one of the most densely populated regions in all of North America, with approximately 28 000 people living in just under 20 apartment buildings in only a few small city blocks. In St. Jamestown, white people are a visible minority since the area attracts new immigrants looking for low rent housing options. 614 churches take their mission statement straight from Isaiah 61:4, focusing on the verbs "rebuild", "restore" and "renew".
Through her lectures and workshop-style activities, we learned about the challenges people (especially new immigrants) face living downtown, and the need to address social issues. Through her personal stories, we got a better picture of how to react when we meet people who are living on the street, (and how not to react) in order to give them dignity. Perhaps one can never be truly prepared for a short term mission assignment, but Tara helped direct our thoughts to be in a humble state of mind when we begin our mission - realistic and optimistic about the impact our service can have.
We also began preparing for our mission to South Africa by learning about culture shock. We learned how to recognize and deal with (as a group and individually) the transition between cultures both when we arrive in Africa and when we come home. Many of us were surprised to realize that aspects of culture shock can be felt whenever we find ourselves in a significantly different setting and routine, even while we are still in Canada. The opportunity for community conversation about what we're learning and struggling with was also helpful as we continue to grow as a group, learning to understand each other and grow together in discipleship.
Michelle Metzger
Tara is the associate pastor at 614 St. Jamestown church in Toronto. She took some time to teach us about her community and the ways in which her church is able to work there. The St. Jamestown district is one of the most densely populated regions in all of North America, with approximately 28 000 people living in just under 20 apartment buildings in only a few small city blocks. In St. Jamestown, white people are a visible minority since the area attracts new immigrants looking for low rent housing options. 614 churches take their mission statement straight from Isaiah 61:4, focusing on the verbs "rebuild", "restore" and "renew".
Through her lectures and workshop-style activities, we learned about the challenges people (especially new immigrants) face living downtown, and the need to address social issues. Through her personal stories, we got a better picture of how to react when we meet people who are living on the street, (and how not to react) in order to give them dignity. Perhaps one can never be truly prepared for a short term mission assignment, but Tara helped direct our thoughts to be in a humble state of mind when we begin our mission - realistic and optimistic about the impact our service can have.
We also began preparing for our mission to South Africa by learning about culture shock. We learned how to recognize and deal with (as a group and individually) the transition between cultures both when we arrive in Africa and when we come home. Many of us were surprised to realize that aspects of culture shock can be felt whenever we find ourselves in a significantly different setting and routine, even while we are still in Canada. The opportunity for community conversation about what we're learning and struggling with was also helpful as we continue to grow as a group, learning to understand each other and grow together in discipleship.
Michelle Metzger
Monday, September 29, 2008
Team "Party People" lining up to bat.
The view of first base.
Tessa at the plate.
Big swing by Tim.
Having fun on the slide.
Vijoy and Kevin.
Merry-go-round, the most dangerous playground toy invented.
Chet being creative with the swings.
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