Why They Volunteer....

Some of our volunteers in Children's ministry share why they do it, and what they are learning.

"I so wanted to be involved with Ridge Kids partly because we have 2 children involved and I wanted to give back. I was also excited to serve in an area where I see such compassionate leadership.

My experience has been great. I was surprised at how organized and well thought out the lessons were. It really takes the pressure off of the small group leader and frees you up to focus more on the relationship with the kids. Because it is so organized and well thought out, I don't have to worry about coming up with good ideas to engage the kids, or if the activities are appropriate with the lesson, or even figure out timing. It is all done. I have found that that frees me up to focus on the kids, what is sinking in with them and how I can model God's love to them. I am also so excited about the size of these groups. Because they are small, you really can get to know the kids and vice versa.

ANYBODY could be a small group leader and ANYBODY would be rewarded from stepping out to do so. There is something very special about looking into those fresh-faced children and talking to them about God's deep love for them. " Laura VW

______________________________________________

I was a little nervous about teaching in Children's Worship since I didn't feel "qualified". But, what gave me the nudge to do so, in all honesty, was the fact that my daughter didn't want to go unless I was down there with her. :) So, I signed up in order for her to want to start going herself. I didn't realize how much fun I would have and learn. The kids have taught me so much and to see the fun they have while learning more about Christ is amazing to me. It has been such a great experience for both of us and I'm so thankful she gave me that nudge.

Anonymous

Being used by God

Watching how God is working in the hearts of children at the Ridge is one of my treasured blessings over the past year. But not only that—seeing how God has blessed me, grown me, and used me in my weakness—that’s another story right there. Teaching isn’t one of my spiritual gifts—I will be the first to come out and say that. I watch my friends, many of them, as they get up in front of a classroom of kids, so confident, and think “wow, God sure blessed them.” But last fall, when there was an opportunity to step into my son’s kindergarten small group as their leader, I said yes. Partly because I was wanting to do something out of my comfort zone, and partly because I was tired of battling with my little guy about staying in Children’s Ministry on Sunday mornings, and I knew if I were there with him, the battle would be over. So I started my commitment to this sweet group of kindergartners. And guess what? They didn’t know (and didn’t care!) that teaching wasn’t one of my spiritual gifts. One of the favorite things that I talked about with “my” group of kids was that we can take any of the verses in the Bible and know that God is talking right to us. So one of the ways that I did this for myself was to say “Laura, I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13, NIV). One of the kindergartners told me about how he went to his karate class and remembered that he didn’t have to be afraid because God would help him. Another told me on a different occasion that he remembered at his birthday party that God created everything and “even created me”. Leading a small group of kids meant so much more to me than I ever thought it would. It was letting God lead me.

VBS recap

Glory to God – for his great work in our kids hearts – here are a few of the stories we have heard and a few quotes that warmed our hearts!

“If VBS were a sport it would be my favorite” Rock on!!!

“Mom, can we do VBS every night this summer?”

“Mom, pray with me thanking Jesus to give me the power to live forever”

“I don’t want VBS to end”

“Jesus Rocks” “He really does give us power!”

“Mom, can I please invite one more friend?”

One night one of our second graders wanted to invite a friend - his mom wondered why this friend?? The child insisted and this guest came the night we learned Jesus gives us the power to live forever - and guess what his leader led him to Christ this night. AHA - Jesus gives us the power to live forever.

After VBS one night one of our ridgekids went home and asked his mom to actually show him if these stories he was hearing about really were in the bible - I think it seemed a bit to fun and applicable to actually be in the bible - she looked up the story of the 10 lepers and read it with him - when they were done he said "mom, that's just what I was thinking - Jesus really does rock!" Aha - Jesus gives us the power to be thankful.

Through out the week we had many kids bringing friends and on the night that the daily challenge was to bring a friend we had over 25 friends come along - Childrens were so excited to share the fun and what they were learning with their friends. Their innocent lives a witness for Him. I am in awe of their hearts and willingness to share with others about God! AHA Jesus gives us the power to share about God with others!

A Kindergartner the week after VBS had swim lessons and didn't want to put his face in the water - but did eventually and his mom asked how he did it. He said "I thought Jesus is with me and gives me the power to be brave." AHA - Jesus gives us the power to be brave!

As you can see God was at work in many lives - my prayer is the simple truths our kids learned the week of VBS stick with them throughout the year! May we all remember Jesus miraculous power! All Glory to God! Praise Him for working in such mighty ways! One heart touched can lead to lasting impact for many!

Planting Seeds In Children's Ministry

Melinda R. shares her experience of volunteering as a 1st grade group leader in Children's ministry:

The first-graders in my small group never cease to amaze me with their level of compassion and spiritual insight. In fact, I think some weeks I learn more from them than they do from me! Recently, I went to the Women of Faith conference and felt moved to sponsor a little girl from Uganda named Happy. I couldn't wait to share her picture with my first-graders, and was even more excited when the kids pointed out to me that Happy is their age. As her picture was passed around the circle they all asked the same question: "Why doesn't Happy look very happy?" We talked about poverty and what that might mean to a child. Then, the kids all agreed that they wanted to draw pictures and decorate a poster to send to her along with a picture of our small group. They were so excited, but we ran out of time and had to wait until the following week to finish our poster. I was so touched by their enthusiasm and concern for this little girl on the other side of the world, whom they had never met. One little girl told me that she had prayed for Happy that week, and on the poster in big letters she wrote, "God loves you, Happy." It brings tears to my eyes to witness the love of God overflowing through these precious kids. They are truly an inspiration.

I love my sweet little first-graders and I'm passionate about helping them understand the love of God for them. You never know what little seed might make an eternal impact on their souls.

Do you have a willing heart to work with kids at the Ridge? If YES, we have a place for you! Click here to fill out our simple volunteer interest form.

Setting Women Free

The faraway city of Kolkata, India is home to over 10,000 women who earn wages as sex trade “workers.” These women didn’t choose prostitution, it was forced on them and poverty keeps them trapped with no way out. Imagine the shame these women feel trying to feed themselves and their families. On the outskirts of Kolkata, in the neighborhood of Sonagacchi, a small, but growing company called Freeset battles the established big business of prostitution. Freeset offers dignified employment to women wanting to escape the trade. Freeset teaches these women sewing skills, provides them with above market wages, supplies health insurance, makes daycare available for their children and teaches basic skills like reading and writing. Freeset employees manufacture both off-the-shelf and customized jute tote bags in a variety of styles, sizes and colors as well as a beautiful line of organic cotton tee-shirts. Ultimately, Freeset offers freedom.

Come hear from the founder of Freeset
On April 26, Annie Hilton, co-founder of Freeset, comes to Prairie Ridge to share uplifting stories from the 170 women Freeset currently employs. Learn how Annie and her husband, Kerry, are making a significant difference in the lives of women who previously had no hope. Come and hear how this New Zealand couple abandoned their “normal” lives, moved to Kolkata along with their four children and started a business from scratch, thus committing their lives to live among the poorest of the poor. This special speaking engagement is FREE and starts at 7 p.m. in the worship center. The Global Cafe will be open.

Sexual trafficking is a worldwide evil
Sexual trafficking is not just a Kolkata problem, it’s a worldwide problem. Over 27 million people are held in modern day slavery, even in the nearby Minneapolis/St. Paul, Interstate 94 has become a major trafficking corridor. Consider the statistic of human trafficking being the third most profitable business in the world behind illegal weapon and drug sales.

Women know no other way of survival
Women don’t choose this “profession,” it chooses them. Women are born or sold into slavery by parents, husbands or boyfriends. They are routinely kidnapped by traffickers or lured into prostitution often on the false promise of marriage. After the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti, reports suggest that many women and teenage girls were swept into the massive corruption of the sex trade.

Think our economy is rough? Visualize what it’s like to “stand in the line” with hundreds of women waiting for the male customer who will pay as little as a quarter for a sexual encounter. We complain about escalating gasoline prices, rising taxes and serious unemployment, but these women don’t complain because they believe this is the only way they can possibly survive. There are no opportunities for them except those that we as Christians are called by God to offer. Think you can’t possibly make a difference in this faraway place? You can. Freeset needs prayers and conversations to begin with your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and community about women who have no voice and are helpless to escape the forced life of prostitution. Together, working as one body of Christ, human beings can be freed from the wickedness of trafficking.
You can make a difference

Please come on April 26th and learn from Annie how you can make a difference. Freeset, along with other organizations committed to ending human trafficking, will be on hand after Annie’s presentation to share the facts with those interested in learning more. Additionally, Freeset will have tote bags available for sale with the proceeds going to support Freeset workers. Please join us to hear Annie’s unforgettable story.

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27

40 Days Of Love: Kara's Story

I have been challenged with our study “40 days of love.” To say that it has been difficult would be an understatement. I must be completely honest and say that before committing to the study, I viewed myself as a loving person. I am re-evaluating that based on the challenge in the book, that Jesus commands us to love as He loved.

Being a person that is loving, is different than loving people as Jesus loves. That is the challenge for me. Let’s be honest, it is a cake walk to love people who reciprocate that love, who are easy to love and receive what you bring to the relationship. I do not think that is the premise of our book that we are studying.

What does that look like when there is a relationship that is frequented with disappointment, pain, breaches of trust and a history of heartache? Well, I'm finding out that by allowing these principles to be lived out daily that amazing things really can and will happen.

When the study first started for me, we were all challenged with the first week of finding someone to love and reach out to. I was sitting there during our small group and instantly a person came to my mind. It was my step daughter. I thought, “there is no way, God.. I must have a bad signal, how about another name?” So, then he gave me the name of a friend who I had become very close to, where a conflict had occured and I just walked away from the relationship. She had a gossiping tongue that I had been on the receiving end of that gossip many times. I loved her dearly, but could not allow that toxic relationship to continue. I have missed her terribly, but not the toxicity of her treatment.

So, I am thinking, “great these are my choices?” It is going to be a long 40 days. Within one week of the study starting, my step daughter, has started coming over, along with our nine month old grand daughter. To some people this may not be a big deal. To us it is nothing short of miraculous. We have experienced an “on again, off again relationship” with her for years. It has been even more challenging since the baby was born. We have been heart broken and confused. We have tried to reach out so many times, but have not been received. So, getting back into contact was risky.

To make a long story short, we have been having weekly family time with our daughter and grand daughter. She decided that Sunday would be a great day for family time. She suggested it! Imagine that. Through this time, She has opened up and shared some things about her life that we were not aware of. There were choices she has made and caused her to feel ashamed and confused. Those choices left her to feeling isolated and alone.

The beauty of it is, love covers a multitude of sins. God’s love is sufficient to move in any situation, if we allow it. As I sit here and right today, I am sitting in a room with my husband, our youngest son, our daughter and grand daughter. We are having family time. Just hanging out and enjoying each others company, giving each other grace to grow and loving her back to life.

I have learned in this whole process, that as much as I love people, I sometimes do not know how to handle conflict, especially when I am hurt. I really am thankful for the model and example that Christ sets for us. I do not have to rely on myself to make it work. In fact, my self reliance has gotten in my way quite a bit. I need to remember to invite God into those places where I feel inadequate in handling a situation. I know that seems simple, but it is true.

Kara Baird- Prairie Ridge church member

Great opportunities to worship!

Worship is not just something that happens in an hour on Sunday, but rather is something that can be woven in to our everyday life. One aspect of worship is music, and we have a few suggestions on how you can take the music portion of worship outside the walls of the church.

Worship at home and in the car:
Ever wish you could buy and listen to some of the songs we do at church, but forget the name of the song, or who wrote it? We can help! We have created an iMix on itunes with 25 of the most recent songs that we are doing at The Ridge. Buy one or all of them and continue your worship during the week. Click here to view the list.

Attend a worship concert:
One of our favorite worship bands "Hillsong United" is performing at Wells Fargo area on April 19. This promises to be a powerful night of worship. Several Prairie Ridger's already have their tickets for this event and it is not to late to join them. Click here to get tickets.