Thursday - Testimonies

1). Song of the Day:Isaac Carree - ♫ In The Middle ♫

2). Blog Entry: Testimonies

- The other day, my son came home from youth group and knew that God had spoke to him. God told him to give all his money to Speed the Light. He had been saving up for a long time, and had almost $140. He gave it all to me to give in the offering at church, for STL. It was the first time my son gave everything he had, and the first time he told me that he heard God speak to him directly.

- A pastor recently testified to his church that the church where he used to serve had sent a check for $5,000 to pour into the ministry that he was currently in.

3). Ministry of the Day: The Dare - a new book by Youth Pastor Josh Mayo, challenging students to be amazing for God.

4). Link of the Day: Jinni.com - Taste engine for movies and TV shows

5). Quote of the Day: 'If you aren't doing things that make you nervous while empowering people, than it's all about you.' -Terry Brown, Nebraska AG Secretary/Treasurer

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Mule Day. It is also Tim Lillard's Birthday (Youth Pastor in Norfolk) a distinction he shares with Rod Whitlock (National Youth Discipleship Director) and the famous actor Christopher Walken, from 1943. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that the first WrestleMania event took place in New York in 1985.

Tim Lillard, Youth Committee Member, Sept 2010

Wednesday - Leaders Corner

1). Song of the Day: Relient K - ♫ Sadie Hawkins Dance ♫

2). Blog Entry: Leaders Corner

- I read an interesting article about writing, something many leaders I know would like to do more. The article listed many reasons for writers block: lack of sleep, stress, sickness, too much creative demand, tackling too many projects at once. Here are a few things it suggested to break out of writer's block and begin writing again:

- Read More

- Talk to Creative People

- Change your Environment

- Go to a Creative Place

- Drink Coffee

- Take a Short Nap

- Listen to a good story teller

3). Ministry of the Day: Make Your Mark - Upload your video of how God is using students to shape the next 100 years

4). Link of the Day: Health Month - A game that helps improve your diet, fitness, mental health, and more...

5). Quote of the Day: 'You can't lead the world from the grave' - Anonymous

6). Today is National Pencil Day. It is also the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, the famous Dutch painter, of 1853. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that the Florida territory was created in the United States in 1822.

The Crowd at Fine Arts 2011

Tuesday - Bible Trivia

1). Song of the Day: Chris Tomlin - ♫ I lift my hands ♫

2). Blog Entry: Bible Trivia

- Congratulations to PASTOR TIM for being the correct comment chosen at random as our winner from last week's trivia. Thank you also to Kevin Libby for commenting in as well. Tim is now up to $17 in prize earnings - way to go!

- This weeks trivia - Can you name the first 3 kings of Israel after Solomon?

3). Ministry of the Day: Photos from Fine Arts - Check out all of our photos from different NYM events and programs over the past calendar year

4). Link of the Day: Cornell Wex - LII's community-built, freely available legal dictionary and legal encyclopedia.

5). Quote of the Day: 'Bitterness Defiles' -Anonymous

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Texas Loves the Children Day. It is also the birthday of Cy Young, the famous baseball player, from 1867. Finally it is the anniversary of the day that the 23rd Amendment to the Constitution was ratified allowing residents of Washington DC to vote in presidential elections.

The Dodgeball Team gets ready for competition at Fine Arts 2011

Monday - Life Lessons

1). Song of the Day: K-Drama - ♫ Gotta Run (my favorite song from NE Fine Arts) ♫

2). Blog Entry: Life Lessons

- I was sitting in church a few weeks ago, and a random call came in from a number that wasn't in my contacts. I didn't answer, but I texted them back 'I can't answer cuz I'm in church - what's up?' A minute later, I got a text back from the same number 'Sorry - wrong number'

- How interesting that they knew it was a wrong number just because I texted that I was at church! Unfortunately, whoever they were trying to reach wasn't someone they would expect to be at church on a Sunday morning. The more we reach out to those around us the more that expectation can be a normal thing in our culture again today. Where would people expect to see you on a Sunday morning?

3). Ministry of the Day: National Fine Arts Festival - Having just completed our statewide Fine Arts, all those who received Superior with Invitation rating are invited to our National Competition held in Phoenix, Arizona this coming August.

4). Link of the Day: EcoFreek - Ecofreek searches over 45+ webites and 10,000 libraries

worldwide for free and swappable items being given away by people who no longer need them

5). Quote of the Day: 'A revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God.' - Charles G. Finney

6). Miscellaneous: Today is Weed Appreciation Day (weeds in the garden!). It is also Brent Graves Birthday (pastor in Bassett), a distinction he shares with Al Force (DYD of Penn Floriday), Dan Stanley (National Christian Education Office), and Fra Bartolommeo, the famous Italian Artist, from 1472. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that the Three Mile Island Nuclear Threat began in 1979.

Speaking at Chadron State Chi Alpha, March 2011

Friday - Leaders Profile

1). Song of the Day: The Afters - ♫ Lift me Up ♫

2). Blog Entry: Leaders Profile - Dan Zitterkopf

History - Grew up in Wyoming, Pastored in Kimball and Bayard

Family - Married to Libby, they have three sons, a girl, and one grandchild

Position - Current Development Director of our Campgrounds

Hobbies - Being with family, traveling, reading

Hidden Talents - Fuseball, Guitar

3). Ministry of the Day: Dream 2015 - The current vision of the National Youth Ministries in the Assembly of God.

4). Link of the Day: FoodPickle - Need help with your recipe? This Q and A blog gives a chance to hear what others think.

5). Quote of the Day: 'The grace of enmity: the ability to recognize the things we've grown comfortable with' - Dr. G. Anderson

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Pecan Day. It is also the beginning of our Fine Arts Festival this weekend at Christ's Place Church in Lincoln, NE. It is the birthday of Howard Cosell, the famous sports broadcaster, from 1918. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that Robert the Bruce became King of Scotland in 1306.

Thursday - Testimonies

1). Song of the Day: Manafest - Renegade

2). Blog Entry: Testimonies
- Recently, Mark Oberbeck's father died. Mark is the pastor of Northridge Church in Grand Island. He went to St. Louis to take care of his father's affairs, knowing that his dad wasn't a Christian. When he spoke to his fathers companion , she informed him that a Baptist pastor had been visiting Mark's dad in his illness and recently, he prayed with him for salvation.
- I heard the testimony from one of our districts of a former Fine Arts student that is now in Nashville recording her first national recording album.

3). Ministry of the Day: High Point - a dynamic curriculum option for Children's Ministries

4). Link of the Day: Bible Gateway - an online Bible to read and study 24 hours a day

5). Quote of the Day: 'Be blessable, before asking God for many blessings' - Anonymous

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day. It is also the birthday of Tommy Hilfiger, the famous designer, from 1951. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that Greece became a republic in 1923.

Wednesday - Leaders Corner

1). Song of the Day: Superchick (former Fine Arts Festival Show in Nebraska) - It's On

2). Blog Entry: Leaders Corner
- Last week I had the privilege of being in some credential interviews. Different candidates were pursuing to advance their ministry credentials with the Assemblies of God denomination in Nebraska. They must complete the required courses for each level, take a test with the presbyter in their section, and then meet for an interview with the leadership of the state. The interview is the last step in the process and usually by the time they meet with the state leaders, they are well on their way to receiving the desired credential. At that point we have their course grades, the score from the test with the presbyter, and a reference from both the presbyter and their local pastor. Most candidates are very concerned with the interview, which is important, but many should focus more on the studies and their relationship with their pastor and the presbyter of the section, because they have more weight in the decision than people realize. Pastors should also know that their references go a long way in helping us make that decision, so any pertinent and helpful information included is appreciated.

3). Ministry of the Day: NESOM - Nebraska School of Ministry for those interested in credentials with the Assemblies of God.

4). Link of the Day: The Source - a website with tons of free ideas and items to help foster a successful youth ministry.

5). Quote of the Day: 'Worry is the expression of your fear that God doesn't know what He's doing.' Anonymous

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Puppy Day. It is also the birthday of Maurice Jones-Drew, the famous football player, from 1985. Today we are hosting a 7 Project in Dorchester, NE. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that Patrick Henry delivered his famous 'Give me liberty, or give me death!' speech in 1775.

Tuesday - Bible Trivia

1). Song of the Day: Gospel Ganstaz - One Time

2). Blog Entry: Bible Trivia
- Congratulations to Caleb for being the correct comment chosen at random as our winner from last week's trivia. Jephthah fled to the land of TOB. Thanks to everyone for participating. Caleb is now up to $5 in prize earnings to be used for any NYM event or piece of merchandise.
- Here's this weeks trivia: This weekend is our annual NE Fine Arts Festival. Can you name a story in the Bible that involved 'art' of any kind?

3). Ministry of the Day: Fine Arts Rules - Freshen up on the rules for all fine arts categories within the upcoming festival this weekend at Christ's Place in Lincoln, NE.

4). Link of the Day: Youth Group Mascot - My wife sent me this 'interesting' idea for bringing more energy to youth group services.

5). Quote of the Day: 'Ministry: This is not a profession, it is a calling.' -Dr. Gordon Anderson

6). Miscellaneous: Today is International Goof-Off Day. It is also Brent Braunberger's Birthday (pastor in Crete) a distinction he shares with Louis L'Amour, the famous American Western author, from 1908. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that the comet Hale-Bopp had its closest approach to Earth in 1997.

Monday - Life Lessons

1). Song of the Day: (Old School Rap) Dynamic Twins - Fantasy

2). Blog Entry: Life Lessons
- The other day, I called Dave and Jen Busch, pastors in Burwell, NE, on Jen's cell phone. A strange voice I didn't recognize greeted me and introduced himself as Dr. so and so. I thought that it was David playing a joke on me (anyone that knows him knows that he can do that from time to time) so I said 'Oh, really' and laughed pretty hard. The voice on the other end said 'Yes, it really is' in a very monotone voice. Sure enough, it was a doctor! Jen works at a doctor's office and she had left her phone at the office. When it rang he picked it up and answered. I apologized for not trusting him and being sarcastic on the phone, but he was a good sport.
- Assumptions are not always the best wisdom to go on. Inspect the situation a little further in order to make a good decision.

3). Ministry of the Day: Fire Bible - One of the most recent Bibles in print for students with an emphasis on the living in the Power of the Spirit

4). Link of the Day: Shorten URLs - a website that can shorten your web addresses, to post in blogs, websites, emails, etc..

5). Quote of the Day: 'It is better to be faithful than famous.' -President Theodore Roosevelt

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Common Courtesy Day. It is also Dylan Goreham's Birthday (NCU Student and Fine Arts Judge), a distinction he shares with celebrity Rosie O'Donnell from 1962. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that Henry V became King of England in 1413.

Friday - Leaders Profile

1). Song of the Day:Jessa Anderson - ♫ Not what I thought ♫

2). Blog Entry: Leader's Profile - Ben Hart

History - Grew up in Taylor, NE

Current Ministry - Children's Leader in Minatare

Favorite sport - Football (also a pretty good cyclist, from the Missions bike ride)

Favorite team - Huskers, of course

Most Resembles - Clark Kent, or rather, Superman

Hidden Talents - Plays the trombone and drums

3). Ministry of the Day: The Bridge - an outreach model for helping students witness to their friends.

4). Link of the Day: GroupMe - Group text messaging, get your message to several people with just one text.

5). Quote of the Day: 'Human love is a reflection of something in the divine nature itself.' -A.E. Brooks

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Forgive Mom and Dad day. It is also Abby Richardson's Birthday (Youth Pastors Wife in Omaha), a distinction she shares with Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, from 1837. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that South Africans voted to end the racist policies of Apatheid in 1992.

Thursday - Testimonies

1). Song of the Day:Shonlock - ♫ Something in your Eyes ♫

2). Blog Entry: Testimonies

- This last Sunday was National BGMC Sunday. I heard a great testimony of a wonderful BGMC fundraiser from the top-giving church in the nation in 2010. The Children's Pastor setup a particular Sunday as Ketchup Sunday. Students could purchase little travel sized ketchup containers to pour over him after service on that day. The church in Columbus, NE did something similar. After they hit their goal for STL, the two youth leaders sat in a small pool and allowed students to cover them with ketchup, mustard, syrup, mayonnaise, and some other condiments as well! I agreed to participate - not by sitting in the pool but in pouring the stuff on them.

3). Ministry of the Day: STL Map - See where are STL funds are being used for missions all over the world.

4). Link of the Day: Volunteer Spot - Coordinate parents and volunteers the fast, easy way with free online sign up forms and volunteer scheduling.

5). Quote of the Day: 'Biblical meaning of the term 'apostle' correlates most closely with the modern day church planter' - G. Anderson

6). Miscellaneous: Today is St. Patrick's Day. It is also the start of the Final Four March Madness tournament. It is Aaron Bade's Birthday (youth pastor in South Sioux City), a distinction he shares with Steve Pulis, the National Leader of Youth Alive. Finally, is the anniversary of the day that President Franklin Roosevelt dedicated the National Art Gallery in 1941.

Aaron Bade, youth pastor in South Sioux City, at a Youth Cmt. Mtg in 2010

Wednesday - Leaders Corner

1). Song of the Day:Wakeup Starlight - ♫ One Step Away ♫

2). Blog Entry: Leaders Corner

- A new discipleship assessment is coming out of National Office called the Acts 2 Process. It starts with a discovery retreat that the district hosts for interested churches. If churches sign on, it's $150 a month for a year. That include 4 retreats with the national director and the leadership teams of the church, regularly monthly coaching, and all of the materials involved in the process. One of the matrix's they use for assessing and analyzing the health of the church and the plan for improvement has the following categories (which can also be applied to any ministry group): Discern the Missionary Mentality, Embrace Vibrant Leadership, Relational Intentionality, Prayerful Dependence, Engaging Worship, and Community Mission

3). Ministry of the Day: Missionary Blogs - a webpage with links to many of our NE World Missionary Regular Blogs online

4). Link of the Day: Check in - a way to let people know you've arrived at your destination, online

5). Quote of the Day: 'Your attitudes and beliefs create your thoughts and feelings which determine your choices and decisions' - Sam Ferina

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Freedom of Information Day. It is also Steve Tripp's Birthday (DYD of Wisconsin), a distinction he shares with Jame Madison, the 4th President of the United States, from 1751. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that Babylonians captured Jerusalem and replaced Jehoiachin with Zedekiah as king, in 597 BC

Pastor Jerry Gill from Friend, at a 7 Project in October 2010

Tuesday - Bible Trivia

1). Song of the Day: ♫ Say Yeah! ♫ - Bobby Perry

2). Blog Entry: Bible Trivia

- Congratulations to Kevin Libby for being the correct comment chosen at random as our winner from last week's trivia. God first told Moses to take off his sandals at the burning bush. Thank you to Gage, Kerry, Twyla, Joy, and the View for participating as well. Kevin is now up to $15 in prize earnings that can be used towards any NYM event or piece of merchandise.

- Trivia for this week - When Jephthah fled from his accusing brothers in the book of Judges, what land did he settle in?

3). Ministry of the Day: Chadron State Chi Alpha - I will be speaking at the service tonight at this wonderful ministry in the north western corner of Nebraska.

4). Link of the Day: Bellevue Master's Commission - Check out this dynamic discipleship program from the Eastern part of Nebraska.

5). Quote of the Day: 'You say numbers don't matter? You take 23 kids to camp and only come back with 21 and now they matter!' - Local Pastor in Nebraska

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Napping Day. It is also the 7th President of the USA's birthday, Andrew Jackson, from 1767. Finally, it is also the anniversary of the day that the first internet domain name was registered in 1985.

Jodi Banzhaf, Chadron St. Chi Alpha Director, on the Missions Bike Ride 2010

Monday - Life Lessons

1). Song of the Day: Trevor Morgan - ♫ Jesus Rides the Subway ♫

2). Blog Entry: Life Lessons

- When I'm in town and during inclement weather, I always try to pick up my son Ryan from Middle School when his day is done. I'll arrive about 15 minutes early and wait for him by staying in my car and reading a book or listening to some music on the radio. Everyday, I watch as a teacher comes out with a special education student. The teacher is a fairly old lady and the student is most likely at a 6th grade learning level. To pass time as they wait for her ride (and because the teacher can't leave the student outside alone) the student likes to run. So the teacher will 'race' her from the front of the school to the sidewalk, and then back. The student always wins, and the teacher doesn't look very flattering as she runs to and fro. But though all of the parents waiting look on, the teacher runs anyway.

- What a great teacher! Willing to humiliate herself for the sake of her student. Willing to do an immature task to meet her student on the student's level, not her own. Willing to run in the cold to protect her student. She is an example for us all!

3). Ministry of the Day: Fire Institute - a student leadership program sponsored by our National Youth Office

4). Link of the Day: Doodle Pad - connecting clients to those with the creativity they need

5). Quote of the Day: 'The question we need to ask is - do we need a miracle, or do we need to just work harder?' - Rev. Steve Warriner

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Potato Chip Day. It is also the birthday of Earl Grey, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the namesake of the famous tea, from 1764. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that Harvard University was named after Reverend John Harvard in 1639.

Ariannah Denney, Kids Pastor in Hastings, from the Missions Bike Ride 2010

Friday - Leaders Profile

1). Song of the Day: Ami Rushes - ♫ Testify ♫

2). Leader Profile - Jen Busch

Family: Married To David Busch, children are Jake, Caleb, Isaac, and Jalise

Position: Pastors wife in Burwell, BGMC leader

History: Adopted at 3 weeks old, met David in North Dakota, former newspaper editor for the Thomas County Herald and In-home daycare provider

Hobbies: playing piano, softball catcher, judging high school speech meets

Embarassing Moment: 1) the speaker at a family fest unknowingly asked someone to 'help that lady' when her baby Jalise was a little loud, 2) (Dave - please comment in and give us another two or three!)

Hidden Talent: Certified Lifeguard

3). Ministry of the Day: Momentum Library - An online resource of different podcasts, lessons, and links for leaders provided by our National Youth Office

4). Link of the Day: Business Cards - a great place to order and design your business cards

5). Quote of the Day: 'If we want the farmer to become our customer, we must become his.' -Henry Ford

6). Miscellaneous: Today is Johnny Appleseed Day. It is also Roger Wendt's Birthday (Associate Pastor in Kearney) a distinction he shares with the famous politician Jesse Jackson Jr. from 1965. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that Janet Reno became the first female Attorney General of the United States in 1993.

Thursday - Testimonies

1). Song of the Day:Matthew West - ♫ Strong Enough ♫

2). Blog Entry: Testimonies

- One of our youth ministries in Omaha, Gravity Youth Church, recently had a major outreach emphasis with their students and in one night they saw over 1,000 people in attendance at their youth service!

- Another youth ministry in the center of our state, Impact Student Ministries, joined together with the other youth ministries in Kearney for a common youth outreach event. There were 9 churches involved and they all handed out some silicon wristbands that read LIVE OUT LOUD. They passed out over 4,000 in the schools alone!

3). Ministry of the Day: Gospel Publishing House - a great online vendor of Christian materials and resources for ministry

4). Link of the Day: Running Routes - an online tool for finding the best biking/jogging routes in your area

5). Quote of the Day: 'The average sized youth ministry in the Assemblies of God is 40 students, but the predominant size in most of our churches is 15' -Rod Whitlock, National AG Discipleship Coordinator

6). Miscellaneous: Today is Salvation Army Day. It is also the funeral of Hugh Campbell, former pastor in Geneva. Kevin Libby (youth pastor in West Point) is celebrating his birthday, a distinction he shares with the actor Chuck Norris from 1940. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that the Mars Orbiter arrived on Mars in 2006.

Kevin Libby, talking with a missionary, on District Tour 2011

Wednesday - Leaders Corner

1). Song of the Day: Jeremy Riddle - ♫How He Loves ♫

2). Blog Entry: Giving and Raising Mone

- Yesterday I had a great conversation with one of my friends from Omaha about raising money for programs like BGMC and STL. Here's some things to consider with this important task:

1. We want to start with personal giving. Challenge your students and their leaders to set a goal for what they want to personally give this year. This teaches them how to sacrifice for a great cause, how to be unselfish, and it can help develop a heart for missions and a heart to reach the lost.

2. Talk with your Senior Pastor about taking a Sunday service sometime this year to focus on these missions programs, and take an offering for these programs during that service. National BGMC Sunday is in March, and National STL Sunday is in October every year.

3. Plan a community project that will bless your neighborhoods and raise funds. This would include creative sales, work projects, performance nights, fireworks, etc. It's important to think of something that the students can be involved in, and also to consider the relational evangelistic emphasis of encouraging your people to get into their community and represent yourchurch.

- When we do all three of these together, we see a great amount given to these important ministries which directly support our missionaries on the mission field. Our goal shouldn't be to be #1, or beat another church similar to us, but to do the best we can do for God's glory, help our missionaries, and change our students lives.

3) Ministry of the Day: Campus Missionaries and E-Life - student leadership programs that combine a passion for STL and BGMC with a passion to reach their friends at school for Jesus

4). Link of the Day: Groupon - an online daily coupon given out through emails, in Omaha, NE and other areas.

5). Quote of the Day: 'American politics is now hyper-responsive to constituents interests. And all of those interests are dedicated to preserving the past rather than investing for the future.' -Fareed Zakaria

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National 'Get over it' Day. It is also Yuri Gagarin's Birthday from 1934, the first human in space. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day of the first documented discovery of gold in California in 1842.

David and Rhonda Cramer, pastors in Beatrice, at Family Fest 2010

Tuesday - Bible Trivia

1). Song of the Day: Stars Go Dim - ♫ Like I Mean It ♫

2). Bible Trivia:

- Congratulations to ARG for being the correct comment chosen at random as our winner from last weeks Bible Trivia. The two books in the Bible named after ladies are Ruth and Esther. Special thanks to Kevin Libby for participating by commenting on facebook as well. ARG is now up to $15 in prize earnings, which can be used toward any event or purchase of merchandise through Nebraska Youth Ministries - way to go!

- Trivia for this week - What was the first thing God instructed Moses to do when He encountered him in a burning bush?

3). Ministry of the Day: Pray for Hope - a dynamic prayer movement encouraging people to pursue 21 days of prayer for change in our nation and across the world

4). Link of the Day: Collage Wall - a gallery of photos for wall decorations, inspiration for room atmosphere

5). Quote of the Day: '36 Million People have had their lives changed through ministry funded by Speed the Light' -Chet Caudill, National STL Director

6). Miscellaneous: Today is International Pancake Day. It is also Mario Hatcher (Staff Pastor in Bellevue) and Dennis Leitner's Birthday (pastor in North Platte), a distinction they share with Hines Ward, the famous Pittsburgh Steeler, from 1976. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that Ghana joined the United Nations in 1957.

Mario Hatcher, pastor in Bellevue, 2010

Monday - Life Lessons

1). Song of the Day: K-Drama - ♫ Get your weight up ♫

2). Blog Entry: Life Lessons

- I was interacting with the DYD of the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God a few weeks ago. He told me about a recent event during his Speed the Light District Tour. They were packing up their equipment after a service and it was getting late into the night. He wanted to get on the road quicker, but there is only so fast you can go when packing up these important materials. Finally, they finished up and got on their way. Just minutes away from the church, traffic backed up and they slowed down again. As they inched forward, they saw that there was a major car wreck with many ambulances blocking the traffic. Had they left earlier (like the DYD would have preferred), they may have been involved in that horrible accident, but the grace of God kept them a little later at the church. Remember, God sees the big picture so trust Him and His timing more than your own.

3). Ministry of the Day: Fine Arts - today is the deadline for students submitting entries into Fine Arts for this year. Make sure to get in touch with us today if you plan to be involved.

4). Link of the Day: Web Timer - a countdown to a special event starting sometime in your next 24 hours.

5). Quote of the Day: 'Fail gloriously, so that even in failure, lives change' -Jon Acuff

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Be Heard Day. It is also Mary Beth Haase's Birthday (Children's Pastor's Wife in Lincoln) a distinction she shares with Tammy Faye Baker from 1942. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that Roald Amundsen announced he had reached the South Pole in 1912.

Nate Krizek, youth pastor in Kearney, Feb 2011

Friday - Leaders Profile

1). Song of the Day:K-Drama (in concert at Fine Arts March 25) - ♫ On The High ♫

2). Leaders Profile: Trent Mettenbrink

Family: Married to Angie, daughter Chloe, son Will

Position: Missionaries to Mexico (in itineration) (current STL project for NYM)

History: Farming, Brownsville School of Ministry, Short Term Missions, Pastor in St. Paul

Hobbies: Fishing, Baseball, Coffee

Embarrassing Moments: Was 'sick' every 15 minutes on an 8 hour drive as a short term missionary in Ecuador. NCU President Anderson gave him consider favor as a potential donor during a recent trip to Minneapolis.

Favorite Sports Team: Huskers

3). Ministry of the Day: Fun Arts - Eastern Makeup Date is Sat, March 19th. Check the link above for photos from the Western Event this past weekend.

4). Link of the Day: Bible Trivia from Tuesday - Remember to comment in to be included in the chance for the $5 prize. Winner is chosen at random from all correct comments submitted.

5). Quote of the Day: 'In my mind, I always think that next shot won't go in.' -Ray Allen, Boston Celtic and former 3 point champion

6). Miscellaneous: Today is the World Prayer Day. It is also the birthday of Ray Libby (Pastor in WestPoint) a distinction he shares with Lori Ann Lillard (Associate Pastors wife in Norfolk) and Knute Rockne (football great from 1888). Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that the 11th amendment was ratified by Congress, giving states sovereign rights, in 1794.

Thursday - Testimonies

1). Song of the Day:K-Drama - ♫ Usawhat? ♫

2). Blog Entry: Testimonies

- At the National BGMC banquet this past February, our National BGMC leader David Boyd honored a pastor from Arkansas for his amazing giving in 2010. They had the pastor come and share about his BGMC strategy. Basically, they scrapped all the metal they could find in their town. They went from construction sights to junkyards to auto shops and every place they could think of, asking for their left over metals. They even went though the local dumpsters with permission. He said that most of his money came from aluminum, and he had several hundred beer cans that they recycled for BGMC money. All of those beer cans were turned into money reaching out to souls on the mission field!

- One of our Chi Alphas told me about a young lady that recently committed her life to Christ. She was a member of a local church and was even in ministry training at a different church in town. Yet, when sitting in the Chi Alpha group, she realized she didn't have a personal relationship with God, so she began one that night. Don't assume that everyone around you is a Christian just because they are involved in church activities.

3). Ministry of the Day: Campus Clubs - Student led Christian groups on local school campuses are a great way to empower your students as leaders and Campus Missionaries

4). Link of the Day: DragonTape - a video playlist for YouTube videos

5). Quote of the Day: 'Teach me to feel another's woe, To hide the fault I see; That mercy I to others show, That mercy show to me.' -Poem by Alexander Pope

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Anthem Day. It is also Todd Mohrmann's Birthday (Youth Leader in Columbus) a distinction he shares with the inventor Alexander Graham Bell from 1847. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that oil was first discovered in Saudi Arabia in 1938.

Todd Mohrmann, youth leader in Columbus, on District Tour 2011

Wednesday - Leaders Corner

1). Song of the Day: K-Drama - ♫ Holistic ♫

2). Blog Entry: Leaders Corner

- Ever asked the students in your youth group about the big stories of the Bible - Noah and the Ark, Samson and Delilah, maybe Joshua and the battle of Jericho? Many leaders are finding that more and more students don't know these important true stories from the Bible. These are stories that are foundational to a Christian faith and important in understanding God's plan for our lives. What can we do to help our students know more of the big stories of the Bible?

A. Speak messages from those passages in the Bible - Often, we look for lessons from stories that illustrate points that people have never heard before. Don't assume that your students know these stories already.

B. Establish a Bible reading plan for your students and student leaders - Firestarters daily devotionals are available as a mobile app.

C. Incorporate Sunday School - encourage your students to come to SS and Sunday church, provide snacks for them there, give a challenge from Wednesday that they must have completed by Sunday for a prize, reach out to the church kids in Sunday School that haven't made it to the youth ministry yet, etc.

D. Consider developing a Bible Quiz team - a great way to focus on the Word and involve parents and adults in your ministry. Our Miss America is a former BQ student!

E. Sword Drills - an 'old' game where each student has a Bible and you challenge them to find something quickly in the Bible, with prizes to those who accomplish it first

F. Memory Verses - this isn't just for kids! Each week give a verse that connects with your message, challenge them to memorize it, followup with them the following week

G. Embrace the 1month challenge - students and leaders carry their Bible everywhere they go for one entire month

3). Ministry of the Day: OnCourse Magazine - a powerful magazine produced by our National Youth Office for teens and young adults

4). Link of the Day: A good host - instructions for how to properly host someone at your home in the 21st century

5). Quote of the Day: 'Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.' -Dr. Seuss

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Dr. Seuss Day. It is also Mikhail Gorbachev's Birthday (former Russian Premier) from 1931. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day that Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single game in 1962.

Kevin Jacobs, Youth Pastor at SPIRIT LIFE Assemblies of God Church in Omaha

Tuesday - Bible Trivia

1). Song of the Day: K-Drama - ♫ Man of Steel ♫

2). Blog Entry: Bible Trivia

- Congratulations to PASTOR TIM for being the correct comment chosen at random as the winner from Friday's Trivia, the last Friday trivia on our blog! He is now up to $12 in prize earnings - way to go! Today's trivia will last all week and be worth a $5 prize, so make sure to comment in before next Tuesday.

- Name 2 Books of the Bible that are named after ladies?

3). Ministry of the Day: NESOM - Nebraska's School of Ministry for those wanting to pursue the call of God on their lives.

4). Link of the Day: District Tour Highlight Slideshow - Check out a plethora of images from our STL goal setting tour just a few weeks ago.

5). Quote of the Day: “First, make yourself a reputation for being a creative genius. Second, surround yourself with partners who are better than you are. Third, leave them to go get on with it.” -David Olgivy

6). Miscellaneous: Today is the first day of March. Please pray for my father having major leg surgery today. Today is National Pig Day, so go enjoy some bacon. It is also Jen Wilkins Birthday (Pastor's Wife and Children's Leader at Flatland Group), a distinction she shares with the famous actor/director Ron Howard. Finally, it is also Nebraska's Birthday, becoming a state in 1867.

Jay Warriner, YP in GI, at Youth Camp 2 2010