NYM Daily Post

Today is World Daffodil Day

It is also the birthday of Randy Novotny (Pastor in Fairbury, NE), a distinction he shares with  Meriwether Lewis, American soldier and explorer from 1774.

Finally, it is the anniversary of TJ and Kimberly Cristobal (Worship Pastors in Bellevue, NE), a distinction they share with the day when a huge fireball meteor was seen across Great Britain as it passed over the east coast in 1783.

1). Blog Entry: Leader Profile - Francisco Jacobo (anniversary Sunday)

POSITION: Youth Leader in Alliance, NE

HISTORY: Attended WNCC

FAMILY: Married to Jennifer

2). Extras

 - Movie of the Day: July Youth Camp 2017 - Wednesday Highlights

- Link of the Day: Network for Good - Online giving made easy

NYM Daily Post

Today is National Hug Your Boss Day
It is also the birthday of Davy Crockett, American soldier and politician from 1786.
Finally, it is the anniversary of when American swimmer Michael Phelps became the first person to win eight gold medals in one Olympic Games in 2008.

1). Blog Entry: Bible Commentary - 2 Timothy 4: Notes on Sin

2). Extras

- Song of the Day: NF - Outro

- Quote of the Day: 'Understanding the Holy Scriptures, the end is really nothing but the beginning.' - W.R. Brookman, Orange Proverbs and Purple Parables

James River College, National Fine Arts

NYM Daily Post

Today is National Airborne Day

It is also the birthday of Kathie Lee Gifford from 1953.

Finally, it is Kim and my anniversary (NE DYD), a distinction we share with the day when an estimated 8.2 MW earthquake hit Valparaíso, Chile, killing 3,886 people in 1906.

1). Blog Entry: Leaders Corner - Secularism?

     This past week I was in Los Angeles for our National Youth Convention. While a wonderful time with friends from all across the nation, I was also impacted by the secularism I witnessed in that society. It seemed like it was accentuated from what I have become accustomed to in Nebraska and the Midwest. It seemed that so many people around us in the city were not just living lives of apparent sin, but actually anti-God. I kept thinking about how we can help people in that state of being. Obviously, the church is still the main vehicle God uses to bring about His Gospel to this world and we can't disregard that. But in our personal connections with others, we need to be prepared to help them seek out the truth. Here are a number of thoughtful questions you may consider bringing up in conversation with nonbeliever friends, from Os Guinness in his book, Impossible People:

1. What does it mean that life points beyond itself for its meaning?
2. Why are some secularists challenging their own secular orthodoxy?
3. Why do so many atheistic philosophers admit that they had to will themselves to disbelieve in God?
4. Why can we learn more about humanity from history than from science?
5. How will Atheists help the modern world rise above hedonism without any values to offer?
6. Why are so many of brilliant Christian philosophers converts from atheism?
7. Why are many national liberations overtaken by religious counterrevolutions?

2). Extras

- Link of the Day: Prezi - Presentation Software

- Ministry of the Day: See You At The Pole - Students are encouraged to gather around the flagpole at their school before classes begin to pray for their friends and teachers. 

Kim and I, 20 Year Anniversary today, Love you Kim!!!

NYM Daily Post

Today is National Relaxation Day

It is also the birthday of Bob Wine (Nebraska Superintendent), Rick Lorimer (Pastor in Lincoln, NE), and Walter Hooker (Associate Pastor in Bellevue, NE), a distinction they share with Napoleon, Corsican-French military officer and political leader from 1769. 

Finally, it is the anniversary of when the Panama Canal opened to traffic in 1914.

1). Blog Entry: Caption Contest - Click on the pic below to submit a caption

2). Extras

- Quote of the Day: 'Looking to the past illumines the present.' - Peter Scazzero, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

- Movie of the Day: July Youth Camp - Tuesday Highlights

NYM Daily Post

Today is National Navajo Code Talker's Day

It is also the birthday of Doc Holliday, American gambler and dentist from 1851.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when the first-ever Youth Olympic Games were held in Singapore in 2010.

1). Blog Entry: Life Lessons - Lost Buds

     Recently back from a trip to National Fine Arts, I remember studying the morning of my first day on the road. I found a Panera Bread near our hotel and settled in to check email, do a devotion, gather notes from a recent meeting, etc. About a half hour through my visit, I realized that one of the ear buds for my headphones was missing. Without getting up, I looked around the seat and the table but found nothing, so I just continued working without the earphones, thinking I would have to purchase a new pair to get me through the weeklong trip. An hour later, when I had finished, I got up to leave and packed up. Before heading out and while standing up with my bag on my shoulder, I took one last peak around the floor where I was sitting. Sure enough, I found the little bud and returned it to my phones for the trip. LIFE LESSON - When lost, take a break, stand up and focus, to truly find what you're looking for.

2). Extras

- Ministry of the Day: Missions Bike Ride - This ride across the state begins three weeks from today. Please consider joining us or supporting us financially and with prayers!

- Song of the Day: Wonder - Hillsong United

Last moments of our trip to LA last week

NYM Daily Post

Today is the End of Bargain Hunting Week

It is also the birthday of Zach McConnell (Youth Leader in Chadron, NE), a distinction he shares with Jerry Falwell, American pastor and evangelist from 1933.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when the first civilian prisoners arrived at the Federal prison on Alcatraz Island in 1934.

1). Blog Entry: Leader Profile - Steven Pettit (anniversary on Sunday!)

POSITION: Lead Pastor in Kimball, NE

HISTORY: Originally from Sheldon, Wisconsin

FAMILY: Married to Rachel with 2 kids

2). Extras

- Movie of the Day: July Youth Camp 2017 - Monday Slideshow

- Link of the Day: Postable - Really nice cards mailed for you!

NYM Daily Post

Today is Smithsonian Day.

It is also the birthday of Herbert Hoover, American politician and 31st President of the United States from 1874.

Finally, it is the anniversary of Brian and Elisha Steinbach (Lead Pastors in Holdrege, NE), a distinction they share with the daywhen the Magellan space probe reached Venus in 1990.

1). Blog Entry: Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18: Notes on Worship and Passion for God

2). Extras

- Song of the Day: Danny Gokey - The Comeback

- Quote of the Day: 'Students will undoubtedly read something that sounds good but is anti Bible, Church, Jesus...' - Rod Whitlock, Creating a Discipleship Culture in Your Youth Ministry

World Missions Exhibit at National Youth Convention

NYM Daily Post

Today is the Day of the World's Indigenous People

It is also the birthday of Johann Michael Bach, German composer from 1648.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when the United States Forest Service and the Wartime Advertising Council released posters featuring Smokey Bear for the first time in 1944.

1). Blog Entry: Leaders Corner - What does the Gospel do?

     At National Youth Convention, our leaders are helping us focus ourselves on three main characteristics. We are to be: 1) Gospel-Centered, 2) Spirit-Empowered, and 3) Personally Responsible for the Mission. Starting with being centered around the Gospel, we must understand what it truly is. Yes, the Gospel's refer to the 4 first books in the New Testament, chronicling the life of Jesus by his disciples and followers. But the Gospel also refers to the message of hope and salvation the world has through Jesus Christ the Son of God. Here's a few things that the Gospel does for us from Alvin Reid in his book, As You Go: 

The Gospel 
1. Changes behavior
2. Sets one free
3. Is truth
4. Shows us how to do the things we were created to do

2). Extras

- Link of the Day: Kicksend - Send large photos and files easily

- Ministry of the Day: Until All Know - The new book from our National Youth Leader, Heath Adamson

'Dabbing Dog' - Art from National Fine Arts Gallery

NYM Daily Post

Today is National 'The Date to Create' Day

It is also the birthday of Dan Hawker (Youth/Worship Pastor in Hastings, NE) and Todd Lanman (Lead Pastor in Big Springs, NE), a distinction they share with Dustin Hoffman, American actor, from 1937

Finally, it is the anniversary of when Thomas Edison received a patent for his mimeograph in 1876.

1). Blog Entry: Caption Contest - Click on the pic below to submit a caption

2). Extras

- Song of the Day: I'll Find You - Lecrae featuring Tori Kelly

- Quote of the Day: 'Few things in life are more dangerous than ignorance masquerading as knowledge.' - Harold J. Morowitz, The ThermoDynamics of Pizza

NYM Daily Post

Today is Professional Speakers Day

It is also the birthday of Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels Baseball Star from 1991.

Finally, it is Jason and Carissa Carter's Anniversary (Associate Pastor in Omaha, NE) and Ezra and Karen Washburn's Anniversary (Youth Pastor in Fremont, NE), a distinction they share with the day that the United States Department of War was established in 1789.

1). Blog Entry: - Life Lessons - Small World

      My family and I are attending the National Youth Convention in conjunction with National Fine Arts in California. We've taken a couple extra days over the weekend to enjoy the sights and sounds of the West Coast, making the trip to Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier. The traffic is very full and busy with people everywhere. As we first walked onto the boardwalk, we were shocked when immediately we found an old friend, our Lead Pastor's son from Bellevue, Danny Hoyt! We knew he was in California and in LA but had no idea that he lived near the area, or that we would bump into him in the midst of the sea of people. It was a great experience and good to catch up with an old friend. LIFE LESSON - With God in control, no matter where you go, it's truly a small world.

2). Extras

- Ministry of the Day: National Youth Convention - click on the link to see the services live on Facebook all week.

- Quote of the Day: 'When we truly know Jesus we come to know ourselves as well.' - Heath Adamson, The Bush is Always Burning

My kids on the Santa Monica Pier

NYM Daily Post

Today is National Chocolate Chip Day

It is also the birthday of Louis Vuitton, French fashion designer from 1821.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed legislation creating the United States Department of Energy in 1977.

1). Blog Entry: Leaders Profile - Ezra Washburn (anniversary on Monday)

POSITION: Youth Pastor of Full Life Assembly of God in Fremont, NE

HISTORY: Attended Central Bible College in Springfield, MO

FAMILY: Married to Karen with a couple little boys

2). Extras

- Movie of the Day: NYM High School Camp 2017 - Monday Highlights

- Link of the Day: Colllor - Color Palette Generator

NYM Daily Post

Today is Watermelon Day

It is also the birthday of Kevin Jacobs' (Pastor in Chappell, NE) and Sarah Wilson (Youth Leader in Sidney, NE), a distinction they share with Tony Bennett, American singer from 1926.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when Christopher Columbus set sail from Palos de la Frontera, Spain in 1492.

1). Blog Entry: Bible Commentary - 1 Timothy 4: Notes on God's Plan

2). Extras

- Song of the Day: Citizen Way - Bulletproof

- Quote of the Day: 'Students would rather go to a boring youth service with friends than to a cool service alone.' - Scotty Gibbons, The Big 10

NYM July Youth Camp last week

NYM Daily Post

Today is Ice Cream Sandwich Day

It is also the birthday of Sam Worthington, Australian Actor from 1976. 

Finally, it is Bruce and Pam Riddle's Anniversary, a distinction they share with the day when Henry Hudson sailed into what is now known as Hudson Bay in 1610.

1). Blog Entry: Leaders Corner - Relationships

     As ministers and leaders, we must become experts in relationships. This might be a challenge for some of us, without a bevy of skills at our disposal. But as we study Scriptures, and especially the life of Jesus, we see that he taught others through the strength of His relationships. He developed His disciples by living with them and experiencing everything together. Here's a list of the many relational things that Jesus experienced with his followers from Eric Geiger in his book, Simple Student Ministry, and it may serve as a map of what we should hope to achieve with ours as well: 

Jesus’ relationship with His disciples, spelled out in the Gospel of Mark
He took them on road trips (1:21)
He went to their homes (1:29)
He met their families (1:31)
He took them to dinner parties (2:15)
He cruised the countryside with them (2:23)
He broke rules with them (2:24; 3:1-2)
He withdrew from everyone else to be with them (3:7, 4:35)
He took them to other people’s homes (3:20)
He ate with them (3:20)
He went boating with them (4:36)
He relaxed and slept in front of them (4:38)
He got kicked out of places with them (5:17)
He brought them home with Him (6:1)
He took them to church (6:2)
He rested with them (6:31)
He desired to listen to them and know them (6:30-32)
He took them mountain climbing (9:2)
He stayed up late with them (11:11)
He looked at sights with them (13:1)
He celebrated holidays with them (14:12)
He took them to His favorite places (14:32)
He shared personal struggles with them (14:34)

2). Extras

- Link of the Day: All You - Online Portfolio Builder

- Ministry of the Day: North Central University, Minneapolis, MN

Camp Directors from our July Youth Camp last week

NYM Daily Post

Today is the United States Air Force Day

It is also the birthday of Claudius, Roman emperor from 10 BC.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when the I-35W Mississippi River bridge spanning the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota, collapsed during the evening rush hour in 2007.

1). Blog Entry: Caption Contest - Click on the pic below to submit a caption

2). Extras

- Quote of the Day: 'It is often irrational to listen to a seemingly good idea from a proven non performer.' - Henry Cloud, Necessary Endings

- Movie of the Day: Cydra Bruns Woodwind Solo, NE Student Summit 2017

NYM Daily Post

Today is Uncommon Instruments Awareness Day

It is also the birthday of Laura Fortney (Kids Pastor in Lincoln, NE) and Sarah Erwin (Campus Pastor in West Point, NE), a distinction they share with Bill Callahan, former Husker football coach, from 1956.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when the oldest recorded eruption of Mount Fuji occurred in 781 AD.

1). Blog Entry: Life Lessons - Take Risks

     This past week was our very first 3rd Youth Camp in July for Nebraska Youth Ministries. It was an overflow week because we have had so many teens involved in our two teen camps in June. We weren't sure what to expect but we went for it anyway. 

      Many of the students and leaders that attended said it was the most powerful week of camp they had ever been involved with. Our speaker and worship team were fantastic, and the camaraderie and spiritual hunger of the students was amazing. Several students made a commitment to receive Jesus as their Savior, and many sealed the deal by being baptized as well. None of that would have happened if we'd been afraid to try something new. 

     LIFE LESSON - You'll never get new results if you resist trying new things.

2). Extras

- Ministry of the Day: Missions Bike Ride - Our next NYM Event, we will be biking from Chadron to South Sioux City across NE to raise funds for missions and Speed the Light, Sept 4-11. Plenty of spots still available.

- Song of the Day: Needtobreathe - Hard Love

Nebraska's 2017 Summer Youth Camps - AMPLIFY

NYM Daily Post

This week is our July Youth Camp

We will not be posting regular daily post.

Those will resume again next week.

Thanks and God Bless!

NYM Daily Post

Today is National Ice Cream Day

It is also the birthday of Lance Loven (Pastor in York, NE) and Amy Mitchell (Children's Pastor in Norfolk, NE), a distinction they share with Ernest Hemingway, American writer and Nobel Prize laureate from 1899.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when NASA's Space Shuttle program ends with the landing of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-135 in 2011.

1). Blog Entry: Leader Profile - Mike Washburn (Birthday Sunday)

POSITION: Lead Pastor in Fremont, NE

HISTORY: Originally from New York

FAMILY: Married to Terry Washburn with a few grown kids

2). Extras

- Movie of the Day: Cornerstone Urban Troupe Entry, NE Student Summit 2017

- Link of the Day: Wake Up Dialer - Get a free wakeup call anywhere

NYM Daily Post

Today is National Lollipop Day

It is also the birthday of Javin Troyer (Jr. High Director in Kearney, NE), a distinction he shares with Alexander the Great, Macedonian king from 356 BC

Finally, it is the anniversary of when the Ford Motor Company shipped it's first car in 1903.

1). Blog Entry: Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4: Notes on God's Character

2). Extras

- Quote of the Day: 'If you are in a hole, rule #1 is to stop digging.' - Henry Cloud, Necessary Endings

- Song of the Day: Old Church Choir - Zach Williams

Prepping for the Lip Sync Battle at Jr. Teen Camp last month

NYM Daily Post

Today is National Get to Know Your Customers Day

It is also the birthday of Nenê, famous Brazilian soccer star from 1981.

Finally, it is the anniversary of Mark and Paula Oberbeck (Pastors in Grand Island, NE) and Charles and Adrienne Starks (Pastors in Blair, NE), a distinction they share with the day that a fire (known as the Great Fire of Rome) began to burn in the merchant area of Rome and soon burned completely out of control in 64 AD.

1). Blog Entry: Leaders Corner - Small Group Rules

     One of the great ministry models that has been effective over the last few decades is that of Small Groups. Gathering 3 to 13 people together, from similar backgrounds and life situations, and discussing the Word of God together and applying it to their lives. It's especially effective in helping those in large churches get connected to a small group of people who will become life-long friends and partners in their Christian journey. But even a smaller church of 20 can develop small groups as well. It has also been a reliable tool for helping those who haven't yet made a commitment to Christ or the church check it out first. Here are some good rules to follow for small groups committed to serving 'seekers' in their community, from Don Evert in his book, I Once Was Found: 

Rules for Small Seeker Groups 
1. You must grow
2. Be curious and ask questions
3. Be honest about what's going on inside
4. Take risks and try new things
5. Listen to others in the group

2). Extras

- Link of the Day: Star Wars Soundboard - Experience the sounds of Star Wars

- Ministry of the Day: AG Colleges and Programs - See what the Assemblies of God has to offer around the nation for Higher Education.

Lining up for Go-Cart Action at Jr. Teen Camp last month

NYM Daily Post

Today is International Mandela Day

It is also the birthday of Red Skelton, American actor and comedian from 1913.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when an Army uprising in Spanish Morocco started the Spanish Civil War in 1936.

1). Blog Entry: Caption Contest - Click on the pic below to submit a caption

2). Extras

- Quote of the Day: 'The Spirit helps us grow by causing us to look back, look in, and look forward.' - David Hertwick, Good Kids, Big Events, and Matching T-Shirts

- Movie of the Day: Kylee Halls Vocal Solo - NE Student Summit 2017

NYM Daily Post

Today is National Yellow Pig Day

It is also the birthday of Tim Boatright (Pastor in Falls City, NE), a distinction he shares with Art Linkletter, Canadian-American radio and television host from 1912.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when Disneyland was dedicated and opened by Walt Disney in Anaheim, California in 1955.

1). Blog Entry: Life Lessons - Tuneup

     Everything in this world has a lifespan. It's the way God made us and all of creation. I was out riding my bike like I have pretty much every day since our final camp in June was complete. I'm preparing for our NE Missions Bike Ride at the beginning of September. I usually go about 20 miles a day on different routes around town. On this particular day, I decided to take a longer route south of city beyond the interstate that I hadn't taken yet this season. After turning around to come home, I noticed a strange sound from my tire. As I stopped in some shade to take a look, I noticed that my brakes on the front tire were losing and rubbing against the wheel, causing friction. I took out my bike allen wrench and fixed it the best I could, annoyed but good to go. I often check my air pressure and lube my chain regularly before heading out, but rarely check the brakes. Now, that will become a weekly task. LIFE LESSON - Everything needs a tuneup from time to time. Plan ahead and do it regularly or you can do it surprisingly in a moment, ready or not.

2). Extras

- Ministry of the Day: National Youth Convention - August 7-11, Anaheim, CA

- Song of the Day: Home - Chris Tomlin

Worship Time during Services at High School Camp last month

NYM Daily Post

Today is a part of 'Everyone Deserves a Massage' week

It is also the birthday of actor Matthew Fox from 1966.

It is also Herbie Thompson's anniversary (Young Adult Pastor in Bellevue, NE), a distinction he shares with the day when the citizens of Paris stormed the Bastille during the French Revolution in 1789.

1). Blog Entry: Leader Profile - Tim Boatright (bday Monday)

POSITION: Lead Pastor in Falls City, NE

HISTORY: Originally from Lincoln, NE

FAMILY: Married with several kids

2). Extras

- Movie of the Day: Taylor Bartos' Drama Solo, NE Student Summit 2017

- Link of the Day: Swole.me - The automatic diet planner

NYM Daily Post

Today is National French Fries Day

It is also the birthday of Jack Kemp, American football player and politician from 1935.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when the Hollywood Sign was officially dedicated in the hills above Hollywood, Los Angeles, California in 1923.

1). Blog Entry: Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 18: Notes on Leadership

2). Extras

- Song of the Day: Oh My Soul - Casting Crowns

- Quote of the Day: 'Sin deceives 10 out of 10 people every time.' - Paul Tripp, Dangerous Calling

Hanging out at the Popstand after Service at HS Camp last month

NYM Daily Post

Today is National Simplicity Day

It is also the birthday of Henry David Thoreau, American writer and philosopher from 1817.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when former United States Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton died, a day after being shot in a duel in 1804.

1). Blog Entry: Leaders Corner - 3 Levels of Relationships

     As leaders, we are called to help other people. In building networks to accomplish this, we need to grow in our ability to connect with others in meaningful ways. Without a good flow of communication, trust, and fun, and group is bound to struggle with growth. Here are the 3 levels of relationships that we need to progress through in helping others, as suggested by Duffy Robbins in his book, Building a Youth Ministry that Builds Disciples:

Three levels of Relationships
1. Contact - Remember names, look for ways to serve, ask questions
2. Connect - communication, affirmation, shared experience
3. Contribute - Showing attention with intention

2). Extras

- Link of the Day: 21Habit - Make or break a habit in 21 days

- Ministry of the Day: Girls Ministries - Check out the resources available to mentor young women and girls in your church

Morning Devotions at High School Camp last month

NYM Daily Post

Today is National Slurpee Day

It is also the birthday of Robert the Bruce, Scottish King from 1274.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when Martin Frobisher sighted Greenland in 1576.

1). Blog Entry: Caption Contest - Click on the pic below to submit a caption

2). Extras

- Quote of the Day: 'It is unrighteous for Gods servants to avenge themselves.' - John Bevere, The Bait of Satan

- Movie of the Day: Lauren Gebhardt's Vocal Solo, NE Student Summit 2017

NYM Daily Post

Today is Don't Step on a Bee Day

It is also the birthday of Troy Vandament (Pastor in Papillion, NE), a distinction he shares with John Calvin, French theologian and pastor from 1509.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when the former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega was sentenced to 40 years in prison for drug and racketeering violations in Miami, FL in 1992.

1). Blog Entry: Life Lessons - Provision

     God Provides! This is a promise that we hear in the Bible but sometimes it's hard for us to understand it in our lives because it seems like we may have to go without. First, our focus is sometimes off - we think God isn't providing us things we want, as opposed to thing that we really need. And sometimes we don't even realize the things that we really need like God does.

     When my son Ryan graduated, he felt bad because the program that listed his graduating class reported several of his friends that had received significant scholarships and achievements, whereas he had only a few. This past week though, we finally heard back from his school about the financial aid package they had prepared and it almost covered his entire tuition! What a blessing. Once again, God provided though we hadn't even realized it. 

2). Extras

- Ministry of the Day: TruFire - Spirit-Filled Digital Kids Curriculum

- Song of the Day: I'll Find You - LeCrae

Team Rock at High School Camp last month

NYM Daily Post

Today is National Chocolate Day

It is also the birthday of Kevin Roach (Pastor in South Sioux City, NE) a distinction he shares with Satchel Paige, American baseball player from 1906.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when the United States began its first military draft, with exemptions costing $300, in 1863.

1). Blog Entry: Leader Profile - Mitzi Marincell (Bday this past Thursday!)

POSITION: Youth Leader in Beatrice, NE

HISTORY: Originally from St. Paul, MN

FAMILY: Married to Phil with a grown daughter and son

2). Extras

- Movie of the Day: The Glory Girls Vocal Ensemble, 2017 NE Student Summit

- Link of the Day: Storify - Make the web tell a story

NYM Daily Post

Today is National Fried Chicken Day

It is also the birthday of Mitzi Marincell (Youth Leader from Beatrice, NE) and Sean Amen (Youth Pastor in Hastings, NE), a distinction they share with Pro wrestling icon Vince McMahon from 1914.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when Richard "the Lionheart" acceded to the English throne in 1189.

1). Blog Entry: Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 18: Notes on Attitudes

2). Extras

- Song of the Day: Hills and Valleys - Tauren Wells

- Quote of the Day: 'You are a missionary because you have a mission.' - Alvin Reid, As You Go

Creative Dodge Ball Tournaments at High School Camp last month

NYM Daily Post

Today is Work Without Your Hands day.

It is also the birthday of Adrienne Schwarz (Youth Pastor's Wife in Lexington, NE), a distinction she shares with famous circus owner PT Barnum from 1810.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when the first Indonesian presidential election was held in 2004.

1). Blog Entry: Leaders Corner - Preaching Different?

     Having just finished 4 straight weeks of youth and kids camps (with a 5th on its' way in 3 weeks!), I've heard a lot of messages. It's great to be at camp and literally have church every day of the week. Working with young people, many of the messages are highly creative, being catered to a teenager or a kid. Many of my adult workers comment to me how they enjoy the message and the variety of communication forms that they aren't used to back home. It makes me think that maybe a new approach to preaching styles could occasionally help a pastor retain more interest in their messages week to week with several of the same people in attendance. Here's some thoughts on creative messages from Rick Richardson in his book, Evangelism Outside the Box:

     'For some churches the hour long expository sermon is the sacred practice that cannot be touched. Unfortunately, pre-Christian people today will listen to maybe one speaker in a million for that long and return again. Aren’t there ways to teach the Bible that are more interactive, that foster dialogue and experiential learning, that help people enter into the Scriptures imaginatively? Can’t we at least take a Sunday a month and devote it to experimenting with communicating the Scriptures in a way pre-Christian people today can respond to?'

2). Extras

- Link of the Day: Slice - Track Your Stuff

- Ministry of the Day: Missions Bike Ride - Sept 4-10th we'll be riding our bikes across NE from Chadron to South Sioux City to raise funds for a missionary friend and his vehicle in a country near Pakistan. Click on the link above for more details...

Students from High School Camp last month.

July 4th!

Happy Independence Day!!!

NYM Daily Post

Today is National Stay out of the Sun Day

It is also the birthday of Bart Wilkins (pastor in Omaha, NE), Elisha Steinbach (Pastor's Wife in Holdrege, NE), and Kate Fox (Assistant Chi Alpha Director in Omaha, NE), a distinction they share with actor Tom Cruise from 1962.

Finally, it is the anniversary of when William the Conqueror became the Duke of Normandy in 1035.

1). Blog Entry: Life Lessons - Last year, I was in the middle of our District Kids Camps, when the speaker I had booked for 2017 Kids Camps asked if we could rebook. He had some missions opportunities arrived that he needed to take advantage of, so we decided to do so. It left me without a kids camp speaker, which is a tough place to be. But the next day, I got a call from my friend Mark Steinbach. He felt like God had asked him to call me to talk about his desire to speak at Kids Camps again. They recently just finished up two weeks with us and it was wonderful. One service at both camps, he spoke about hearing God's voice, and he mentioned our journey in booking him as part of his example. LIFE LESSON - God is in control of our lives and ministries and He puts everything together according to His plan.

2). Extras

- Ministry of the Day: NYM July Camp - Today is the early registration deadline for our July Youth Camp, a new camp for all teens 6th grade and up! 

- Song of the Day: Even If - Mercy Me

NYM High School Camp Opening Service, June 2017

Kids Camp 1, 2017 Snapshots

Jr. Teen Camp 2017 Snapshots