Sorry I have not posted here in while, life decided to go from ho-hum to a zillion miles an hour. And take it from me, that is pretty dang quick!

So we took a little trip to Haiti in October. It was amazing!! We spent the time with an organization called Mission of Hope. What sets this particular organization apart from others is that they have a vision of helping Haitian people, actually "take back" there country one child at a time. The goal is to raise the next generation of Hatian people with Christian principles so that they will develop into the future leaders, business owners, teachers, and become the future. I am looking forward to bringing a group of youth back in June of 2009. We will assist with the construction of a village within the Missions compound which will house over 250 orphans. Also aid in the construction of a hospital which would serve the people, staffed with local physcians. If they are able to secure a couple of ambulances, there may the possibility of training and developing an EMS system as well.
Like I said, it was an amazing trip, and look forward to our return.

I will catch you up on other happenings here at Prince of Peace in the near future.

I would like to take a moment to Congratulate Chris Zoephel and his lovely bride on their newest addition to the world!!!!!!

Bo

I have been working through the video series "history" with the youth at Prince of Peace. This is a 4 part series done by Louie Giglio and Andy Stanley. The overall message is that we are a "traitor race," redeemed by a God, not for us but for HIS glory. He is all about Him!!! And he should be. We so often feel as though we are the center of our lives, and we star in our life story. We invite God in to our lives as if we give him permission or something. The truth is HE INVITES US into His story. We play a supporting role in the story of God. And when we embrace this idea, our lives are better. Of course this is a 4 part series so I am merely giving a summary, but this idea is one that should be at the very core of planting a church, beginning a ministry or working with youth who are coming into an understanding of who the God is that we worship. I know that I am NOT, but I KNOW I AM. Do you?
This series will be very helpful in dealing with the "its all about me and my needs" mentality that is so prevalent in todays idealogies. Take some time and look at this wonderful discussion... It can be lengthy and I recommend watching it and then possibly summarizing to their level. Louie Giglio and Andy Stanley are two of my favorite speakers so I am a little partial, but never the less you cannot go wrong here!

Hey gang,

Look for the enews flash coming soon, but we have great news. The folks at YS have allotted us a room on Saturday Nov. 22 during NYWC 09 in Nashville. The room is provided so we can network with one another, meet you and assist in any possible way with your minisries, and most importantly goof off!!

The room will be open from 2-430pm that Saturday! See you there!

Bo

So I have a question for anyone who follows the NFL. How is your short term memory? If there were ever a team in any sport who consistently overcame odds, and proved those doubting ther resolve, it is the New England Patriots. I love the fact that the New York Jets are now the favorite to win the AFC East. So I encourage all of the nay-sayers out there to continue to write off this team. I believe that God will show that he is truly a Patriots fan this season! (Just Kidding) I am sure he doesn't much like Pro football, college maybe. Any how I will finish this post on Feb. 2, 2009 after the Super Bowl.

Love you all,

Matt Cassel

Enough already!! These hurricanes/tropical storms are getting pretty old. The first thing I do when I get up is turn on the weather, go to the "nhc" website, or weather.com! Why? Because we have become a Bowling Alley for the west coast of Africa. The cool part of this whole ordeal is my profession has drastically changed. I used to have to work during these storms, on duty for days at a time, away from the family. Now, I can hang out at home, hunkered down with a good book, kids cuddling close, and wife not that far away either! It is fantastic.

So use these opportunities of being in "lock down" mode to slow down, take a deep breath, focus on what is important in life, and enjoy your family.

Sincerely,
Bo (AKA NOAH!)

Cool Resource!!

Not a big fan of package curriculums, but this one is fantastic. I will gleam from different books and ideas when teaching a topic with the youth, but the new “You Teach” volumes from the Skit Guys are well planned, easy to use, and engaging with both middle and high school students. They have included a talk outline, small group questions, as well as a notes section for the youth to fill out. The skits really speak right to the core of where the kids are, and uses both drama and comedy. I have always been a big fan of the Skit Guys, but I encourage you to pick up a copy of Volumes 1 and 2 today. It is worth the money you will spend.