Missouri 2

Well, let's just say it was the smoothest week... ever. I mean, I've only worked 5 weeks of MOVE, but this one had to be the smoothest. No way it wasn't. Registration, although late as usual, was smooth. Only a couple churches needed to move, and they were super well mannered about it. It was great. I only ran into one upset youth minister, and it wasn't even anything I could fix, so I feel good about that.

One thing I regret about the last couple weeks was that I found it difficult to talk to students there. The camp was spread out and there was no logical congregating point; there were even other camps there. But everyone seemed positive and to be having a good time.

We now enter two weeks in Joplin, unpacking, reorganizing, etc. Then I'll be home! Please keep praying for strength, and check back in case I think of something to post. I love you all, and thanks for joining me on this journey!

Missouri 1-End Of The Week

Here's the deal, there are only a couple buildings here with wifi and it's inconvenient to get to them with my laptop, etc. So, you'll probably get to see pics next week. I apologize.

Day 3, my favorite, was great as usual. I am finding more and more joy in the Bible and I love seeing others have that. Plus, our volleyball tournament was a blast and so was the Alternative. One student I had been talking to did a cover of Bieber's "Pray" that I actually half way appreciated.

Day 4 was slow, but relaxing. It was our extended rec and we went to Osage Beach for a beach and BBQ. However, we couldn't find the beach. Good thing food at Wobbly Boots was so good.

Day 5 was another smooth one. We didn't really do a whole lot outside the norm. Dodgeball was fun and super quick, with a great spot in the shade for spectators. The highlight of the week was Jason French's intense love for God displayed through his message that night. He reminded us that we are nothing and it's God in us that is worth anything; we are the match, he is the flame.

It was a good week, smooth week, and moving week. I pray next week is as well.

Missouri 1-Days 1 And 2

So internet here at Windermere is limited. This means that posts will be short and pictureless. Or at least until I can get on and update them.

But here is my weekend, and Days one and two:
Our weekend was much different from other set ups. A lot of our production guys weren't there right away, and so set up was delayed. But everything was done by Monday night. We got to eat at a super tasty Mexican place in Camdenton, the closest town. Overall, the weekend was not too stressful, just different.

Day one was pretty good, for day 1. That is registration and always busy, but the Holy Spirit kept me calm through it. We had issues with the conference center's rooms and churches who stayed a night early. But everything was sorted out by the end of the night.

Today was also fairly smooth. My only stressful time was realizing that we had not bought most of the supplies/balls for tournaments. So we rushed off to Walmart to fix that right quick, and even got back in time.

That's all for now! Please stayed tuned.

On The Road Again

Finally! We are on the road to another event. Our team will be spending the next couple weeks at Windemere Conference Center in Roach, MO. We all are beyond pumped to be out of the office and back to events. I haven't written much the last couple weeks because there isn't much to write about.

The majority of our last two weeks in Joplin have amounted to twiddling our thumbs and having fun, but none of it compared to being at a MOVE event. Last weekend my team and I went to Kansas City to shop and have dinner with Hannah's mom who was in town there. That was fun, but really the most we did.

Tuesday, we had the opportunity to check out Windemere, as it is only about three hours away. Our team is beyond pumped for the campus. It is right on Lake of the Ozarks and has so much to offer. I can not wait to see the fun students have and how the Spirit works there.

Please keep praying for the students and our endurance. Pray specifically for the four guys and Clif heading to Illinois this week for that MOVE event. I wish I could be there with them.

TN2 and TN3 Quick Recap

I apologize for not updating the last couple weeks. We were super busy and I just couldn't find the time or willpower to write about my weeks. So let me give you short recaps on each week.

TN2:
We stayed at Milligan College this week, which meant the weekend was basically free. It left us with simply having to refresh/rejuvenate things, instead of tear down and load in again. Surprisingly, it had a much different feel than the week before. We had a few injuries, some "issues" from youth ministers (which means youth pastors, for those back home), and I was busier with housing for TN3 to complete. However, many students still met God that week and every "problem" fades away in light of that. One memorable story is that of Lake Eustis Christian Church from Florida. I got to talk to these folks a few times that week and their leaders were strong and following God's call. The students were friendly, loving, and learning. I really appreciated having one group to talk to that week who I could count on to be happy to see me.

My favorite night, Wednesday, when students seek the scripture. Here you see ministers holding signs that say "I know the way" for students to approach them and ask what the Bible says about [you fill in the blank].

TN3:

This past week, we held an event at Johnson Bible College (Johnson University as of July 1, 2011) for 900+ people, which is double what we had the past couple weeks. It was impressive and difficult in some respects, but we each knew we had a break coming up and pushed through. I had to redo housing the weekend before, but with God's patience and his gift of Monster, got it done. For the most part, this week was also easy. I only got one call from a youth minister after I went to bed, and it was because they finally got to the campus. There was an added craziness and excitement from the increased number of people, but nothing God couldn't handle. I met a couple of cool churches that week. First, I met some graduated seniors from New Life. I was reading and overheard them talking about some heavy stuff and joined in. It was awesome to hear students years younger than me getting some concepts way before I did in life. Second, I met some leaders and later students from Woodford Community. Again, just great encouragements to speak with and I wish I could have talked with their leaders more. Also, I got to perform in front of most of the attendees Wednesday night! Check it!

Overall, I'm leaving these weeks joyful, but jealous. I see these leaders interact, have fun, speak with, and simply hang out with their students and I miss everyone from Driven4Him so much. But God does not need me there to work in them and I will see them again soon.

Please pray that my team gets the rest we need these two weeks and, as always, for high school students across the nation and world. I love you all, and miss all the great folks back home.

Tennessee 1: Recap

So much happened this week, I'm not sure where to start, what to cover, etc. But let me try.

We got through it with out many glitches at all! I felt a little flustered the first couple days, with registration, getting everything rolling, and tournaments, but everything got done and done fairly well, not just by myself but everyone on our team. I kinda wish I had more energy and memory to go into detail about each day, but I don't. Sorry. But that would result in a long post. So you're welcome. I'll breeze over some stuff day by day, if you'd care to join me.

Monday was registration and our first session. For the most part, registration was painless and I got to hang out with some youth, pastors, and leaders. My favorite part of the day was getting to pray for these. I mean, it was simple and kinda short but amazing. Our God is powerful, and he listens to our prayers, so knowing I was doing the most I could for them was great.

Tuesday was, obviously, our first full day. We had our morning session, small group times, the prayer room was open for the first time, a basketball tourney, and evening session. I got to run the tourney with some Bible College reps and JB and I set up the prayer room. Overall, a busy but fun day.

Wednesday we continued that schedule, trading basketball for volleyball. Again, fun had by all and I continued to feel God make his presence known to the students. It is an awesome feeling to know I'm part of something bigger here, and although what I'm doing just helps the production of it all, it lets everyone else not worry about that and reflect on the Father.

Thursday was similar, but we cut out lunch, a tourney, and made free time a whole lot longer. The money CIY would have spent on lunch for students went to CICM (http://www.indiamission.org/) and groups were asked to find meals off campus. We went to a little waterfall in the mountains near by. It was small, but beautiful and fun. Followed by coffee at a local roaster, The Coffee Company. MOVE finished up that day showing the film Love Costs Every Thing.

Friday was our last day and was very similar to Tuesday and Wednesday, but with dodgeball. It was fun to see the students' excitement all week long and it only grew. That night we handed out Kingdom Worker cards, which contain a challenge to do something for God's Kingdom. We had a deal with Milligan to use their pool for baptisms and I received a couple texts asking to make sure that was open. It warmed my heart to know students were taking this step.

This week, I would like to acknowledge a couple people I met. Please take time to read about my encounters with them and pray for them.

J.R.
I met this guy the last day of the conference. He had just finished running three miles and spent most of the time talking about sports. I made a joke about "the ladies" and he started telling me about how his mother taught him how to be a gentleman, opening doors, cooking, cleaning, and waiting on the women in his life. He proceeded to tell me his mother had past away during heart surgery. He said it with a smile though, because he knew he was honoring her and that he would see her again one day in God's Kingdom. He quoted scripture to me and showed a spiritual maturity I did not expect from a Junior in high school who fit in the standard jock stereotype on the outside. At the end of the week, he stood to acknowledge the decision he made this week to pursue full time ministry.

Jordan and Theresa
These are a couple folks I met the first day of MOVE. We were talking about where they were from, how many students the brought, etc. Turns out neither of them were the youth pastor. He resigned a month before they left. But Jordan and Theresa are teachers and have the summer off, so they brought the students. I praise God for their willingness to come and for placing the students in their care.

Tomorrow, we turn it around and do it again. Keep praying for high schoolers across the country and for all working for CIY's strength and perseverance. Love you all!

The Preparation Will Pay Off Soon

My team leaves tomorrow. Raise your hand if you're pumped. I know I am. We have spent three weeks in the office, doing a few odd jobs, preparing housing, and making sure we're ready. Let me tell you about yesterday, today, and look ahead with you.

Yesterday, we viewed the film Love Costs Every Thing made by CIY in association with The Voice Of The Martyr. It was fairly intense, seeing brothers and sisters persecuted and even killed for confessing faith in the God I love. The film was full of great stories that broke my heart and inspired me. You can watch it at any MOVE event this summer, or it will be available in the fall.

Following the showing, we took place in a 24 prayer like the one students will experience at the events. Each of us had a half hour shift in our prayer room (set up in the conference center). Like I said in a previous post, I'd love to share more with you because it was an awesome experience, even when tired (my shift was 1:30am), but I don't want to spoil it for students attending. Let me just say that God will be present, moving, and working through and despite the stations and experiences we have set up.

Today, the Colorado team left early in the morning. The rest of us did a lot of work to make sure our teams were ready to leave (two teams tomorrow morning, one next week). Now we are packing, hanging out, and getting stoked to start events and see God's plan fall into action.

I want to look into the near future with you now to share some requests for prayer. To be honest, I know nothing about these students, I may not get much time to interact with them, and even if I do it may amount to nothing. But I love them and my heart breaks for them. Frankly, I'm not sure who will understand this if they are without the Holy Spirit. Logically, I should hate high schoolers. They are loud, don't always smell nice, and can be arrogant. But they are the future of the Church, and they continue to amaze me and show me God's glory. So, if you will, ask God to work in the high schoolers at the events, their friends, and the strangers they meet. Ask that God will start their hearts towards him and his work, that their friends will be affected by this change and even the strangers on the street will react to how they shine.

As well, please ask the Father to continually remind us MOVE staff what we are doing.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10

It is insane to think God uses us, but he does! In fact, he prepared these works for us ahead of time. I can't explain how that makes me feel. It is so crazy and amazing. I pray that we can live out these works as God wants, and give him the glory.

Please tell me, how can I pray for you?

John 9

I was reading this today, and I wanted to share this with you. To begin, if you don't have a Bible handy, read the chapter here. To continue, I am no teacher, just sharing what I gathered from this passage.

You might notice this is the story of the man born blind. Spoiler alert: Jesus is going to heal him. Sorry to ruin it for you. But I like this particular healing a lot, because I think it shows so much and offers a diverse message. Please direct your attention to verse 3. "Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him." I think this shatters the ideas I've learned and been taught. My general reaction to someone born with a "defect" is that it was a mistake, caused by the imperfection brought into this world by humans when they first sinned. While this is true, I should not have stopped there.


This man was born blind so God could be glorified. Have you heard the saying "everything happens for a reason?" I've always heard this used and interpreted it as saying things will work out for you in the end. I didn't see Jesus say that in this passage. Given, the man was no longer blind, but that's not why he was born blind.


Fast forward. Press play on verse 24 and 25.

So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, "Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner." ²⁵He answered, "Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see."

 So the Pharisees didn't like Jesus because he questioned their traditions, commitment to God, and their view of him. So here he is, healing this (formerly blind) man on the sabbath and they are upset. People have wacky view of Jesus and God as a whole today. I think you can understand that without much explanation. The man's response makes me happy. We may not know everything about God, but we know he saved us. This is what we can know and share, what we have to bear witness about him with.

Continue on. Sorry for how long this post is, but there's so much I want to share! But here's verses 33 and 34.

"If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." ³⁴They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" And they cast him out.

 Look at this: Jesus did not just heal the man's physical blindness but his spiritual as well! God isn't as interested as these temporary little shells we have now as he is in our souls/spirits/whatever you want to call it. I think that it's a lot more important that this man's spiritual blindness is cured than his silly little sight problem. In fact, later you see him and Jesus meet again and he worships him, not giving the stones a chance to speak.

While you're here, check out verse 34 again. The Pharisees were still blinded by their pride. These men thought they were better than the other, and so they didn't even listen to what he had to say. Although Jesus points out at the end of the chapter that they were not blind, as evidenced by the guilt they had.

This story as a whole is great evidence for many things: God's glorification is number one, our stories are all so important to spreading the name of Jesus, and there is a lot more healing that happens in this world than physical through Christ's name and we should never let it stop there.

So Many Updates, So Little Time

Sorry for updating so often, but there is so much to tell you about! First off, was our Memorial Day party at the CIY office. Well, our day actually started with team meetings to discuss goals in our own lives for the summer regarding leadership, serving, fellowship, spiritual growth, and professional growth. My team (Jenn, Michelle, Hannah, and led by JB) met at Joe Muggs in Books-A-Million and discussed ours and had some great bonding time.

Our afternoon proceeded meeting at CCO (Christ's Church of Oronogo) and sorting stuff to go out on our first truck. We thought it would be easy and quick, but the staff kept adding more and more to our list. The event staff have decided they did this to tire us out for the wiffle ball game. Some didn't even make it back to the dorm until a few minutes before the party.

But we made it alive somehow and ate some delicious brats, hamburgers, cupcake truffles, and other food. Soon we were onto the wiffle ball game. The first inning left us losing with a score 6-1, but we held it there the rest of the game. I think that's pretty good considering the staff wore us event staff down and cheated.

Tuesday, we worked hard again, getting a lot ready for the events that are coming up quick. What I'm super excited about is the work we did today. Aside from the trophies Addison and I made (with help finishing up from JB and Caiti), we got a look at my job at the events as customer service manager and the events coming up. I am so pumped. My job will be working with people. Like, hello?! That is Garrett Daniel DeMeyer. And it's just great to be finally looking at these events and getting some training.

In the afternoon, we went to CCO to look at some of the elements we'll be using for the sessions at Move. My. Goodness. The games and artistic design are sweet. And we got to see a bit of the closing for each main session and boy are they powerful. I must admit, and CIY friends are not allowed to make fun of me, I teared up a bit. I am soooooo excited for God's working and I know his Spirit will move this summer. If you are a student reading this and can't decide to come to Move, please do. You won't regret God's calling presented there.

Cpt. Red (aka our backstage managers)

Please, continue to pray for the students coming to the Move events. I am so excited for them. You have no idea.... I am tearing up again thinking about all God can do in them, through them. Ask our Father to let his Spirit fill us and these students that we can give them the best experience and they can see past us, our flaws, to God.

I love you all, and thank you for praying.

First Week Synopsis

So after I finally made it to Joplin, it's been a blast. Office days are not nearly as tedious as I pictured them. We have been getting a lot of stuff ready for events, such as folding shirts, shooting videos, making trophies, cleaning inflatables, and the like. One of the more exciting parts was walking through what the prayer room is going to look like. I am sooooo pumped and, to be honest, am almost brought to tears just thinking about how God's Spirit will be moving and speaking to students there and how they will be talking to and praising God. It's so exciting I can't contain it!

After work, we've been eating, chilling, and a couple extra tasks. It seems our hang out is the mall food court, home of the area's Chick-fil-A (because we are good Christians and eat there). It's sweet making these new friends, even though I do wish I could see those back home too.

I'm sure plenty of people are wondering about how Joplin is doing, after the tornado. I must admit, I haven't had much time to spend helping out and I haven't been to the most disastrous parts. What I have seen is an awesome response to the need. As we have off Saturday, we got to help out at a local church (http://cornerstonejoplin.org/) unpacking a semi full of supplies that they are handing out there. Not only do they have so many supplies they have to turn down donations in some places, but we were having trouble finding ways to help sometimes today because of the overwhelming response from volunteers. Praise the Lord for such an awesome response from his church. As well, a lot of us got shirts or stickers with proceeds going to the city. You can check them out on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/restorejoplin).

Please continue to pray. First, for the students attending Move events this summer. Ask that God can start working in them now and preparing them for the week they'll be with us and that the leaders and pastors have the wisdom, strength, and love to help them through their journey. Also, please pray for Joplin. Even though they have a lot of help, they still have a lot of need that I predict will outlast the help. Finally, please pray for my strength as I'm finding it harder and harder to be away from home.

I love you all. How can I pray for you?

Finally! Garrett Has Made It To Joplin!

So I'm not as cool as The Rock, but I think people are happy to have me here. That's right, after having flights canceled, sleeping in a hotel one night and the airport another, I have made it. God has remained faithful and got me here. In fact, he even threw me a bone and let me meet one of my heroes, Dan Smith of listener (iamlistener.com). I was waiting for Wesley to pick me up from the Springfield airport and he was walking in. Pretty stellar stuff. I was stoked.

And today was my first full day here. With all the confusion and chaos of the tornado that hit, all the staff have been behind. So we did orientation today, which was pretty simple stuff. Then the customer service managers (my position) got to meet with a couple of ladies from 24/7 prayer about our vision for a prayer room at each event. I don't want to explain too much, in case one of the students from Fox River reads this I wouldn't want to ruin it for them, but it will be awesome and I'm more than happy to be part of it! Then we helped the Station managers fold shirts.

Long story short, I'm having a great time now that I'm actually here! I don't plan on posting again until the weekend, so watch for that. Love you all and I'm praying for you.

Quick Update

Last night a tornado ripped through Joplin, where I was headed. So my flight from Dallas/Fort Worth was cancelled. I got a Super 8 room at a discount and I'll be getting to Joplin today.

Good news is the Spirit is giving me strength and calm and is providing. One was is the waffles the size of Texas... ir at least shape... So I am fine.

Please pray for those in Joplin and other areas affected by the storms.

Today's The Day: Time To Leave And For Transparent And Honest Prayer Requests

Today I get on a plane and leave for Joplin. This is so exciting/nerve racking/sad. I can't wait to start the internship tomorrow, but I feel like I'm not actually prepared to leave and I can definitely wait to leave all my friends for the summer.

I have to be honest, I can already feel homesickness being a problem this summer. Not to say that missing friends and family is bad, but I can tell it may be a distraction from serving where God has me. Please pray that his Spirit will give me the strength to press on, even when home, friends, family are on my mind.

Yesterday, I had to say goodbye to a lot of friends and my sister. It was super tough. I'm a manly man, so I obviously didn't cry, but it was really warm and my eyes sweated. But in all seriousness, I wept. Especially at the thought of leaving my best friends Ashlyn, ChrisKolb, and Abbey and when my friend Zack left, as he's leaving for the Army before I get back. And everytime I think of the students at Driven4Him I get super sad that I won't see them. Again, I must point out specifically Harry, who is going into the Navy before I come back. This man is so on fire for God. It's humbling sometimes. I'm praying for you, brother, and I love you.

So you're making it through a really sappy post. Thank you. We're almost done, I promise. I'd like to leave with some requests for prayer. First, and foremost, pray for the students preparing to go to a Move event this summer. Ask that God will start them down a path towards him and working for his kingdom. Also, pray for my friends and family. This are great people, many of whom fear God and I ask that they can grow in that relationship everyday. Last, pray for my strength. Today my parents and girlfriend, Joelle, are taking me to the airport and I'll have to say goodbye. This will be hard and I pray I can do so and know I am following God's call.

Thanks for reading all this. Love you, brothers and sisters.

P.S. many of you asked for an address you can write me at. Please do, as it will mean more than you know. You can send these letters to

CIY
Garrett DeMeyer
2201 North Main St.
Joplin, MO 64802

The Art Of Losing Myself

We sang that song at Driven4Him. I love that line. Haha funny- my phone autocorrected "love" to "live" at first. I hope I live that line. I hope that I am less and less and God is more and more.

In fact, as people are asking how they can pray for me, I tell them that I need a servant's heart. This summer is about giving up my idea of a summer for God's idea. I need to be humble and have the strength to serve him even when I miss everyone at home.

As you're praying for me, please pray for God's work in and through Driven4Him, Fox River Christian Church's high school ministry. I already miss those students and leaders. I pray God gives them even more and more of his Spirit. They are amazing people and love God so much.

I leave in a week!

Let's Kick It, Kids

Let me start by saying I am super excited for this summer. Let me continue by saying "hey. What's up? Thanks for reading this blog post, btw. You're killer."

So you may be thinking "Garrett, you're so web2.0 with this blogger account. But why are you doing it?"
Good question. To which I say "Friend, I want you to be able to keep track of me this summer while I'm out and about with Move (ciy.com/move) and know everything God is doing in and through me. It'll be a stellar ride, and I wish you could be here with me, but this trendy little blog will have to do." You'll end up noticing that I will post things I learn, things I do, things I see others do, things about God.

To start, I'd like to explain the title of this blog. I was going to do something catchy and witty like "Garrett on the Move." (Get it, because the name of the events I'll be helping with is "Move??") But I just read this passage from a little book named Luke about Jesus' triumphant entry, as the ESV titles put it, in verses 28-40. Jesus responded to some Pharisees' criticism of his followers praising God by saying "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out."
That freaked me out a little. That's how awesome God is and how worthy of praise he is. Intimate objects will sing his praise if we don't. But I don't want to let that happen! I want to praise God and not need those stones to speak at all. That's my plan for the summer, folks. I want to give God the glory he deserves with how I live, speak, everything I do, all of it and me.


So let's kick it, kids. Don't let the stones speak.