A Good Night

Night #4 is in the books, and I think it was my favorite night!
Things ran smoothly, we had 71 kids, lots of staff, and the kids heard a clear presentation of the Gospel several times during the night!
I mean, really....it just can't get any better than that!
One of our crew leaders told me last night that this has been the best group of kids we have had in a long time, and I agree!
I am so thankful for the kids that God has brought us this week, and for their excitment to learn more about God's word. What a blessing it has been to hear the kids asking and answering questions. To hear them respond to "God gives us life!", with a hearty "FEAR NOT!"
I've heard some stories of some of our kids this week that are facing tough times in their homes.
What a blessing to know that this week we are filling those kids with the truth that God is with them, that He is Powerful, that He does what He says He'll do, that He gives us life!
There is nothing more comforting that we can send them back home to their tough times with, than the truth of the Gospel!

Tonight will be a bittersweet night for me and our last night.
I'm wore slap out and ready for a break and some down time.
But on the other hand, this has been a really good week, and I don't want it to end.
Things are changing at Centercrest, and I don't know what that holds for our VBS ministry next year. It could all be different next year, and if it is, I am thankful the Lord has allowed us this really great week to minister to those around us.
Thank you for the part that you have played in this ministry.
You have been effective in the work of the Kingdom.

The Whole Truth

God does what He says He'll do! FEAR NOT!
Last night we attempted to teach the kids that God's word are truth.
And if God's words are truth, we can believe it and trust it!

Last night we also had another weird night of numbers.
Usually our numbers go UP during the week, and our numbers are going down....
But, I know that God has the kids at our VBS that He wants! I am excited that they are learning the truths of God this week, and I am praying that the seeds of Godliness are being planted in their lives.

Please be praying for tonight.
Tonight is the night the gospel will be clearly given.
Pray for all the crew leaders, Ken, Pastor Tim, and myself as we present the gospel to these kids, and for understanding hearts.

Come back tonight for what I know is going to be a great night at Crocodile Dock!

Caw-Cawing all VBSers!

Another night of VBS in the books, and I'm happy to report, that to my knowledge, things ran smoothly!
We had 61 kids last night. We gained some and lost some, which is to be expected.
This year for security and safety, we have really tried to buckle down on our sign in policies, and that me unfortunatly be a hinderance to some of the kids.
But I am thankful for the 61 kids we had last night that learned that God is Powerful! FEAR NOT!
We learned about 9 of the 10 plagues, and Ken Starkey is doing a great job teaching the kids these important Bible lessons.

I am excited for another night tonight of hearing and expierencing God's word, and serving with you all!

God is With Us! FEAR NOT!

This is what we heard multiple times last night at night one of Crocodile Dock!
This week our kids will learn a nightly Bible point that is a wonderful reminder of Who God is.
Last night we learned that God is With us! And because of that we can "FEAR NOT!"
God is with us in the ups, the downs, and even when we're "swamped".

We had a huge night last night with 68 kids! Last year our first night was in the low 40's! I am thrilled that we have so many kids already attending to learn more about our amazing God. Please continue to pray with me for all of the kids in attendance as they learn God's word and experience Him this week.
Pray also for our workers and for myself as I attempt to help everything run as smoothly as possible.
We have the greatest workers in the world, and I am thankful for each and every one of them. Everyone that helps is contributing to the work of the kingdom, and I am so thankful for your examples of service.

Come back tonight for night 2 as we learn that God is....well I can't give that away, but I know that we'll say "FEAR NOT!".

Tomorrow, Tommorow...

And we all know how that song goes!

Yes folks, its true, by tomorrow night at this time we will have finished our first night of Crocodile Dock VBS!
Wow, what a ride it has been to get here.
Our family has definetly seen our share of trials of late, but we know that, just as the song playing says, God never lets go of us!
We are so thankful for the prayers and encouragment from our church family.

As I sit here on the eve of VBS, my thoughts are a little scattered.
There are little last minute things to do, but in the grand scheme of things, they don't matter.
My focus remains the same...That God will be glorified by our service to Him, and that childrens lives will be changed forever by the hearing of His word. Period. The end.
Today, 4 groups of 2-4 each, went and passed out around 600 flyers in our area neighborhoods!
600! If we get a return of 10%, PLUS our kids that always come, folks, I am here to tell you, we are going to be busting at the seems!
We'll run out of crafts, nametags, goodies, and maybe even food...but the Gospel will not change!
That is our focus, that is the reason we do VBS every year. And that is the reason we do it well.

In our culture that is being hit with stories of families not allowed to have a Bible study in their home and persecution around the globe because of the name of Christ, I am thankful that we still have the oppurtunity to allow kids into our church as our captive audience to hear the good news of Jesus Christ!
I pray that we will all be found faithful in our work for the kindgom this week.
I pray we will take advantage of the oppurtunity we have been given to plant the seeds of the Gospel into these kids lives.
And I pray that God will bring to us the kids that most need to hear about the hope that we have, and that they also can have, in Christ unfailing love.

"Oh, no, you never let go, through the calm and through the storm.
Oh, no, you never let go, Lord you never let go of me."
I am thankful for that truth today, and pray that in light of that, God will use me this week for His glory.

10 Days and Counting...

It's hard to believe its already Memorial Day weekend, the last weekend before we begin VBS '09.

These past couple of weeks have been very trying for myself and many of you that are facing issues and difficulties. It is a comfort to know that we are all in God's Sovereign hands and none of our difficulties escape Him.

I want to thank all of you that have helped our family, brought food, sent a card, dropped an email, over the past couple of weeks. We have been blessed by your kindness.



So where do we stand with VBS?
Well, I think we stand pretty well.
There are some minor issues that need to be worked out, but I am confident they will be.
There are no scheduled meetings between now and May 31st, but I do want to remind you of a few things.



1. Saturday May 30th- This is the day that we will pass out flyers and invite the surrounding neighborhoods to VBS. PLEASE make every effort to attend. The more people we have, the less time it will take.

We will plan on meeting at 10:00 am.


2. There will be many things going on Saturday afternoon after passing out the flyers. There is decorating to be done, supplies to be put in the appropriate place, etc. If you are able to be there, you help will be appreciated. We had a great time doing this last year, and enjoyed several runs to Sonic for slushies!


3. Sunday May 31st- VBS begins at 5:00, but we need all hands on deck before that.
Because of the craziness of my life lately, I have not been able to meet with all of you at the same time, so I would like to at 4:15, before the kids arrive. We will meet briefly in the sanctuary and go over any last minute things, and have a group time of prayer.



I would like to meet with the crew leaders at 4:00 for 15 minutes pryor to this.


4. I will be speaking with all of the station leaders individually over the next week to go over any last minute needs.

5. If you signed up to help with registration, please plan on coming also at 4:00 on the 31st, to go over things with Kristen.

6. As you know, we all like to eat and the staff food room provides all the staff with dinner every night. It is important for EVERYONE to sign up to bring something during the week. I will provide the drinks, but I need you to bring other things. We will try to have Sunday taken care of, and on Sunday night there will be a sign up sheet. PLEASE sign up to bring something twice during the week. This will be most helpful to everyone.

7. Tim Head will be in the FLC starting Tuesday night. If you have a chance to stop by and lend a hand with the set, I am sure he will appreciate it.

Thanks guys for all you do and for your support and prayers of the VBS ministry. I am confident that God is going to do great things during Crocodile Dock and I pray that above all, His name will be glorfied by the teaching of His word and the Worship of His name throughout the week.

Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, etc. I am available.

God bless you all,
Missy

Some info you need

Well guys, there is alot going on in Stacy and I's life right now.
You can go to my personal blog if you want details, but in Summary, I am having surgery on Monday, and Stacy is losing his job on Wednesday.
God is good, God is faithful, and God is Soveriegn over all things, so why I may be a bit frustrated and down at times, I know He has a plan.

I do know one thing though...VBS is in 4 weeks! Yep, thats right 4 weeks!
My recovery time is 4-6 weeks. So I am spending today getting some things in order.
All of our orders have been placed and most have arrived.
I am posting below some info you might like to know, need to know, etc.

1. T-shirts have arrived. If you have not paid, please do so on Sunday!!!
Kristen Mullins will be in charge of passing out the shirts. Give her a week or two to organize all of it.

2. Sometime the week before VBS , I will try to meet with all the station leaders and touch base on things. If you are a station leader, if you can try to get any supplies you need, that would be great. We do have some things, so you can ask me if you need to.

3. On May 17th, all the crew leaders need to meet around 4:00. Crystal McDaniel will be there to show you guys the stuff for your Crew Flags. I have a list of names for you to choose from as well, or you can make up your own of course!

4. We have 12 crews this year, and you will rotate in crews of 4.
Here is a list of our Staff. Please notice that noone has told me yet about doing the Staff Food Room.

Crocodile Dock- Swamp Staff

Crew Leaders
1. Stephen Loggins and Brynn Flemming
2. Craig Chandler
3. Mary Prosser
4. Zach Evans
Assistant for crews 1-4; Danielle Whiteside

5. Danny and Kristin Parker
6. Jeanny Elliot
7. Valerie Nichols
8. Allen Ware
Assistant for crews 5-8; Austin Griffin

9. Katie Evans & Jacob Duncan
10. Bill Osthoff
11. Mechay Rush
12. Keith Mullins
Assistant for crews 9-12; John Whiteside

Preschool
Ones and Twos
1. Andrea Koerner 1. Jan Slaughter
2. Jessica Allen 2. Wanda Reed
3. Savannah Chandler 3. Dianne Hardy
4. Isaac Duncan

Preteen Nursery
1. Craig Newton 1. Jane Knight
2. Tami Dalton 2. Dale Evans
3. Stan Garton



Kitchen Games
1. Rebecca Ward 1. Tim Evans
2. Joyce Garton 2. Brian Allen
3. Electa Chanlder 3. Brent Breighner
4. Sharlett Wescott 4. Jamie Allen

Crafts & Missions Bible Story
1. Nancy Mullins 1. Ken Starkey
2. Marie Duncan 2. Darcy Godwin
3. Christine Whiteside 3. Tina Prosser
4. Mary Thomas

Chadders Theater
1. Tim Forehand

Registration Misc. Help
1. Kristen Mullins 1. Crystal McDaniels
2. Janet Breighner 2. Josh McDaniels
3. Shannon Clevenger 3. Karen Forehand
4. Kellie Gilham 4. Karen Harness
5. Shari Ware 5. Jeri Tanner

Technical Photo
1. Brian Stanley 1. Gwendy Starkey
2. Rusty Ward 2. Cliff Prosser
3. Danny Sumner

Security and Gopher Staff Food Room
1. Joe Ezell 1.
2. Jim Slaughter 2.
3. Tommy Godwin 3.
4. Nathan Mullins 4.
5. Alvin Hardaman

Set Design
1. Tim Head
2. Joe Ezell
3. Brent Breighner
4. Shaun Clenenger
5. Sam and Jeanette Daniels


Here is a schedule in case you are wondering:

Crocodile Dock Master Schedule

Preschool
6-6:25- Sing and Play Swamp Stomp
6:30-6:50- Snack Shack
6:55-7:15- Gator Games
7:20-7:40- Crawfish Crafts and Missions
7:45-8:05- Bayou Bible Blast
8:10-8:40- Dockside Drive-in (Chadders theater in preschool dept)
8:40-9:00- Firefly Finale

Preteen
6-6:25- Sing and Play Swamp Stomp
6:30-6:50- Snack Shack
6:55-7:15- Fun with Craig and Tami
7:20-7:40- Fun with Craig and Tami
7:45-8:05 Fun with Craig and Tami
8:10-8:40- Fun with Craig and Tami
8:40-9:00- Firefly Finale

Crews 1-4
6-6:25- Sing and Play Swamp Stomp
6:30-6:50- Crawfish Crafts and Missions
6:55-7:15- Bayou Bible Blast
7:20-7:40- Gator Games
7:45-8:05- Snack Shack
8:10-8:40- Dockside Drive-in (Chadder and Crew time)
8:40-9:00- Firefly Finale

Crews 5-8
6-6:25- Sing and Play Swamp Stomp
6:30-6:50- Bayou Bible Blast
6:55-7:15- Crawfish Crafts and Missions
7:20-7:40- Snack Shack
7:45-8:05- Gator Games
8:10-8:40- Dockside Drive-in (Chadder and Crew time)
8:40-9:00- Firefly Finale

Crews 9-12
6-6:25- Sing and Play Swamp Stomp
6:30-6:50- Gator Games
6:55-7:15- Snack Shack
7:20-7:40- Bayou Bible Blast
7:45-8:05- Crawfish Crafts and Missions
8:10-8:40- Dockside Drive-in (Chadder and Crew time)
8:40-9:00- Firefly Finale

Here are some suggestions for crew names if you want to start thinking about that:
Fearless Fireflies
Crazy Crocs
Super Spoonbills
Pleasant Possums
Terrific Turtles
Remarkable Raccoons
Funky Frogs
Cool Crawfish
Swamp Skimmers
Moss Madness
Dock Dudes
Shack Attack
Bayou Buddies
Cheerful Cypress
Marsh Munchkins

I appreciate your support and prayers.
VBS is going to happen. It may not run as smoothly as we would like, and there may be some kinks, but I know who is in control, and its not me! I know God does not need me to fulfill His plan for this ministry.
Now more than ever we need to be in prayer for our kids that will be attending.
Much is going on around us and in our church body.
Pray also for Christy Little. She is always an insturmental part of VBS and this year is struggling with surgery after surgery. Pray for her continued strength and healing.

I will try to update this blog as soon as I am able and post some reminders.

You guys are the best and thankful to work with you all!