APRIL 2008 NEWS
REACHING OUT TO YOUTH THROUGH THE MINISTRIES OF BETHEL TEMPLE

Contents:
A Teenager's Good Friday Sermonette
Councilwoman's Visit
Timoteo Flag Football http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KNSAKNuU-c4&feature=related
Prayer Requests
CityNet/YouthNet Update
Support Needs

(Please read the next three posts to see all the contents of the newsletter.)


Jesus Said, "I am Thirsty."
Bryant's Good Friday sermonette

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28-30

Recently, we experienced one of the proudest moments in our 9 years of youth ministry at Bethel Temple. A young man named Bryant, whom we have spoken about before, took an opportunity to share a sermonette at our Good Friday service. His task was to explain the significance of Jesus words, “I am thirsty.” We want to share it with you.

“I want to talk about a time at Edison (high school) with my football team. We are practicing, practicing really hard. Then at the end of the practice—it’s always the worst time—the coach makes us run wind sprints. If anyone knows what that means—we know it’s coming and we’re all tired. We gotta get up, then we just take off and run back and forth, back and forth. Nobody really wants to do it, we’re just so tired. At the end we’re all sluggish and we’re thirsty. And we’re thirsty because we are human...And our God, Jesus, was thirsty as we are. He was human, He came down. He was hungry as we are, He was tempted as we are, and He did not sin.”

Bryant went on to explain what he had learned about the pain of the crucifixion. He quoted a bible commentary that pointed out that Jesus never complained while he was whipped or when thorns were pushed on his head. However, at the end to fulfill scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” Bryant ended his talk with this:

“Whatever you are going through this week—just remember that Jesus has been through the same kind of suffering that we go through—or worse. Take comfort in whatever you are going through and give it all to God because He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

At the end of the service, Bryant’s mother (who is not a Christian) went forward for prayer. Continue praying for God to use Bryant reach his family!

Councilwoman Visits our Home

Last fall, Maria Quinones-Sanchez was elected as Philadelphia’s first Hispanic woman on city council. We were particularly excited about this new representative because she visited our block during her campaign and we got a chance to talk to her face to face. She represents a large and very diverse area of Philadelphia, but grew up in our neighborhood. She even attended the elementary school just half a block from our house. Consequently, she cares deeply about the struggles this neighborhood faces. In February, we actually sat down with her in our home and shared our desire to make a positive impact. Please pray that our connection to her will develop in the coming months and years, and that God will use it for His glory—to bring healing to this neighborhood.

TIMOTEO FLAG FOOTBALL & OTHER UPDATES


Timoteo Flag Football:
It is amazing how the Holy Spirit is teaching our youth to step up and become leaders themselves. The Junior High Ministry is led by three high school students and four who have come up through the ministry. Rob who is coordinating Junior High has also stepped up as a coach in our Timoteo Flag Football League. He is pictured below discussing strategy with players during our 2006 season. The 2008 season starts Saturday, April 19. Please join us at Scanlon Park, J & Tioga Streets, at 3:30pm each Saturday until June. Timoteofootball.com Please see our video at http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KNSAKNuU-c4&feature=related


Prayer Requests:
· That God would strengthen our young men to be examples that our youth so desperately need in a culture of absent fathers.
· For those who attended the Jr. High Retreat April 11-13.
· Our family will spend a week at a camp called Orchard Hill. Nes will speak to high school youth who attend camp during the week of June 29th.

CityNet/YouthNet Update:
As we prepared to submit our proposal to expand “ONE”, we found out that the director of CityNet had decided to retire. As a result, CityNet’s board set up a team to evaluate its effectiveness and direction. Through that, serious questions about whether CityNet will continue have risen. For the time being our proposal is on hold, and we will continue in our current position at Bethel Temple. Please pray for us and others involved with CityNet, because it has been a frustrating process.


Support Needs:
· Health Insurance Premium. We are in urgent need for an individual, church or other group to sponsor our health insurance premiums. The cost is $550/month or $6600 for one year.

· Opportunities to share the ministry at your church or small group. Our time is flexible and we would love to visit you!

· New monthly commitments

Contact us at nesdanaphilly@gmail.com or (215) 225-5979
Send Donations payable to
Bethel Temple Community Bible Church, 2928 N. Fairhill St., Philadelphia, PA 19133