Come to Life! Church (Hooksett Regal Cinemas) tomorrow! It starts at 10 am. Be sure to hang out after and get details about our upcoming trip to Honduras!

"United Love" this Sat. 9/11/2010

Life! Church will be partnering with United Love on Sept 11th. We'll be going to the Manchester Area and serving the community in many different ways. On September 11-12, 2010, churches across New England will unite in service to their communities, to promote the name of Jesus and not the name of any individual church.


10-12 "Adopt-A-Block"
Cleaning up neighborhoods with trash bags and more.

3-5pm "The Park Project"
Connecting with people, face painting, cleaning.

7-9pm "Lighten The Load"
Taking change and soap to laundromats.

We would love to have you join us!! (pictured: Pastors Joe & Abi Cyr)

~Jenn Hebert
Director of Impact, Life! Church

Corner Stone Manor- Women' Shelter

Cornerstone Manor is a women and childrens shelter. It Is a beautiful facility. When we arrived, we were taken downtairs into the chapel area and began setting up right away. I was excited because in my heart, I knew that God was going to do something big.
From the moment they arrived for service we welcomed them with applause,high fives & smiles. It was great to see the joy on their faces when they were welcomed. We played many of the same games with the women as we did with kids club. They screamed, shouted and played along just a much as the kids at Kidz club. As I stood in the back and watched, I could see all those women a 7,8 & 9 year old little girls. I began to pray that they would know a love of our father... Jesus Christ. I know that Ana, Kathi, Sam, Cailin, Eve, Carlos & Nick were praying for them as well. It was o aweome to see the Life! Mision team spread out and sitting in the mix of people there. I'm sure that our team will have many personal stories to share with you.

I personally met Jasmine, who had only been there 3 day. She has a 2 year old son named Elijah and 1 year old son named Ezrah. She was in hiding from her boyfriend and had no place to go. We were able to pray together for God to move in her life.

For me the highlight of the night as listening to Sam share her testimony to over a hundred people. She spoke with a sweet strenght in sharing her testimony and gave encouragement to others. Of course Kathi, Ana & I were crying.
Pastor Eric ended the night with a call to salvation and many accepted Jesus as their Lord & Savior. Then prayer was offered to those in need and each one of us partnered up with someone different. Kailin & Eve layed hands and prayed for a woman who was seperated from her daughter. Ana prayed for a woman who was struggling with overcoming alcohol abuse and healing in her body from being abused. Nick prayed with a woman who was trying to get her on back. Carlos prayed for a woman who asked for God's favor in making better choices. Sam & Kathi prayed as well, but are napping on our way back home.
Please be praying for these women and children. Pray that bondages will be broken and healing will come that they will truly know the love of God.

-Jenn

"Ministry Days"

I tried 3 different time to write thi pot but we have had most of our time accounted for that I just didn't have time. Two times, I fell asleep writing it.. :)

Ministry to me is doing Gods work, giving yourself and not expecting anything in return. I have heard people say many times that they love "doing ministry" or that they are "going out to do ministry". I have always struggled with that statement because if we are to live a life serving and loving others with Christ in our heart, our whole life would be a "ministry".It wouldn't be a light switch that we turn off and on. We wouldn't need to DO it...we would LIVE it...

I am finding out that as we serve the community of Buffalo, our ministry days are running into eachother because there is so much going on. I'm sure most mission trips would be able to say the same thing. But what makes The Buffalo Dream Center different is that they live their lives in constant ministry. Many of the volunteers/workers are teenagers (who look like adults) who have been coming to the church & kidz club since they were very little. And many of those same kids are the only ones saved in their homes. This group of kids also known as the Dream Team live "ministry". A great example is that one day we were all eating lunch in a park. It was the time between our kids program and doing adopt-a-block (walking the streets and picking up trash, knocking on doors to say hi & offer prayer).While we were eating lunch, Jeremy- one of the Dream Team kids noticed some little kids (maybe 7 or 8) getting into Nico's bag (another Dream Team member) on the basketball court. Nico ran over to them and asked them if they stole anything. They said no of course. From a distance I was in awe at seeing Nico who is an athlete over 6 ft 3 in. get down on one knee to talk to the whole group of boys. I saw kindness and compassion all over him. over him. He was specially looking at one of the boys but as he spoke to them, it was another young boy in the group who spoke up and admitted stealing. Nico was given $45 back and personal items as well.Nico gave so much more then what he got back. He gave life to those boys. He gave them an opportunity to make their wrong right. Nico didn't yell and scream at them for stealing. He told them about what it means to be a man and living an honest life w/God...many of these boys and girls have never known the love of a daddy or father figure. Many of them don't even have moms. Many of them know about drug, alcohol, theft, prostitution & so much more. Nico took the time to love the little boys and bring them hope.

Over the last few days we have gone into several neighborhoods and loved on kid through playing games, singing, sharing Jesus and having fun. I noticed many of the older kid..and when I ay older I mean 8-12 year old be the "parent" to their younger siblings. I took a picture of Kathi holding a baby that was brought by her older sister and brothers. They had walked several blocks just to be a part of kidz club.
And, at kidz club and adopt- a block, the Dream Center gets to build relationships with people/families, find out needs & fill them! Many people are closed to outsiders coming into their homes but because of what the Dream Center I doing, those doors aren't closed for very long. Ministry in Buffalo Is happening everyday..all day and we have got to be a part of that.
-Jenn
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Sam's about to share her testimony at the Women's shelter. Be praying and praising for what God's about to do. Woo Hoo!

Make it or Break it!

This morning Jenn told us this is the day that we either make it or break it. We can happily say we made it, but not with out some trials. In the morning we were blessed to go and help out with a refugee program called Jericho Road. We worked with a witty young man named David (program director) who got all of our attention immediately with his painted green toenails. After a morning of various jobs we found our group in God's favor once again as David agreed to take us on a tour that was quite professional. It was a joy to learn about the various refugees,see their community, and the solutions that Jericho Road is providing. But the highlight by far was the honor and priviledge of hearing about David and being able to pray for him as he explores a relationship with Jesus. To paraphrase David, "the Dude upstairs is doing something in his life". We moved on to the next task at hand which was Kidz Club. It was a blast as always but challnge was rising as heat and weariness set in. After dinner, it was time to set out on the Adopt a Block program. This really stretched some of us and we had to support eachother through it and give it all to God and of course He came through. As we closed our night with a beautiful devotion lead by Eve we were touched and I think we will be finishing strong! The people we are meeting are amazing and the dream team members are outstanding young people who are ready to make a difference today. We are all challenged and inspired by them. We hope to carry our momentum home!

-Kathi

Our Day with the Kids!

This morning started with preparing for our day by spending some time with the Lord.
Our mission for today was kids ministry. Our first stop was at Sonfest Pavilion a childcare center on the westside of Buffalo. The owners of this program are Mr.&Mrs. Tillman, ages 89& 91 and have a big heart for these children. They have been doing this since 1960 and are blessed with volunteers to help out with the kids & other physical tasks so today was our day to be the helping hands!
While Jenn,Carlos,Eve & Kaelyn sorted items at the warehouse for a couple of hours Sam,Kathi & I spent time with the kids. I was given a hug the moment I walked in by a 4 year old named Xavier and he asked me if I wanted to play a game with a big smile. I also got to play basketball w/his two older brothers and It was nice to have fun with them and see them happy and laughing. Even though people visit them everyday I knew this was special. Me and Sam played with them on the merry go round, we got them all to color.. Kathi & and 10 year old Brandon colored. I don't think these boys really colored but did because we were. Brandon had 2 younger brothers and I told them to be nice to eachother. They were 3 brothers who fought. I told the older one that he should be an example to his brother. Instead of saying shut up & stupid.. They should be nice. They were speaking ugly to eachother. It was sad but I knew that it was because they didn't know any better. These kids need love and attention.. I'm thinking about all of the kids that we encountered. I will never forget about them.

The next stop was kidz club in a different neighborhood. I was able to hold the side walk chalk contest. Many of the kids made their art about loving God and loving Jesus. We had about 100 kids come out. If it wasn't for the Dream Center team,Pastor Eric & Michelle doing this , what would they be doing? It was good to see them doing something fun...

Another thing today that touched my heart was Jeremy's testimony. Jeremy shared that he grew up in a bad neighborhood and Pastor Eric reached out to him through kids club. Coming out every week to hang out with kids could change a kids heart. He now wants to be a Pastor like Pastor Eric. Having the opportunity to meet Jeremy makes you want to have the passion that he has.
So what sticks in my head is "It's not about me it's about them"... I sit here with their faces in my mind and feel so blessed to have met them.
-Ana
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Tomaine's Testimony & more...

Tomaine says:
I am the 2nd oldest of 6 kids with a single mom. Tight family&close..not to be messed w/ mom had 2jobs and life was tough. Crazy fighting..stealing. After getting evicted the summer of 99 we moved to a neighborhood. One day I saw Pastor Eric moving into a bldg. A few days later,I was ona corner up to no good. Pastor Eric came up & told me to come to kidz club. Sitting on the tarp & got up.. I knew now that it was God tugging on my heart.
At the age of 9 I started doing ministry. I saw Ms Michelle doing the food pantry and started helping her. For 2 yrs we did it together and there was no one else helping us.
At 13 yrs old my sister shared that she was pregnant with twins. One day I got a phone call that she lost the baby girl.. My sister was induced and 5 months later the baby boy died. I started thinking about the 4 most important things..That Jesus loves me.. I struggled... Later Pastor Eric & Ms Michelle told me about Masters Commission in Ca. A few weeks before I was supposed to go my mama got sick. She was so sick. She had an infection in her foot and the Dr had to cut off her toe. Because she didn't go to the hospital at first, they had to cut off her foot..the infection spread more. They had to cut off right off below her knee. I thought God"How can ypu say you love me? This mis my mom! My mom! First you take away my neice & nephew and now this..this is my mom."
I still had Masters Commission coming up. How many of you know that the devil tries to trip you up? By the time it was time to go, I didn't want to go. I wanted to stay in my comfort zone. Then this one woman gave money to Pastor Eric for my trip to L.A.

So I go to L.A. The first month was cool...the 2nd..aw man! They had hell week where they wake you up in the middle of the night. They left a note that said where to go with no shoes. We sat ina room in the dark for 3 hrs...I came to get closer to God. We went back to get shoes on,made us do leg lifts..How does this get me closer to God??For breakfast we got a 1/4 of a muffin &shot of O.J. What is up w/this?? Then we went to a maze and blindfolded me. Little did we know that there was no exit. The only way was to ask for help. I found the way out and thee put me back in the maze until everyone figured the way out...4 hrs. We then walked 10mi. to the hollywood sign and 10mi.back. After getting back to campus I thought this is stupid! We then (at night) had to carry eachother up the biggest hill I've seen in my life! We were told if we could get through that we could get through anything....
Months into the program, I struggled with the program...curfew,scripture memorization, waking up at 5am.. I wanted to be done. I broke things in my room. I was so angry. I called my mom & told her that I wanted to come home. I hated it. I despised it and mentally & physically checked out. In March, Pastor Eric & Michelle came out for a visit and encouraged me and then went home.
One night at the program, there was a night called fight night..If you are angry why not fight it out.. I thought this may be cool..
Someone handed me the gloves and I put them on. I hated my father, I hated the program. God why am I here? I let it go. I kept swinging....I cried..and that night, God showed me why I was there..It was to fight for others!
I aced my final and graduated. When I walked that stage, I felt accomplished. I gave my director a hug&he said "you did it!l.it was amazing.
...Dont let the things of this world to distract you with what God is trying to speak to you about. Some of you are going to get it and some of you are going to get it. I missed it for 7 months because I missed it..until I finally got it.

****When Tomaine came back to Buffalo out of Masters Commission, he told Pastor Eric that he wanted to do something..that's how Project Provention got started. There are kids that get taken away from their parents because they don't have beds..not because their parents are on drugs..they aren't. The Dream Center knew that there were families in need so a few days later they bagged groceries and took it to their house. The next week there were 8 families, and then 12, etc. Tomaine has completely furnished homes. Social services have come in and families have been able to stay together. Social services is now sending families to the Dream Center. They had a warehouse donated and supplies now being donated. It is an incredible ministry.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Nick and Carlos' Highlights on Monday.

And here are the higlights from the boys.

Nicks Highlights:
"Talking to Jim who was sitting at the dinner table. The nerves in his legs are slowly dying. I prayed for him. Dressing up like a clown was fun...two guys started calling me bozoo the clown."

Carlos Highlights:
"Praying for Jim (different man) to lead his family to the right church,hanging out w/a kid named Nakai. Going out and being a clown and jumping around and having fun."

*Pastor Eric told us that when we go out "It's not about me. Its there you are.".

Its after 1130pm and we are finally slowing down. Please forgive me for misspelled words as I still don't have access to the internet and this is all being sent from my BB. :)
We have decided to do highlights of our day and I will have to send you Nick & Carlos' tomorrow morning since they are in another room about to go to sleep..

Kathi's Highlights:
"Watching Eve in action. Seeing some of the kids that we talkd to walk thru the doors, helping the babies and hearing one of the kids at my table say that if we had turkey instead of salad, he would guarantee that it would go much faster. Also hearing Pastors Eric & Michelle speak, seeing the impact of Joanne a woman who started The Magdalene Project, which reaches prostitutes and other services in the community.

Sam's Highlights:
"Meeting Joann and I don't understand how she's done that by herself, hanging out w/the kids, Having Bryann sitting on my lap, having a table of 6 kids for dinner (no adults) and being the "babysitter", and having one of the kids playing hide&seek by covering his eyes.

Ana's Highlight:
"Seeing all of the kids at the arts&crafts table..it seemed like a simple craft yet they were all excited, praying for Maurice because he didn't want to come to Kidz Club. He didn't want to come in and stood outside. Later at dinner that night, that same kid Maurice asked me to pray for a better life for his family and for all of the people that he knows, seeing the kids singing and praising Jesus. For that moment they were there, they forgot about their homelife. They were happy & the ones who weren't happy were at least still there... serving them (kids and adults)dinner. They were so thankful. The men at my table were so thankful. To me,seeing Carlos offer help and watching him in action(Do you want more juice? Can I get you some pie?, etc)touched my heart!

Kaelyn's Highlights:
"Doing the spaghetti dinner with all of the kids. Doing the backpacks (filling and stuffing them with supplies)."

Eve's Highlights:
Painting kids nails, doing the spaghetti dinner, how I was able to be used to touch Dawn's heart."

Jennifer's Highlights:
"Watching my son Nick jump right in with excitement to play with kids, put on a clown costume and walk neighborhoods. Seeing my daughter Kaelyn use her God given gift of organization to pack backpacks with school supplies that will be given to kids this Sat, picking up trash in a neighborhood and finding a yucky dead mouse that Tomaine couldn't get rid of so Ana stepped in to do it (pics later to show), praying over a woman who was bruised from being beaten by her boyfriend and seeing the Lord use Eve to speak to the woman..the women later shared that she had a 12 year old daughter who she hadn't seen in years..it was awesome hearing Kathi's prayer over her. I also enjoyed watching the team walk into a new level of servanthood with boldness. They were amazing. Another highlight was seeing Sam and Kaelyn with a table at dinner filled with kids. One of the kids actually pointed out his neighborhood crack dealer (who was also at the dinner). I was blessed to sit under Pastor Eric and Michelle and learn about how they do things like the kidz club or how to draw a crowd in an hour. Also it was so good to learn some things from Joann who started the Magdalene Project(outreach to Prostitutes). Joann is wanting to build a dream center in her neighborhood of Niagra Falls. Another highlight was watching Ana have a "can-do" attitude. She was willing to do anything. She prayed over a young woman with 2 kids who is in a very unhealthy relationship.And, there was a man named Tim that I prayed with. He had been in and out of jail & is now a single dad w/custody and really wanted to make a change in his life. He said the sinner's prayer and then we prayed for some things in his life. I was so blessed today!"

Heading Out in the City of Niagra

Sam, Nick, Kaelyn and Carlos are organizing bags with candy & info about Jesus stuffing backpacks, and putting them in a motorhome for their big event this Saturday. It sounds similar to the backpack blast Life! Church has done in the past. I'm looking forward to doing the same when we come home!!!
Eve, Ana,Kathi and I are about to walk around and meet people in the neighborhood to invite them to kids club & the spaghetti dinner. We have candy in hand to pass out and trashbags to clean up area.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

no internet

Just wanted to share with you that we have had no internet service available. I am updating from my cell phone. When I find a location with wireless, ill be able to add photos! =)
~Jenn

From the moment we left..

From the moment we left for NY, God has been bringing us together as a group. As we begin our week of serving others and being God's arms and legs extended, please pray that we would would be confident and bold in living out "Life!" for Jesus.
Today we will be going to Niagra Falls (the city). It is nothing like where we visited yesterday. This city is a drug infested city with many prostitutes. It has locations that even police won't go. It has rows of crack houses and children running the streets because their parents arent available for them. There are also other kids and families who want to live their life for Christ. In Niagra Falls, we will be doing kids club. It is a program similar to an outside vbs. We will also be praying with people, door knocking, and serving a spaghetti dinner to the neighborhood.
Our team will be stretched today in day 1 of their work week. Keep Sam, Kathi, Ana, Nick, Kaelyn, Carlos, and Eve in your prayers. Please keep me in your prayers as well. We love you.
~Jenn

Oh Canada Part Trois-The Final Chapter

The most exciting leg of our journey was the return trip back to NY.Carlos made sure to tell everyone he could that we, in fact, were American! After a great trip to the Canadian side of the falls we were stopped by Homeland Security where we were again questioned about our intentions in border crossing. This was becoming so routine that our fearless leader, Jenn, actually exclaimed, "This is kinda fun!" as we were escorted to the HS office. After what seemed like days in the cold metal chairs we were called and asked to verify our citizenship (and geneology of our children) we were free to go. The best part of our experience in customs was our newfound friendship with Officer Burkhardt. The first officer we talked to found our situation "hard to believe" but Officer B treated us with grace and respect. In parting he shared with us a specific prayer request for himself and his family so we prayed in the parking lot. We know that God gives us what we ask for and what we need! He was bold enough to ask so let's be bold enough to believe!

Thanks for all the prayers and for following our epic mission to Buffalo (and beyond). Pics to follow soon :) - Sam

Oh Canada part deux

After declaring ourselves at customs the benevolent agent decided that instead of putting us in foreign jail or deporting us, he would let us in! So, team buffalo has gone international baby! God gives us better things than we could even think to ask for! -Sam

Oh Canada!

The team left church feeling refreshed and ready for a day of adventure...in New York. So why are we stuck in Canadian customs, you ask? That's my thought exactly! Our fearless leader Jenn grasps the steering wheel with white knuckles at this very moment coming up with a plan to smuggle our contraband pb and j's across the border. The rest of us are practicing our canadian accents. We will keep you updated... -Sam

We have arrived at the Harvest House.

We had an awesome drive with no traffic. The van drove smoothly without any bumps and bruises...

Within the first half hour of our trip,I pulled off the road so that we could come together as a group, talk, and pray. In many of our lives we have gone through a season of trusting God & working through some things. If any of you have ever been on a mission trip then you know that the week before you leave seems to be a challenging one... As a group, we haven't had much time to connect so the first stop came as an opportunity to talk and share. I ended up stopping at a cemetary... It reminded me of the verse: Matt 16:24 "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." .. Our heart is to become more of Him and less of us. Kathi prayed that we would have peace and unity. Sam prayed for our group and challenged us to share with others what Christ has done in our own lives. That brief moment in the cemetary was an asnwer to prayer...we were bonding..

When we left there, I slowly hit one of those old stone markers on the ground. My tire gently grazed it.

Everything was great and like I said earlier, we had an awesome trip! ...Oh, and we have chosen the name "Q-Tip" for our ride! :)

We arrived at the Harvest House and Pastor Eric met us here to open the building. He was very happy to see us.

The rest of the night has been about setting up and getting unpacked. Tomorrw we will visit the Buffalo Dream Center :)

Well, ereyone is sleeping now and I have fallen asleep writing this to you 3 times bow. I'm gonna get some rest now so that I can be ready for tomorrow.

Thanks so much again for your prayers. We arrived safely...Praise God!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Meanwhile in NY......

Meanwhile in NY......

Thankfully the rock in the cemetary didn't hurt our big van's tire!
(If you want to know more about that then be sure to check back later).

Ana has diagnosed us all with "chronic sleep deprivation".

And, we are currently coming up with a name for our van. Kathi likes "big Vinny" but we haven't decided yet. What do you think? Any suggestions?

Everyone is ready to hit the road again after our little break. We will be stopping to eat lunch soon and should be in Buffalo by 530pm.

A night sleep away...

We are just finishing packing. I just spoke with Ana (its after 10pm) and she is still in the process of moving into her new home tonight and then will finalize her preparations for our trip to Buffalo...Wish i was there to help her. I'm sure that Ana will be tired tomorrow and hopefully get some rest during our long drive to tomorrow.

In thinking of Ana's move I am reminded of a ministry within the Dream Center:
Project Prevention.... I cant imagine Ana not having anything to put in her home or food to care for her boys. Her family is cared for. Ana is able to provide for her sons... In Buffalo, there are many families that live without. Project Prevention builds relationships and fills needs!

Volunteers from the Buffalo Dream Center meet every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. for Adopt-A-Block. Teams of people "adopt" city blocks by building relationships with the families living in those communities. The teams clean the streets, mow lawns, paint over graffiti, and serve the people with acts of kindness. We are going to get to do that!

Pastor Eric Johns knocked on the door of a home that he had knocked on many previous Saturdays. Nobody had ever answered. This time, however, Maria, a single-mother of three answered the door. Pastor Eric asked if there was anything he could do to serve her and her family. Maria mentioned that her refrigerator was broken. She showed him the duct tape holding the door closed. The freezer wasn't working and the food had defrosted.

Pastor Eric immediately called Tomaine Jordan, the director of Project Prevention, and mentioned Maria's need for a new refrigerator. Tomaine thought that there was possibly a refrigerator available through Project Prevention.

On Wednesday, the Project Prevention team delivered a refrigerator to Maria. While visiting her they discovered other needs the family had like diapers and food. They began to build a relationship with Maria and the family living upstairs who needed a toddler bed for their baby boy.

One week after the refrigerator was delivered, the school bus that takes children to the Kidz Club After-School Program pulled up in Maria's neighborhood. She was standing at the bus stop with two of her children. They climbed aboard the bus to attend Kidz Club. They have been attending the program every Thursday since that time. Recently they have shown up for Sunday morning services.

Through Adopt-A-Block the need was discovered. Project Prevention met the need. Kidz Club provided a safe place for two of Maria's children to spend time after-school. Maria receives food from the Joseph Project Mobile Food Pantry once every month. Her family was also helped through the recent massive food distribution sponsored by Feed the Children.

The relationship with Maria continues. Every Saturday Pastor Eric still knocks on her door.... and hopefully this Saturday we will get to knock on Maria's door too!

... We meet at 7am to hit the road!

Testing my Blog through BB email

Just getting prepared to keep you posted. If for some reason I do not have internet, I will be able to update everything through my phone. It is a benefit of staying in the states I guess.

When we go, we will not be watching tv or going on the internet. We will not be online (unless to update you) and texting will be at a very minimum. Most team members will leave cell phones behind when we exit our doors every morning. Most days will be spent leaving at 9am and returning after 9pm...

We will be pressed into God and seeking Him. We will be ready to be His hands and arms extended. We will be the smile on His face.We will share His love.

Please be praying for us as we continue to prepare to leave on Saturday. This trip is very exciting and many of us going have been faced with challenges this week. I am almost happy about facing challenges before we leave on our mission trip... It makes me think of James 12:1 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." How cool is that?

I am asking you to be in prayer for us. Pray for unity in our team. We are 4 women and 4 kids ages 11&12. Pray for strength and wisdom. Pray for our families and friends that we are leaving behind. Pray for us to be filled with His Spirit as we go. We cannot do this in our own strength. Pray for God to do amazing things for the people of Buffalo.

..And now setting up my BB text to blog. Hopefully this works!

Less than a week away....

Thank you for checking our blog. Please keep us in prayer as we prepare to leave for The Buffalo Dream Center in Buffalo NY!