Weekly Update

Here at Believe to Become the teens were able to volunteer for Hope Reformed Church's Kids Day Camp. The teens planned 45mins worth of fun and games for the children! It was a great time, and the children left happy!

August Prayer Request

*Douglas
*Randi Vorhees' family: her mother passed away earlier this week
*Kelvin's mom-health
*Amy's dad- health
*Please pray for GRIL's Believe to Become high school teens as they carry out their social justice projects and continue their growth as leaders.
 

Monthly Memory Verse

August Memory Verse!


Isaiah  23:6 "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."

Devotions

DEVOTIONS: by Pastor Raymond J. Hamilton
“Oh Lord we praise You. . .”

Just to encourage your hearts this morning Proverbs 22:24-25 says: “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: lest thou  learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.”

     We are warned that through association, we can pick up bad habits of other people. This is really the way angry mobs start, someone gets mad about an issue, and then they incite others to take up their personal offenses. The Bible says that a person can be ensnared and trapped into an evil situation by a close relationship with an angry person. Angry people are always stirring up trouble. There are also other dangers of hanging out with the wrong crowd. We are warned in the Bible not to make close friendships with habitual sinners. If we do not want to be like the kind of people that are evil, we must not be buddies with them, nor allow our children to buddy with them. There is a saying, "If you play with fire, you will get burned." Young people and older people as well cannot entertain the notion that they can be close to wickedness and not find themselves being dragged into the same wicked deeds that they do. If we do not resist evil, it will soon overtake us.

     This does not mean that we are not to witness to sinners, nor isolate ourselves from them when we must come in contact with them. It just means we are not to form close relationships with them. We should also warn our children to be careful who they choose as friends. Parents should also have a say as to the kind of friends their children "hang out" with. I praise God for the young people who are good kids and are leading good Christian lives. It is not easy to live for Christ in an ungodly society. But they should be warned about their friendships as well. One trick that the devil uses to ensnare good Christians is to entice them to become friends with ungodly people. Satan usually whispers that by being their friend, they can win them to Christ. I am not saying we should snub evil people, nor should we be unkind to them. However, we cannot become close buddies to those that practice unrighteousness, as this has been the downfall of many Christians. Be blessed and remember “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”

What's Happening Now

The Believe to Become graduation and social justice presentations is August 11th, 2011 at Hope Reformed Church! The ceremony will be held from 6-8pm. Please join us as we celebrate with one another!!

The teens are currently participating in a silent protest demonstration. During this time the teens are able to take action, and represent their social justice topics. Below is the Health and Wellness group! This is a great opportunity for the teens to present to their community what they have been learning !! Not only are they gaining knowledge but they are able to be a voice!!

Spotlight!

Above is a picture of Ashley, Alaysha, and Rouselba (left to right) They are 3 of 11 teens who represent the social justice group for Bullying. This was the teams first time ever performing their skit to a large audience! As a group they presented a scenario of what bullying looks like for them every day. After the performance the teens and their coach were able to have time for discussion about different forms of bullying, the affects bullying may have on a person, and why being a voice and not a bystander is very important! The audience was a group of teens at The Navigators bible study! The Bullying team did a great job, and will have more opportunities to perform their skit!

spotlight!

What's Happening Now

This week, the teens are continuing on with the Believe 2 Become program. They are learning more on what it means to be a community and the resources that are available to a community. What makes a community a community? What vital things make up the central components of a community? Through this we have challenged the teens to be more aware of their surrondings and realize what makes their communities specifically unique. Also going on this week is time management, where we take teens through a week of thier lives and have them write down everything that they do!

What's Happening Now

Believe 2 Become is now in week 4, and the teens are over halfway done with the program! We feel privelaged to be able to work with these teens, and it's our goal to continue walking with them the rest of the summer. Already the staff here at GRIL is seeing differences being made in the lives of these teenagers. Every day is a unique experience where 45 lives come together to challenge themselves and ask tough questions. As these teens go through this program, a familiar verse pops into mind. Proverbs 27:17 which states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."  We have seen throughout this program, teens stepping out of their comfort zone to challenge themselves and their peers in their everday beliefs and values. We have also seen the awareness level with how people act and treat each other raised as well, and it has been an encouraging thing to see. So as the summer continues, we look forward to continued journey which we are on with the Believe 2 Become program. Throughout it all, God is faithful!!

DEVOTIONS: by Pastor Raymond J. Hamilton

“Oh Lord I love you, for you are the desire of my heart. . .”

Just to encourage your hearts this morning Mathew 17:20: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.”           A little faith goes a long way in clearing your mind, in restoring inner peace, in allowing you to function as a person who is capable of great things, for indeed you are. Faith in God in you and in others develops courage, patience, understanding, hope, and so much more. It strengthens you and every aspect of your life. Each thought or act of faith is like a single fiber that, when woven together with others, creates a lifeline that connects you to health peace, prosperity, and great opportunities.

          Have enough faith to keep on going even when there seems no way to go on. Such faith is the understanding that God will see you through whatever it is that you are experiencing. Faith is surrendering to God’s presence and power and accepting that with God, nothing is impossible. Remember “God is able and He won’t fail.” Be blessed and may you always have enough faith to know, enough patience to wait, and enough will to trust God to work out everything in your life.

July Memory Verse

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God...and the word became flesh."

July Prayer Requests

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Douglas.
Randi Vorhees' mom, Joyce, who has lung cancer.
Tim Brown - health.
Kelvin's mom-health.
Amy's dad- health.
Please pray for GRIL's Believe to Become high school summer site. We will have 45 teens who will be challenged to grow as social justice fighters in our city.

Spotlight!

An Interview with Katie Novakowski

Recently GRIL had the opportunity to catch up with former GRIL graduate Katie Novakowski. Here's what she had to say about her expirience with GRIL!

GRIL: Hey Katie! Wow, it's been a while how are you? Ok, jumping right in, what was the greatest memory that you’ve had at GRIL U?

Katie: Wow! That was fast, and I'm doing very well! I would have to say that the greatest memory that I've had at GRIL was when we took the Colorado trip, and painted bridges. It was really fun because I got to connect with GRIL and my peers. Even though it was at the end, it was amazing. And also riding in the back of trucks was a truly unique experience.

GRIL: What was one or two of your 'ah hah' moments? Or take-away moments that you learned at GRIL?

Katie: I would have to say finding out and knowing that
God has a bigger plan for me than I realized myself. Also the time management class that we took really helped shape me for me who I am.

GRIL: Have you been able to maintain those “ah hahs” or take aways?

 Katie: Staying in contact with people is the big key to it all and I've been able to do that! Also going back to the time management skills I learned, it's important to surround myself with positive people.

GRIL:
What do you think GRIL has prepared you best for?

Katie: It overall has made me a better leader and has equipped me towards a sucessful future!

GRIL: Thanks for the time Katie! Blessings on you!

Katie: Thanks, and I'll see you soon!!!

July Weekly Update

Jesus is Lord! It has been an amazing week with our believe to become teenagers. There are times where you can see actually see understanding and pride that come forth from these teens as they grasp a concept. They are truely a unique group, and the whole GRIL staff feels privelaged to work with them. Stay tuned to the blog to hear more about them, and their stories. Again, all honor and glory to God and the opportunities he has given the whole staff here at GRIL.

What's Happening Now

GRIL has been in amazing transition, as we graduated our newest GRIL class of 2011 and are now into summer mode! For the summer of 2011, GRIL has had the opportunity to work with the Grand Rapids Public School system and be a site for the Believe 2 Become program. This opportunity has us working with 40 teenagers who are within the Grand Rapids Public School system, and GRIL finds itself in a unique opportunity to spread the love of God within the GRPS, and also develop and encourage these teens in their everday walk with God. It has been a joy to share with these teens the love that God has for them and his divine plan for every single one of them. This has been a whirlwind of activity on GRIL's front lines, but the staff has been amazing in adapting to their enviroment, and it has been awesome to see the hand of God at work within these teens lives. As such a time as this, God knew that GRIL was going to be involved with this and we step forward confidently entrenched in his promises.  The coaches who are walking with these teens everyday are truly an example of servant leadership. Included are some pictures of these awesome teens and the work that GRIL is doing.

Devotions: Pastor Raymond J. Hamilton

“God specializes in things that seem impossible. . .”
 Just to encourage your hearts this morning Proverbs 21:21 says: “He that follloweth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
Seeking after righteousness is the secret of an honorable and overcoming life. If anyone will seek whole heartedly after righteousness and mercy, they will not only find it, but will obtain life and honor themselves. This is the same principle found in Jesus Sermon on the Mount in Mathew’s gospel the fifth chapter where He teaches how blessed we are if we are humble, meek, peaceable and so on. The Definition of Bible righteousness means to be in the right standing with God.
 If we are in the right standing with God, we will then be right standing with men, as the Lord will always lead us to do the right thing toward our brothers and sisters. The bible is very clear that we cannot love God, whom we have not seen, if we do not love our brother, that we can see. Righteousness and mercy are so important in God’s economy, that when we seek His kingdom and His righteousness first, it will bring us life, righteousness and honor. We can also be assured that the Lord will take care of our needs, as that is His promise to us. Be blessed and remember “seek not your own understanding but all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

July's Memory Verse

2 Thessalonians 3:3 The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

July's Prayer Requests

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Douglas
Randi Vorhees' mom, Joyce, who has lung cancer
Tim Brown - health
Kelvin's mom-health
Amy's dad- health
Please pray for GRIL's Believe to Become high school summer site. We will have 40 teens who will be challenged to grow as social justice fighters in our city

Spotlight!

An Interview with Katie Novakowski

Recently GRIL had the opportunity to catch up with former GRIL graduate Katie Novakowski. Here's what she had to say about her expirience with GRIL!

GRIL: Hey Katie! Wow, it's been a while how are you? Ok, jumping right in, what was the greatest memory that you’ve had at GRIL U?

Katie: Wow! That was fast, and I'm doing very well! I would have to say that the greatest memory that I've had at GRIL was when we took the Colorado trip, and painted bridges. It was really fun because I got to connect with GRIL and my peers. Even though it was at the end, it was amazing. And also riding in the back of trucks was a truly unique experience.

GRIL: What was one or two of your 'ah hah' moments? Or take-away moments that you learned at GRIL?

Katie: I would have to say finding out and knowing that
God has a bigger plan for me than I realized myself. Also the time management class that we took really helped shape me for me who I am.

GRIL: Have you been able to maintain those “ah hahs” or take aways?

 Katie: Staying in contact with people is the big key to it all and I've been able to do that! Also going back to the time management skills I learned, it's important to surround myself with positive people.

GRIL:
What do you think GRIL has prepared you best for?

Katie: It overall has made me a better leader and has equipped me towards a sucessful future!

GRIL: Thanks for the time Katie! Blessings on you!

Katie: Thanks, and I'll see you soon!!!

Weekly Update!

You know what? You are created for impact! Every day your feet hit the ground God wants to show himself up to your life. I mean heck, God already exists within you! Sometimes life can get us down and out and we forget about God's plan for our life. Sometimes out life can be so bundled and cluttered that we can forget about God, but he will never leave us nor forsake us. So be encouraged that God lives in you, and seek after him. He WILL find you, and he loves you! Your his child, so why wouldn't he want to communicate with you ya dig?? It's a two way street!! That's awesome thank you God! Stay blessed ya'll!

What's Happening Now

HEY everyone! Last weekend we had the Where U At conference. It was a weekend full of fun, excitement and renewed minded spirit - Gods presence was felt! The GRIL U teens did an amazing job at stepping up and taking on leadership.
This week the GRIL U teens continued working on their breakthrough plans. Please pray for the teens and the adults as they continue/wrap up their breakthrough plans in the following weeks.

Devotions!

DEVOTIONS: by Pastor Raymond J. Hamilton  “Jesus Keep me near the Cross. . .”

Just to encourage your hearts this morning Colossians 1:16(KJV) “For in Him all things in heaven and on earth were created.”

            There is no limit to God’s creative ability. Created in God’s image, we are fashioned to be creative, too. God has provided the material for building homes and other structures, and has given humanity a rich earth and food supply so that all can be nourished. God instilled in each person with love and compassion so that people are eager to help one another. It’s sad however, that we don’t use it; many would rather tear down their brother or sister then see them succeed.  God has granted every person grace so that the world knows it is okay to make a mistake. We are not perfect individuals but I encourage you to strive for that perfection. 

            Through the right use of what God has given us, we are God’s apprentice. The tools we use are divine guidance, intuition, faith and love. Whether we discover a better way to do something, form a new friendship, or work at redeeming a social condition, God is our instructor and guide. Together we can create a world of good. Let me encourage you and remind you that because we are one of His and He is the creator of it all. There is nothing that He won’t do for those who trust in Him. Be blessed and may this day be bigger than any other day you’ve seen.

May's Memory Verse!

MAY'S MEMORY VERSE:
  Philippians 4:13:  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May's Prayer Requests

*Douglas
*For the adult participants as they work on their break through plan
*Randi Vorhees' mom, Joyce, who has lung cancer
*Tim Brown - health
*Theresa Walker - health

Spotlight: Patrick Pascal

Patrick Pascal (GRIL U Graduate, 2009)

Ministry: Navigators

If you were at the Where You At Conference for 2011, you may have noticed a young man in a sweatsuit walking around. This was the very one and only Patrick Pascal.

Role: Patrick currently is involved with the Navigators serving as an adult leader for their Sunday night bible study. He also is involved with GRIL U meetings as a helper/mentor to the teens involved.

Takeaways: Patrick’s experience with GRIL U has strengthened his relationship with God and his peers. He is not afraid to talk about God publicly and reach out to help others in need.  Furthermore, his experience is something that he wants others to know about since it has equipped him to become a better leader and to be more involved in his community

Weekly Update

The Lord is good is he not! It's amazing to wake up, take a drive down the street and to see the wonderful things that God has created. Sometimes I see it in people's character, other times in his creation. On the way to work I passed along side of the Grand River. The sun was out in full force and the water seemed to sparkle as if there were diamonds underneath the surface. It may be the Grand River, but what a wonderful thing that God has created (the Grand River) in that it runs through our city. Be on the lookout for those "Ah ha!" moments, or "GIMS " (God impact moments) because they come more frequently than you would think and they are all around us in every way!

Are you recovered from the Where U at Conference?? That was simply amazing to see youth pouring out their hearts to God, and to see him move in the lives of others! A lot of healing took place and now that you are back, the devil is going to try and to take that away! Stay planted in the word! There will be trials and tribulations that you will face, and old things will try to sneak back into your life but be ENCOURAGED! Because the spirit of God lives in you! If there is a way out, GOD WILL provide it! You just have to be looking for it!  Stay encouraged and be blessed ya'll!

What's Happening Now!

GRIL U: This week we have small groups as well as the following week.
    GRIL ADULT PROGRAM: Breakthrough presentations are May 13.
Don't forget to "like" us on facebook. Stay tuned for 2011 Where U at pictures to hit the net!!!

DEVOTIONS: by Pastor Raymond J. Hamilton

  “Oh for grace to trust Him more. . .”

Just to encourage your hearts this morning John 16:33 (KJV) “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

      No matter what is going on around you, the spirit of God is peace within that soothes and comforts you. So if you are faced with a challenge of monumental proportions or merely undecided about which direction to head in, know that you can count on the sacred spirit of God.  That divine connection you have with Him allows you to have that peace that passes all understanding. As you spend time with Him each day, you should ask Him to bring peace to your life in the midst of every storm. So today just relax in Him and allow His spirit to guide you in what you should say and do. Remember He is not a God of confusion, but a God of peace. Do not forget “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”(Mathew 5:9)  Be blessed today and may His love always be evident in your life.

May's Memory Verse!

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Think about that for a minute! Everything that we think that we can't do Christ says you are able to. So test your faith, and see how God delivers!

May's Prayer Requests

PRAYER REQUESTS:
*Douglas
*For the adult participants as they work on their break through plan
*Randi Vorhees' mom, Joyce, who has lung cancer
*Merv Griffioen - health
*Tim Brown - health
*Theresa Walker - health

Carena Shannon

Note: *Spotlight publishes graduates bi-weekly!*

Carena Shannon

SPOTLIGHT!!!!

Carena Shannon (GRIL U Graduate, 2006)

Ministry: Navigators

Carena Shannon is making a difference in several ministries that she is playing a role in. She serves as a bible study leader for a teen girls group that meets bi-weekly.  In addition to that, she also mentors teens who participate in GRIL U, with the help of the Navigator leaders. She has been working as a mentor for the past 3 yrs.

Takeaways: GRIL U has helped Carena gain a better awareness of herself. In making her mission statement "leading and teaching youth about her spirituality and relationships," Carena has applied that to her life and is now working towards gaining a degree in ministry, with an emphasis of business at North Park Theological Seminary. She has already obtained her bachelors in Social Work, and would like to work in ministry in a more societal focus rather than a church setting.

Weekly Update for April

Hey GRIL family!

Welcome to the blog site, and stay tuned for upcoming events, activities, and the overall pulse of GRIL!!  We hope that in the future months this may be a place for you to pick up and see where GRIL has been and where it is going!

Special thanks!-Denise Fase! Denise is the heart and soul of what GRIL is and what it is out to achieve. From behind the scenes to the streets, Denise is energizing teens all around the Grand Rapids area to step up and take charge of their future!!! Don't be surprised to hear about her more in the upcoming months and years!

What's Happening Now!

This week in GRIL U we had small groups with the teens focusing on prayer and spending time with God. The teens really enjoyed the quiet time. As they spread around the building, we could feel God's presence! Some of the teens sang a song of worship, while others prayed or read their Bible.  The CLP and Youth Worker program participants met on Friday and learned about Resource Networking.

GET PUMPED FOR WHERE YOU AT! If you haven't signed up, SIGN UP!!

April's Prayer Requests

PRAYER REQUESTS:
*Douglas - blessings in his new marriage in San Salvador
*For the teens as they put what they've been learning about being empowering leaders to work
*For the adult participants as they work on their break through plan
*Randi Vorhees' mom, Joyce, who has lung cancer
*Merv Griffioen - health
*Tim Brown - health concerns
*Theresa Walker - health

April's Memory Verse

APRIL'S MEMORY VERSE:
  Proverbs 16:24 "Pleasant word are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Carena Shannon

SPOTLIGHT!!!!

Carena Shannon (GRIL U Graduate, 2006)

Ministry: Navigators

Carena Shannon is making a difference in several ministries that she is playing a role in. She serves as a bible study leader for a teen girls group that meets bi-weekly.  In addition to that, she also mentors teens who participate in GRIL U, with the help of the Navigator leaders. She has been working as a mentor for the past 3 yrs.

Takeaways: GRIL U has helped Carena gain a better awareness of herself. In making her mission statement "leading and teaching youth about her spirituality and relationships," Carena has applied that to her life and is now working towards gaining a degree in ministry, with an emphasis of business at North Park Theological Seminary. She has already obtained her bachelors in Social Work, and would like to work in ministry in a more societal focus rather than a church setting.

"Hold to God's Unchanging Hand."

DEVOTIONS: by Pastor Raymond J. Hamilton 

“Hold to God’s unchanging hand. . .”

Just to encourage your hearts this morning Proverbs 14:13-14(KJV) “Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.”

 Laughter is an emotion; it proceeds from the soul of man. When a man's soul has not been redeemed, he may laugh temporarily at certain things that are funny to him, while deep in his heart he is most miserable. Until we are "born again" we cannot know real happiness and joy because these things only come from a relationship with Jesus Christ. The world has always been amazed at how true Christians could maintain a spirit of joy even in great trials and suffering. This is possible because the Lord gives His joy to His saints and it is not dependant on circumstances, but rather upon abiding in Christ. The power of the Holy Spirit can sustain us in our deepest trials.
Those who are backsliders (those who slide back from God) have no reserves to lean on as they are not filled with the Holy Spirit, but rather are filled with their own ways. They have no inner strength to bring them through their trials.
Consequently, many of God's own people are destroyed for lack of faith, when under attack of the devil. This is why it is so important to use our time wisely. When things are going good in life we need to use that time to study God's Word and store up the truths of God in our hearts. We can be ashamed in our Christian walk if we do not know God's Word. I encourage you to study to show thy self approve…..unto God.