In a very ironic turn of events, I own a puppy.  (Don’t freak out, Mom and Dad.) I technically own the puppy but I don’t possess the puppy.  Long story….. ready? Monday one of my youth boys calls me and tells me he and some friends are at the local animal shelter.  He is adopting a puppy for his girlfriend but he is only 16 so he can’t legally adopt an animal.  He needs someone 18 or older.  So he calls me….  I ask a few questions.  You know … things like…. does she know?  Do her parents know?  Do…

Sunday morning I give a report to our church about our Mission Trip this summer to San Antonio, Texas.  I only have eight minutes and it is definitely a challenge to convey in 8 minutes an infinite amount of emotions and thoughts.  But I nor anyone else desires to be at the church for an infinite amount of time so I follow the guidelines.   Below is the text of my report followed by the video that I put together for it.  I hope you will be encouraged by these things and will offer up a special prayer for the children…

I took several of my youth this weekend to an outdoor Christian concert event called Rock the Light in Kansas City. This is our fifth year attending and it is very popular with my youth for many reasons.  One is indeed because they speak the language of music and there is good music.  Red, Kutless, Thousand Foot Krutch, Audio A. They love it because they have a whole Saturday where they can run around without major supervision or expectations.  They get to just be for 10 hours with rocking music pounding all around them.  It is a highlight trip for…

I wanted to share this video with you from World Vision.  This past weekend at our youth Back to School Retreat we spent most of the time talking about God’s call to us from Micah 6:8 – "Do justice.  Love mercy.  Walk Humbly with our God."  We watched a video titled "Invisible Children" and we discussed ways that we can make a difference. We’ve each been given one life by God.  Do something with that one life. The video is a 2 minute poem that will touch your heart and give you a glimpse of what God sees everyday in…

We believe in you.We dream for youto know the God who loves you so.He’ll never ever let you go. We hope for you.We pray for youto find a way through the night.God will be your guiding light. Children of Villa Vermendi – we love you.

We returned Sunday night from an 8-day youth mission trip to San Antonio, Texas, and it was simply amazing. First – I love my youth.  I love them, I love them, I love them.  They are amazing, beautiful, giving, imperfect humans who sometimes get it right and sometimes get it wrong but their hearts and motives are good.  I had such a blast hanging out and working with all of you last week.  I could have traveled to San Antonio and back again with you.  I’ve missed you the past two days and thank God every day that He gives…

We are on our Mission Trip to San Antonio this week.  To read updates and see pictures of our trip, go to www.refugeonline.org/pictures.htm and click on "San Antonio"!! Mel