Collins Ministry Update

Children’s Ministry is Vital

John Collins — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:32:04 +0000

Children generally have their moral foundations set by the age of nine (9). Our desire as Word of Life Local Church missionaries is to encourage churches to develop strong children’s ministry for this very reason. I am excited to tell you that God is using Word of Life in many places to do just that…

Hey John,

Just had to let you know that two more of my boys gave their life to Christ tonight. Charley and a new boy Tristan. Dave gave a message on salvation and during PT time I talked to my boys about what Dave talked about. Charley didn’t really understand and Tristan had never heard of this. So I kept them after found a room we could be alone and showed them in the Bible how we are all sinners and our need for salvation. They both understood and wanted to accept Jesus as their savior. So I led them in prayer. God is good. Just wanted to share the good news. Hope to talk with ya soon. God bless.

This was a email I received this week from a children’s worker in one of our Olympian Clubs. How exciting to see children coming to Christ in the ministries we work with. The faithful leaders in these ministries we work with are doing a wonderful job of helping children form a God centered world view.

This month we also had our Olympian Overnight at Rock Mountain Bible Camp. It is a great time for leaders and children to enjoy the outdoors and grow in Christ. Hikes, hayrides, crafts, games in the gym, eating great meals. singing and Bible teaching make up this great yearly event. This year a leader from one of our clubs was the speaker and did a great job.

Pam and I want to thank you for your faithful prayers and support to make our ministry to local churches possible. By God’s grace we hope to see the ministry expand this year to 26 churches and 45 clubs.

Ministry Expansion

John Collins — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:04:20 +0000

Expansion is a good word. It means that something is growing. Now if it is our waist line that would not be good news but if we are talking about ministry influence growing…that is GREAT NEWS. The red circles on the map below represent the three areas where our ministry is focused, Binghamton NY, Scranton PA and the Lower Hudson Valley in NY. The Hudson Valley is an area that I am just starting to open this year. This fall we will see at least one new church starting Word of Life in each of these areas.

The greatest obstacle to getting more ministries started is leadership. Please be praying for God to provide raise up people who desire to build into the lives of young people so we can see more young people reached with the gospel and more young people disciple to maturity.

Teaching at WOL Summer Camp

John Collins — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:25:27 +0000

Temptation was the topic I spoke on during my week at Word of Life Ranch in early July. It is was a real challenge to take the profound truth of God’s Word and break it down for a child to understand. The children listened well and were eager to learn. Some of them helped each day during the lesson. Thank you for your prayers during this time…each day God gave me creative ideas to get His truth across to the children.

Janelle is at Word of Life Camp Ground for her 5th summer. Like last year she is heading up the 3-5 year old program with two other girls. God has really helped her to grow through this ministry opportunity. As you can see in the picture, she is in her element. This fall she heads to Word of Life Bible Institute…are we really that old?

Below is a short video clip of the teaching time at the ranch. Pam and I want you all to know how much we appreciate your faithful prayers and financial support each month.

Olympian Leader Grows

John Collins — Tue, 27 May 2008 05:32:29 +0000

John and Pam,

Before Olympian Club, my memory verse was basically John 3:16. I hardly ever read my Bible. I was thirsty for a daily devotion but didn’t have one. When I first started the club I wanted the youngest group because then I would only have to memorize the fewest verse. It was a struggle to read one book a year.

For the last 2 or 3 years I have had the oldest group because I wanted to be accountable for learning the most verses. This last year I have done my quiet time 6-7 times every week (I believe). I can’t imagine not continuing to do my memorizing scripture and quiet time. This year I am currently reading my 6^th Christian book.

I cannot express in words how much I appreciate this change in direction. I am learning more and more how much God loves me and want me to surrender my life to Him on a daily basis and serve Him.

Thank You.

Fascar is a big success

John Collins — Tue, 27 May 2008 03:31:21 +0000

What a great Fascar season we had this year. I wanted to give you more than a thanks, so I put together a 2 minute video to give you a picture of what happens at these events. Thanks for making it possible.