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{Heart4Teens.com} *One to Another*

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Good morning Heart4Teens subscribers!

We have a wonderful story from the Tasteberries series of books today that will challenge you and touch your heart. And for you teens living in the Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin area, be sure to look at the upcoming events section below! Lots of cool things to do in the month of February!

From my family to yours,
Michael
P.S. Only five more weeks until Baby Powers is born! Whoo-hoo!!


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One to Another

by Kate Harmon (From the Taste Berries for Teens book series co-authored by Bettie B. Youngs and Jennifer Leigh Youngs)



I was in Cambodia last summer, walking through the city streets jam-packed with people. The humidity was so high I could hardly breath. The noise-horns honking, police whistles screaming at cars and people, and just the rumbles of people all going about their days was so loud my head hurt. I looked around and asked myself, "Why exactly had I come?" I was ready to return home.

With this thought on my mind, I looked down and noticed a small boy at my side, trying as best as he could to keep up with my stride. His shirt was as tattered and as dirty as his shorts. His battered sandals were tied to his feet by frayed chords. But it was his face that looked the most worn: He looked to be a very weary old soul, a boy far older than his years.

I have never known poverty, hunger or despair, but something about this young boy told me he was no stranger to these things. I stopped, and he quickly ran in front of me, and began to beg for some food. He was so gaunt and frail, even sickly. I wondered when he had eaten his last meal. With eyes pleading, he offered up a faint smile. My heart went out to him. I wondered if there was anyone who loved him, or if he was homeless as so many children here were. Though there was a small spark of hope in his eyes, I wondered how much-if any-joy or laughter was his. Hoping akin to begging, the small boy put his thin hands together, as if to say, "I pray you will help me." It made me wonder if he knew of the "peace that passes all understanding." He was such a young boy, a little boy in desperate need of so much. Surely I could help him. I decided to begin by talking about God's love. After all, it was what I had come here with a group of youth to do: help these children learn of God's love. He walked along side of me until I reached my destination, a large military hospital. From the appearance of this building, one could easily mistake it for a garbage dump. The walls were peeling and trash was piled high on all sides of the building. I stood in disbelief as my eyes took in more than my heart could handle. Malnourished children, some of them very sick, struggled to keep their place in line so as to receive a small portion of soup for the day.

The boy, his hand in mine, stood looking at this dismal scene of poverty, loss, pain and suffering, and then looked to me as though I would somehow make it all go away. I was overwhelmed. I couldn't make it go away; in fact, I felt paralyzed from just seeing it all. Worse, I wanted to go away. But I had come here with a mission. And in that moment, I wanted more than anything to speak their language and to somehow show the love that compelled me to travel across the world, to share the message of God. But then doubt assailed me: Who was I to come to this abused and strife-filled land with words of hope? Somehow the Gospel takes on new meaning in such a setting. Either the Gospel is everything, truly having the power to heal the broken hearted, or it can seem like a luxury-which for a fleeting moment crossed my mind as being true for this setting. Here food and water ranked first in terms of dire needs. I felt so helpless. I wanted to talk about God, but how could I? I was so young and there were so many hungry and sick people who needed food and medicine. I didn't even speak their language. Instead of praying for them, I stood in frustration and prayed for wisdom and understanding for me -- which came in the squeeze on my hand. I looked down into the big brown eyes of the little boy whom I had befriended. He pointed to the soup line in the far corner of the hospital where sick children stood patiently waiting for their daily meal. The boy was famished, possibly even starving to death, but the food was for the children who were sick, and not just hungry. I watched as the little boy looked on, longing for a bowl of soup.

I pulled from my bag a sandwich I had brought for my lunch, and gave it to him. Then, I sat down and placed him in my lap so he could feel secure. The boy rested his head on my shoulder and began to eat. Then, we noticed a tiny malnourished girl watching us, a little soul too frail to get up and join in the soup line. Instantly, the boy got up out of my lap and went to her, and then, sitting cross-legged in front of her, he fed her the remaining sandwich he had.

One starving child feeding another.

It was a life-changing moment.

My intention had been to teach of God's love. Instead, I was shown it. I was student that day; not the teacher. It was on that day that two little children showed me the essence of God's love: serving each other. It wasn't about good deeds, but rather, serving and caring for each other. I was taught this not by an eloquent sermon, but by two little hungry children turned out in the streets of Cambodia, children who knew how to be God's love for each other. It was an action I'll never ever forget, one that filled me with humility, serenity and strength, too. Watching the little boy's instinctual sharing gave me a newfound love and respect for all people, and gave me greater courage to have empathy for all people.

I am forever grateful for that trip-for the little boy who tugged at my hand and heart that day showed me a deeper meaning of love than I had ever experienced. For sure, that day changed my concept of love -- and how we can best witness to others God's love for all his children.

Kate Harmon, 18

(From the Taste Berries for Teens book series co-authored by Bettie B. Youngs and Jennifer Leigh Youngs)

Bettie B. Youngs
bettie@tasteberriesforteens.com

E-mail Bettie and let her know what you thought of today's story!
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Bettie B. Youngs, Ph.D., Ed.D. is a former teacher of the year, former university professor and the author of 21 books. With her daughter Jennifer Leigh Youngs she has co-authored the best-selling Taste Berries for Teens series. Bettie has appeared frequently on CNN, NBC Nightly News, and Oprah. Jennifer is a speaker and workshop presenter for teens nationwide.

Be sure to visit their website at: http://www.tasteberriesforteens.com/

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Let's Go Surfing Dude!

AS A TEEN DO YOU DARE TO BELIEVE?

Then check out this website by author T. Suzanne Eller!  It is filled with inspirational stories, cool books just for teens, and a ray of hope to this generation of teenagers! http://www.daretobelieve.org/


Why Dare to Believe?
by T. Suzanne Eller


I dared to believe that God loved me.

I dared to believe that He had a plan for my life.

I dared to believe that He would walk with me when I was given a 40% chance of surviving five years after a diagnosis of breast cancer. That was 13 years ago...

I dared to believe that He would take care of my family when my son was hit by a drunk driver.

I continue to dare to believe because He's relevant. He's not afraid of the tough stuff. God can reach anyone, anywhere, at any time -- no matter what.

I dare to believe in the teens of this generation. They are honest. They are real. They are awesome. This is a seeking generation looking for someone to tell them -- and live -- the truth.

I dare to believe that God has called us to make a difference -- not through rules or regulations or traditions or doctrine, but through obeying God radically from the heart and showing a world His love in action.

Do you dare to believe? To understand that God has been reaching for you?
 
I hope so because He's been waiting for you...


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Thought For The Day:

"Our talks are often in first drafts -- lots of corrections necessary!"


Verse for the Day:

"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." James 3:2


Teen's Thought For The Day:

"Remember you're never too old to hold your father's hand."


Parent's Thought For The Day

"I didn't make the same mistakes my parents made when they raised me. I was too busy making new ones." -Bruce Lansky


Coach's Thought For The Day

"I don't believe for a second weightlifting is a sport. They pick up a heavy thing and put it down again. To me, that's indecision." --Paula Poundstone


Deep Thought For The Day:

"Laziness: Resting before you get tired."


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Author MICHAEL T. POWERS
http://www.heart4teens.com/

Contributing Author to Chicken Soup for the Christian Teen's Soul and 18 other inspirational books.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20

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ALL-STAR Ministry

--The Youth Church of Faith Community Church in Janesville, WI

If you are in 6-12th grade and live in the southern Wisconsin/northern Illinois area and would like to check us out, we meet every Sunday night from 6:00-8:30 PM at Faith Community Church which is located at 2931 Lucerne Dr. in Janesville, WI. (About 3 blocks south-east of The Skating Place.)

Currently we have students from Fort Atkinson, Milton, Janesville Craig, Janesville Parker, Marshall, Orfordville, Clinton, Beloit Memorial, Beloit Turner, South Beloit, and Hononegah. E-mail me back if you have any questions about our weekly meetings or would like to come to any of our events that are listed below... We have way too much fun and then, most importantly, talk about issues that are relevant to you as a teenager.


THIS WEEK:

All-Stars: 2/1 -- No regular All-Stars this week. We will be coming back from our SnoBall weekend trip!

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

February 27-28 -- 30 Hour Famine! (Jr. High)

During these 30 hours teens learn more about what it's like in other parts of the world where children don't have enough to eat. The students will spend their time learning about world issues and at the same time find ways to serve their own community by actually doing service projects that weekend.

Participants ask family, friends, and neighbors to sponsor them with pledges as they go without food for 30 hours to identify with those who are hungry.

To kick off our 30 Hour Famine this year, the nationally known Christian band ApologetiX will be performing Friday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m at Faith Community Church in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Tickets: $10 Adv.  $15 Door
On Sale Monday, January 26 at Lighthouse Books & Gifts, Janesville, WI (608-754-2665), People's Church, Beloit (608-362-7556), Bible Book Center, Rockford, IL (815-654-0020) and Lemstone Christian Books, Rockford, IL (815-332-5505)


GIRLS NIGHT OUT!

Ladies,
How would you like to come to church and have a sit down dinner served by the good looking, strapping young men and teens from our youth group? (Oh yeah, Michael will be serving you too!) Then, after your wonderful meal, head down to Rockford, IL and attend a concert by three of the most popular Christian groups and artists in the nation! Then pay close attention to the following!

All-Stars Youth Ministry is taking a group of girls to be a part of the national "FREE EXPERIENCE" tour.

ATTENTION YOUNG LADIES OF ALL-STAR YOUTH MINISTRY!

Instead of attending our regular youth group meeting this night you will meet at Faith Community Church at 4:00 pm and have a sit down dinner prepared by the men and boys of our Youth Group. Then you will leave for Rockford at 5:45 pm to attend the "FREE EXPERIENCE" (More info on this below).

You will return home between 10:30 and 11:00 pm.

Tickets for FREE EXPERIENCE are $12.00. (And you thought the tickets would be free!)

All money must be turned in to Tedi Knox by FRIDAY FEB. 13, 2004 -- No exceptions. Make checks out to FCC Youth.


The FREE Experience events are touted as much more than a concert but a unique, youth-focused ministry and musical event for church and youth oriented groups, families, mothers, fathers and anyone who wants to have a load of fun, hear an amazing message and great music from ZOEgirl, Superchic(k) and Joy Williams. Susie Shellenberger, Editor of Brio Magazine, well known as a dynamic speaker, former youth pastor and author will host and emcee the night, helping to center the night on Christ with fun, fellowship, great music and an inspiring message.

The FREE Experience features exceptional sound and lighting production and a multimedia presentation along with plentiful audience participation. To end the night, The FREE Experience will give away free merchandise, Brio Magazine and other surprises, including the opportunity to win free magazine subscriptions. The theme of the night is the The FREE Experience?the awesome FREE Experience that Christ offers.

ZOEgirl has tallied collective sales of over one million records worldwide, bringing a solid, powerful message to teenagers, young college-aged students and even parents, searching for a way to understand their kids. Their most recent single, "You Get Me", from Different Kind Of FREE, reached and retained its place at #1 on AC radio for 6 weeks and ranked in the top 5 for 10 weeks on CHR. ZOEgirl remains the fastest-selling new artist in the 25-year history of Sparrow Records with touring credits including Newsboys, Plus One, Avalon and Carman.

Superchic(k) is a high energy band with more than 40 TV and film musical credits, including Alias, and Legally Blonde. The band's spiritually-centered lyrics offer encouragement to a teen audience that struggles with the pressures from peers and society. Their current record, Regeneration, released this October.

Joy Williams is a 3-time Dove nominated young, emerging voice with two studio records and touring credits with artists including Point Of Grace, Avalon and The Katinas. Her second release, By Surprise (Reunion Records), is a deep, heartfelt offering about surrender and obedience.


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All-Stars has extended its time to 6:00 - 8:30 PM on Sunday nights. 6:00 - 6:30 will be time for the youth to chat and discuss anything they want with the youth leaders or each other. 6:30 - 7:00 PM will be for games or fun activities and then 7:00 - 8:30 PM will be for the lesson and discussion time. Students are still welcome to "hang out" after 8:30 PM if they want, as the leaders are usually at the church until at least 10:00 PM, and some nights even later. (For the past couple of months the students have continually complained that we are running out of time before we get to really discuss the topics in full and asked if we could have longer teaching times... I know, most of you are probably now getting back up off the floor from the shock. have been most encouraged that the teens have been wanting to stay longer to be able to discuss the lessons more fully.)


The Outlet: "Get plugged into Jesus Christ!" (Teen Cell Groups)

Wednesday night community groups for teens. The groups are limited to no more than ten teens and will be originally split into Jr. High and High School ages. This night is for those teens who want to dig deeper than what we do in All-Stars, but may not be ready to be a part of the Extreme Teens. These cell groups will also be doing special activities with each other as the year goes on to build community.

Extreme Teens" (formerly the Core Group) meets from 5:00 - 6:00 PM at the church. This group is very extensive with weekly homework, memorization, service projects, etc. Students interested in this group will have to fill out an application, provide references as to why others think they should be involved with this, and sign an agreement as to what is expected of them. (If your teen will also be attending All-Stars that night, they are encouraged to bring a sack lunch or snack to tide them over until 8:30.)

We are very excited at what God is doing with our youth!


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Reading Books, Changing Lives!

For those of you who love to read or love to give out books as gifts...

You can now order a number of different autographed best-selling inspirational books for the same price you would get them in the store, the shipping to you is paid for, and you are helping change the lives of teenagers and those they come in contact with! And best of all, every penny from the book sales are going to youth ministry!

If you love to read inspirational stories, these books are most likely those you will eventually buy anyway. And how cool would it be to be able to buy books like those in the Chicken Soup series for your friends and family with a personalized autographed message by one of the contributing authors! How's that for a unique gift! Not only are you changing lives through supporting a youth ministry, but every book included on our website has the power to make a difference in the lives of those you give the books to. Check out this link to find out more!

http://www.HeartTouchers.com/books