tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729344575342475132024-03-05T04:33:12.011-05:00Tiger Pause Youth MinistryKelly Hammerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029331958215079225noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-44322112693924325122015-10-30T11:04:00.001-04:002015-10-30T11:04:09.261-04:00A Note From The Director<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The preacher man says it’s the end of time and the Mississippi—she’s a goin’ day. Interest is up and the stock market is down, and you only got mugged if you go downtown. I live back in the woods, you see. Just the woman, the kids, the dog and me.” Those lyrics are from Hank Williams Jr. a “Country Boy Can Survive.” During my high school football career, this song played every day as we suited up for practice. While I was far from a country boy (I prefer concrete and no bugs), that mentality and culture of doing it on your own is what I have tried to instill in the youth we serve. This past summer, we had 21 youth not just working to work, but earning money to help support the ministry. Then, something happened.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In late August, school started and my work force was cut by 75%. (Most of my boys are starting players for the Beaver Falls High School Football Team—the one that has buzzed sawed through most of the section so far. We are comin’ for ya, Quip!) Then, something worse happened. The State of PA legislature decided not to pass a budget, leaving us unpaid for over $100,000 for services we have already provided. Finally, an even worse situation occurred—politicians started talking. Here’s my struggle:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pennsylvania currently ranks fourth in the nation in total revenues. (i.e. 4th highest taxes in the land) For grades K-12, our state is ranked 11th in per student spending and 7th nationally in the quality of education provided to its students with an 84% graduation rate. So, why would we need to stall the passing of the state budget in order to include more education funding at the state level? Instead, why aren’t they using more of the money earned by the multiplicity of fracking operations in the commonwealth—a veritable endless source of revenue? “Calling it your job don’t make it right, boss.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regardless, now I have to change my song. “Now I heard a cryin’ man is half a man with no sense of pride. But if I have to cry to keep you, I don’t mind weepin’ if it’ll keep you by my side.” If the Temptations were willing to sleep on a doorstep all night long, so am I.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe in this ministry and I believe in the people who work for this ministry. And I know that long after all the politicians reach their term limits, this ministry will still be here because it is built on the Word of God. So, I’m begging the people of God to help support the ministry at an even greater level during this critical time. Please know that I’m not asking for myself as, just last week, I cashed out my retirement and donated it to Tiger Pause so I won’t be a burden to you or the ministry. I want everyone to know that I’m all in. The Lord has blessed me with energy and the ability to work a second job. So, Matt Nance and his immediate family will not be hungry, unsheltered, or naked. But my Tiger Pause family needs you to, at least, pray. While some will wait on man, we will wait on the Lord so that everyone’s song will be Psalm 65:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You who answer prayer, to you all people will come.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Football, politicians, religion, and Cool Hand Luke. This will be an October to remember!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Semper Fi,</span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matt Nance</span></span></div>
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Matthew Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075746163341834973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-41651076105837506252015-09-22T09:04:00.000-04:002015-09-22T09:04:04.225-04:00Mission Trip to Costa Rica<i>"What I loved most about my trip to Costa Rica was seeing how friendly and happy the Costa Rican people were everywhere. I also loved trying all of the new foods. It was truly a blessing to have the opportunity to go to Costa Rica!"</i><br />
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- Ayanna Taylor (10th grade), Tiger Pause Work Program Employee</div>
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I will piggyback off of Ayanna’s comment; it was truly a blessing to have the opportunity to spread God’s love in Costa Rica! Along with the opportunity to minister to those in Costa Rica, I personally loved being involved in such a life changing experience with the young Tiger Pause girls, staff, and volunteers. We bonded, worked together, and opened up our own lives to each other during our times ministering, working, and during our morning devotions. It was incredible to see how the experience affected each person in our group in such a positive way. <br />
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<i>"What we saw in Costa Rica was restraint in the areas of food, clothing, cars, pleasures, appliances, things, and just stuff in general. They have everything, but they don’t have too much. Of course, in the slums and in the very poor areas, they have very little. I learned so much in Costa Rica in eight short days. My most memorable and humbling moment was at a Wednesday night prayer meeting where a young man prayed for “those who have nothing to eat tonight.” I cannot remember ever hearing or giving that kind of prayer request in all the years I’ve been a Christian. I, too, have almost forgotten the truly needy in the world."</i><br />
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- Fran Karczewski, Tiger Pause Volunteer </div>
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“Joy” would be the word I would use to capture the essence of our trip. It may seem an odd choice of words when you consider some of the experiences we had. For example, in La Carpio, one of the poorest slums in Costa Rica, we walked through the community visiting homes and families who lived in structures made of tin walls and boards. In these homes, we would sit with families and pray with them. The following day we invited the families and their children to a street carnival. Our team was taken aback by how joyful and welcoming these families were to us. With what seems to be so little, the families were still joyful. Then, during our time in Glorioso Dia Boy's Home, we helped paint, sand benches, and clean. It was definitely the young girls’ favorite day. (Could it possibly be because we spent the day with young teenage boys?) Besides the girls’ attraction to the boys, they loved our time at Glorioso Dia because they were so impacted by the joy the orphaned young men showed in the simplicity of life. Laughs were endless as we played soccer and threw water balloons into the late afternoon hours.<br />
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As a team, we reflected on joy and what we consider joy to be. Many link their happiness and joy to prosperity, but as believers, we should find joy in the Lord. “Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy. Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon.” (Philippians 4:4-5) On our trip, we saw this joy exemplified in people who had very little. While we went to Costa Rica with the full intention of witnessing and spreading the word of the Lord to others, the Lord spoke to us through everyone we met there.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who generously donated toward our trip! All our lives were impacted to the glory of God and we pray that He used us to plant seeds of His goodness with the joyful people of Costa Rica as well.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
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Erica Duffy<br />
Tiger Pause Program CoordinatorTiger Pause Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641541848802075160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-35288549614259705402015-08-21T10:33:00.002-04:002015-08-21T10:33:50.037-04:00A View from The Corner<!--[if !mso]>
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">Recently, when reading the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, I wondered if the sowers ever got discouraged as they put their talents to work for their master. Did they ever wonder if the daily grind of their efforts would produce what their master intended? Sometimes when I hear the stories of all the exciting things happening at our various programs—how children are being saved at a recent Bible study or how young men and women are being mentored in life and work skills—I wonder if my “talents” will produce what God intended. When I sit at my desk with mounds of paperwork taunting me, I can get discouraged, not truly feeling a part of the ministry work being done. Fortunately, God is faithful with timely reminders that He is at work in and through our faithfulness to put our talents to work. My reminder came during the Summer Camp Concert.</span>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 1.-663in 4.-966in 4.0605in 5.1493in; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">As I watched and listened to these young lives proclaim God’s goodness and love, I was encouraged. While I may not have been a camp counselor with a direct voice into their lives, I rejoiced in the opportunity to facilitate those who did. I may not have been given the talent of working with children, but I can put the administrative talents God has given me to support those who do. In Jesus’s parable of the talents in Matthew 25, the master expected a return on what each was given. For each servant who was faithful to put their talents to work for their master, he praised and rewarded them in accordance with what they were given. He did not hold them to account for others’ talents, only their own.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 1.-663in 4.-966in 4.0605in 5.1493in; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">As I watched the children sing, I got an overwhelming sense of how much God values each one of them and I felt honored to be a small part of their lives, even if it is in the background. As a donor, please don’t ever devalue your contribution to Tiger Pause and the work God is doing through your prayers and support. I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Galatians: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9)</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">We thank you for your faithfulness from your “corner” in support of the work God is doing in the lives of the children at Tiger Pause. The truth of God’s love and redemption is being sown into their lives through the faithfulness of </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">all of us</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;"> putting our talents to work!</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">Blessings,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US">Kelly Hammerle</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">Office Manager</span></div>
Kelly Hammerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029331958215079225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-67980014180153287892015-08-21T10:26:00.000-04:002015-08-21T10:31:57.007-04:00A Note from The Director<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2jE72tl-P_HBsmUrqB4kJknsitjw1kqauFuryWJ-o1EnsFtRpVrmPy9TGToghjoSxtO6-GDFECFSHbbScctglR_Xyl_APySjoZVlky0KANxxE7yWM2HRkLRrwQSfmf1cRTNPPPzX06R2/s1600/Bryan_Sam+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2jE72tl-P_HBsmUrqB4kJknsitjw1kqauFuryWJ-o1EnsFtRpVrmPy9TGToghjoSxtO6-GDFECFSHbbScctglR_Xyl_APySjoZVlky0KANxxE7yWM2HRkLRrwQSfmf1cRTNPPPzX06R2/s320/Bryan_Sam+Beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span>
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">What better way to end a successful summer than with a little road trip with the boys. No matter how many times I do it, the experience of watching young men see the ocean for the first time in their lives always recharges and refreshes my spirit. Maybe because it’s awesome to see them take in God’s creation or maybe because the comradery of a trip like this reminds me of the Marine Corps. Most likely, it’s because it gives a chance for old guys to act like teenagers again as we run into waves, try to body surf, and see who will swim out the farthest. This trip was especially nice because it was my son Samuel’s first road trip with the boys and the first time </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">he </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">ever saw the ocean. Words cannot express the joy we both shared in two completely different ways.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">On this trip, I was also joined by Rev. Bryan Crawl, Mr. Dan Duffy, Chez Anderson, and, the newest edition to our </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">Eye of the Tiger </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">staff, Caleb Musselman, who comes to us through Christian Coalition Outreach (CCO). After three days of exhausting work, we met on Wednesday at 9pm to start our adventure. With no incidents and not even a whine or cry from our four year-old, we arrived at 6am in Ocean City, Maryland. By 6:05am, Samuel was in a bathing suit and hitting the water. The rest of the boys needed some time, so they hit the basketball court. But, by lunchtime, all of our Beaver Falls contingency with one Fombell dude were trying to be the next soul surfer. By dinner, everyone was spent and gearing up for the long drive home. It was then that I really started to appreciate what God was doing. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">As you can imagine, we are a scene everywhere we go. Not only do we have larger boys, we have a very diversified look. I couldn't get through dinner without at least 10 people telling me what nice young men I have and asking me if we were a family. “Yes,” I said. “These are my sons, especially this little one right here.” And off we went into the night for that long ride back home.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">Friday morning at 4am, everyone was home—just in time to turn around and work at a moving job and clean out two houses at 7am. The boys learned that if you’re going to hoot with the owls at night, you better be prepared to soar with the eagles in the morning. No complaining, they just went and got it done. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">I felt the impact of our trip again when Rev. Crawl sent me this picture of him and Samuel (below). No matter what the paper may write, no matter what I do from here to eternity, my legacy has been sealed. I don’t care much for flags but I like what is written in Isaiah 49:22: “Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">Those that hope in the Lord will never be disappointed!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;">Semper Fi,</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Myriad Pro"; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-default-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-greek-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latin-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Myriad Pro"; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matt Nance</span></div>
Matthew Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075746163341834973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-59891619333961911512015-07-10T12:14:00.001-04:002015-07-10T12:14:50.482-04:00Digging Up Roots of Bitterness“And remember, you have with you Shimei son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who called down bitter curses on me the day I went to Mahanaim. When he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the Lord: “I will not put you to death by the sword.” But now, do not consider him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his grey head down to the grave in blood.” 1 Kings 2:8-9<br />
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When I was a young man, we had a hillside with hundreds of honey locust trees the kind with the long, thick thorns. Whenever I was in trouble or wanted to earn money, my parents would send me out to clear them out. I have very vivid memories of that hillside. It is where, after a branch hit me in the hand, I first remember cursing at my mother and her cursing me right back saying that she hoped I would have triplet daughters. As you may know, she lives with us and I have one wonderful daughter and three boys. Sometimes I remind her of those days with the hillside when I ask her to do chores like put branches in the burn pile. When I would work to clear that old hillside, she would not let me cut corners like chopping the thorn bushes at the ground—trying to make a quick buck. “No!” she said, “Roots and all!”<br />
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Now, to get out all those roots that traveled all throughout that wonderful Pennsylvania clay, you had to get your hands dirty—clearing with your fingers those stones the pick-axe couldn’t in order to expose the root and chop it off. I got $2.50 for regular trees and $5.00 for big ones. Big ones sometimes took two or three days to dig out. I had a lot of blisters which, over time, turned in to calloused hands and scars which remind me of that hillside every time I lift or dig. Rocking a stump back and forth until hearing the crack of the root which went straight down into the earth gave me a sense of accomplishment. Now, at 40 years-old, I enjoy that same feeling as I come alongside our young workers as we lift and move heavy items. It is then I realize that God had me on that hillside and, as reflected in the verses above, is why these young men are with me now on a different hillside.<br />
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David, a man after God’s own heart, with all his ups and downs, spoke only of bitterness with his last breaths. Despite all his successes, fortune, and with beautiful, young women to keep him company, his mind was on who did him wrong. Most of these young men and women have someone closer than a heckler who has done them wrong. Yet, because of your help and support, we have offered them another summer of opportunity to show them how to dig up that root of bitterness and avoid it becoming wrath. Because, with God’s equipping and your help, James 1:20-22 is what we’re trying to accomplish in our town.<br />
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“Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:20-22<br />
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Semper Fi,<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matt Nance</span></div>
Matthew Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075746163341834973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-48714503804052536222015-06-25T10:25:00.000-04:002015-06-25T10:25:52.849-04:00Summer of Stories“So that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.”<br />2Timothy 3:17<br />
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Our verse this summer comes from a letter from Paul warning Timothy about the evil in the world and the hard times that Timothy would inevitably face throughout his life. In this letter, Paul encourages Timothy to continue to follow what he knows is true. <br />
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This summer we are going to be teaching our campers the parables that Jesus taught throughout the Bible. Each week we will focus on a different parable and learn ways to apply Jesus’s lessons to our own lives. We want to equip our campers with the knowledge of how we should live our lives so that we can spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven. Life is always going to throw difficult situations and circumstances our way and our hope is to provide our campers with a foundational knowledge of Christ which they can lean and depend upon throughout their lives. Therefore, we thought 2Timothy 3:17 verse was a perfect fit for our summer verse. <br />
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I am over the moon excited for Summer Camp 2015 to begin. We have an amazing staff who all come from different walks of life and will be able to share their life experiences and skills with our campers this summer. I look forward to seeing the counselors invest in the campers’ lives and seeing how God works in the lives of all who are a part of summer camp. <br />
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We have so many things to look forward to this summer including swimming at the Ellwood City pool, park days, gymnastic lessons, rope course challenges, field trips, and community service projects. As we partake on this year’s summer adventure, please continue to pray for our safety and that we are able to plant seeds of God’s truth in our campers!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Erica Duffy</strong></span><br />Summer Camp Program CoordinatorTiger Pause Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641541848802075160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-26912062324621370752015-05-19T09:03:00.003-04:002015-05-19T09:03:42.878-04:00Proclamation of TruthOne of the activities that gives me the most joy is watching the Andy Griffith Show with my daughter, Morgan. It could be because she cuddles right up to me and her head fits on my shoulder just right. It also could be because I can drift off to sleep and not have to worry about inappropriate content being shown which I would have to explain to an 11 year-old. Maybe it’s because Don Knotts, who was a Marine drill instructor, is anything but a drill instructor as Barney Fife. (He does have nice pant creases!) It could also be that Opie reminds me of my son, Samuel. (Godzilla reminds me of my baby, Caleb.) But more than not, it is probably because Andy Taylor doesn’t wear a gun and uses his wits to catch criminals, swat the mayor’s decisions, or just ruffle some old bird’s feathers.<br />
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For a retired brawler like me, there is great admiration for a man who can do that. For the Christ-like example I want to be, that’s a great challenge for which only His strength can lead me. If you watch closely, Andy doesn’t use admonition to square off with Opie, Otis or any of the rebellious bad guys that wander into town. He doesn’t use accommodation with the politically correct mayor, the liberal women activists, or the groovy band that pulls down main street. Instead, he uses proclamation of truth to change perspectives, give insight, and keep his town safe. What a novel idea! Officers of the law, justices of peace, using truth to protect and serve. The general who picks the battlefield usually wins the war.<br />
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Speaking of proclaiming truth, we had a great opportunity to proclaim truth on the streets of Beaver Falls with our 3rd annual Rumble in the Jungle event. It was a wonderful day beginning with a prayer walk around the Beaver Falls schools and Steffin Hill Presbyterian Church camped out offering “Prayer on the Corner.” We continued with wholesome and enjoyable enterainment by Noa Jordan leading up to our Splash Pad dedication. After years of work, Seth’s Showers Splash Pad fountain park was dedicated to the Lord in honor of Dr. Jack White and in memory of William R. Duffy with prayer. We look forward to how this special park can be a blessing to our area.<br />
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Our proclamations of truth continued with our featured event—the Rumble in the Jungle Extreme Obstacle Challenge. Participants conquered difficult obstacles—each marked with a scripture reference and exhortation. We are thankful for all who attended, participated, and volunteered. We are especially thankful for the opportunity to glorify God and all He does with Tiger Pause and in our community. Let the proclamations continue!<br />
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Semper Fi,<br />
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Matt Nance<br />
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Matthew Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075746163341834973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-49907958719451598112015-03-16T10:02:00.001-04:002015-03-16T10:02:52.859-04:00Hope and a Future“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). In this passage, Jeremiah is writing a letter from Jerusalem to the elders who were in captivity in Babylon. He was reminding them that, despite their current circumstances, the Lord says that they have hope and a future. He was also encouraging them to thrive in the present circumstances despite their adversity. In other words, there was work to be done in the present even though the Lord had promised to change their situation in the future.<br />
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So many times we too can look at our current situations and become discouraged because it may not be our desired destination. However, in our present situation, there is work to be done and in our adverse situations, the Lord may be preparing us for what He ultimately has for us. If we look at the text, the Lord says that His plans are “to give a future and a hope,” meaning what He has for us has yet to come to fruition. An example of this perspective can be seen in the life of David. While he was anointed to be king around the age of 17 years old, he did not become king until after he was 30. What does this mean in view of Jeremiah 29:11? While God’s plan was to make him king, David was probably not ready to be king at the time of his anointing. In the same way, many times we are not ready in the present to operate and prosper in what the Lord will ultimately call us to do. Instead, we enter into a process of growth and maturity toward that calling.<br />
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Additionally, even though our current situations may be challenging, we must remember that the Lord’s plans for us are “for good and not for disaster.” Romans 8:28 (NLT) reads, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” So, through our trials, we are being perfected for the plans God has for us.<br />
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In Jeremiah 29, not only did God tell the elders through the prophet Jeremiah that He had good plans for them, but He also gave them an idea of what to look for when it was time for His plans to come to pass. “For the time is coming when I will restore the fortunes of my people of Israel and Judah. I will bring them home to this land that I gave to their ancestors and they will possess it again. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 30:3 NLT) In other words, when the Lord speaks to our situation, He will determine when He wants us to possess the plans He has for us. In the meantime, we need to grab on to His promises and His purpose for us and be faithful where we are right now. It may not be the place of our ultimate calling. However, if we embrace the fact that where we are right now is part of a growth process toward His calling, we can remain faithful, knowing that in Christ we have “a hope and a future!”<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rev. Bryan Crawl</span></span></b><br />
Director of MinistryTiger Pause Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641541848802075160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-79602371910884410172015-02-19T09:16:00.002-05:002015-02-19T09:16:30.095-05:00Morado Center UpdateGreetings in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! Can you believe another year has come and gone! I am sure we have all had our share of trials and tribulations, but through them all, God has continued to show his love and is ever present in our lives . <br />
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The God we serve truly is a keeper and despite all of our flaws, failures, and shortcomings, He remains faithful, just, and kind. The scriptures state that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” and that God is fair and just and will forgive us our sins. Despite what some of us believe, we are all capable of having a bad day and being out of the will of God. All of us need God’s forgiveness.<br />
<br />In the same way, our children have bad days. Here at the Morado After-school Site, as well as at the other Tiger Pause sites, we try to convey the love of God and instruct each student in the knowledge of His infinite love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. We relate that God, their families, and the Tiger Pause staff love them even if they are not at their best. We also let them know that they must take responsibility in making sure that their “bad day” does not continue by encouraging them to take their mind off of themselves, the event, or the situation that may have led to the terrible day by concentrating on God. <br />
<br />
The word of God says, “I will give you perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Me.” Teaching them to keep their mind on God while they are young is beneficial in helping them to succeed in in every aspect of their life. When disappointments and adversity raise their ugly heads, our children have a solid foundation to stand on and that is the Word and Love of Jesus Christ! Bad day? Piece of Cake!<br />
<br />Love and Blessings,<br />
<br />Sabrina Tench, Morado Site Center SupervisorTiger Pause Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641541848802075160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-46451516963169866322015-02-17T09:40:00.000-05:002015-02-17T09:42:34.596-05:00Mission: Honduras, A Blessing Unlike Any Other“All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I
have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the
age.”(Matthew 28:18-20)<br />
The Great Commission, given to His disciples
by our Lord Jesus Christ, was the command He gave before he ascended to
Heaven. Tiger Pause Youth Ministry has been all over the world,
preaching and proclaiming the gospel, from the frozen tundra of Russia,
to the hot lands of Africa. On January 19-30 we took a group of guys
down to Honduras to be part of a team of missionaries (lead by Church of
the Living Christ) to build a church. While this is not the first time
Tiger Pause has sent people to Honduras, this was the first mission trip
out of the country for many of us on this trip. <br />
<br />
The Mission was
simple: Build a church and proclaim the Gospel. Sounds easy right? Not
quite. It took a lot of hard work from everyone involved. We had to
build the roof, doors, and windows as well as their frames, paint the
church, plus build, sand, and varnish 32 pews! With a team of only 20+
people, they needed a lot of muscle to get the job done. That’s where
Tiger Pause came in with Big Matt Gandy, Seth “the goose” Gosseck,
Misters Tom and Walter Karczewski, (The Super Karczewski Brothers), and
my brother Micah and me. We all had different skills and came from
different backgrounds, but we were there for the same reason: We were
called by God to do His work. <br />
<br />
Everyone in the village of El Jute,
where we built the church, was nice, loving, and respectful. While we
Americans, might say these people were poor, I would strongly disagree.
They are wealthy in love and faith in Christ. When I spoke to the
daughter of the pastor of the church we were building, I asked her if
the people were only showing love toward us because we were building a
church for them. She replied “No, we are always like this here, we are
all a family and look out for each other and love one another.” Her
words rang true in the way other Hondurans treated each other and us. <br />
<br />
It
is true when they say actions speak louder than words. To show love
toward another person exemplifies God’s character more than speaking and
shouting the Gospel without action. John 13:34-35 reads that people
will know they are His disciples by the way they love one another, as it
is the greatest command Jesus gives his disciples – “To love others,
just as I have loved you.” The Hondurans who came to work alongside us
when they didn’t have to, who brought us Coca-Colas paid with their own
money, and who spoke to us and sang alongside us blessed me just as we
blessed them with a church they have been praying for 16 years! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Chez Anderson</span></span><br />
Boys’ Center SupervisorTiger Pause Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641541848802075160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-29705519760174306632015-01-23T08:35:00.001-05:002015-01-23T08:35:16.642-05:00A Look Back On 2014“Make a Difference” or, in Clint Hurdle-ese, “Go Getcha Some” seems to sum up 2014 at Tiger Pause. During the last quarter of the year, we came as close to experiencing a world series-like “win” as we ever have as a ministry thus far. A few notables include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Our After-school Programs were named the 2014 recipient of the PSEA’s Books, Toys, & More program. Several children attended the event with Mr. Matt and Miss Erica where they received an abundance of books and toys for our programs.</li>
<li>Partnered with C.S.A. to expand our community garden ministry</li>
<li>Removed yet another blighted property from the Beaver Falls community</li>
<li>Felt the love of Christmas at another successful B.E. Taylor Concert</li>
<li>Vision cast for a remodel of our fourth main street property</li>
<li>Hosted a Chili Cook-off with the man who brought baseball back to Pittsburgh – Clint Hurdle</li>
</ul>
<br />
With these experiences, it seemed like we went from one mountain top to the next. Not to sound cliché, but it’s the valleys that we navigate in between our mountain top experiences that truly define us. Fortunately, with the staff and volunteers we have, even our valleys have seemed more like racing and winning the Tour de France – hard work by a dedicated team and taking home the prize.<br />
<br />
As the Bible reads, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:16). What a blessing it is to watch God’s word take form in the natural and it is your youth who are doing it! They are yours because you have been there all along, supporting, praying, and even sometimes participating with them. It is amazing what God has allowed us to accomplish through Christ in places that nobody wanted with youth whom some have written off.<br />
<br />
In last month’s newsletter, I wrote about the free gift of salvation and at Tiger Pause, we reiterate every day that God’s grace is free but we work for everything else. That’s why the youth in our programs earned a total of $117,940 by going out and learning to work with their hands, eat their own “bread”, and to enjoy it by living a quiet life. That’s how we make a difference.<br />
<br />
Our goal at Tiger Pause is very simple and was given to us by one of our original founders, Roy McDonald: Stay focused on kids and minister by word and deed. Following is an overview of this past year’s accomplishments. While we may not experience the roar of a packed ball park with 50,000+ screaming fans, for us, every small step forward with our kids and community seems like we are raising the Jolly Roger!<br />
<br />
Semper Fi,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matthew Nance</span><br />
Executive Director<br />
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Matthew Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075746163341834973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-19067325617188383542014-12-12T09:50:00.002-05:002014-12-12T09:50:12.721-05:00Downtown Center UpdateWhat an amazing Fall semester! All of our sites are filled to capacity with students! Four of our sites have gone on field trips to either the Carnegie Science Center or Fun Fore All. Our Geneva staff has brought skills, talents, and gifts that have blessed our programs and children in countless ways. Tiger Pause continues to be blessed with different opportunities that positively impact the lives of the children we serve. This semester Tiger Pause was nominated by the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) for the Book, Toys, and More program. Two students from each site attended the event where they received gifts, were recognized by the PSEA’s House of Delegates, and were provided a wonderful lunch! The after-school program continues to grow and develop in such remarkable ways! Praise God!<br />
<br />Wonderful things are also happening at the Downtown site specifically. This month we are learning and exploring the story of John the Baptist and the Birth of Jesus. The kids amaze me with their hunger to learn more about the story each day, their thoughtful questions, and application of the story to their own lives. Along with learning these stories from the Bible, we are learning the skill of money management. With the holidays around the corner, the kids realize they may be getting money and it is never too early to learn to manage that money! We have been discussing the differences between wants and needs; short term and long term goals; and how managing money applies to all of this. The kids have taken these lessons seriously and have developed plans for how they will save and spend their future earnings. We have connected the idea of wants and needs to the story of John the Baptist and the simplicity of his life. God has allowed our lessons to flow seamlessly and the way the kids grasp each idea we try to teach is truly the work of the Lord. As we approach Christmas, we are getting ready to say good-bye to our kids for a few weeks until the Spring semester begins in mid January. Over the break, the staff hopes to plan, rest, and rejuvenate to come back full force for Spring semester! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Erica Duffy</span></span><br />
After-school Program Coordinator<br />
Downtown Site Supervisor<br />Tiger Pause Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641541848802075160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-39814779744965486672014-12-12T09:38:00.001-05:002014-12-12T09:38:15.279-05:00Prisoner of SinEphesians 2: 8-9 - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” I got to share this with the crowd at the B.E. Taylor Christmas Concert on December 6 and my daughter started us off with a quote from Haniel Long, “So much of what is best in us is bound up in our love of family, that it remains the measure of our stability because it measures our sense of loyalty. All other pacts of love or fear derive from it and are modeled upon it.”<br />
<br />
In these unstable times, it is important to know where our stability, loyalty, and true family come from. It is also just as important to know that those who are without Christ have stability, loyalty, and family ties that help them endure. Our mission as believers is to preach the word because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17) so that those that hear may experience His grace and be forever changed.<br />
<br />
I, Matt Nance, could have been a tragedy. I was a wicked man that had no respect for authority, stole what I wanted, and had no remorse for putting my fellow man in the hospital or even trying to take a life. As Clint Eastwood said in the movie Unforgiven, “It’s a heck of a thing, killing a man. Take away all he’s got and all he’s gonna have.” Thanks be to God that a mom prayed, a preacher preached, and godly men stood in the gap.<br />
<br />
This Christmas, turn off the news and make your own news by giving that gift we received from our heavenly Father who set the captives free.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matt Nance</span><br />
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Matthew Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075746163341834973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-950300764239319882014-11-07T12:02:00.003-05:002014-11-07T12:03:00.411-05:00One Tough Cookie That Doesn't Get Soft in November RainWhen I was growing up, the band Guns ‘n Roses had a song November Rain. I don’t remember what the song was about, but I do remember the music video was about nine minutes long. When you are a teenager, nine minutes can seem like an eternity. Last week, when our Fighting Tigers football team lost to Apollo Ridge in the play-offs, the feeling I had of being punched in the gut and the weight of an anvil on my heart seemed to last an eternity, like that music video. Truth be told, while it seems much gets done at Tiger Pause the week after a Beaver Falls loss, I feel less motivated to do it.<br />
<br />
You see, there is a very special young man graduating high school this year. He wasn’t the fastest or even the strongest on the team, but, have no doubt about it, he is what every father desires his son to be—one tough cookie. Peter Lyons, who broke the New Brighton Lions’ backs this year when the game was deadlocked and momentum hung in the balance, scamped 40+ yards as a full back for a touchdown, running over half of New Brighton’s team. He kept the “jug” home.<br />
<br />
Our paths crossed six years ago when he and his brother, Big Mike, would come across the street after school to the Tiger Pause Boys’ Center. They were typical middle school boys. They smelled, they were unruly, and, did I mention, they smelled. We did everything together. We went on trips across the country and eventually started working together. But, the funniest time we had was when we put on those boxing gloves and beat each other senseless. And no matter how hard I hit him, he would never go down. He reminds me of Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull when he tells Sugar Ray Robinson, “You never knocked me down, Ray!” One day, Pete got me good and bloodied my lip. By his reaction, you would have thought he knocked out Mike Tyson. If I was the legend, he was the legend killer and he told everyone who would listen.<br />
<br />
Petey Pie (my nickname for him) grew up with a hard life. He lost his mom two years ago, stays with different family members, fumbled the ball against the Quips on the 3-yard line, and could have ended up like any other self-destructive, troubled teen. He’s not out of the woods yet, so keep him in your prayers.<br />
<br />
Here are some unpublished stats if you ever want to get an autograph from Pete:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Petey has a smile that will light up a room.</li>
<li>After scoring two touchdowns against Summit, when they called Pete’s number again, he let a fellow teammate get a touchdown instead.</li>
<li>For one of our moving jobs, he traveled with us to San Francisco and back in five days.</li>
<li>The first and only kid who made Mr. Matt bleed.</li>
<li>He ran 11th Street hill at 6:30 a.m. to get ready for football season.</li>
<li>He went to Busch Gardens because all the other guys wanted to, even though he doesn’t like rollercoasters.</li>
<li>He went on a missions trip to West Virginia with Park Presbyterian Church. There is not a time when I see anyone from that church where they don’t smile and ask about Petey. </li>
</ul>
<br />
People often tell me how great Tiger Pause is doing or what a good job I have done, but we all know it is the Lord. I thank the Lord when He sends boys like Petey because he inspires us to be tougher and go one more round. Love you, Pete. Proud of ya! And as Mr. K would say, “I’m for ya!”<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Semper fi,<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matt Nance</span><br />
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Matthew Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075746163341834973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-57602214733468510092014-11-06T08:48:00.002-05:002014-11-06T08:53:18.863-05:00Harmony Center Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96JRc0WYfrmOPezN2cDVhaTYeEKPf7PD43u0uLYEVUD_IUMjSO3rpJB7_VnlCooqbloVpWrSfoeEPqNP8Q1FGkCi-IoW1Bb3T8Q30BFhg-MLwXdtu0dhJv-lTOy9M_PWU-j4WwhY2fI2I/s1600/imagejpeg_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96JRc0WYfrmOPezN2cDVhaTYeEKPf7PD43u0uLYEVUD_IUMjSO3rpJB7_VnlCooqbloVpWrSfoeEPqNP8Q1FGkCi-IoW1Bb3T8Q30BFhg-MLwXdtu0dhJv-lTOy9M_PWU-j4WwhY2fI2I/s1600/imagejpeg_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
This 2014-2015 school year I have had the pleasure of supervising one of our afterschool program sites in Harmony Dwellings. Three days a the week, about 10 -15 children attend this site. During their time at the afterschool program, the Geneva College tutors and myself engage them in various activities which can include making crafts, playing outside, and group activities and always includes a Bible lesson.<br />
<br />
During the month of October, we incorporated bullying into our Bible lessons and life skill activities. At first, when just talking to the children about bullying and why it was wrong, they seemed bored and disinterested. Yet, when that same information was integrated into the Bible lessons, the children couldn’t seem to get enough. It is exciting to see how eager they are to learn more about God.<br />
<br />
It is just as exciting when they teach us as well. One day, I was telling the story of David and Goliath, a story many of them had heard over and over again, I thought to myself, “they don’t really care about this story and aren’t going to gain anything from it this time.” To my surprise, a small voice in the back of the room said, “we are small but we can do big things too!” That little voice was right! We are small compared to the world and the problems that we may face, but we have a God who is greater than those problems and us. It is in Him that we are conquerors. I am excited to see what God is doing and will continue to do in the lives of the children here at Tiger Pause.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Brittany Foster</span></span><br />
Harmony Center SupervisorTiger Pause Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641541848802075160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-42068882331683085602014-10-15T11:59:00.004-04:002014-10-15T11:59:57.122-04:00New Brighton Center UpdateWorking with Tiger Pause is exciting because there are always new ways to get involved and serve in the community. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work at the newest Tiger Pause after-school site, located in New Brighton. Seeing how the Lord has orchestrated all the details that make the site possible has been so encouraging.<br />
<br />
The new center is meeting in The Lighthouse for the Blind building on Route 18 in New Brighton. The kids attending the program come from Rochester, Riverside, Baden Charter School, and New Brighton. The staff at the new site, including many Geneva College students, is working to create a safe and constructive environment to help the kids grow academically, behaviorally, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
After the kids arrive, we form a circle and have each one share their name and something good that happened to them that day. This time has been a highlight for me, because in spite of often tough circumstances, they are always able to find something positive to share. While still in a circle, we pray for the afternoon and then begin working on homework. Though the time spent on homework is challenging, it has been rewarding to see the kids growing in diligence. When they have all completed their homework, we serve them a meal and share a Bible lesson while they eat. We have been teaching them the story of Daniel, emphasizing how Daniel looked to God even through hard times. The rest of the time we spend with the kids consists of activities and crafts. We have been thankful for the nice weather, which enables us to play games outside.<br />
<br />
I have loved getting to know all of the kids at the New Brighton site. Each one is beautifully unique, presenting both a challenge and blessing to me and the other staff members. We are excited to see how the Lord will continue to bless this new ministry of Tiger Pause.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Abby York</span><br />
New Brighton Center StaffMatthew Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075746163341834973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-69763539136633892532014-10-15T11:48:00.000-04:002014-10-15T11:48:07.104-04:00And I'll take with me the memories...This past month, Tiger Pause grieved the loss of two beloved individuals: Roy McDonald and Elaine Oravitz. There is no song, movie, or tear-jerking story that I can write down to express the importance, impact, and inspiration that these two people have had on me and the lives of countless youth through Tiger Pause.<br />
<br />
Roy McDonald and his wife Francis were original founders and board members of Tiger Pause. Roy was the grandpa every boy wished they had. He was truly a man like Samuel whose words did not hit the ground. One of my greatest comforts was that I knew that Roy and Fran were praying for Tiger Pause daily. One of my greatest joys was when Roy and Fran showed up at any event we held. The most recent time was at our Splash Pad Preview Day where I could see in his eyes that he was pleased with what we had accomplished on land formerly over-run by abandoned houses and empty lots.<br />
<br />
My early years as executive director were very rough. I was green, didn’t understand how to submit to authority, and we were at the verge of closing shop. During that time, we had a board meeting when Roy and Fran happened to be on vacation. I was being pressed to raise funds and the only idea I had was to sell raffle tickets for the boys’ work program services like grass cutting, car washing, etc. I was given permission to sell them at the football game and it was going well...until the next board meeting when Roy and Fran were there. Roy softly and graciously said, “We don’t do games of chance.” Fran just shook her head in disappointment. The rest of the board members, who had said a lot previously and given permission for the raffle, now sat so quietly that you could hear a pin drop. I was then told to call everyone who had purchased tickets and return their money, which I did because I loved Roy McDonald like a grandpa. Then, something supernatural happened. My mind grew an inch closer to wisdom.<br />
<br />
At the next board meeting, the money issue came up again and I said that the only way I knew to make money was to tithe from the income we did have. Our budget was running in the red with no relief in sight. There was a lot of heavy conversation when Roy broke in and said, “It’s God’s word. We should do it.” Once again, silence. Then, John Shaffer made the motion and started to make history.<br />
<br />
Twelve years later, an organization that was bringing in $65,000 per year has grown into one that will gross over $600,000 this year employing over 20 youth to cut grass, shovel driveways, and occasionally tear down houses as we are doing now in Leetsdale. From that tithing, we have sent Beaver Falls boys and girls on mission trips all over this world to spread God’s love by word and deed. When Roy spoke, things happened.<br />
<br />
Another one of those things that happened involved Elaine Oravitz. She was the Beaver Falls Class of 1952 treasurer and decided that instead of holding more reunions, they would bless Tiger Pause with the money they would have spent. As the face of Tiger Pause, I went to meet with Miss Elaine for a completely different reason than what I received. Yes, she gave me a handsome check, but it was the warm smile, cup of coffee, Little House on the Prairie playing on the television, and the extensive conversation about what Tiger Pause does that blessed me greatly. Then, over the years, visits with her and her friendship became a refuge for me. As she came to live on a fixed income and could only give a certain amount to Tiger Pause, she offered to pay the postage for the return envelope. Little did I know that my path would cross her children and grandchildren’s paths. Through those connections, I would come to make another great friend—Elaine’s son Mike who is also a firm believer that “once a tiger, always a tiger”.<br />
<br />
As these two great souls leave us and join Christ, we are thankful for their impact on the lives touched through Tiger Pause. Their gift of support was greater than money and for that, they will be greatly rewarded!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matt Nance</span><br />
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Matthew Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075746163341834973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-86880343770288715042014-09-19T10:31:00.003-04:002014-09-19T10:31:29.900-04:00A Note of ThanksThe past four years of my life I have spent in Beaver Falls. When I first arrived, I was very inexperienced with any culture and community besides that of the farm. I thought that city folk all had desk jobs, two kids, a dog and found long walks in the park entertaining. I could not have been more wrong. The week before I began Geneva College I came down into Beaver Falls to do community service. When we arrived at the site on 10th avenue and we were told to pull the weeds, I was all excited! I took off the ID and mail key we had just received from the college and built my pile directly on top of my ID and key. I never found them despite going back and looking, but what I did find was a Christian organization that was looking to clean up the city.<br />
<br />Since that first day working with Tiger Pause, I knew I had found people that I could call family. Mr. Matt asked if I would be interested in volunteering and I immediately signed up. I began tutoring in September of 2010 and met Ms. Tina. I must confess that I was intimidated by her for the longest time because I had never seen a woman take charge of kids the way she did. All she had to do was give a look and even the most rebellious of kids would stop and put their head down in shame. Working beside Ms. Tina helped me realize how much I loved kids. Once I came to this realization, I changed my major to education and have been dedicated to teaching children ever since.<br />
<br />As I mentioned before I was raised on a farm, so sometimes I have a need to get dirty and work hard. Mr. Matt took care of that need. I spent two summers on the work crew doing whatever needed done. There were days where I came back so tired, but I could smile because I had helped the city and the people of the city. Even though my efforts are just a few drops in the bucket, I can somewhat relate to Nehemiah who helped to restore the city of Jerusalem. While Beaver Falls has a long way to go, Tiger Pause is growing and supporting the youth who will one day run the city.<br />
<br />Tiger Pause is a body. It is a body where God is the head and Mr. Matt is the heart. Each person involved in Tiger Pause is a part of that body. If I ever needed a friend- Chez was there. If I ever needed a prayer- Mr. Brian was there. If I ever needed a word of advice- Mr. Matt was there. When I needed a paycheck- thank goodness Miss Kelly was there! Every person who becomes involved in Tiger Pause experiences two things: hard work and love. I could not have asked for more.<br />
<br />I am no longer with Tiger Pause now that I have begun teaching full time, but I wanted to take the time to show my true appreciation for all Tiger Pause has done for me. Thank you to everyone who was and is a part of Tiger Pause!<br />
<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">With much gratitude,<br />Curtis Covert</span></span>Tiger Pause Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641541848802075160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-22467863848521751602014-09-19T10:27:00.005-04:002014-09-19T10:27:48.442-04:00A Trip to Virginia Beach Mr. Matt often parallels his events with the young men working in Tiger Pause, to movies he has watched that impacted his life. No movies here, just an account of a recent trip taken with seven young men from the Eye of the Tiger Program, Matt, and me. This trip was not as long as the jaunt taken last summer to the West Coast when Mr. Matt led three vehicles to move a family west across the Mississippi, through the Great Plains, over the Rockies to view the Pacific Ocean. It was really neat to see the sun rising over the Rockies as we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, and the eyes of the young men as they viewed the Pacific Ocean from Muir Beach. Fast forward to this summer and picture a large white van at 11:00 p.m. on a cool Friday night in August, pulling out of Beaver Falls heading East on the PA turnpike.<br />
<br /> The next 29 hours were just as amazing as the trip west in 2013. In those 29 hours, we first drove through the night to Virginia Beach. At 6:30 a.m. we saw the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean, ate pancakes, bacon, and eggs at a Virginia Beach restaurant, swam in the Atlantic Ocean, played football, and slept on the beach, and briefly toured that beach community. Just that could have filled a whole day, but it was only 11:00 a.m. and there is more.<br />
<br /> The young men told Matt they had enough of the beach. So Matt, in his always forward-thinking mindset, loaded up the van and headed north to Busch Gardens. We arrived at 1:30 p.m., rode all the coasters and some other rides, toured the Gardens, ate a lot of food, and were finally ready to head home.<br />
<br /> But wait, there is more. The students had never been to Washington, D.C. So, we headed for the Capital and arrived there at 11:00 p.m. We viewed the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials and at midnight and then headed home. It did not help that the PA Turnpike was closed at Bedford, forcing a Route 30 detour, but, by the grace of our Almighty Father, we arrived in Beaver Falls at 4:00 a.m. <br />
<br /> This was a great learning experience for the young men, which, most importantly, included them hearing about the grace and goodness of our Heavenly Father. As the sun, rose over the Atlantic Ocean early that Saturday morning, they heard that, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth his handiwork.” They heard that the sun setting each night and rising each morning is a picture of the death of our Savior and His glorious resurrection. They learned that the Lord uses His creation to daily remind all of mankind about His death and resurrection.<br />
<br /> Lastly, at midnight, we quietly walked the granite pathway in front of the Vietnam Memorial. The night was cool, and a haze lingered over the grounds; not a sound could be heard. I looked to my right and saw Mr. Matt gather those young men closely together. He quietly spoke to them in front of that monument about his respect for those had given their lives. “But,” he said, “having your name on a monument is not nearly as important as knowing your name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Wow, that was truly powerful. Every man, woman, and child, needs to know the Lord, and know his own name is in that book. That is what I love about Tiger Pause and about Matt Nance.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Karczewski</span></span><br />
Beez Cafe ManagerTiger Pause Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641541848802075160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-31514623680855859982014-08-15T11:35:00.001-04:002014-08-15T11:39:08.643-04:00Summer Camp 2014The theme verse and goal for this year’s summer camp was Proverbs 9:9, “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”<br />
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The Tiger Pause staff desired to show the kids who attended this summer camp the love of God both in the devotion times and also by example. The staff invested countless hours preparing for the camp by creating an engaging, safe atmosphere where the kids could learn and grow. Whether it was enjoying a field trip (to the Butler fair, the Pittsburgh zoo, or Idlewild amusement park), participating in community service, swimming and playing, or joining together in praising the Lord, it was humbling to see how God used camp to bless both the kids and the staff.<br />
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Though not without its challenges, camp was certainly full of blessings. Some of the greatest blessings from camp were the relationships that we counselors developed with the kids and with one another. The staff went into camp desiring to impact the kids’ lives, but we realized along the way just how much they were impacting ours. Sharing that experience really helped us to bond, as we encouraged and challenged one another to serve more faithfully. The ways that camp stretched us as staff members helped to develop us as leaders. We realized a beautiful truth from Scripture as we worked with the kids and grew alongside other counselors: that, as Christians, we are all part of the body of Christ, each possessing a unique gift and purpose. We needed one another. Every gift and talent equipped us to meet the challenges that camp presented.<br />
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The kids made this truth even more evident. Each child was wonderfully unique, adding to the overall camp dynamic. The staff would find it difficult to imagine those six weeks without each and every child who attended. One night after camp, we shared stories around a campfire. We were there for several hours, but we could easily have been there all night recalling more delightful memories about the kids we had grown to love. Here are just a few of those memories.<br />
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The enthusiasm of the kids to learn the Bible lessons amazed us. Hearing them say that they wanted to have faith like Abraham or wisdom like Solomon was so encouraging. As they learned more about the love of God many of them desired to model that love to their fellow campers, even ones whom they had formerly disliked. One day while at the pool, a young girl left the fun to ask her counselor deeper questions about the morning Bible lesson. The staff planted seeds but God caused the growth, and lives were redeemed.<br />
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Working with the kids in the community garden excited us because their attitudes positively changed as they saw what a difference their efforts were making. They found the results rewarding, and it inspired them to transform their own communities. The day that we visited nursing homes in the community was also a favorite time of many. The residents of the nursing homes laughed and cried tears of joy as they were enlivened by the campers’ energy. Seeing the kids so pleased to help others once again evidenced how they were taking their lessons to heart. It was truly a blessing to see how God used this year’s Tiger Pause camp to redeem lives, build leaders and transform the local community.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Abby York</span><br />
Summer Camp Staff<br />
<br />Tiger Pause Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641541848802075160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-51692255066179878862014-07-25T09:33:00.001-04:002014-07-25T09:33:28.558-04:00A Note from The DirectorTwo weeks ago, I had a spontaneous idea for my 15th wedding anniversary. I wanted to do something special and surprise my wife. The pastor who came alongside me is one of my best friends and Tiger Pause’s Director of Ministry, Rev. Bryan Crawl. As we slapped down the order of service for renewing my vows, it became clear that the Lord wanted to do more than just help me surprise my wife. What a testimony opportunity to share one of the most precious institutions God created with children who have not typically had God’s prescription for marriage modeled to them at home. What a privilege for me to share my love with the woman who has given me everything with the Tiger Pause staff and children I care about so much.<br />
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How great is His providence that with just 48 hours notice, one of my other best friends and life coach was able to participate as well. How blessed I am that the Board of Directors who pray for me and care for me and this community showed up to support us in this as well. It was a powerful demonstration of God’s provision that a man and woman shall leave their mother and father and become one flesh and what God has brought together, let no man separate.<br />
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We covet your prayers as we enter into the next years of our marriage and life with our own children and our Tiger Pause children. Thank you for your continued prayers and support which help empower us to continue God’s work in Beaver Falls and our own lives.<br />
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Matt NanceMatthew Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075746163341834973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-90045245390424759702014-04-22T10:35:00.003-04:002014-04-22T10:35:49.681-04:00A Note from The DirectorRecently, I watched a movie called Forever Strong—only because my Netflix is down and I’m stuck on season 5, episode 22 of Magnum P.I. Anyway, it was a good movie with a great plot and a heart-warming ending that revolved around a delinquent youth, a distant and driven father, and an extraordinary rugby coach. As I was watching it, one part which stuck out to me was the team’s motto, “Don’t do anything to embarrass your team, yourself, or your family.” I had heard those words many years ago when Mr. Fullen took us to a national event in San Diego, California as part of the Marine Corps Fitness Team at Blackhawk High School. Even as a kid, I had little fear of mouthing-off to adults except for my dad and Mr. Fullen. I don’t think I was the only kid afraid to mouth-off to Mr. Fullen.<br />
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At the end of the movie, I saw the caption and realized it was based on a true story. This coach has the most successful rugby program in the world and it is because he values teaching boys to have the kind of character that lasts forever. After the credits rolled, I felt myself wanting a program like this coach has. In fact, the Marine in me says u-rah! But then, I started to think about forever, also known as eternity. I also started to think back through the film and, while there was some spirituality and mention of God here and there, it didn’t really show me (nor do I think it was meant to) how these boys were going to stay strong forever. So, then I reflected and thought about my team of misfit men and wonder if I am doing my job as their coach. It is then that words from the Building 429 song “Press On” come to mind about how we as believers can be discouraged when we are looking for physical results.<br />
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<i>Sometimes this world starts breaking me down</i><br />
<i>I get so lost I think I’ll never be found</i><br />
<i>And there are moments of fear and doubt</i><br />
<i>Even the best fall to the ground</i><br />
<i>I am a mess, I am a wrecking ball</i><br />
<i>I must confess that I still don’t get it all</i><br />
<i>Lord I believe that all Your words are true</i><br />
<i>Doesn’t matter where I’m going if I’m going with You</i><br />
<i>I press on, I press on, I press on</i><br />
<i>When I still don’t get it</i><br />
<i>I see the world through my jaded eyes</i><br />
<i>I get frustrated when there is no Why</i><br />
<i>I put my focus on worthless things</i><br />
<i>Even the strong fall to their knees</i><br />
<i>God only knows what we all need </i><br />
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So, thank God we have an Easter message to tell us how strong men find themselves falling on their knees at the cross and that the empty tomb gives us forever, and than His return and righteous judgment will be the only victory we will ever need.<br />
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Semper Fi,<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matt Nance</span><br />
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Matthew Nancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16075746163341834973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-63480314399162855472014-04-16T13:49:00.003-04:002014-04-16T13:49:46.042-04:00Boys' Center Update<br />
What does it take to be a man? What is a man? These are some of the questions I have been asking the middle school boys these past few months at the Boys Center. Over the past month we have had many discussions speaking on what it takes to be a man. A true man of God. While Christ was God in human form, He was also a man, and that is the type of man that we as men should strive to be like. It’s harder for middle school boys to grow up these days than at any other time in history. The pressures of society are stronger than ever and many boys grow up without a positive male role model to look to. Aside from what looks like difficult times ahead, God still reigns now and forever.<br />
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Looking at some characteristics of men, we looked at “The Resolution” or the covenant the men from the movie Courageous signed. The commitments the men made in signing that covenant are decisions that EVERY man should make to be what God created them to be. We discussed some simple things that they as young boys can do every day to help them become the men God created them to be - simple things such as respecting those in authority, serving other people, treating all people respectfully, and working hard in school (athletically and academically).<br />
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The most profound thing that had happened this past month was when two boys had come back to the Boys’ Center after everyone else had left. Mr. Bryan and I talked to the guys and these two young men turned their lives over to Christ and are now working toward being the men God created them to be. I had never expected anything like this to happen, but what Mr. Matt and my professors at Geneva had told me is true: the best time to minister and mentor is in a one-on-one setting.<br />
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I encourage all who read this to continue working hard in what it is you do. And for the men out there, whether you have children or not, be a father to the fatherless. This is the “fatherless generation” as some call it and these boys need to know that there are truly positive and wonderful men out there. Have a blessed rest of this year!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chez Anderson</span><br />
Boys’ Center Site SupervisorTiger Pause Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641541848802075160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-25576383431108866802014-03-28T10:43:00.001-04:002014-03-28T10:43:38.583-04:00My Visits to the Tiger Pause After-school Sites
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have known of Tiger Pause Ministry since its beginning when Dave Lichius started it while on staff at Geneva College. I have not followed its growth over the years and was pleased to see where it is today under Matt Nance’s leadership. As a retired person seeking a new ministry experience, I volunteered to help in this ministry. For my introduction to the Tiger Pause Ministry, it was my privilege to visit each of the six youth centers during the month of March. What follows are my reflections of these visits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My first visit was to the Boys’ Center where I observed several middle school young men enjoying their time with Chez, their leader. I was immediately embraced by several students who were curious as to why I was there. I told them I wanted to take some pictures and make them famous on Facebook! They embraced the experience and performed for me as you can see from the video previously uploaded to our Facebook page.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My second visit was to the Morado Center. There I met Mrs. Tench and her Geneva volunteers working with several elementary school students. They enjoyed a snack and then moved to separate areas to do their homework. Thanks to all the Geneva students who are called to this mentoring role.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My third visit was to the Downtown Center located in the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Davis and her Geneva volunteers were helping some 30 elementary students with homework. I tried not to disturb them as they were deep into their studies. What a joy to see these mentors and students working so closely together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My next two visits were to the Harmony and Pleasantview Centers. At the Harmony Center. I met Mrs. Boughter supervising her 15 elementary school students along with her helpers. They loved getting their pictures taken. At the Pleasantview Center, I got reacquainted with Miss Sanna, a student of mine from Geneva 10 years ago. What a joy to see these Geneva graduates continuing with their ministry gifts! She and Karis were working with a small group of elementary school students.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My last visit was to the Midland Center. (This one was way out there and hard to find!) There I met Mr. Dave enjoying refreshments with his 12 elementary students and their mentors Hayley and Malorie. They enjoyed a time of games and studying while I was there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My exposure to these students and volunteer workers was a real blessing. They have become a new part of my prayer time every day. Won’t you remember these young people in your devotional time on a regular basis? They will benefit greatly from it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Dave Jordan</strong></span><br />Tiger Pause Volunteer</span></div>
Tiger Pause Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641541848802075160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472934457534247513.post-42215106677440389262014-03-19T09:54:00.002-04:002014-03-19T09:54:24.757-04:00Midland Center UpdateMy name is Miss Hayley. Here’s just a quick overview of how God is moving and shaking at our Midland site.<br />
<br />Midland consists of Pre-K - 8th grade students. Each one absolutely amazing and unique. Every one of the kids has been growing in their knowledge of the Bible and how to live by it. At Tiger Pause, our kids are learning about and putting into practice the leadership skills that it takes to encourage others toward Christ and to stand up for what’s right in their home lives and at school.<br />
<br />God has truly blessed us by growing our numbers! And with numbers comes more meals to serve. You know the loaves and fishes story from Matthew 14? Well, our kids at Midland know it too and they've seen it with their own eyes. Some days as the chairs around the table fill up, doubts tip toe their way in that we may not have enough "loaves and fishes" to go around. But when it comes down to the last tray, God has once again provided all we need with some to spare!<br />
<br />We all know that the body doesn't live on bread alone. Through our lesson times every day we have been able to learn about many of the stories in the Bible that some of us take for granted. The story of Moses and Daniel have been favorites. Gods faithfulness and ever-readiness to come to our rescue and save the day have been a regular topic from the lips of the youngest of our group all the way to the oldest. It’s wonderful to see how each student is taking in the word of God and even opening up the Bible to study it on their own. <br />
<br />Testimonies have played a great role in our lesson time. Learning everybody's "story of His glory" has grown us together and never fearing to get our hands a little dirty has made God’s love real. Everybody has struggles and there is a redemption story for each one of us. Getting this message and the truth about grace is not only a lesson at the Midland site but a passion. Please pray as God continues to grow us! Pray that God’s love will penetrate into the heart of each student as the year goes on. God is good...all the time! Lets not go quietly as we continue to tell the world of what He's done!<br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Hayley Dankert</strong></span><br />Midland Center Assistant Site SupervisorTiger Pause Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641541848802075160noreply@blogger.com0