A Note from The Director

Recently, 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.

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.

Sometimes this world starts breaking me down
I get so lost I think I’ll never be found
And there are moments of fear and doubt
Even the best fall to the ground
I am a mess, I am a wrecking ball
I must confess that I still don’t get it all
Lord I believe that all Your words are true
Doesn’t matter where I’m going if I’m going with You
I press on, I press on, I press on
When I still don’t get it
I see the world through my jaded eyes
I get frustrated when there is no Why
I put my focus on worthless things
Even the strong fall to their knees
God only knows what we all need 

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.

Semper Fi,

Matt Nance

Boys' Center Update

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.


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).


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.


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!


Chez Anderson
Boys’ Center Site Supervisor

My Visits to the Tiger Pause After-school Sites

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Dave Jordan
Tiger Pause Volunteer

Midland Center Update

My name is Miss Hayley. Here’s just a quick overview of how God is moving and shaking at our Midland site.

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.

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!

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.

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!

Hayley Dankert
Midland Center Assistant Site Supervisor

A "Top Ten" Highlight of My Life

Well, as I near 40 years of age, I look back on my life with a lot of fond memories and I know, Lord willing, there will be more to come over the next 40 years. However, for now, I got to enjoy a “top ten” experience on February 22 when I was asked to give a toast at the wedding reception of Mr. & Mrs. Dave Slebodnik. I was honored enough just to be in the wedding party. I was even more honored when the officiating pastor acknowledged during the ceremony that I was the catalyst the Lord used to bring these two beautiful people together. They met at a Beez Café volunteer day and were married in the Tiger Pause church. Yet, words cannot describe the feeling I had when my work program supervisor for the last three years asked me to say a little something at his reception. I stayed up all night watching Netflix and wording my toast with lines from my favorite movies and commercials. While it’s difficult to match the emotions of that night in this newsletter, following is the blessing I shared with the newlyweds.

Have you ever put your life in someone’s hands and asked him to put his life in yours? Well, over the last three years I have had that experience with Dave. Sometimes in ministry, people say you are in the trenches and it’s nice to have someone around who has your back. While Tiger Pause does not do trenches, because that means we are not gaining ground, we fly wide open in the field and it has been a joy to have Dave running beside me. One day I hope to achieve the values I see in Dave including kindness, patience, and a calm presence. Dave is a guy you want on the wall; a guy you need on that wall. I have one daughter and I hope that when she gets married it will be to a man like Dave. For, if nothing else, he can build and grow things.

All you have to do is look at Kristen’s penetrating eyes and see joy, passion, and gentleness. When you see them together it is like watching Jerry Maguire as she completes him. So, tonight we pray that the Lord’s mercy and grace will give you the power to never break the chain (Fleetwood Mac). As we toast the happy couple, let me remind you of what the second most interesting man in the world says (because we all know that Mr. Matt is the most interesting): “Stay thirsty, my friends” - for each other, for life, and, more importantly, for Jesus Christ. Because, as the outlaw Josey Wales tells us, “Dying ain’t an easy living.”

Semper Fi,

Matt Nance

God Is Our Valentine All Year Long

As we get ready to celebrate the day when we tell the ones we hold dear that we love them. We may give our wives or girlfriends something shiny, if we have been in the dog house, or flowers, if we waited until the last minute. Even kids may give a Batman or Cinderella valentine with some Sweet Tarts attached to every kid in their class, even the icky boys.

Friday the 14th is a great day to do something else—no, not go see that movie that will make your wife fall in love with you like when you were first dating until you forget to bring home the tool you need to hang some picture. Instead, how about loving God for His providence and sovereignty every day? Need a visual? Let me tell you about the last two weeks.

On Wednesday, I drive middle schoolers from BCCS to the high school so they can stretch their legs at Mrs. V’s gym class. During my up and back runs on 37th street, I saw a lady with two small girls walking on the road since snow was piled up on the sides of the road. I stopped to see if she was alright and she told me that she had run out of gas and was on her way to Sheetz. I told them to jump in. I must have looked safe despite my Angry Birds hat, because they did get inside. As I neared the high school and saw that the Beaver Valley Credit Union sign read –3o, I told the lady I would take them to the school and have Mr. Bryan get some gas for her. As we waited in the lobby of the school, we began that old, familiar banter of “I know you because I’m from Beaver County” 6-degrees of separation talk.

I tell her that I’m from Tiger Pause and she laughs. Earlier that morning she called the Furniture Bank to have us pick-up some scrap metal at her house. Small world, huh? As she went to fill up her car, I waited with the girls until she got back. As a father of a very special princess, I felt great about the day ahead as it was only 9:15 a.m. That was until about 11:00 when I got a call that there was no water at the church except that which was all over the floor. However, Tim Bonomo, who has a huge heart and is always there in case of emergency, was on-hand to save the day for the kids at the after-school program.

Finally, my son Caleb, who has had breathing issues since birth, was scheduled for a cat-scan at Children’s Hospital for a suspected blockage in his left nostril. A peace that passes understanding came upon me and I told my wife that it was going to be alright. And, you know what? It was! We went to Pittsburgh and, what was to be an all-day affair, took less than three hours. We didn’t have to sedate him for the cat-scan and it only took two minutes to complete. The doctor on the third floor had a couple of cancellations and we were able to get the results quickly: whatever was there before was gone! After a few “praise the Lords” and “thank you, Jesuses”, the only people that felt uncomfortable were probably some unbelievers on the medical staff. On the way home, my wife was so happy that she let me stop at Chipotle to eat. Feed my sheep, Matt Nance. No problem, Lord. No problem.

Semper Fi,

Matt Nance

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!

At the beginning of the school year, I spoke with our director, Mr. Matt Nance, about how many children we would be able to serve during the 2013-14 school year. Because of limited staff and volunteers from Geneva College, we agreed that 12 students would be a good number. We were all set, right? On September 17 at 3:35 p.m., I pulled up to the front of the Morado Community Center. As I patiently waited, I reflected on the previous school year and remembered the “cast of characters” the Lord blessed me with. I was anxious, happy, and anticipating the greeting I would receive from the children.


At 3:45 p.m., the bus unloaded and the students came running across the grassy lawn, laughing, chasing each other, and anything else elementary students do after a long school day. Then, they spotted me! Wow! I cannot describe the feelings we felt as we hugged and said hello. I had missed them and they missed me! And, there were more than 12. There were 19, to be exact. But, there was no way I was going to turn any of them away.


Think about Matthew 9:37-38: “Then saith Jesus unto His disciples, ‘The harvest is truly plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord will send fourth laborers into His harvest’.” Although the staff may be few in number, we trust God. He is a great provider and HE has never come up short. God is supplying our needs, He is energizing our Spirit, and He is blessing our children and their families. We will continue to be that light on top of College Hill, letting our light shine in the community of Morado Dwellings!


Mrs. Sabrina Tench
Morado Center Supervisor