An Exciting First

Yesterday we had a new experience at The Compass. For the very first time, during our daily devotions, we had a younger student ask us to pray for someone before we went to our time of prayer together. It is very cool to see the children arriving at a place that they are aware we believe that prayer first, has purpose and meaning in our lives and secondly, that God hears, listens to, and answers prayer. Can you imagine introducing a person to prayer, and seeing their transformation to a decision that prayer is truly worthwhile? That is exactly what we witnessed yesterday, by a child! What a "God moment" it was.

What a God moment it is. God is alive. He is actively working at The Compass and we are so grateful. We pray, and invite you to join us in praying, that God would continue to "make Himself known" to the children at The Compass. We are asking Him to reveal His love to each child and for them to come to a place of recognition and acceptance of His love; for the children who have already accepted His love, through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we're praying their encounters of His love would further their relationship with Him. Thanks, and to God be the glory!

A Passing Grade

Things continue to go well at The Compass. We have a few new additions now coming to The Compass since I last wrote you. We have some new books, a library card, some new videos and some new computer learning games. A routine has been established as well, and that feels good to both the kids and the volunteers.

Volunteers are still needed at The Compass. Your continued prayers are appreciated as we try to broaden and continue to establish our volunteer base.

A base that is already being covered is the children's study time. We have some helpful tutors and the kids are already benefiting from one-on-one time while working on their homework. We received word from one of the schools that one of our students is now receiving a passing grade. We have also heard from one of the guidance counselors that several of the teachers are already noticing improvement in some of the students work. They have noticed improvement in AR (the Accelerated Reading program), their basic reading skills, and improved math skills. To God be the glory!

Check Us Out!!

Now that we're open, we took some pictures of the interior and some of the friends that join us here daily. As you watch the slideshow, remember to pray for all of us at Compass each day! Thanks for your support and your prayers!!

Confirmation

    It is hard to explain how wonderful it is to finally be open!  The first full week was fun, exciting and completely wonderful.  For me, it has felt a little bit like giving birth.  The final week, or "push," before opening was a hard one.  It involved a lot of long, late hours and wondering, "Is this really going to happen, God?  Are we really going to be ready for Monday?  That is our opening day, You haven't forgotten right?"  God of course hadn't forgotten and He was faithful to bring people to The Compass to help every day the week before opening.

    When the day arrived to officially open our doors and welcome our first after-school children, it was a day of relief, joy and excitement all rolled into one -- our "baby" had been born.  The children seemed to be almost excited as we were, if not more, at coming in to check everything out.  

    Their enthusiasm and excitement give us even more confirmation from God.  The children have been happy to be at The Compass.  They think the place is "cool."  They have much to tell us and fill us in on, even in the short time we have spent with them.  They continue to come every day with an excitement to be there.  They are hungry for love and attention when they arrive and it has been a joy to attentively and purposely express God's love for them.

    A few of the parents have offered confirmation as well.   One parent shared that their child was recently being placed in the situation of going home to an empty house every day.  The parent shared they were unsure of what they were going to do to remedy the situation and then learned about The Compass a few days later.  They were happy to have found a solution so quickly.  Another parent shared how they were told of their child's need for tutoring.  After being told, they learned of The Compass a week later and said that the timing couldn't have been more perfect.

    Finally, the latest confirmation God has given me came at the end of last week.  I shared my personal testimony with the children.  There was one particular child who was restless, bored and continued to ask, "Are you almost done?  Can't you hurry this up?"  At a particular point of my sharing an experience, I discovered some of the children had also experienced the same thing.  After I was done sharing, I felt the Holy Spirit impressing upon me to pray.  I felt I was to pray for all of the children, but especially for the children who had shared a similar experience as myself.  The same child who had been fidgety, restless and bored was completely still, quiet and attentive while I prayed.  

    That moment cemented for me just how real the needs are for the children, and their families, and how open they are to hearing and experiencing something new -- God.  There was no doubt in that moment that the Holy Spirit was present in a very real and powerful way and I realized how much I had felt His presence all along.  He was present during the planning stages, the renovating, the meetings, the dreaming -- all of it.  And the Lord was continuing to bless us with His presence.  We have already witnessed His presence, His leading and His provision and we know we will continue to.  We can't wait to see how God affects lifelong changes for the children and their families.  Thank you for your prayers.  They are needed.  They are felt.  And God is already putting them to use.

Open For Business!

"The Compass" offically opened its doors yesterday, March 3rd, 2008. Jeff and Lisa were there, and I'm sure they will share soon about their feelings about that special day. For me, as a board member and someone behind their vision, it's just amazing what God can do with people if they're willing to be used. From planting the seed in Jeff, to being able to use the house, to all those who worked, donated, and gave toward this project, it's just humbling and amazing to be a part of it all.

Please continue to pray for the kids and volunteers of "The Compass". We sure do need it! Also, make plans to join us on Sunday, March 16 at our open house from 11:00 to 2 p.m. to see what God has done!

Opening!

After much work on the coffee house, much paperwork and lots of prayer, The Compass will be opening Monday, March 3rd. It's difficult to put into words how exciting this is. It's been a three year process, a testing and stretching of our faith and continued growing experience. Knowing the time has finally arrived to watch the vision become reality, is a testament and praise to the Lord our God!
There is still much to do to be ready: buying and putting supplies into place, lining up the volunteers and selecting and planning the daily devotions, among other things. God has gotten us this far, there is no doubt we will be ready to start, one way or another. It's an overwhelming, exciting and blessed opportunity all rolled into one.

Thank you for the work, support and prayers given thus far. We covet your continued prayers; and we look forward to sharing with you how the Lord touches, and changes, the lives of the students and their families.

Invitation to Sharing Citizens

Tonight at 6:30 p.m., the ministry of Compass is going to be shared with a group of people, outside the walls of "church." An invitation was given for the vision and purpose of The Compass to be shared with citizens of our community who desire to make a difference. Anyone interested in attending is welcome. The presentation will start roughly around 7:00 p.m. at Miller's Merry Manor.

To anyone reading this today, please join us in prayer. We're asking that God would empower the presenters to clearly speak God's heart and words alone. We're asking that those God is calling to be a part of this ministry would be ignited with contagious enthusiasm and a heart for this ministry. We're believing God for raising up even more supporters to come and walk alongside of us and serve the Lord through this new ministry; for raising even more prayer warriors and for His continued blessing of financial gifts and offerings.

Thank you, to every person who has an interest in this ministry; who is a warrior for this ministry through your prayers, the giving of your time and/or through your financial gifts. It is a blessing to belong to the body of Christ and see His various parts pulling together in order to make one, lasting impact for the kingdom of God! Have a Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving!