Wow! So I realize I haven't done the greatest job at keeping up with The Compass blog! I do sincerely apologize! Life has been a bit crazy for me this year, with being pregnant and then welcoming our new son Wyatt on May 1, 2010! I'll just fill you in on the 2009-2010 school year!

The Compass had a super year! We tried a new program called the "Reading Rainbow" and it worked really well. Basically we wanted to encourage the kids to read more and they were given incentives as the filled in their reading rainbow. We ended the school year with an ice cream party for those who had completed their reading rainbow! It was quite exciting! One of the boys even finished his rainbow during the party in order to participate!:)

We had a lot of fun playing outside this spring and have lost more wiffle balls on the church roof than I can even count! I think playing outside is definitely a favorite for the kids! The kids have all done a really great job behaviorally too! We have had very few problems this year with that!

Most importantly...we continue to have a devotion time with the kids each day. That is one of my favorite things about serving at The Compass! The kids continue to ask lots of questions and I am learning that sometimes I don't have all the answers! They have definitely kept me on my toes.

The Compass volunteers have been excellent this year! We were fortunate to have some new volunteers join us this school year and I am so grateful for all their help! I was also super thankful for Kathy Welker, Jeff Lengacher, and Rob & Kris Henschen for filling in for me during the last month of school after Wyatt was born! I value each of our volunteers so much!

It's hard to believe that summer seems to be half over already and that school will be starting up before we know it! I am definitely looking forward to another exciting year at the Compass! If you are interested in volunteering your time at The Compass this next school year, please contact me! God bless!

Off to a great start!

We have certainly had a great start to the school year here at The Compass! I can't believe we're already over a month into school. We have many of the same kids as last year, but a few new faces as well! It's been fun getting to know the new kids and watching the dynamics of this new group. Everyone seems to have adjusted well into the routine of school and The Compass.

It continues to be such a privilege to serve in this incredible ministry! Today, at church, Rob Henschen and Becky Branch shared about their experiences with The Compass; not only as parents of children who attend, but also as volunteers. It's so exciting to see how God can impact our lives when we choose to serve Him. The volunteers are doing an incredible job this year! And it never ceases to amaze me that when we try to touch the lives of these children and their families, we end up receiving a blessing as they touch our hearts!

I have really enjoyed the times we spend doing devotions with the kids! At times the kids wonder why we always do devotions, and it's so fun to explain to them why it's SO important to learn about Jesus and all that He's done for us! I love it when they "get it". It's also been really cool to see them praying for others. A day hasn't gone by when they haven't remembered to pray for Rob. They're so great!

I encourage you to get involved if you haven't already! As we approach the day that will mark a year since Lisa went home to be with Jesus, I am reminded of her dedication to Jesus and how greatly she impacted the lives of those around her. I pray that each of us will seek that kind of dedication to Him and work to reach out to those around us who don't know Him.

2009-2010 School Year

It's hard to believe that summer is almost over and a new school year is right around the corner!

I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. I'm Kristy Cripe, and I started as the Director at the Compass at the end of last year. It's been such an honor to be a part of this incredible ministry that Jeff and Lisa began! I first met Jeff & Lisa when I was in high school, when they were youth leaders at our church. They helped to instill in me the great love I have for our Savior. I remember countless hours spent at their house and looking back on that time, I can see that they were just "being Jesus" to all of us kids. They continued to be a support in my life throughout college and beyond. I will never forget the love, compassion, and devotion to Jesus that Lisa lived and how deeply that has touched my life. This is why I am so honored to be a part of this ministry.

As we begin this new school year, we already have 20 students enrolled, leaving 4 spots open. We are also in need of more volunteers! The volunteers are a necessary part of this minstry to keep it running from day to day. I appreciate each of them so much! Here is a portion of a blog written by my sister, Kathy, who has been a volunteer at The Compass from the beginning:

"I have been a volunteer at the Compass and I LOVE IT!! The children, although sometimes crazy, are such a blessing and a joy to hang out with. I love teaching them about God and His Word, and how the stories apply to our lives today. I enjoy helping out with their math problems, and then finally seeing the light bulb turn on when they say, "Oooh, now I get it.""

"School will be starting soon, and we still need loving volunteers to make this another great school year. No matter what your interest or skill level, there is a place for you! Whether you volunteer once a month or once a week, you can be a great influence for the children. If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in investing some of your time into the Compass, let me know." Kathy Welker

I think that says it all! The Compass is a GREAT place to get involved in ministry! If you would like to volunteer at The Compass, please contact me by calling 574-354-7308.

Please continue to keep The Compass, the children, families, & volunteers in your prayers!

A New View Of "The Compass"...

Becky Branch came and helped out as a volunteer for the first time last Friday at Compass. If you'd like to read her thoughts, click here to do so. I'm glad to have her serving with us, and we've still got plenty of spots to fill if you'd like to give this amazing ministry a chance. Leave me your email in the comments section and I'll get you the information!!

Thank You, Thank You...

It's been an interesting few weeks for us. Since the passing of our great friend, Lisa, my wife and I have been "standing in the gap" to keep this ministry open. When I offered to do it almost a month ago, I had no idea what was involved in keeping this ministry going on a daily basis. Many people have helped us, and we couldn't have done it without them, so I wanted to thank them publicly.

To my wife, Kris: She is the real reason it's running right now. Not only is she there 3 days a week, she was there every day during that first week, and has scheduled, called, and organized the volunteers that come to help each day. She's taken care of the pantry, and has developed friendships with the kids. If you know my wife, this is out of her normal "comfort zone", and I'm thankful for her willingness to help carry Compass through this time.

To our volunteers: From the very first day, Kathy Welker and Karen Stichter have been there. As they were the only ones with any prior experience in the ministry, their help has been invaluable to us as we work our way through. Many others have also stood beside us offering their time and love like Leslie Yoder, Pam Schwartz, Carla Wisler, Shari Davis, Brian Paulson, Peg Magers, Duane Reinhardt, Tif Schwartz, Shelly Lengacher, Tammy Maust, Justin Bowers, and Joyce Deardorff, along with others that filled in for a day or two when we needed them. Your help and time are appreciated more than you know.

To the kids of Compass and their families: Thank you for working with us during this time. We know all the new faces can be somewhat overwhelming, and we appreciate your patience and grace as we "learn the ropes" of this ministry on the fly.

To the Compass Board and Wakarusa Missionary Church: Thanks for your support and guidance during this time. I'm proud to be standing with both of you in service to God.

Finally, to God: I know I can speak for both Kris and I when I say there's no way we could have done this on our own. He's gifted us with extra portions of love, grace, patience, and strength and we know it all comes from Him. We are also thankful for God's work in the hearts of those that have chose to join us in this ministry.

Thank you!

More Love For Lisa...

As this week goes on, I'm even more moved by the impact that Lisa Lengacher had in the lives of those all around me. Click to read the thoughts of Steve Gall, Jon Andrews, Shelley Flickinger, and Rhonda Schrock.

Another Tribute To Lisa...

First, for those of you who would like to pay your respects, the viewing for Lisa Lengacher will be from 2-8 pm on Thursday at the Wakarusa Missionary Church with the funeral at 11 am on Friday.

My great friend and former WMC pastor Mark Slabaugh has written a very eloquent post on the impression Lisa left on him and his ministry, and how we can carry on her legacy. Click here to read it...it's worth your time.