Elevate Student Ministries

Amy Kern: This Sunday Night!

// March 19th, 2010 // 35851 Comment »Amy+Kern%3A+This+Sunday+Night%212010-03-19+17%3A20%3A15Shawn+Michael // Elevate Update

If you haven’t met her yet, that’s a pic of Amy Kern. This was taken in El Paso, on the way to serve and minister to kids in a Creel childrens’ home and the Tarahumaran natives of Mexico. Amy’s heart is big and her desire to love God and be His arm outstretched is evident in her everyday life.

She has become a leader of sorts in our student ministry and is affectionately called “mom” by several of her peers at Destiny. Because of this, I don’t want you to miss her sharing this coming Sunday night, 6:30 pm, @ Destiny’s evening service. We’ll be canceling our regular Catalyst Discipleship Group to support Amy and, I’m sure, be blessed and challenged by her message. God is doing great things in her life and we can’t wait to hear what she has to share!

The Untold Story in Haiti

// February 23rd, 2010 // 3521No Comments »The+Untold+Story+in+Haiti2010-02-23+18%3A43%3A17Shawn+Michael // Current Events, Spiritual, Web Sites, Youth Ministry

Continuing to get blown away by the stories I’m hearing coming from fellow Christians serving/ministering in Haiti. I find myself praying for Haitians daily. God has really put them heavy on my heart.

What’s crazy is that there are amazing, nationwide movements of God happening over there… things that aren’t getting any airtime in the news. On February 12 — just a week-and-a-half from today — President Préval of Haiti called his nation to 3 days of fasting and prayer in place of the regular Mardi Gras celebration. Over 1 million Haitians attended this epic event. Watch the following video; I pray it stirs something inside of you to pray, go, and give.

For more incredible videos, pics and ministry happenings in Haiti, please visit my friends over at facebook.com/ymath. They are back from their trip now, but these stories still need to be shared. Let’s make this real to our hearts and love and serve Haiti as we are called.

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Valapalooza Highlights

// February 18th, 2010 // 35151 Comment »Valapalooza+Highlights2010-02-18+20%3A27%3A14Shawn+Michael // Gallery

Thank you SO MUCH for another successful party and fundraiser!

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Coming in 2010…

// January 25th, 2010 // 3440No Comments »Coming+in+2010...2010-01-26+03%3A07%3A28Shawn+Michael // Elevate Update, Spiritual

Every year, we take some time at the beginning of the school year to give space for students to hear from God for their personal lives and for the collective journey of our student ministry. On Wednesday, January 13th, this is a sampling of what the students of Elevate wrote down for the New Year…

…to minister to kids my age that cutting, drugs, and sex isn’t the way and that God can fill all those voids…

…we need to take a stand for our generation and bring them to God, cause they are hungry for sex or cigs and they want to cut and turn away from You, God, and keep denying You and blow their life away.

…we should gear ourselves and set Rapid City on fire and love others like our family. To desire our gifts and use them.

…showing these kids what life is all about is the greatest gift you could give. Being there for these kids shows Me that you are a strong group and you are going to impact many people’s lives. This is truly what I wanted from My people of earth, for you to reach out and teach is so awesome. This ministry is definitely going places…and the kids involved are so grateful for the leaders. — Mazie

Destiny, you will see things happen that you never could have seen coming. You will see a fire like never before. The atmosphere of expectancy is the breeding ground of miracles. — Jazzy

I gave this youth group a heart for this generation rising up… that it will know the words to say to keep someone going and that this family I have brought together will say My words and walk the path I have to tell the people of My love for them.

Even though there will be change, some will be good – even if tears fall – later on, there will be smiles. God knows what He is doing. There is a protection with the Shoup family and over the church.

2010 is going to be an eye-opening year. We will see things that we haven’t seen before. Miracles are going to happen to those who believe. Don’t give up on your dreams. They will happen; just believe in Me. Many things will change this year.

Let’s be the generation the world will be proud of. Go beyond all comfort zones. — Autumn

…this next year will be the best one yet for Elevate.

Depend on each other and God in each person. Keep holding on to what you have and spread it to others. Don’t hold back… break the silence. Be different.

Get more involved in ministry and not be so embarrassed to talk about Him… not be scared to do Godly things. — Levi

Just keep going. No matter what… keep praying, healing, and ministering. Never back down and never quit.

…get closer with people.

…for Shawn and Deanna to have a good time with the youth before they move. — Brent

That the students of Elevate will do what it’s name says: elevate them in a way that they will never turn back. They know what’s right and what’s wrong… continue to pray and soak in My presence.

…I love what you are doing… even when Shawn and Deanna leave, I have something in store for you that you would never have thought of. — Sam S.

Pay attention more… soak everything in like it was straight from God.

To reach out to other youth. To love each other more like brother and sister. To come together as family and to teach each other.

…there will be a light that shines brighter than any other.

God is wanting all of us to go out and touch and bless more people. He wants us all to make a huge impact on someone’s life, leave an impact… He wants us to bless everyone. — Jackson