God is doing amazing things in these kids lives.

 

The girls love Charlie.

What a powerful night and message. Pray for Akina kids!

Thank you 1st Assembly of God in Bemidji, MN for the weighted blankets!

The kids are loving them.

Journey to the Frozen North...

Hello Dear Friends and Partners In Ministry,
   We just got back from a great week in Bemidji, Minnesota (or the "Frozen North" as I like to call it.)  Dan taught the week at Mokahum Ministry School on the Leech Lake Reservation.  He was teaching an Introduction to the Bible Course, and really enjoyed it.  It was a blessing to meet the Mokahum students, and see their amazing hearts for the Lord.  We also got to spend a Sunday at First Assembly of God, and were so blessed by their children's ministry, who donated money for a new TV for our kid's ministry.  They also made some beautiful weighted blankets that the kids in Kid's Club LOVED using last night.  We can't say thank you enough!
   Last night in Kid's Club, we were reminded of Ephesians 6:12 in a very real way.  The New Living Translation states:  "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."  An amazing young woman who was delivered from the occult shared her testimony and deliverance by Jesus.  Several of the children shared that they could see ghosts and talk to spirits.  Native American culture can be very strong in this area, and we were able to pray with the kids, and share with them what the Bible says on the matter.  I would ask that you continue to pray for these kiddos and these communities.  It is the amazing power of God alone that can deliver, restore, and save!  I know he can do it.  Your prayers and support are so important!

Even When Bad Things Happen!

At Kid's Club this week, an amazing teacher shared the story of a missionary imprisoned in Afghanistan for sharing her faith in Jesus.  The story was all about her amazing rescue, and how God was still working even when bad things happened.  We might feel alone, but when we continue to trust in him and pray, he will be our defender and protector.  This is much like Joseph, in the Bible, who went through many difficult times in order to be prepared to play a leading role in Egypt.  God has a plan!  Sometimes it might not seem like it, but you never know how he is working things out behind the scenes.  Just as it says in Psalms 66:12, "You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water, but you brought us out to rich fulfillment."

That is our message to those who are broken.  God has not abandoned you, and he never will.  He can save you now from your circumstances, and he will heal you and bring you out to rich fulfillment.  Pray that this truth rests firmly in the hearts of the children and adults we work with.  We are seeing God do great things!

Success in Jesus

Hello Dear Partners in Ministry,
   We had another exciting kids club this past week, as students learned about the life of Paul, and his amazing transformation.  It is so good to be able to speak truth into the lives of these wonderful kids.  Some can't handle the smallest stressors due to the trauma they've experienced in their own lives.  It is so powerful to be able tell them the TRUTH about who they are in Christ!  They are valuable!  They are wanted!  They are loved!  They are fearfully and wonderfully made, and God wants to use them to change the world!  It is amazing to see the change in their behavior as we speak these things into their lives.

We are so excited to see how expanding our program to a three night a week after school center will continue to help our kids see success.  Please continue to pray as we move forward on this vision!  Pray that they continue to move forward in discipleship, and KNOW Jesus!

The God Who Always Stays

This year for Kid's Club on Tuesday we nights, we our focusing on the theme that God will never leave us, nor forsake us.  This is such a powerful truth in the lives of children who may have been abandoned.  (AND not just children!  This is powerful even for me to learn again!)  Last night I was teaching about how Jesus wants us to be part of his family, and when we are, he will never leave.  This is true even if our parents have left us!  A little girl, no more than 6, piped up, "My mom is in prison!"  I know she wasn't the only one in the room who was faced with this situation.   This is the reality that many of the kids who come to Akina face.
     Our verse this week was from John 14:18  It says: "No, I will not abandon you as orphans-I will come to you."  Jesus has not abandoned these beautiful children, and neither will we.  Your prayers and partnership continue to be such a valuable part of all of this- helping children and young adults have the chance to know Jesus, and find healing and peace.  Come visit us on Thursday as we continue learning from our Answers in Genesis Bible Study!  The Word of God will change your life!

Akina Kids starts Tuesday!

    Hard to believe fall is here in full swing!  We were blessed to visit Bemidji this past weekend and spend some time with other CIM missionaries.  It was refreshing to hear others hearts and vision for ministry that is being done all over Minnesota.  We were also blessed to attend an amazing church on Sunday, where the message was very encouraging! 

We are super excited that Akina Kids is starting up this Tuesday.  The kids usually arrive by 6:00 for dinner and learning about God's word.  Please pray that we are able to connect with a lot of kids, and that this first day runs smoothly.  We are looking forward to sharing God's word with them, and how much he loves them.  Please pray for more volunteers as well.

Women's and Men's Bible study is now on Thursday nights, starting at 6:00.  We are also having a "Thursday School" for kids as well.  The kids will be learning from "Answers in Genesis," while the adults will be studying Colin Smith's Unlocking the Story."  Every time we hear from Colin Smith, we learn something new and amazing about the Bible.  God's word always speaks to our hearts, right where we are!  If you are available on Thursday nights, we would love to see you.

Also, we want to extend a huge "Thank You" to the Grace Church volunteers who came and helped out during The Big Serve.  We really wish we could have been there, and are grateful for all the work they did, helping us get ready for Kids Club.  We couldn't do this without the your help!  Thank you for helping further the Kingdom of God.

CRU training and Akina Kids!

The last time I was in Florida on my birthday, I was turning 20.  Now, at 34, I was blessed to be there again.  Although, the former was the beginning of my grown up life, away from home in Ft. Myers Florida.  It was the beginning of a new journey.  This time was kind of the same-the beginning of a new journey into full time ministry!

We were so blessed by the many people who helped us get to the CRU training in Orlando.  Everything we learned was extremely valuable, and it helped clarify our vision and heart for the future of our family and Akina Church, as well as Akina Kids!  We are excited to continue to work with our ministry partners, and meet new people who have the call of God in the hearts to help spread the love of Jesus in South Minneapolis.  God is doing great things!

Also, coming soon- the restart of Akina Kids Club on Tuesday nights, beginning at 5:30.  We will be rolling out October 11th.  Please pray for a smooth start, and open hearts.  We could always use volunteers!

We are excited to be offering a Men's and Women's Bible study on Thursday nights, with a special kids program teaching the Answers in Genesis curriculum.  This night is geared towards families with a deepening emphasis on discipleship.  It is going to be an exciting time, and we'd love for you to join us at 6:00 PM, at Akina Community Church!

Upcoming Little Earth Outreach

Hello Friends and Partners!
   Can you believe the summer is nearly over?  Every September, for the past 7 years, we have had the privilege of working with Heart of the City Band, and Union Gospel Mission to hold an amazing concert/outreach right in Little Earth.  There are free hot dogs, pony rides, and great music.  Many wonderful people are also able to share their testimonies with the crowd!  We use this time as for a huge push and sign up for our Kids Club that starts in October.

Please pray with us that great things happen during this outreach, and that we are able to get lots of kiddos to attend our Kid's Club.  There, they get a healthy dinner and a chance to learn about Jesus!  Come on out to Little Earth this Sunday, September 18th, if you can!  We'd love to see you!

Some Pictures from the Camp!

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August camps at the Grace Church Retreat Center

Hello Friends, Family, and Partners In Ministry,
   We've just finished a fantastic camp at the Grace Church Retreat Center.  Our whole family was able to go, including 3 month old Charlie.  We worked with girls and boys from Little Earth, and the team from Akina and Grace was able to talk about healing from hurt and knowing Jesus.  I am posting pictures from the camp.  As always, thanks for all of your awesome prayers and support.  Jesus is the one who is making a difference in this community!  He is using you to help!