In Case You Were Wondering...

Hi Friends!
I don't have a whole bunch to report on regarding Akina last week, because our family had the DREADED influenza A last week (dum, dum, dum).  We were quarantined in our house until Friday.

However, for this week's blog, I thought I'd clarify a bit about who we are, and what we do.

We are the Pack Family and we have the distinct honor of serving amazing kids and families in the Native American Community in South Minneapolis.  We've served in the community for about 15 years, give or take.

Currently, we have an after school program that meets two nights a week. We, along with some amazing, creative and selfless volunteers get to: serve dinner, share the Gospel, and teach literacy and apologetics to these kids and families.  We mentor, have fun, play games, make crafts, etc.

Our motivation is to love kids and families, create community, speak life, and give HOPE in the name of Jesus.

That's the short version.  (For the long version, email me.  I'm scheduling appointments.😉)

I write this blog each week primarily to update our amazing partners with the goings-on of Kid's Club.  But if you like to hear a great, inspirational story or two, you are welcome to read along!  Plus, we are a lot of fun so you may just want to join us!  (Providing background check is clear.🤔🤗)

Many Blessings!

When God Uses Kids!

1 Timothy 4:12 "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young.  Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

Happy Valentine's Day from our family and Akina!  We had a smashing time sharing about the love of God last week, and discussing the story of how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.  (That story in itself is a profound lesson on the love of God, and how we can continue to trust Him even when we feel he's let us down.  But I digress...)

Standout Moments
Something you may not know about Akina was that when Kid's Club began,  the idea of ministering with kids, to kids, was at the forefront.  I witnessed why this such an amazing idea again, last week.

One student who comes to help volunteer with his mom really connected with a little guy who can be tough to work with.  At one moment this sweet kiddo got very angry and ran out of the room.  Undeterred, the 11 year old leader followed right behind.  As I approached the situation to monitor, I heard the older boy say, " You know, you won't get in trouble for feeling angry.  Everyone gets angry.  It's what you do with that anger that matters." The younger child, once inconsolable, listened quietly.

Woah.  The power of God at work in kids, to other kids.  We love it, and are humbled by it.  How amazing to see kids raised up, as leaders, ministering to other kids. Friendships are built, hearts are healed, students are discipled, people groups are brought together.

I'm adding some fun pictures of the night, so you can see what else happened on our Valentine's Night!  Thanks for your continued partnership and prayers!  They make the biggest difference!

Monuments

Dan and I go to an awesome church on Sundays, called Emmanuel.  A few months in to when we began attending, the Pastor of the church, Dr. Nate Ruch, gave a sermon about the momuments people set up throughout the Bible, in remembrance of what God had done.

That message has stayed in our hearts and minds as we've continued at Akina, taking note of the amazing things God has done so that we can look back on those things when times get tough.

Dan reminded us about that message at the Akina Leadership Luau last Thursday, and we all took the opportunity to share "monument moments" from Kid's Club with each other.  It was a refreshing time to be with one another, and celebrate the goodness of God!

 I think that the Leadership Luau itself was another "monument" for us, as Dan and I thank the Lord for the amazing, selfless leaders who come to Akina.  They have a heart for the next generation, and a heart to see people know Jesus!

We are thanking God for our amazing leaders, and partners today!  Attached are some pictures of our amazing leaders in action!  We love you!