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PAID
Permit No. 17 Bemidji, MN 56601
Our children - age 3 through 5th grade - helped us celebrate Palm Sunday on March 24. They livened up both church services with songs and bringing in palms. As always we were blessed by having them come and share their talents with us!
Decisions
For three years Torry Swedberg and I (Dennis Peterson) have taught Bible Buddies (Covenant Kids) starting with first graders. We both decided we enjoyed our group of kids so much at the end of the year that we asked if we could follow them into second grade and again this year as third graders. We have grown to love these kids and have built a strong relationship with them.
Talking privately, Torry and I decided this would be the year that we would talk with each of the kids about asking Jesus into their hearts. How? We began several weeks ago by asking the kids, What is the greatest decision you will ever make? The kids had lots of responses including who they would marry, etc. On Wednesday night February 6, we asked again, What is the biggest decision you will ever make? The next day my wife, Nancy, and I were watching our grandkids and my grandson, Ashton, who is in our Covenant Kids class asked me, Papa, what is the biggest decision we will ever make? I said, Ashton do you want to know now? He replied he did and I told him about how all people are sinners and that we must ask Jesus to forgive us and come into our lives. We must make the decision whether or not to ask Jesus to save us. Ashtons response was immediate Can I do it now? My heart jumped and I said, Absolutely! We prayed together and Ashton asked Jesus to come into his heart and with tears in his eyes, and mine too, he accepted Christ as his Savior. The Lord is good. Covenant Kids is a great opportunity to share the love of Christ with many, many kids. Just stop by the church on a Wednesday night and see for yourself, people are learning, growing, and coming to know Jesus. Keep the kids and the teachers in your prayers.
God is doing amazing things at FUEL, Wednesday nights here at the Covenant. With more than 150 students in three separate teaching groups, one-on-one ministry becomes of vital importance to their growth and relationships. This is done by our small group leaders- 30 men and women who have volunteered to be mentors and leaders following their group of kids from 6th grade through graduation, walking beside them, speaking good and Godly words into their lives. Laurie Komnik is one of our small group leaders with 9th grade girls. New to the position this year, she feels strongly about the impact an adult mentor can have in the life of a teen. She has thrown herself enthusiastically into the role, and the girls have responded wholeheartedly, texting and chatting at all hours. You will often see Laurie in church surrounded by her girls, having as much fun as they are. But it goes deeper than that, much deeper. When the girls have a crisis, Laurie is there to help them through. And when they have cause to celebrate, she is standing beside them. Two of her girls were baptized in February and Laurie was holding their towels, grinning from ear to ear. If you ask her, she will tell you that her girls are a gift from God to her and the smiles on the girls will tell you they agree. But she cautions people thinking about working with the youth, If you are considering jumping into this ministry, make sure it is what God has for you. It isnt just a Wednesday night thing, but its worth it. Mark Bessler and his group of 10th grade guys are a living testimony of Gods work. When Mark was first approached about being a small group leader he was concerned on whether or not he could really be committed and also if this was something that God was calling him to do. There has been visible growth within Mark's group of guys as well as in his own life. When the group first began the kids were hesitant to be real and let their guard down. God has worked in the lives of these kids in such a way that they are bringing others to join with them and also are at a place where they aren't afraid to share who they are and be real with the group. God has also shown up in answering the prayers of not only Mark but the students as well. Mark has grown personally by being a part of these kids lives because of their desire to know Christ and also have their friends know Christ. Different perspectives have also been a growing point for Mark. We all have experienced life differently and there is no absence of diversity in this 10th grade group. Anyone who is looking to partner with this ministry with their time will be challenged. But the time invested in the lives of students is priceless to them and God will certainly use you where you are if you allow him to. If youd like to join the Student Life Team, contact Pastor Jim at the church office by phone at (218)751-3699, or email him at jim@bemidjicovenant.com.