A mother's reflection on trusting God [by Amanda]

A few nights ago, our team spent some time at a local agency hosting an “English corner” for 8-12 year olds. These students come once a week to practice their English with native speakers. Our team played games, taught songs, and told stories about Christmas in America.

While everyone else was crammed into a tiny room having tons of fun, Abi and I made our way to the waiting room full of parents and grandparents. Right away, a mom took Abi in her arms. Smiling, she said, “Tā yănjing piàoliang” (meaning: her eyes are beautiful). She could not get over Abi’s blue eyes or her radiant smile.

After several other adults played with her, one of the fathers in the group picked Abi up and carried her towards the hall. Little did I know that he had spotted a mirror and wanted to see if Abi enjoyed looking at herself as much as the native babies do. In the room, one of our American friends living in this city sat and observed the situation. Later, she took me aside and asked me if it was hard to have so many people wanting to be around Abi and take her places without communicating it to me.

I looked at her and smiled. I told her it was hard, but it is nothing compared what our Father did when He sent His Son to a world that would ultimately kill him. Trusting the Father’s plan for Abi’s life can sometimes be a struggle. The reality is I want Abi to be comfortable and provided for. I don’t ever want to see her suffer or get hurt. As she grows up, I want her to see her family often and be near me all the time. However, these desires of mine are not what should determine the life she will lead because she was born with a purpose greater than physical safety or comfort. The Father created her life to bring Himself glory. For right now, that means she is living on the other side of the world, helping her parents and friends build relationships with people who do not know the Son. I am not sure what it will be like in 20 or 30 years, but I am confident the Lord is preparing us both for the plan He has for her life.

December Prayer Requests

Family – Since it is very cold, pray Abi will not get sick and that she would not be too stir crazy having to be inside all day. Also, pray that she will be happy as we travel home next weekend through fourteen time-zones. Pray for Amanda as she takes care of Abi and interacts with friends in our apartment complex. Pray for Jonathan, that he will know how to lead and manage the team, in addition to caring for his family and making new friends.

New Friends – Pray for our new friends. Several of them are spending a lot of time with some of our team. Pray that the message and life of Christ would be clear to them. Ask boldly that the Father would give them the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Christ. Also, pray they would connect with our “long-term American friends” living in this city.

The Team – Pray for team unity, health, and excitement for what God is doing here. Pray they will not be too homesick as we finish our last week here. Also, pray they will re-enter American culture with a heart oriented around God and his kingdom. Finally, pray they will not suffer “reverse culture shock” as it may be difficult to re-connect with friends, family, church, and school.

Change [by Amanda]

Abi loves going outdoors. Lately, our walks have been a reminder of changes the Lord is doing. We walk past trees with hundreds of colors revealed in the leaves, while only a few weeks ago, there would have been nothing but green.

Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of seeing a lot of changes in the lives of the students involved in YMI (Youthfront Mission Institute). One of my favorite times happened around the dinner table last week. Someone began, “I know this might not be the best time, but I don’t know what to do.” This student began to share about a sensitive situation in which he was looking for advice from the YMI family.

It was amazing to see how the other students responded. They began to open up about their own experiences and describe how the Lord was transforming them more into His likeness through these difficult trials.

I have also enjoyed watching mental light bulbs turn on in our evening discussions when we discuss topics they are learning about for the first time.

As we enter the last part of the program, I am so excited to observe the changes that will occur when the students immerse themselves in a new culture and live out the things they have been learning for the past several weeks.

I know that the Lord will be faithful to transform their lives to radiate His glory to the watching world.

Travel– We leave for Asia on the 7th of November. Pray for safety, weather, plane schedules, luggage arriving, and the conversations we will be having with the people God places in our paths.

Time Zones- For the next six weeks, we will be 12 hours ahead of all of you. Pray that jet lag will be minimal, so we can do what the Lord has in store for us (pray specifically that Abi would adjust quickly).

Expectations- Whenever we do different things, our expectations often determine our attitudes. Pray that everyone would be willing to let go of their expectations and trust God for the working He is doing in and through their lives.

Relationships—Pray that relationships would be formed very quickly with the people the students meet. Also, pray for Jonathan and I, that we would build close relationships faster than we anticipate.

To Mexico and Back [by Jonathan]

Our last night in Mexico, we sat on the roof of Youthfront’s dorms in Croc around a small fire pit (don’t worry, the roof was made of concrete). The fire was blazing and there was some meat cooking in a large skillet. Since we were about 30 feet up and the weather was perfect, we could see all the way to saddle mountain, the landmark of Monterrey.

All this provided a vivid contrast to the town below us, where we saw half built concrete homes, wood pallet fences, and trash laden dirt streets. We could hear dogs barking and people talking in Spanish. It was the perfect place to discuss our experiences in Mexcio.

As we discussed our weeks, what started out as revelations about poverty became very quickly a conversation about living an incarnational life. An incarnational life is one that patterns itself after what Jesus did. Jesus left all his rights and privileges and became like the ones he sought to save.

This is what Youthfront Croc staff are doing. They live next door to the people they are reaching. They are going to great lengths, leaving opportunities for good jobs with high salaries to become like the poor and reach the poor.

Pray for the YMI students as they continue to reflect on what it means for them personally to live an incarnational life; laying down their lives for the sake of God’s glory in all the world.

Grace and peace,

Illness — Pray that God would keep us healthy. Recently several of us have been sick with cold symptoms. It has made it difficult to be completely engaged in the program and in each other’s lives.

Family — Continue to pray for our family. We want to be good examples to the YMI students of a Godly, loving family. Pray that I (Jonathan) will know how to lovingly serve, lead, and provide for my family. Pray Amanda will demonstrate what it means to be Godly wife willing to daily sacrifice for the sake of her family.

YMI — (Youthfront Mission Institute) We are leaving for East Asia in 4 weeks. Pray that God would walk ahead of us in our traveling, preparing situations in which we enter into continual blessing. Pray we would experience the great love an joy of God so abundantly that it overflows to the people we meet. Pray for soft hearts, patience, and determination.

Croc

Here at the customs office, we spent several hours working through paperwork, getting visas, etc. Though it was one of the longest amounts of time I've ever spent getting into a country, we made it.44


A view of Croc from the top of one of the main staff buildings.


Abi loves Coca-cola!! Just kidding. We don't really let her have that stuff yet, but she sure liked sucking on the bottle


Peter, one of our YMI students, with a Mexican boy in a nearby park.


Ally loved hanging out with all the little girls. Language barriers were difficult, but sometimes a smile is enough.

We're off [by Amanda]

“This is going to be the best semester of my life!” David exclaimed on the first day of YMI (YouthFront Mission Institute). Most of you would imagine that this statement took place after Jonathan gave the details of our trip to Central Asia or after he announced that every Wednesday night would be movie night, but it was spoken after Jonathan informed the students of YMI that they were going to be part of our family, and that included helping feed Abi during our meals together throughout the semester.

After just 12 days of YMI, I think David has already fed Abi 3 or 4 times. Not only are the students feeding her, but they, play, change diapers, and carry her. Several of them even carried her in our Baby Bjorn while we were serving at Rock the Light (an area Christian festival that YouthFront helps sponsor). Today, some of the students had a dance party with Abi while I packed all of her things for Mexcio.

It has been so much fun for to see the “family” that has developed through the last few days. One of the main goals of YMI is to create a community where people can discover what their role is in God’s plan for the universe. We believe that creating a welcoming, honest, and committed family atmosphere will help them discover what that is.

Tomorrow, we leave for Mexico. Pray that our YMI family will continue to grow closer to one-another and closer to Christ as we serve in a different culture.

Septmeber Prayer Requests

Family — Pray that we would be an example in how we respond and love one another. Also, pray that we would find rest in the Lord and not in our circumstances. Pray that I (Amanda) would be able to laugh at the days to come and not be focused on the overwhelming details of each day.

YMI — (Youthfront Mission Institute) we are heading for Mexico tomorrow. Pray the Lord would protect us as we travel. Pray that we would be able to encourage and serve the fulltime YouthFront Staff in Mexico as well as the people the Lord puts in our paths. Continue to pray that the hearts of the students would become fully God’s, and that they would be obedient to the Lord as He directs their path. Finally, pray that the students would continue to be unified

One Week

The small calendar dial on my watch says “17.”

It’s hard to believe that exactly 7 days from tomorrow the first students of Youthfront Mission Institute will arrive!

The emotions within my soul (our souls) right now are rather tumultuous. On one hand, I am so excited for YMI to be here. There is a thrill in launching something new, and we are confident the experience could potentially be life altering for the students attending.

On the other hand, I am incredibly anxious and fearful. The fear of all the things which could go wrong and the tremendous amount of work that must still happen before the students arrive is very easily overwhelming.

What do I preach to myself in these moments of stressful anxiety and excitement? Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus;” and Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Ever since I was little, my parents would quote these verses to me and remind me to trust God in everything I do and turn over all my worries to Him. It’s amazing that these same verses still give me so much comfort and confidence today.

This week, as I think about YMI, I am reminded to trust God. Whatever the future holds, we can be confident that it is held by One who is absolutely sovereign. Nothing is without meaning; nothing is without purpose; and it will all be to His glory.

Pray for us, that we will walk confidently, diligently, and without fear towards whatever God has for us this semester. Pray that the glory of God’s grace would be magnificently known among us.

Grace and Peace to you.

On our newsletter I wrote that this was our first self-portrait. I was recently informed by my wife that we had one a while back... oops... This is a picture from our fun at the zoo in Minneapolis.


We set Abi up on the ledge to look at the lions through the glass.

August Prayer Requests

· Family — Make sure you check out our blog! We recently put up pictures and a short video of Abigail’s first try at eating solid food (more like mushy food), and some pictures of our recent trip to Minneapolis. They are so much fun! As YMI arrives, pray that we will be good parents for Abi while balancing our time with the students around us. Also, pray we would have hearts that find full satisfaction in the love of Christ and are unaffected by temptations to be people pleasing.

· Camp — The summer ended really well with the Cabin Leaders. I was amazed at how many people talked about how life changing their summers were. Pray, as they go back to school, that they’re hearts for ministering to people would remain active during the school year.

· YMI — (Youthfront Mission Institute) The beginning of the fall semester is only 1 week away! Pray for final mission trip details to come together, schedule finalization, a solid list of work projects, and local ministry opportunities. Pray that curriculum material would arrive and that it would be ready. Pray that our team would be unified, cooperative, and loving towards each other. Also, pray that our hearts would be resting firmly in the peace of God, ready and eager to pour our lives into students. Finally, pray that the last amount of support would come in for the students who will be attending.

Abi's first cereal

Abigail loved her first chance to get some cereal. She had so much fun! She chomped down the whole 1/4 cup we had made and was happy the entire time.


Abigail kept grabbing at our hands and spoon as we were feeding her. It was as if she wanted to do it herself.


We took a little bit of video on my digital camera of Abi's first cereal.

Our Trip to Ames and Minneapolis

Recently our little family took a trip to visit family, friends, and supporters in Ames and Minneapolis. We have been wanting to go back to Minneapolis for a visit since we left a year ago. Minneapolis has so many things we love.... diversity, a great church, lots of free stuff, and caring close friends.... and Ames is right on the way!(Amanda's home town) We enjoyed ourselves so much! Here are a few pictures from our family adventure.


During our stop in Ames, Abigail went to her first ever Iowa state fair! Here is Abi and Mommy next to the famous "butter cow." (which is apparently made entirely out of butter)


Of course we had to take a picture of Abi next to an Iowa corn stalk. This one is just her size.


One of the great things about Minneapolis is all the things to do. We had a little down time after church on Sunday so we went to the FREE Como Park zoo and conservatory.


Abigail and I are looking at the sea lions in the water below us.


Abigail likes to hang out on my shoulders. Apparently being so high made her feel like a giraffe (notice the tongue).


These are some of the women who work with the women's ministry at Bethlehem. They were so happy to meet the newest girl in the Philgreen family.

Another camp memory for Abi

Abi loves her jump and go!

More Baby Pics

Amanda has a habit of putting the clean diaper on Abi's head while she is getting ready to change her. Some of Abi's happiest times are when she is having her diaper changed. She will often go totally from crying tears to smiling and cooing as we set her down.


Abi hanging out by the pool with mommy.


Abi and her boyfriend Joseph. Abi and Joseph met at church a few days after she was born.


Amanda, Abi, and I went to see our niece Chloe in a play. Abi was being happy, so I snapped a shot with her and her mommy.


This was just prior to the play. Sweet dress, eh?

Cabin Leaders and a Firetruck

This past year Youthfront was donated an old fire truck after the La Cygne fire station bought a new one. Our grounds guys are trained in using it for any emergencies for which we may need it. Amanda and I have been working with the cabin leaders at YouthFront Camp South and we wanted a group picture.... So, what better place than on a fire truck next to the waterfront activities at camp, eh?

July 4th fun

Amanda and I spent some time in the Ozarks with her family for fourth of July. I was a little delayed getting these on here. Oh well. Enjoy.



"Papa" with his grandaughter.


While in the Ozarks, we played on a terrific golf course known as Porta Cima. I don't think I've ever played on a course so beautiful.


No, that's not our yacht. =) The lake was packed with boats on fourth of July, so we decided to watch the fireworks from the shore (instead of being run over by these much larger boats).


A Family self portrait.


Watching the sunset.

Building blocks and God's plan [by Amanda]

“Can I see Abi’s room?” Sophie, an eight year old staff kid, asked me this week. “Abi would love to show you her room,” I replied. This was the start of one of the many spiritual conversations I have been able to have this summer.

After we showed Sophie all of Abi’s toys, Sophie spent some time playing with Abi’s alphabet blocks. As Sophie was playing, we talked about who decided what letters should be in the alphabet and where languages came from. We talked about the tower of Babel and how God chose to mix up the languages of all the people on the earth.

Then, Sophie told me that she had been wondering how God could always exist. I replied that I still can’t comprehend how God always was and always will be, but I am comforted by the fact that God is much bigger than I am. Sometimes I just have to trust what He says. I can leave a lot of the details up to Him. We also talked about how awesome it is going to be in heaven when we will exist forever with God. As we ended our conversation, I was filled with excitement.

I was excited for the plan the Lord has for me this summer and the rest of my life. Originally, I was planning on spending my summer getting ready for YMI. I thought my priority for the next several months would be to the girls in YMI, but the Lord had different plans. He has me spending my summer caring for Abi and being available to have conversations with whomever He sends.

I am grateful for how the Lord directed my time with Sophie. I am sure the conversation would not have occurred if Abi and her building blocks were not around. But, I am even more excited to have a similar conversation with Abi someday. The Lord is continuing to grow a desire in my heart to love and care for my family as my priority. I am confident that as I put my family first, He will provide ways in which I can reach out to others.

Grateful for change,

July Prayer Requests

· Family — Abigail is changing everyday. As she starts to mimic our faces, we are reminded that she will soon mimic our actions. Pray that we will be godly examples. Pray we will keep family as our main priority in the context of the busy camp life.

· Camp — With two more weeks of camp left, pray our summer staff would not be complacent in their job but would remain energetic and passionate about affecting the lives of teenagers. Also, pray they would transition well back to “normal” life after camp is over, without forgetting the things they learned this summer.

· YMI — (YouthFront Mission Institute) The beginning of the fall semester is only 6 weeks away and there is still quite a bit to do. Pray we would be diligent to complete the preparation necessary. Pray for our planning of the trips, curriculum, local ministry, and work projects. Also, pray Amanda and I would be spiritually ready and eager to pour our lives into the lives of these students. Finally, students are raising financial support. Pray they would be diligent and givers would be generous.

Pictures of our baby girl!

Spiritual Multiplication

“How many of you were Teen staff at camp before you went to college?”

Ray, our camp director, asked this question in a recent summer staff meeting. Hands all over the room went up. As we counted, we discovered that 19 of the 50 summer staffers had been under my shepherding and supervision on Teen Staff (our teenager volunteer program) in previous years.

I was so excited to see so many students into whom I had poured my life seeking to now pour their lives into others!! Though I cannot claim all the credit for their spiritual maturity, I love seeing this process of spiritual multiplication: I pour into a few, who pour into a few, who pour into a few more.

June Prayer Requests

Family — Abigail is now two months old. Pray we would be good parents. Pray that we will all stay healthy in the coming months at camp.

Camp — The first few weeks of camp have gone really well, despite the incredible storm we had. As Amanda and I minister to cabin leaders, pray we would have insight and Spirit-centered wisdom. Pray we would know how to encourage the cabin leaders and equip them to deal with the emotional and spiritual baggage many campers carry.

YMI — (YouthFront Mission Institute) We would like to find a few more people to join us this fall. Pray God would call students who are looking for refreshment, formation, and community. Pray also as our plans for the trips are finalized. Pray that students will raise their support quickly and fully. Pray that unfinished details would be seen and completed.

Club 121— Amanda is meeting with one of the girls from our morning Bible study throughout the summer. Pray that she would have wisdom as they meet together. Pray it would deepen their relationship with each other and Christ.

Microburst!

Monday camp registration started at 1:00. At approximately 1:15, “the storm” moved into camp. Just minutes later we watched out the chapel windows as the rain turned horizontal, and trees started falling. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but there was more tree damage than any of us could imagine.

Every year we have a few rough storms, but this was the worst in our history. It left us without running water or power for 7-8 hours and uprooted some of our largest trees. Immediately, the staff sprung into action, working long hours to clear the grounds of dangerous limbs and trees blocking roads and sidewalks. Our flagpole was bent in half. Cabins were flooded from the rain. Though we’re not finished, camp goes on. Pray for us as we try to repair and clean up camp without sacrificing our ministry to students.

Here are some more pictures from the storm.