Kyle's reflections on their 2nd trip to Parmelee

During our short stay this time around in Parmelee, we got to see some old faces and a lot of new ones too. This little girl named Cadence attached herself to me and kept calling me her buddy, never wanting to leave my side. I had a good time getting to hang out with her, learning how to play trouble with 3 pieces, and always being able to beat Cale in anything. When we played outside together on the playground one of her little friends came over and started talking with her. She was telling Cadence that she was going to go get her older sibling so she wouldn't get picked on at the playground. Cadence told her that she didn't need to worry because she had her buddy with her, which was me. After hearing that and thinking about it, I thought how terrible it was that they were being picked on at the playground. I have been praying for both Cadence and her friend so that they would feel safe and not get picked on for being younger or whatever other reasons.

--Kyle

Nicole's reflections on 2nd trip to Parmelee

Oh it is amazing how God can put things in perspective for you just like that! We had an amazing trip to Parmelee this last weekend. It was wonderful to see the kids that we got to know this past summer and we also met several new ones. We left Friday around 5pm and went to stay the night in Bassett, NE. We had a group of men and women from O’Neil, NE that were coming with us on Saturday to work with the men from Parmelee to cut wood for their homes. As we drove into Parmelee and looked at our surroundings, I heard cheers from the back from our high schoolers about how excited they were to be back. To look at the run down delapidated houses it really put into perspective the amazing things God has done for me. As we drove into the Boys and Girls Club we were all so excited that our signs that we made this summer were still hanging and that they had no grafitti on them. (Which really is amazing since the gangs in the town were tagging everything with a pitchfork symbol.)

Within 30 minutes of arriving, local kids were running to play on the great new playground. It was amazing to see that they still remembered us from this summer. Kids were jumping on our backs and hugging our necks. One of the little girls, Faustina, said, "I sure missed you guys; I wish you could stay here forever." We had many things that we saw that were sad, but there were so many things that were just so awesome to see had changed since the last time we were there. We saw more parents come and bring their children and then return to pick them up. We heard stories that the police officers said that they had not seen a community turn around so quickly, that some of the parents are now taking more of an interest in their children and thier town and they are even protecting the new playground and the basketball courts.

As more and more of the kids arrived, we noticed that many of them did not have sock, mittens, or hats and it was 24 degrees outside and blowing snow. One little guy had slippers with holes in the bottom and no socks wanting to play outside on this playground. While the others stayed and played with the kids, a couple of us went and purchased some socks, gloves, and hats for these kids. They went very quickly. While we played, several of the men went to cut wood with the team from O’Neill and several of the women from the community came and made us a meal. It was such a show of love and gratitude for us being there. It was very special.

I have just fallen in love with the people in Parmelee and it is just amazing to see the love pour out of our high schoolers as they love on and really care for all of the kids and the adults in Parmelee. We are planning on returning to bring them winter items and Christmas presents in December and would love for anyone who really would like to go to let us know. We want to share this amazing experience with you!

--Nicole

Youth reflect on their weekend trip to Parmelee

A beautiful little girl named Autumn has been the one person I can’t stop thinking about since our trip this last weekend to Parmelee. Autumn is the sweetest five year old girl who simply loves hugs and talking as much as she possibly can. Throughout the day we noticed that something was just not right with the Autumn we remembered. She was a little out of it, unable to make clear sentences, and her eyes kept crossing. It all became clear when we remembered her parents were not as loving as ours. Although we’re not positive, we think that Autumn had been given alcohol before she ran over to the Boys and Girls Club. It completely broke my heart to see such a beautiful girl in this situation. As we drove away on Sunday for home, the picture of Autumn and her brother, Hunter, still haunts me as they waved goodbye and blew kisses, probably wondering what they had done wrong to make us leave.

When I got home, to be completely honest, I was so upset with God. Why does he let this happen to her? I mean, can’t he change this situation? I wanted to shout where are You? Do You even care? And those questions are the ones that won’t stop running through my head. However, through all of this, I do believe that God is revealing himself through our own want for peace for these kids. Although I’m still not sure the answer to these questions, I believe that as God’s chosen people, we can overcome their parents harsh ways with kindness. I mean, aren’t we living in God’s plan!? And even though I want God to take more action in my beautiful Autumn's life, I remember that this is God’s plan and when the time is right, he will touch Autumn’s life and her community’s life in a way that we can’t imagine and a way that only God is capable of doing.

--Jami

A few people from the youth group, along with myself, took a short, eight hour road trip to Parmelee, South Dakota this past weekend; a place where most of us have fallen in love with. After going on the mission trip in July, we can’t seem to stay away. Our goal in going to Parmelee was to hang out with all of the children and continue to show them the love that we have. I know, the majority of us already want to go back, and can’t wait to plan the next trip.I have no idea what these kids have been through and I probably never will be given the chance to feel the pain they suffer. They are strong, stronger than I will ever be. I realized this while I was up there this summer, but it was definitely stressed more this last time I visited. While we were there it seemed as if there was a blizzard, fifty mile per hour winds, and ten degree weather. It was freezing, but okay, maybe not that cold. I have never been that cold in my life though. So, it was more like a few flurries, in the forties and just slightly windy. There are clear differences between the two cultures. The families in Parmelee are use to going without a heater or wood to warm their house. Children were outside in their shorts; they came without long pants, coats, gloves, hats, socks, you name it. I had a conversation with a fourteen year old boy named Daniel, about how over time, he has just gotten use to the temperature; your body doesn’t seem so cold after a while. We take so many little things for granted.

There was so much change that we saw within the trip. Dennis told us that he has never seen a community turn around the way Parmelee has. We personally saw some of the kids change in a positive way, but then others in ways where you could tell they were headed down the wrong path. It beats me up knowing they need a little love and guidance to help them out. We saw more parents picking the children up from the Boys' and Girls' Club, there were many more people attending the church service than the first time we were there, and the signs we hung during July, they were still graffiti free. It is so hard leaving the kids knowing they need us. They are strong, but they have to be that way to survive. They need love and we are able to give that gift to them so easily. I hope we can do everything possible to keep showing these children that there is hope. They don’t understand that they have helped me learn a lot about myself and they keep me strong.

--Maggie

Reflection of the week at VBS

Wow! We really “Rocked the Dock” this week at VBS! This week we learned:

· God is with Us;
· God is Powerful;
· God Does What He Says He’ll Do;
· God Gives Us Life; and
· God Cares for Us.

…FEAR NOT!!!

Horizons VBS touches so many lives each year including the directors, volunteers, and especially the children. I truly feel blessed to be a part of such an amazing community of volunteers and wonderful children. At the beginning of the week, it is exciting to see all of the hard work and months of planning come together; however, the true ‘God Sighting’ is watching everyone become closer to one another through God’s love and most important—closer to God.

God is active in our lives everyday….we need to remind ourselves to take time out each day to appreciate all of his beauty, his miracles and challenge ourselves to share his love with others.

One great way to make this happen is to help our children keep an eye out for “God in action.” You will help them discover how they can be a God Sighting by showing Christ’s love.

· Find four powerful things God made.
· Look for someone showing God’s love at a sporting event.
· Take a long drink of cold water—and thank God for providing the water you need to stay alive.
· Place a fun treat or note on a family member’s pillow.
· Give a smile to someone who doesn’t have one.
· Share an extra-delicious chocolate chip cookie.


--Shelley D.

Day 5 of VBS

Night 5, Crocodile Dock……………INCREDIBLE!! What can I say? Kids were laughing, singing, screaming, and best of all, loving our God!! The last night of VBS is always bittersweet for me. I am tired, but don’t want to see the week end. Coming into church each night, seeing all of those kiddos worshipping and learning about our awesome God really fuels me up. Bob and Karl were on fire last night. They were totally pumped about night 5. “All out Night 5” is what Bob called it, and I would say the crews gave it their all. I think this year, more than ever, I heard and saw kids who didn’t want the week to end. They wanted one, two, even 4 more nights of Crocodile Dock. That speaks volumes to me. Our outdoor finale brought tears to my eyes. I watched and listened to the kids sing about our God. Do they even realize how amazing they are, the kids that is?

When Bob talked about our kids coming back and leading other kids to God as crew leaders, and volunteers at Horizons, the lone tear snuck down my face, as it does now thinking about all of these kids growing up with God’s love surrounding them. They will move forward and spread His word and make an impact on so many lives. I can’t wait to watch that happen! For now, we put away our boats, the shack, all of the firefly posters, and worst of all… the trampoline! Another VBS has come and gone. We’ll talk about it for months to come and remind each other of all the fun we had. But best of all, we’ll get to move forward with our God’s love wrapped around us to remind us of all of those nights back in July.

Heidi M.

Day 4 of VBS

Wow, what can I say but “AMAZING.” A whole night of kids just being kids in the “House of God.” If you would’ve asked me 6 years ago if I had ever seen or heard of a VBS program that the kids just can’t wait to bring their friends and get in the doors, I would have said, “No Way!”

Here we are on night 4 and all one can ask themselves is where did the other 3 nights go? Each night went by so fast, much like how time passes as our children grow up. Tonight I took a few minutes, sat back and watched all the children and their leaders interacting and having so much fun. All I could think about was what a way to glorify the Lord in his house! These kids where glorifying God right in front of me, singing, dancing and praying. Years ago I heard someone make a statement that went something like, “Kids can teach anyone how to pray, all you have to do is listen.” As I sat back tonight and observed that thought just kept running through my head. As an adult, it’s important for me to remember that my impact on their faith is just as important as their impact on my faith walk.

What fun these children are having learning and building a special relationship with the Lord as well as our faithful Horizons family, what more could a parent ask for?

Blessings to you and yours! Mike Schoen

Day 3 of VBS

Wooo! Wooo! What a night! Well since I am a rookie blogger, and I have been scared to attempt this blogging thing, I am going to change it up a bit…..You see folks I may not be much of a blogger….but I am one awesome story teller, so grab a cup of something to drink and settle in because I have one incredible story to tell…

Once upon a time in a church you all know well……There was this amazing week of VBS called Crocodile Dock, 300 plus kids, 200 plus volunteers and tons and tons of fun. As you all know Crocodile Dock takes place in a swamp/bayou. The kids have spent the week so far laughing, screaming, singing, rocking, running, crafting, watching skits, going to Chadder theatre, playing Gator Games, and most important of all worshipping and learning about God. You see folks this week of VBS is so awesome I get choked up just telling you about it. The smiles and laughter I have heard this week let me know how important this week is to our church and community. Imagine the sound of 300 kids singing and doing the actions to the amazing music our VBS Worship Band plays each night. Now Take that same 300 kids and listen to the screams they let loose for our very own Bob and Karl, my ears are still ringing. It gets so loud in the worship center that some of the kids and adults wear earplugs. No I am not joking, I have witnessed the earplugs. Now if this doesn’t get you pumped up about the Lord, I don’t know what will. No I take that back, you need to show up and witness this for yourself. This week has been spectacular. The canoes are getting stacked with school supplies and non-perishable food. Change for Change jug is filling up….but wait! I forgot to tell you folks about a little problem we had today. Remember that mouse that has been hanging around the church the last couple of years? The one that loves to harass Bob and Karl. Well the mouse is at it again, he has stolen the almost full, Change for Change water jug. Bob and Karl, with the help of the kids, are doing a little detective work and all the clues point to the mouse. They have put up WANTED posters with the mouse’s mug shot throughout the church and I am sure they will solve the mystery. In the meantime we have found a replacement jug that we are trying to fill. In closing I would like to thank all the volunteers that make this week so great. I would also like to thank the church staff for all they do for our kids and families. If you have not stopped by VBS this week, please do. It is a great opportunity to see the Lord at work. And they all lived happily ever after in God’s light.




Chris Mac