“Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.” I Chronicles 16:8
“give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. I Thessalonians 5:18
Novermber 2006
Dear Friends:
Happy Thanksgiving! OK, so this isn’t arriving on Thanksgiving day – but we can give thanks everyday! The Lord continues to work on my life to be a better ‘abider’ (John 15:5). The letter
‘a’ could stand for ‘attitude of gratitude’! As you read about and see pictures of the past few months, I think you’ll also be able to give thanks to the Lord for what He has done & is doing!
I took several 3-4 day trips to speak to youth, perform Scripture Presentations, and coach/connect with youth leaders. One trip was with mom to MN and WI that included visits to several camps, and seeing beautiful fall colors! Another trip was to Bradford (where? – 2.5 hours southwest) & Peoria, which included visiting several college students including the two on the right! - - - - - >
The State Youth Fellowship (SYF) had their Annual Fall College/Young Adult Retreat at Pine Trail Camp in MI. I had the honor of performing James chapter 2 for the first time on Friday PM. On Saturday I led a workshop on scripture memory. On Sunday AM I wrapped up the retreat with a review of the acrostic A.B.I.D.E., based on John 15:5. It was a great weekend to reunite with friends from the four churches that attended! - - - - - - - - - - >
Most Wednesday Nights find me at Village Bible Church of Sugar Grove where I volunteer with the High School ministry (Refuge). I help oversee the worship band, which consists of real talented musicians who love the Lord and love to use their musical talents for the Lord! It’s exciting as each week we give all the students a chance to share what the Lord has been up to in/around them. They are eager to share about witnessing opportunities almost every week! Others share about struggles their friends experience – driving us to prayer - - - - >
I’ve enjoyed attending many school activities – especially those of seniors whom I have prayed for & worked with for years! This usually includes a chance to get to interact with their parents & friends as we cheer them on (sports, drama, music…). If you have a high school senior involved in something special, give me advance notice and I’ll try to attend! - - >
Come To Life Ministries *
P.O. Box 32 *
Aurora, IL 60507 * 630.291.3697 *
HYPERLINK "http://www.cometolifeministries.org" www.cometolifeministries.org
Fifteen months after first filming the Colossians Presentation, the DVD (28 minutes) is finally ready for distribution! When I perform this live (twelve times so far), I use 3 actors chosen by the host church, camp, etc., plus sound & tech people. In the case of the film, I chose people I’ve been so blessed to know… thanks to Ken Lippold, Andy Smith and Brian Zielke for doing a great job as Timothy, a Roman Soldier & Demas! Thanks to Tim Wood (Picture Show Productions) for the huge task of coordinating the filming with Jacob Beman, John Beman & David Wood. Tim also did the film editing, and the DVD cover! This was filmed at Village Bible Church of Sugar Grove. Ken suggested doing the intro and summary in another location, dressed in different clothes. Thanks Ken for the idea – we filmed this awhile later and it turned out great! Thanks also to Steve Valentine who took pictures (both at Village Bible Church < - - - and later at MorningStar Community Church) for the cover, and for the updated brochure, which is available on the website (www.cometolifeministries.org).
As with the Philippians DVD’s, the Colossians DVD’s are also available for whatever people can afford – for a donation to Come To Life Ministries, not for a specific cost. Most people do not request a video. For those who do, videos can be available. We ask for $3 for shipping/handling for 1-2 DVD’s/Videos; $5 for 3 or more. If you live in the Chicagoland area, I’ll try to deliver your order, so we can connect! They would make unique Christmas gifts! An order came in recently for several DVD’s as a memorial to families whose loved ones had recently passed away.
DVD/Video mail orders can be sent with a check to “Come To Life Ministries” (address below).
Recently we had a stuffing party, (pictured to the left, Ron & Darlene Olson,
< - - Lucile Dhuse and mom) – approx. 400 Philippians DVD’s! If you are interested in helping stuff DVD’s, let me know! Thanks to mom for often coordinating food for these (which also includes stuffing Pike’s Peek four times a year – paper version).
One Youth Pastor mentioned that the DVD’s could be used for a small group Bible Study – to show the passage instead of just reading it – creative idea! I like to also use it personally to let God’s word wash my heart (Ephesians 5:25,26).
I’ve been asked to put together a workshop on scripture memory. The workshop titled “Marvelous Methods of Scripture Memory” is available and has been presented in various locations. I’ve had the honor of presenting it for
< - - - several Chicago youth ministry networks (Urban Youth Network – with “Vision Nehemiah” – Brian Dye), as well as Sunday PM services, ministry conventions… Let me know if you’d like this for your church, youth ministry, etc.
Come To Life Ministries now has a good quality portable sound system that I can bring to locations that need one for the presentations. We used it for the first time at the SYF College/Young Adult retreat in October. It was used not only by me for presenting James 2, but the band also used it (even with a long extension chord outside by the campfire!). Keep this in mind if you’d like to host a Scripture Presentation, but lack a good sound system.
Coaching Capsules are now available via the website – with past volumes there as well!
Thank you again for your partnership in prayer...!
Grace n peace to you,
Dave
Dave Pikel
Dave’s home * 1096 Cascade Dr. * Aurora, IL 60506-1329 * 630.897.7375 * HYPERLINK
