Passionate Purpose Singles Retreat

Over the course of the past few months, my family and I have been discussing how we could best encourage those in our community who are striving to serve the Lord. When 4 of my siblings came back from working with In The Gap this past September, they (specifically Rachel) returned with a vision of re-creating a 3-day retreat similar to what they attended during their initial training.

Thus, introducing:

Passion and Purpose Singles Retreat

December 26th - 29th, 2013

Please see our website for details

We look forward to seeing all singles, 15 years and older there! We are starting to fill up pretty fast, so please Register ASAP!

Be thou partakers of the afflictions of the Gospel, according to the Power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own Purpose and Grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”

- 2 Timothy 1:8-9 -

5 Amazing Weeks in Chicago

God opened the opportunity for me to go to to Chicago for 5 weeks from the beginning of March through April 12th. I was able to serve at the IBLP Headquarters for 1.5 weeks, as well as visit my brother-Daniel (who has been working there since January 2012). It was so good to be able to spend quality time with him--the first in nearly that much of time.

It snowed while we were there, and a bunch of the guys made a fireplace..

Another view...isn't it neat?!

Our cousin-Natalie hosted a Black-Tie fundraiser for the St. Jude's Children Hospital,  which Daniel and I had the opportunity to go to... It was a lot of fun, as I had only a couple of hours to find my entire outfit at the Thrift Store!!! (for less than $20!!! woohoo!)

I very, very much enjoyed my time there at HQ, where I worked mainly in the Shipping department, fulfilling orders. I worked right next to Daniel's division, where he is manager of the Call Center, which was kinda fun!!

In The Gap Ministry Training

My dear friend Amy and I (poor dear sprained her ankle badly..)

After that, I went through their 'Vessels of Honor' Program, as the oldest of 13 girls, ages 12 through 19, acting as the unofficial assistant as well...which was fun. It started out with a Journey to the Heart, which was such a special, meaningful time with my Jesus and I.

Mr. Gothard, my dad, and Mr. Zeisemer all prayed over me and anointed me with oil again for ministry. Daniel was also there, which was very special. God wants us to ask the impossible in His name, and I felt prompted to ask Him to give me 10,000 disciples for Him in my lifetime. That number is not one that I can reach myself, but by God's grace, I know He can work that through my obedience to Him.

During VOH, I stepped up to the plate as the 'unofficial assistant', which was a lot of fun. As I thought, VOH was a really good summary of feminine and Kingdom building skills, and though most of it was a review for me (thanks to my amazing parents), there was something new to be gleaned in each class. God worked a lot in my heart during that time as well, including helping me get more readjusted to life in the US.

Classes included cake decorating, baking, sharing the Gospel effectively, scrapbooking, makeup, hair, and clothing workshops, Bible meditation and memorization, health and nutrition, First Aid, hair cutting, proper etiquette, banquets, and much more.

Bread Baking Class

We went to the Shedd Aquarium, as well as The Bean in downtown Chicago, which was a lot of fun... I love frogs, and so these blue ones held particular interest.

Do you see the 3 hidden fish? (Sorry the picture is blurred...blame it on the water/glass. ;p)

Our group of girls with Kendalyn Staddon...what fun!

There is so much I could tell about my time at HQ, but the main thing God showed me is how very, very much He loves me, and how much He is in the 'perfecting' business.... When we let Him mold us into His image, then we can be His vessels unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (2  Timothy 2:21)

We serve an awesome God!!!

Because of His Grace,

Sarah Hope

Goodbye Daniel!!!

In October, Daniel, David, & Samuel went to Journey of the Heart (something I would highly recommend to any person who wants an even closer relationship with God..talk about an intense 10-day long Biblical discipleship!)  One thing with the "Journeys" is that you long to do it again (as I feel as well ;D)....and so this time was Daniel's 2nd Journey.

Best Brother....

2003 - BK: David, Rachel, Daniel, Sarah FRT: Esther, Rebekah, Samuel

2005 - Our Rite of Passage

FYI, Journey of the Heart is an offshoot of IBLP (Institute in Basic Life Principles), which was founded by Dr. Bill Gothard in 1961.

Last year, while at the Journey, Daniel had the opportunity to send in an application for different ministry opportunities, including serving at the IBLP Headquarters in Oakbrook, Illinois. Though he didn't apply at that time, God kept working in his heart about possibly doing so in the future. That next summer (2010), our family spent 2.5 months traveling around the country in 3 different trips (AK; CO; and TN, AR, MO, IL, OH, KY). A large part of the last trip was spent in Illinois with our dear friends the Hogans and then also at the IBLP HQ. At that time, Mr. Gothard brought up the possibility of Daniel serving at HQ, but our business needed him badly (he worked as a Paraplanner and Research Analyst), and so he declined the offer at that time as well. 

Graduation 2010

This time at Journey, God laid the desire even stronger on Daniel's heart about the possibility of serving at HQ, and after much prayer and consideration with our parents, he applied to IBLP for a year long stint, and was accepted, to begin serving there in the 2nd week of January '12.

A Man with a Vision

Papa and Daniel decided to drive his Audi back to Oakbrook in early December with everything he'd need (which wasn't very much) for a year in Chicago and possible mission trips to other countries as well. They drove through the Midwest on their way there, participated in the IBLP Christmas Party and then flew back home a few days later. 

In the Badlands! 

Since when do they mile mark every .1 of each mile???? (In the Midwest??)

The night before his departure, we had a going away party for him during our Wednesday night Bible Study, and then some of us as a group prayed for him as well. What a huge blessing prayer is!!

Me & My Brother (Photo by Alyssa Gaul)

(Photo by Alyssa Gaul)

Daniel actually left Thursday, January 12th, 2012. To start out with, he is staying at the Drake Hotel there in Oakbrook (which IBLP just purchased and is now renovating),  and will be helping with renovations there, as well as working as an IT and Research assistant and various things under the direction of Ken Krause. He is learning a lot of new skills, like being a cook and a song leader.  He will also probably work with Mr. Hogan in Springfield at times.

Leaving at 4am

We are really excited for Daniel as he serves God in a new capacity, and is discipled in a whole new way. Please keep him in your prayers though, as it will be challenging at times.

The Drake Hotel in Oakbrook which Daniel is currently helping to remodel

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

~ Matthew 28: 19-20 ~

1 Month Left!!!

It's been a while, I know...& I realize I didn't finish our Hawaiian trip's pictures, but time was spent more importantly elsewhere....

Since then, Rachel & I went to the Journey of the Heart in Hinsdale (outside Chicago, IL) at the IBLP Headquarters & in the Northwoods of Michigan for 10 days. It was wonderful, inspirational, & amazing. I would highly encourage any & all of you to go to one!! There is one for mothers, fathers, sons & daughters!!

Most of my Team & I

Now, I am extremely busy trying to graduate, preparing for my 3 months in the Philippines, training my siblings to take my spot on the ranch, & do what all else needs to be done.

I will try to keep you better updated from here on out. Happy Belated Easter!!