Washing Feet: Local Volunteering Ideas~ Emily Ciszewski

 http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx
“But moooommm! What can I do? I try to help…but there aren’t very many opportunities!” Are you sure about that? Or is your idea of making a difference going to a third world country?

Here are some ideas for your summer! Get a group of friends together - your youth-group, school friends, or family and head out to help!
 “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat : I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink : I was a stranger, and ye took me in…”
-Jesus (Matthew 25:35)　
Food Banks
　
You can volunteer at a food bank using this link - I’m making it easy for you, just click the link, go to the website, fill in your location and hit ‘enter’ - you’ll get the nearest place to your address.

Crisis Pregnancy CentersThere aren’t enough of these in the world but here’s a link for you!
Take this one and search any volunteer position you like! There are many open opportunities to help out there!

Animal Shelters
Here’s another one of those nifty links! Just click and enter your location, and they’ll tell you of the nearest animal shelter or other volunteer position available!

This one here will give you info on all aspects of animal shelters!

Here are some other ideas:
Clean your local Library - some friends and I did this and the library was so thankful!
Clean your Church - give the janitor a break!
Baby-Sit for free - you probably know somebody who could you it!Have fun - make it a group thing and have a meal together afterwards - you’re washing feet, so be glad!

Love you!
Emhttp://www.animalshelter.org/ http://www.volunteermatch.org/http://www.christianvolunteering.org/

Keith Green Ministries~ Emily Ciszewski

Not too many people know who Keith Green is anymore, but if you do recognize the name you probably think of the guy who played the piano rather loudly and spoke even louder. Keith was no ordinary guy. One of his greatest quotes is this, “This generation of believers is responsible for this generation of souls.” Are you taking responsibility?
Here’s a great ministry you can stand by - and fulfill Jesus’ call to preach the gospel.
Want to read his story? Melody, his wife, wrote a whole book on their life! Here’s a link:

http://lastdaysministries.org/Shop/Sections/Items/Item.aspx?item_id=1000012267
Keith and Melody started doing God’s work in 1975 - right out of their own home! They began housing friends, new believers - with them. They knew the best way to keep people growing in their faith was to be their for them, teaching them, daily. And what better way then to have them living with them? Soon they were renting home after home near them and meeting for Bible studies regularly. This launched Last Days Ministries, they chose this name because they realized the end of the earth is near and there are people to be saved.
They were going house to house asking their neighbors for prayer requests, sharing the gospel, and inviting random strangers to have meals with them.
http://lastdaysministries.org/Groups/1000002797/Last_Days_Ministries.aspxThe Newsletter After a concert Keith asked the crowd how many of them wanted a copy of his coming album, and 6,000 signed up. He wanted to get into their hearts and minds somehow, so he sent a newsletter along with each CD that was sent out. The Newsletter was born. You can still receive this newsletter by email with this link;

　
　http://lastdaysministries.org/Groups/1000012278/Last_Days_Ministries/AAA_Pro_Life/AAA_Pro_Life.aspx The OrphanageIn 1982 Keith and his son Josiah and daughter Bethany, died in a plane accident on a sticky July evening.
Later on, still fulfilling what her and Keith had started,

Melody began an orphanage in Mexico. She called it “Josiah and Bethany Children’s Home. Her and Keith and Josiah had visited Mexico before and seen devastation and hungry children on the streets. A seed was planted in Melody’s heart and when Keith died - that seed came to life.

There are so many outlets in Last Days Ministries - you can give your time and energy and get involved, or if you can’t help in word or deed, you can give money!
They are currently making a movie of Keith’s life - I’m sure monetary gifts and prayer would be appreciated!
Thanks for reading my ramblings!
EmAAA Pro LifeStanding for Americans Against Abortion, AAA Pro Life.
Melody began fighting abortion in 1981. This became a big part LDM and many of the funds began to go toward stopping this.
Want to read Melody’s famous and eye opening article? I’d love it if you would.

　

Love Packages by Emily Ciszewski

I have a 4 space shelf in my room, almost too full to hold all the books I have. My mom has a couple book shelves and all of my sisters have book shelves. Steven J. Schimdt had book shelves full of books. He knew that God was speaking to him directly. He felt wasteful. He and his wife decided to start something they never thougth would get so big. When God starts something, it cannot be stopped!
 www.lovepackages.org
That summer they sent 60 packages of books, magazines, tracts and Sunday School materials to 4 missionaries. That was just the beginning. Soon friends, neighbors, church members, and even strangers were dropping off books for them to send to missionary friends. People from everywhere started SENDING materials to them! That put it over the top.

The first overseas year of combined efforts weighed 3 and ½ tons. The second, 7 tons. The next, 11 tons. The next, 21 - it’s all up hill from there!

It’s estimated that for each piece of material sent, about 20 people read it - even one single sheet of paper!

Love Packages needs materials and If you're like me, you have lots you can donate! Love Packages is also  in need of volunteers. If you want to help, go to

Did you know that Emily currently has over 20 notebooks that she uses?!

YWAM~ A Be the Change Article by Emily Ciszewski

Loren Cunningham had a vision.

A map of the world laid out before his eyes - waves covering the continents - completely washing over them! He sat up in his bed - wide awake, but the picture went on; he soon realized the waves were people, kids really - some were around his 20 years and others even younger! The kids were talking to people all over, on the street, in front of bars, house to house - witnessing to the world!

20 year old Loren tried to grasp it - “Was it really you Lord? Why did you give me this vision?”

Loren was on a summer trip to the Bahamas, singing with a gospel quartet and sharing a home with some missionaries. He returned to college after brake with the vision and mission he’d received from God.
After college it started, in 1960. He became a minister and a youth director of activities. A missions trip to Hawaii proved to be an encouragement to the vision.

A vision for Youth with a Mission - sending out volunteer youth after high school - it would be a “prioritizer” for teens in search of adventure filled life with God.

In 1969 YWAM had it’s first year of school at a newly renovated hotel, with a total of 36 students. So Switzerland became it’s 1^st base after Loren’s mission bought it.

Loren’s ministry was on perfect timing - many of the kids joining the School of Evangelism had no Christian back-ground - they had become Christ followers during the “Jesus Movement” of the 1970s.

Soon another school began, and this one would be for discipleship training. YWAM just kept growing, and kids just kept going for the Lord!

Soon Loren started a world-wide shipping ministry! The Anastastis was YWAM’s 1^st ship to go out and distribute goods to the poor of the world! These Mercy Ships were working! Things just kept growing!

YWAM now has bases all over the world, in the lowest of places and the highest of capitals. Kids of all ages (the young at heart count as well) are preaching God’s Word - YWAMers are on streets, going house to house, sharing the gospel, and it’s just starting.

You can be apart of YWAM’s mission.1. Go help. You can go to a school nearest you and train, soon you can be changing lives!
2. Pray for YWAM - prayer is under-estimated these days! God has an anointing on YWAM and your words of petition to God can raise it’s steeple higher!
3. Send money - want to see people serving the Lord and following their passion for Him? YWAM could always use your help!

YWAM is not about money, giving everything away for the sake of Jesus is their true mission.
God’s Word is final say on everything.

And as it’s been said - the rest is history, although I think it’s better said this way - This history is making the future.

Want to know more? Check out http://www.ywam.org

Mark 16:15 - check it out in your Bible, is God calling you?

Did you know that Emily has been in over 7 plays?!

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army: an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
The Salvation Army was brought into the world and raised by William and Catherine Booth in 1865, for years this married couple shared the role of circuit Preacher team.

Circuit Preachers traveled to different towns and peopled areas to Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, some areas had Church buildings, others would just gather together in a neighbors home for the fellowship and to hear the Word.

William and Catherine had a few areas under their belt, but soon the Booth’s were being despised by their fellow Circuit Riders - their ‘friends’ were jealous of the progress at Revivals. William spoke to people forcefully - he wanted to see their love for Christ before they were accepted as family. Followers were asked to come to the front and kneel in reverence.

It worked.

People were moved.

Folks gave their lives to Jesus Christ.

But the Circuit ministry the Booth’s were apart of was angry. They were making the other Preacher’s look pathetic.They gave William a full time Preaching job in a big town and limited circuit time. William and Catherine went along with it, hoping to remain true to God’s plan.Soon though, William gave up his comfy pastoral work in the big town. He and Catherine first were interested in raising new Churches all over. But the Booths had a heart for the poor.

Whenever the poor came into a public Church to worship and grow, the rich and proud gave an upturned nose.William and Catherine believed that the Church should set out like an army for the Lord - it's a battle out there, for souls!

So they began their own mission of love. The Salvation Army, complete with a General and soldiers.
William’s first sermon to the poor was in an old graveyard in London, and soon it took off. Folks of all kinds were drawn to this ministry, thieves, destitute, prostitutes and the lowest of drunks and gamblers. Soon these men and women become Christ followers.

Read James 1:27 James tells us how important it is to love and help the helpless!

The Salvation Army has thrift stores, with much profit going to reaching the world. People donate their cars, furniture and other big items to folks in need. Even small things, like clothes and TVs are big blessings for fams in need! The Salvation Army helps in many ways, to reach children and loners all over the world!

You can give to the Salvation Army and help the poor and needy families around your world in the following ways:

1. Give online - go to the website and check out how to start a Red Kettle!

2. Volunteer - go to www.volunteermatch.org and search the keyword Salvation Army

3. Drop your change in the street Santa’s kettle! Change does make changes!http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/

Did you know that Emily is crazy about Keith Green?!?!

One Meal, One Day

  


               November 9^th 2011



Have you ever been the one who hasn’t eaten all day? No - I don’t mean skipping breakfast. We’ve all done that. Have you ever been the one to groan with a pathetic puppy dog look “I’m STARVING!”? Yeah…I’ve done that.

  

Have you ever seen a child, sitting on the doorstep of an old blackened shack, tummy bloated, eyes so old you want to look away?

        

Well....

Took you by surprise, didn’t it?

Which kid looks hungry? (This is a rhetorical question. You don’t need to answer me.)

Have you ever been the one to search Bing for images of hungry kids? I have. In fact - I just did for your sake. That’s why I want to weep right now.

One Meal One Day is an advocate for hungry people.

On November 9^th, 2011, Compassion International declares the day for the hungry. So we spoiled children of America can share our food (maybe I sound rude, but I’m including myself in the spoiled thing, ok?).

This is what it is – it’s a time where you skip 1 meal and give a couple bucks to feed hungry people. Kids all over can encourage their friends to help the hungry!

Students pass out empty paper bags and hand them out at school/youth group/anywhere and invite their friends to skip one meal and give around 5 dollars to the goal. They can do this as many times as they like and then give you their paper bags when they’re done (when they finally start missing lunch!). You as a leader then send in the money by November 9^th to Compassion International!

What we do get to do is this:

1. Visit the site webpage here: http://onemealoneday.com/

And get all the cool stuff downloaded a donation/goal sheet and cool posters! All at no expense to you – Compassion delivers it for free!

2. Tell your friends! Have it announced at Church and put posters up around town. Tell all your school friends, your youth group - hey, tell your Martial Arts class! J Buy a package of small paper bags and hand them out to everyone interested in donating their lunch money, daily - if they want! Also include invitations for…..

3. A party (without food!) on November 9^th - invite all your friends to meet somewhere, like the park, make sure everyone brings their bags of cash and, if you’d like to make T-shirts, have everyone wear them! J

4. Make a goal. I’m setting my goal at 1000.00 - cool, huh? Once you print the goal sheet you can start taking in donations! On November 9^th you can send Compassion International your check(s)!

Alright, so I know it’s late – I’m speaking start planning now – for next year! I especially recommend doing this at school! You get the chance to tell people - and more importantly – show them the love of Jesus! You can do it this year though, just do it yourself, or get a couple of your friends to do it. Send Compassion what money you get in the next few days!! You can still do something!

So, are you ready to feed millions of starving kids all over the world?

I am.

Ready? Set? GO!

Love,

Em~

BTW - want to hear the updates on my goal? Go to http://ordinarygirlinabluesash.blogspot.com !

Cleaning for a Reason

What they do:

Cleaning for a Reason partners with maid services to provide professional free cleaning for women undergoing cancer - any type of cancer.
Women hate not being able to clean, I know whenever my mom has had surgery, the worse thing for her is having to lie around and wait. Her house needs her! J


What patients are saying: “This service is so special and helpful to those of us who are losing heart and hope through no fault of our own. Just looking at my sparkling, dust-free home was enough to make me feel like my old self again!”

“I want to thank you for this incredible blessing. I cried and hugged the women who came to help me…it is a huge burden lifted. Words cannot express how grateful I am. They did an amazing job!”

“I am a single mother of two young children, ages 8 and 11. My recent diagnosis of cancer and the upcoming chemo and radiation was a devastating blow to all three of us. One of my main concerns was how I would continue to be the type of mom I've always been, and have the energy to maintain all the other issues of being a homeowner. I've had friends step forward and offer to do my spring gardening, bring/purchase meals, mowing/trimming/fertilizer but I knew I just couldn't possibly keep up with the cleaning. And then my friend John told me about you; what a Godsend! Truly, you are a blessing to the many women who are dealing with just these same issues. This organization is a wonderful gift to those of us who struggle just to make it through each day, and still have the energy to be the best possible Momma we can be. God bless you all!”

What a blessing! I can imagine all the moms and wives and single women crying and laughing and all the “thank-yous” going round!

This, out of many organizations for cancer patients, is probably my favorite so far - there are many different ways to ‘fund the relief of cancer’, but this one is the most creative!


What you can do:

Do you own a cleaning service? (Smiling) Or maybe you’re a maid for a cleaning service - you can help! If you own a cleaning service, fill out an application for Cleaning for a Reason at their website. You can help women in your area. Tell your boss about this service - get the word out there, and maybe you’ll be able to actually do a cleaning job for someone who needs a lift.

You can also donate to this service, in different ways. You can make a simple donation or you can sponsor a maid service - gifts run from 30 dollars a month; helping 2 patients, or up to 150 dollars a month helping 10 patients!

Do you know a woman battling cancer? You can sign her up!


This service is really ‘hands and feet-y” if you know what I mean. Consider the ways God could use you through…well, cleaning! J


Did you know that Emily

Warm Blankets~ Emily Ciszewski

It’s a cold night, it’s dark and there’s a breeze blowing right through your window….wait - you don’t have a window. In fact - you don’t even have a room. Or a house.

It’s a cold night, it’s dark and there’s a breeze blowing right through your heavy winter coat…wait - you don’t have a coat.

Okay….let’s see here….. It’s a cold night, it’s dark and there’s a breeze blowing right through your torn and dirt laden shirt. You shiver…if only you had a - wait! A soft rustling behind you, and then softly, you feel the warmth a big cozy blanket fall over your shoulders and cover you all around. You’re warm.
That’s what the love of Warm Blankets Orphan Care feels like to lost orphans all over India and Africa. They come and warm you right to your toes.

And they not only give warmth - they give homes and love to these children.
Warm Blankets was started in 1999 by Craig and Barb Muller and Bob and Mary Beth Hoyler. This group of kid loving friends wanted to do something worth-while - and what better idea then to give homes to children without parents?

AIDS is the fastest rising orphan maker in the world - and these children are soon homeless and alone to fend for themselves - want to help?

WBOC works in 9 Countries in Africa and India. What they do is build homes for children rescued from natural disaster, war, and trafficking houses and dangers. They’ve currently built over 100 homes - but they make it a point that they are not done yet - they’re still counting! J They teach the children of the love of Christ, education and food are given - and of course - blankets.

Here are some ways you can help WBOC:

Through prayer;

You can be a prayer sponsor! You can sign up to sponsor a kid online - you can choose a boy or a girl - and which home they live at. This is pretty neat - and I plan on signing up!

With your Church;You can get your whole Church to sponsor an entire home ! And if your Church is small, you can partner with other Churches to provide funds for a home in need. Just email them and they’ll hook you up - they’ll do all the work. All you need to do is get your Church stoked up!

Personal Donations;You can give money right out of your pocket! J Check out the website for info on this and a form to fill out the amount.

This is a trustworthy mission Charity Navigator gives is the grand total of 4 stars - they highest amount given so far to any Charity!

WBOC mission verse;
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
James 1:27
I encourage you to consider helping kids through this great mission - love can turn the world, blankets are a part of that.

Did you know that Emily plays the guitar?!

Compassion International~ Emily Ciszewski

I’ve chosen Compassion for this month’s organization for a very special and personal reason - that reason? Well, to put it bluntly; Sibomana.
As of July 23, 2011, Sibomana is now my sponsored child through Compassion International! I’ve signed the forms and now I have a 10 year old friend in Rwanda, Africa! It’s so exciting - and the coolest thing? We get to write letters to each other - from over seven thousand miles (I googled it!) of Ocean, trees, grass, mud, sand…you get it I’m sure (I know - it’s modern postal service, but still…)!

This awesome ministry all started with God lover Everett Swanson. Reverend Everett was on a preaching tour in South Korea, while he was there he was moved with…well - compassion, when he saw the poor orphans on the streets. They were hungry, forgotten and lonely - and Everett new he had to do something for them. Check out Matt. 15:32 - the verse that pushed Everett to go the mile;

“Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said “I have compassion on the multitude because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way”. “
(Matt. 15:32 KJV)

It all started with 35 children, but since then God has worked thousands of miracles through Compassion - 1.2 million children have been helped since 1952 when Everett started his small mission - love and compassion has reached 26 countries to be exact!

What can you do?
It takes 38 dollars a month to sponsor a child for a year, that’s $456.00 (for you non-math people like me!). And if you think about it, your parents spend about 100 every month to feed you alone! (Roughly.)
I know 456.00 seems like a lot to people like me with only a summer or a part time job, but this is something that you can do with prayer! It took a lot of prayer for me to get Sibomana!

You can work with children in so many areas! You can sponsor a 3 year old little boy in the Philippines! A 12 year old girl in Ghana, you can even sponsor a college student and help pay his way! For example - you can help 20 year old ‘Luis’ by sending $300.00 a month so that he can become an engineer!

You can even be apart of helping mothers and their children - by send $20.00 a month, you can choose a country and help mothers feed their hungry children.

Compassion doesn’t discriminate against any race or religion, as many people believe. Either way, Compassion sponsors non Christians and allows non Christians to sponsor.

Maybe you’ve heard their statement; “Releasing children from poverty in Jesus name.”

Compassion believes in working through community. They build schools and churches - they teach parents to teach their children the love of God.

Compassion’s mission statement?

“In response to the Great Commission, Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults.”

There are about 10 ways for you to give through Compassion, want to check out their website?
Go to


http://www.compassion.com !

And maybe - with some prayer - you’ll end up helping your own Sibomana!