GROWN UPs! Now those are big words to live up to. My wife would say that has never applied to me, Ha! Ha! But, that is not what this is about. This is about a 4 episode podcast I listened to, by Andy Stanley, that takes a very interesting look at when and how the Christian Bible came about and especially the New Testament. I like this, because otherwise I might not have taken the time to understand all the facts and fun history on how all of this was put together. It might be something that you can use with other adults or students that want to think a little deeper or wider. Even if you don't agree with everything it is a great discussion starter for you and your family, friends and colleagues. You might say, "This is beneath me, I already know this stuff." That's great, but in what context do we get to have these discussions and share these truths? In many cases, we get to share fractions of what God has shown us because of time and space and who we are ministering to. Either way enjoy soaking it in or tearing it apart by yourself or with others. "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right..." - 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT  With that scripture in mind and how the Bible New and Old Testament came to be, this could be a very interesting journey! ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

GROWN UPs! Now those are big words to live up to. My wife would say that has never applied to me, Ha! Ha! But, that is not what this is about. This is about a 4 episode podcast I listened to, by Andy Stanley, that takes a very interesting look at when and how the Christian Bible came about and especially the New Testament. I like this, because otherwise I might not have taken the time to understand all the facts and fun history on how all of this was put together. It might be something that you can use with other adults or students that want to think a little deeper or wider. Even if you don't agree with everything it is a great discussion starter for you and your family, friends and colleagues. You might say, "This is beneath me, I already know this stuff." That's great, but in what context do we get to have these discussions and share these truths? In many cases, we get to share fractions of what God has shown us because of time and space and who we are ministering to. Either way enjoy soaking it in or tearing it apart by yourself or with others. "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right..." - 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT  With that scripture in mind and how the Bible New and Old Testament came to be, this could be a very interesting journey! ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy </a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

161 Grown Ups Like You

“Keep your eyes focused on what is right, and look straight ahead to what is good. Be careful what you do, and always do what is right. Don’t turn off the road of goodness; keep away from evil paths.” - Proverbs 4:25-27 NCV I did not become who or what I wanted to be. God had a better idea. It’s OK! The disciples had other plans too and Jesus changed their direction and goals twice.  1. Being called to His ministry. 2. Being filled with Power at Pentecost.  Both were overwhelming and not in their plans for life. Many of you are experiencing the same or similar things. Not your original plans for life and didn’t see that God encounter coming.  I did not do things on a grand scale by my standards, but God gave me a better standard. He used my weaknesses more than He ever used my strengths. And… in my frustration, He still does. God let me focus in one area of our state for almost 30 years. I spent countless hours on medias, speeches, volunteers, and no one ever sought after me as a speaker or consultant. My friends and my children have and are achieving far beyond my expectations for myself 1,000 times over. God allowed my failures and staying in a community to benefit world changers. I wanted to be them and in my frustration God wanted me instead to pour into them. I am more blessed in my short comings, failures, and frustrations than I could have been in my personal visioned achievements... which I failed at over and over and over again. It wasn’t because I wasn’t talented enough. Less talented people have rocked this world and changed this world with much less talent. God has designed us to be who we are and to do the good works He designed for us to do in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:10) So you… be encouraged! Where ever God has planted you, remember that He adds the increase and success. We are not our own, we are paid for with the blood of Christ who was hyper-focused for us. So for now, stay Hyperfocused and be blessed where you are and with whom you are with. Be the best God has designed you to be. He will add the increase! If God has given you a massive vision walk that way or stay on your prayer journey until He does what you cannot. ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

“Keep your eyes focused on what is right, and look straight ahead to what is good. Be careful what you do, and always do what is right. Don’t turn off the road of goodness; keep away from evil paths.” - Proverbs 4:25-27 NCV I did not become who or what I wanted to be. God had a better idea. It’s OK! The disciples had other plans too and Jesus changed their direction and goals twice.  1. Being called to His ministry. 2. Being filled with Power at Pentecost.  Both were overwhelming and not in their plans for life. Many of you are experiencing the same or similar things. Not your original plans for life and didn’t see that God encounter coming.  I did not do things on a grand scale by my standards, but God gave me a better standard. He used my weaknesses more than He ever used my strengths. And… in my frustration, He still does. God let me focus in one area of our state for almost 30 years. I spent countless hours on medias, speeches, volunteers, and no one ever sought after me as a speaker or consultant. My friends and my children have and are achieving far beyond my expectations for myself 1,000 times over. God allowed my failures and staying in a community to benefit world changers. I wanted to be them and in my frustration God wanted me instead to pour into them. I am more blessed in my short comings, failures, and frustrations than I could have been in my personal visioned achievements... which I failed at over and over and over again. It wasn’t because I wasn’t talented enough. Less talented people have rocked this world and changed this world with much less talent. God has designed us to be who we are and to do the good works He designed for us to do in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:10) So you… be encouraged! Where ever God has planted you, remember that He adds the increase and success. We are not our own, we are paid for with the blood of Christ who was hyper-focused for us. So for now, stay Hyperfocused and be blessed where you are and with whom you are with. Be the best God has designed you to be. He will add the increase! If God has given you a massive vision walk that way or stay on your prayer journey until He does what you cannot. ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy </a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

160 Hyperfocus

Zane is a 3rd Generation Pastor. Zane’s grandpa was a pastor for many decades and his dad is currently a pastor in Iowa City, Iowa. In this episode, you will hear about his life and the legacy left to him that he is carrying down. Zane was born and raised in Freeport, Illinois and spent his college years in Chicago at Trinity International University and Divinity School where he also played basketball. anything that includes being active or being outside.  Zane and his wife Mackenzie got married in June 2020 in the middle of the pandemic and spent the first six months of their marriage in Chicago. Not long after, they received the call to Trinity Church in Eustis. He has been serving as the youth pastor at Trinity Church the last two years.  Zane went into college with his eyes set on business and “making it” as the world would describe, but soon felt God leading him in another direction… to pursue ministry! In the process of switching his major from business to Biblical studies, God laid youth ministry on his heart. Zane is now passionate about discipling students to truly know Jesus and live sold out for their faith. ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/zane.balmer" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Zane</a> is a 3rd Generation Pastor. Zane’s grandpa was a pastor for many decades and his dad is currently a pastor in Iowa City, Iowa. In this episode, you will hear about his life and the legacy left to him that he is carrying down. Zane was born and raised in Freeport, Illinois and spent his college years in Chicago at Trinity International University and Divinity School where he also played basketball. anything that includes being active or being outside.  Zane and his wife Mackenzie got married in June 2020 in the middle of the pandemic and spent the first six months of their marriage in Chicago. Not long after, they received the call to Trinity Church in Eustis. He has been serving as the youth pastor at Trinity Church the last two years.  Zane went into college with his eyes set on business and “making it” as the world would describe, but soon felt God leading him in another direction… to pursue ministry! In the process of switching his major from business to Biblical studies, God laid youth ministry on his heart. Zane is now passionate about discipling students to truly know Jesus and live sold out for their faith. ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

159 Zane Balmer - Youth Pastor - 3rd Generation

Jokes and laughter are important in student ministry. So in this episode, I recall and discuss a few jokes that were exchanged between me and a young man in college recently.  But the message here is this… If we don't tell the next generation about God's miracles, stories, love, and truths… they won't pass this down to the next generation after them. It’s our responsibility to pass on to them that responsibility. Based on Psalm 78:2-6 ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Jokes and laughter are important in student ministry. So in this episode, I recall and discuss a few jokes that were exchanged between me and a young man in college recently.  But the message here is this… If we don't tell the next generation about God's miracles, stories, love, and truths… they won't pass this down to the next generation after them. It’s our responsibility to pass on to them that responsibility. Based on Psalm 78:2-6 ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

158 The Next Generation

WHISPERing draws us closer, because it’s so quiet. It requires attention. So, though we may shout, scream, and cry out to God, He usually responds with a WHISPER. At least that's how it works with me and many others I have discussed this with. So, WHISPER… He did when someone asked me to baptize them, even though we had never talked about that particular topic. As you remain in ministry (and in particular student ministry), those people grow up and they or their friends will ask you to be at a “God event” with them. God will WHISPER to you, "See, I have not forgotten you. I can use you whenever I want. You are still very needed and wanted by me and others." Maybe not those particular words, but well, you get the idea! It’s all about the WHISPER… ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

WHISPERing draws us closer, because it’s so quiet. It requires attention. So, though we may shout, scream, and cry out to God, He usually responds with a WHISPER. At least that's how it works with me and many others I have discussed this with. So, WHISPER… He did when someone asked me to baptize them, even though we had never talked about that particular topic. As you remain in ministry (and in particular student ministry), those people grow up and they or their friends will ask you to be at a “God event” with them. God will WHISPER to you, "See, I have not forgotten you. I can use you whenever I want. You are still very needed and wanted by me and others." Maybe not those particular words, but well, you get the idea! It’s all about the WHISPER… ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

157 Whisper

Showing up is half the battle! Many people don't even show up, but the other half that do... Share The Love! We have to be ready to meet the needs of the people God has annointed us to talk to about the Gospel, God's Story, His-Story. Jesus was an "on the way" friend, rabbi, prophet, and forgiver of sins. That's what He has given us the power to be in this world for Him. Share The Love.  ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Showing up is half the battle! Many people don't even show up, but the other half that do... Share The Love! We have to be ready to meet the needs of the people God has annointed us to talk to about the Gospel, God's Story, His-Story. Jesus was an "on the way" friend, rabbi, prophet, and forgiver of sins. That's what He has given us the power to be in this world for Him. Share The Love. ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

156 Share The Love

Mary Lomma

Mary Lomma was one of my student ministry volunteers (Associate Staff as I called them) working with our middle school girls. Mary is one of those volunteers you hope and pray for! She took everything she learned and never stopped telling people about Jesus Christ. Recently, Mary texted me a link to the story written below… _____   "STORY TELLER - MARCH 2023 ISSUE" When I was about 45 years old I felt like there was “more” I could do. Our oldest daughter Tina was just married. Tamarah was in high school and Nicholas had begun kindergarten. First time in over 25 years I wasn’t working or having a preschooler around my legs. So, I volunteered to help our youth pastor Doug Edwards with middle schoolers.  After all, both our girls had been delightful people in middle school, so I was experienced!  So I thought. All the middle school adult helpers were herded over to Daytona Beach for a week-end “discipleship training” class.  My first time at Stavro’s Pizza. The following Christmas break we boarded a huge bus in Eustis Fl.  It had king size bunk beds across the back.  Many kids had earplugs hooked to various electronic devices which helped them to isolate themselves.  Groups of boys practiced fart contests to the squeals of the groups of girls.  Giggles and chatter came from every direction and all this went on nearly all night as we traveled to some mountain in VA – where there was snow.  My buddy Karen Mielke and I huddled together under out blankets. Finally, the buses parked in a public park.  No snow yet. The drivers opened the sides of the buses and produced gas burners and hearty bacon, sausage, eggs, toast and all the good trimmings to a ravenous and tired gang. Soon Doug called out groups of kids and to one gang he said “You all go up that mountain with Mrs. Lomma for a bible study.”  I almost fell over!  I thought I was still in training!  I prayed as we hiked up that hill, feeling very insecure. I will never forget this 1st time. Of course with my handy discipleship leader’s guide I was way ahead of the kids and actually captured their attention.  The lesson was about trust. Later we drove another several hours to the camp where we would stay a few nights doing mostly outdoor things with the kids. Still no snow.  A few more 1st time episodes for me.  And I thought this was a sledding trip and it would be so much easier than the high school skiing trip! Horseback riding – Oh sure I did that a lot as a kid.  Fast forward to age 45, mother of 3, not wanting to die riding a wooded trail up and down steep banks and forging a half frozen creek! I shot a few bullet prayers that day too! But the coup de grace for me was the next day.  Our fearless leader Doug took us way up a hillside to a small raised up building on the edge of a cliff.  I had no idea of the coming test of my faith and bravery in front of the kids as I was led to repel off that cliff backwards from the raised building.  I was carefully strapped into a harness attached to a pulley system of ropes.  A guide instructed me, with much reassurance, on the joys and safety of just falling backwards out of a perfectly safe building and how to push my feet gainst the side of the cliff as I gently bounced and dropped to the bottom of the ridge! WHAT! Was I crazy? My heart was pounding in my chest.  I really loved and trusted Doug and was confident he did not want me to die, but to be an example of trust to these kids.   I cheerfully, although in my heart reluctantly, conceded to this act.  YIKES! All went well, but the amazing part was, I think the greatest lesson was mine.  I really had to trust the harness, the man with the ropes and Doug’s confidence. But in my heart I was praying and trusting God! It is a whole another story where this week-end of 1st time trust events took me over the next 30 years of leading and discipling teens and women in the places Tony and I have been. You never know where trails will lead when you go the 1st time.  Just this trip prepared me for the trips to Hurricane Katrina cleanup, Hurricane Andrew in Homestead, Charlotte, Weddington and Asheville NC, West Virginia, Pass Christian MS, Eleuthera Island, a tornado torn town in Idaho, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Chattanooga, Savannah and now back here in Mount Dora where my life is quiet for now – until the next 1st time! ____ This episode is packed full of encouragement, laughter, and wisdom! Enjoy our interview with Mary Lomma on the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast. ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Mary Lomma was one of my student ministry volunteers (Associate Staff as I called them) working with our middle school girls. Mary is one of those volunteers you hope and pray for! She took everything she learned and never stopped telling people about Jesus Christ. Recently, Mary texted me a link to the story written below… _____ "STORY TELLER - MARCH 2023 ISSUE" When I was about 45 years old I felt like there was “more” I could do. Our oldest daughter Tina was just married. Tamarah was in high school and Nicholas had begun kindergarten. First time in over 25 years I wasn’t working or having a preschooler around my legs. So, I volunteered to help our youth pastor Doug Edwards with middle schoolers.  After all, both our girls had been delightful people in middle school, so I was experienced!  So I thought. All the middle school adult helpers were herded over to Daytona Beach for a week-end “discipleship training” class.  My first time at Stavro’s Pizza. The following Christmas break we boarded a huge bus in Eustis Fl.  It had king size bunk beds across the back.  Many kids had earplugs hooked to various electronic devices which helped them to isolate themselves.  Groups of boys practiced fart contests to the squeals of the groups of girls.  Giggles and chatter came from every direction and all this went on nearly all night as we traveled to some mountain in VA – where there was snow.  My buddy Karen Mielke and I huddled together under out blankets. Finally, the buses parked in a public park.  No snow yet. The drivers opened the sides of the buses and produced gas burners and hearty bacon, sausage, eggs, toast and all the good trimmings to a ravenous and tired gang. Soon Doug called out groups of kids and to one gang he said “You all go up that mountain with Mrs. Lomma for a bible study.”  I almost fell over!  I thought I was still in training!  I prayed as we hiked up that hill, feeling very insecure. I will never forget this 1st time. Of course with my handy discipleship leader’s guide I was way ahead of the kids and actually captured their attention.  The lesson was about trust. Later we drove another several hours to the camp where we would stay a few nights doing mostly outdoor things with the kids. Still no snow.  A few more 1st time episodes for me.  And I thought this was a sledding trip and it would be so much easier than the high school skiing trip! Horseback riding – Oh sure I did that a lot as a kid.  Fast forward to age 45, mother of 3, not wanting to die riding a wooded trail up and down steep banks and forging a half frozen creek! I shot a few bullet prayers that day too! But the coup de grace for me was the next day.  Our fearless leader Doug took us way up a hillside to a small raised up building on the edge of a cliff.  I had no idea of the coming test of my faith and bravery in front of the kids as I was led to repel off that cliff backwards from the raised building.  I was carefully strapped into a harness attached to a pulley system of ropes.  A guide instructed me, with much reassurance, on the joys and safety of just falling backwards out of a perfectly safe building and how to push my feet gainst the side of the cliff as I gently bounced and dropped to the bottom of the ridge! WHAT! Was I crazy? My heart was pounding in my chest.  I really loved and trusted Doug and was confident he did not want me to die, but to be an example of trust to these kids.   I cheerfully, although in my heart reluctantly, conceded to this act.  YIKES! All went well, but the amazing part was, I think the greatest lesson was mine.  I really had to trust the harness, the man with the ropes and Doug’s confidence. But in my heart I was praying and trusting God! It is a whole another story where this week-end of 1st time trust events took me over the next 30 years of leading and discipling teens and women in the places Tony and I have been. You never know where trails will lead when you go the 1st time.  Just this trip prepared me for the trips to Hurricane Katrina cleanup, Hurricane Andrew in Homestead, Charlotte, Weddington and Asheville NC, West Virginia, Pass Christian MS, Eleuthera Island, a tornado torn town in Idaho, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Chattanooga, Savannah and now back here in Mount Dora where my life is quiet for now – until the next 1st time! ____ This episode is packed full of encouragement, laughter, and wisdom! Enjoy our interview with Mary Lomma on the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast. ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> _______ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

155 Mary Lomma - Next Level Volunteer - Nurse, Parent, & Youth Ministry Staffer

Andy Howard

“When Words Don’t Come Easy” is the title of Andy Howard's book (andyhoward.com). It’s about how God redeems our stories, gives purpose to our pain, and still uses us to change the world. Andy says… Have you ever looked at your life and wondered, “How on earth did things get so hard?” “I have—more times than I can count. I’ll never forget how helpless I felt when it seemed like our life was falling apart, when our oldest daughter faced seemingly endless brushes with death, or when our finances were in shambles. In those moments, I felt everything I’d ever dreamed of, or God had ever promised, was shattering at my feet. But I’ll also never forget when things changed, when on the darkest of days I heard a voice whisper, “There is beauty in the broken.” Andy was strong for so long then overwhelming depression hit him without warning! Because Andy and his family are on the other side of the depression we made sure to focus on humor and joy in his family’s life, so people could feel the joy on the other side of a tough life. Humor and laughter are 2 things that keep the human state alive and well during hard times. I hope you will enjoy this interview as much as I did hosting it. Andy is someone who knows great, joy, pain, happiness, sorrow and how to win through it all. You can connect with Andy at: andyhoward.com or instagram.com/andybhoward You can find Andy's book "When Words Don't Come Easy" here: andyhoward.com/books ____ Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

“When Words Don’t Come Easy” is the title of Andy Howard's book (<a href="https://andyhoward.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">andyhoward.com</a>). It’s about how God redeems our stories, gives purpose to our pain, and still uses us to change the world. Andy says… Have you ever looked at your life and wondered, “How on earth did things get so hard?” “I have—more times than I can count. I’ll never forget how helpless I felt when it seemed like our life was falling apart, when our oldest daughter faced seemingly endless brushes with death, or when our finances were in shambles. In those moments, I felt everything I’d ever dreamed of, or God had ever promised, was shattering at my feet. But I’ll also never forget when things changed, when on the darkest of days I heard a voice whisper, “There is beauty in the broken.” Andy was strong for so long then overwhelming depression hit him without warning! Because Andy and his family are on the other side of the depression we made sure to focus on humor and joy in his family’s life, so people could feel the joy on the other side of a tough life. Humor and laughter are 2 things that keep the human state alive and well during hard times. I hope you will enjoy this interview as much as I did hosting it. Andy is someone who knows great, joy, pain, happiness, sorrow and how to win through it all. You can connect with Andy at: <a href="https://andyhoward.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">andyhoward.com</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andybhoward/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">instagram.com/andybhoward</a> You can find Andy's book "When Words Don't Come Easy" here: <a href="https://andyhoward.com/books/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">andyhoward.com/books</a> ____ Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

154 Andy Howard - Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur - Sitting With Jesus

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]. - 2 Corinthians 3:17 (Amplified Bible) We have all the resources we need and all the power, which brings us TRUE FREEDOM. The more time we spend with God the more Freedom we feel and have. Freedom is a result of God flowing through us. Look for “Holy Surprises” coming your way! God loves handing out good surprises to His kids. His children are a Royal Priesthood. Today… We also discuss some of YWOF’s upcoming episodes / interviews that you are not going to want to miss! ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]. - 2 Corinthians 3:17 (Amplified Bible) We have all the resources we need and all the power, which brings us TRUE FREEDOM. The more time we spend with God the more Freedom we feel and have. Freedom is a result of God flowing through us. Look for “Holy Surprises” coming your way! God loves handing out good surprises to His kids. His children are a Royal Priesthood. Today… We also discuss some of YWOF’s upcoming episodes / interviews that you are not going to want to miss! ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

153 Freedom

Ephesians 2:10 -  “…God Created in Advance good works for us to do.” I was made to have a relationship with God. He had a plan for my life and I pursued it. Many times it wasn’t what I thought I signed up for. But when God makes you a leader and the opportunity to lead arises, you will find yourself in the middle of leading. You can’t resist it… It’s a part of your Spiritual DNA! Leaders work on a 24 hour clock. It never leaves their heart or mind. They own it. They were made to serve this way! ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Ephesians 2:10 -  “…God Created in Advance good works for us to do.” I was made to have a relationship with God. He had a plan for my life and I pursued it. Many times it wasn’t what I thought I signed up for. But when God makes you a leader and the opportunity to lead arises, you will find yourself in the middle of leading. You can’t resist it… It’s a part of your Spiritual DNA! Leaders work on a 24 hour clock. It never leaves their heart or mind. They own it. They were made to serve this way! ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

152 Made For This

Today's youth need youth pastors, mentors, teachers, volunteers, and most of all, they need YOU!  Youth Worker On Fire is designed to give you the knowledge and inspiration you need to be the best youth worker possible.Youth Worker On Fire podcast is full of valuable information from people who work with youth on a daily basis. It also is about students years later in their adult life and how student ministry, or the lack of it, effected their future. Many are are changing their world and the world at large because of the influence of youth workers in their adolescent years. Listen as they share their stories of mentoring and positively influencing adolescents  in today's world. In his interview, Mark Moore, tells how his youth pastor influenced him to become a missionary in Africa and now owns a non profit that feeds the hungry and cures S.A.M's, Severe Acute Malnutrition in third world countries. This is Youth Worker On Fire!

How do you progress in ministry or life in general when people say you are too old? Your response should be, “When God tells me to do something else I will change direction”. Everyone in the scriptures was too old or too young, too inexperienced, too unqualified, and the list goes on.   God looks at the heart. There are guidelines in scripture and there are cultural guidelines that God uses sometimes to keep us safe. We can be our own worst enemy! But… how have some people lasted 40 or more years in student ministry, school systems, college ministries, etc and still maintain great character and integrity, while remaining relevant and respected by younger generations, peers, and community? We hope you enjoy this new episode from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast! ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

How do you progress in ministry or life in general when people say you are too old? Your response should be, “When God tells me to do something else I will change direction”. Everyone in the scriptures was too old or too young, too inexperienced, too unqualified, and the list goes on.   God looks at the heart. There are guidelines in scripture and there are cultural guidelines that God uses sometimes to keep us safe. We can be our own worst enemy! But… how have some people lasted 40 or more years in student ministry, school systems, college ministries, etc and still maintain great character and integrity, while remaining relevant and respected by younger generations, peers, and community? We hope you enjoy this new episode from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast! ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

151 Too Old or Just Right?

Dan Istvanik

Dan Istvanik is a 28+ year youth ministry veteran and the founder of Youth Ministry Hub (www.youthminhub.com). He is also a nationally-known ministry resource creator, writer, speaker, coach, and currently a Family Pastor just outside of Chicago.   When you and your family suddenly become homeless, you find out quickly who your real friends are. Ministry found one tough man and his family who said “YES” together when ministry choices became almost unbearable. In this episode, we dive deep into Dan and his family’s story of long term student and family ministry. His family’s story of, what I consider, "Heroic Faith" came through a question I seldom answer. True heroes of the faith seldom intentionally tell about their pains and God’s provision. They focus on the ministry at hand and keep moving forward.   This episode will… • Remind you to pray when the odds are against you. • Remind you to always include your family in your decisions. • Remind you to follow God’s leading and not your emotions. (Scripture Reference: Romans 8:18, 8:28)   You can contact with Dan at: www.youthminhub.com/contact/ ____Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Dan Istvanik is a 28+ year youth ministry veteran and the founder of Youth Ministry Hub (<a href="https://youthminhub.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.youthminhub.com</a>). He is also a nationally-known ministry resource creator, writer, speaker, coach, and currently a Family Pastor just outside of Chicago. When you and your family suddenly become homeless, you find out quickly who your real friends are. Ministry found one tough man and his family who said “YES” together when ministry choices became almost unbearable. In this episode, we dive deep into Dan and his family’s story of long term student and family ministry. His family’s story of, what I consider, "Heroic Faith" came through a question I seldom answer. True heroes of the faith seldom intentionally tell about their pains and God’s provision. They focus on the ministry at hand and keep moving forward. This episode will… • Remind you to pray when the odds are against you. • Remind you to always include your family in your decisions. • Remind you to follow God’s leading and not your emotions. (Scripture Reference: Romans 8:18, 8:28) You can contact with Dan at: <a href="https://youthminhub.com/contact/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.youthminhub.com/contact/</a> ____Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

150 Dan Istvanik - Youth Ministry Hub - Founder and Pastor

FAIR… When people say, “I just want what's fair.” They are saying you haven’t been fair to them or they think you are getting ready to take advantage of them in a business deal, a family situation, or something else... you fill in the blank. Chris Voss says “fair” is a word of “power “.  The person who used it first has the power, unless you know how to turn it around by asking, “Fair?” and letting them talk more. Check out his book “Never Split The Difference” and look up his chapter on the word FAIR. In reality few things are “fair”. Life is not fair. However, we would not like it if it were! What I prefer is mercy and grace. Mercy and Grace is what God showed us through His Son Jesus on the cross. He died in our place! That was not fair, but that was love, AGAPE LOVE. Mercy and Grace come out of Love. They do not come from “fair”.  This world is not fair. So how do we help students and their families understand “fair” when it comes to God, when there is so much suffering in the world? It's important that our students and their leaders know that God is good even when their is horrible suffering in the world. Remind yourself and students who want answers to hard questions that God uses us to change our world. It won’t answer all of their questions or ours, but it will make them a part of the answers instead of leaving them believing God is cruel and uncaring. So we move forward… How? We must pray and fast for God’s intervention. Ask him to show His Grace and Mercy through His Love to others and through us others. ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

FAIR… When people say, “I just want what's fair.” They are saying you haven’t been fair to them or they think you are getting ready to take advantage of them in a business deal, a family situation, or something else... you fill in the blank. Chris Voss says “fair” is a word of “power “.  The person who used it first has the power, unless you know how to turn it around by asking, “Fair?” and letting them talk more. Check out his book “Never Split The Difference” and look up his chapter on the word FAIR. In reality few things are “fair”. Life is not fair. However, we would not like it if it were! What I prefer is mercy and grace. Mercy and Grace is what God showed us through His Son Jesus on the cross. He died in our place! That was not fair, but that was love, AGAPE LOVE. Mercy and Grace come out of Love. They do not come from “fair”.  This world is not fair. So how do we help students and their families understand “fair” when it comes to God, when there is so much suffering in the world? It's important that our students and their leaders know that God is good even when their is horrible suffering in the world. Remind yourself and students who want answers to hard questions that God uses us to change our world. It won’t answer all of their questions or ours, but it will make them a part of the answers instead of leaving them believing God is cruel and uncaring. So we move forward… How? We must pray and fast for God’s intervention. Ask him to show His Grace and Mercy through His Love to others and through us others. ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

149 Fair or Grace?

3 THINGS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER... Pray a grateful prayer to God in the evening before bed and in the morning when you get up. Ask God to put His words in your mouth before you speak to your family, business, or if you are a public speaker. His words will bring Power, Peace and Love. "My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children, and on the lips of their descendants-from this time on and forever," says the LORD. - Isaiah 59:21 (NIV) Ask for His Favor before you enter a building, go to a meeting, your home, or any plane, train or automobile. Sincerely ask for His Favor...consistently. ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

3 THINGS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER... Pray a grateful prayer to God in the evening before bed and in the morning when you get up. Ask God to put His words in your mouth before you speak to your family, business, or if you are a public speaker. His words will bring Power, Peace and Love. "My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children, and on the lips of their descendants-from this time on and forever," says the LORD. - Isaiah 59:21 (NIV) Ask for His Favor before you enter a building, go to a meeting, your home, or any plane, train or automobile. Sincerely ask for His Favor...consistently. ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

148 3 Things

Tim Brokopp

Tim Brokopp lives in Pennsylvania, USA and serves as the Executive Director of Operations for the Amoveo Group. The Amoveo Group is a non-profit development organization, which exists to see broken systems fixed in communities all over the world. They mobilize people, material, and financial investment in projects which spur sustainable solutions to physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The team at the Amoveo Group looks to local leaders to determine needs and strategically utilize volunteers and pathfinders. That's not an easy task, but it helps ministries stay longer and stronger! Before that appointment, Tim was executive director of the E4 Project, a faith-based international leadership community that brought sustainable solutions to impoverished communities in Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tim grew up in Sub-Saharan Africa and has worked in international development since 2008. He is fluent in French and specializes in working in cross-cultural settings, leadership development, and international community development. Tim Brokopp was a child on the mission field with his parents in Africa. Later he moved from Africa to Lexington, NC as a high school student. He went from being a MK (missionary kid) to being a PK (preachers kid) in the United States as his dad became a pastor. In this episode, you will hear how this all takes place and how you can get involved with these short term missions projects! You can contact Tim and the Amoveo Group at: amoveogroup.org/contact ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Tim Brokopp lives in Pennsylvania, USA and serves as the Executive Director of Operations for the Amoveo Group. The Amoveo Group is a non-profit development organization, which exists to see broken systems fixed in communities all over the world. They mobilize people, material, and financial investment in projects which spur sustainable solutions to physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The team at the Amoveo Group looks to local leaders to determine needs and strategically utilize volunteers and pathfinders. That's not an easy task, but it helps ministries stay longer and stronger! Before that appointment, Tim was executive director of the E4 Project, a faith-based international leadership community that brought sustainable solutions to impoverished communities in Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tim grew up in Sub-Saharan Africa and has worked in international development since 2008. He is fluent in French and specializes in working in cross-cultural settings, leadership development, and international community development. Tim Brokopp was a child on the mission field with his parents in Africa. Later he moved from Africa to Lexington, NC as a high school student. He went from being a MK (missionary kid) to being a PK (preachers kid) in the United States as his dad became a pastor. In this episode, you will hear how this all takes place and how you can get involved with these short term missions projects! You can contact Tim and the Amoveo Group at: <a href="https://amoveogroup.org/contact" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">amoveogroup.org/contact</a> ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

147 Tim Brokopp - Amoveo Group - Executive Director of Operations

LONGEST LOCK-IN EVER Rust out or Burn out Funny story: Three years in a row we had the same event happen on one of our toughest annual youth road trips. Every year we took middle schoolers to the mountains in the winter time (most of those years we had a sleeper bus). The “Skittles Event” came out of one middle school boy on this trip 3 years in a row. You will have to listen to the this episode to know what happened. Noah longest lock-in ever! 120 years to build the Ark. Stayed on the boat for 150 days. He left the boat on the 27th day of the second month of Noah’s 601st year of life. How do you like that for a fun boat trip? I found this article on my LINKEDIN account: “Burnout at work is a well-known problem. But a new opposite term has recently surfaced in wellbeing discussions: rust-out. Rust-out occurs when employees feel underutilized and under-stimulated in their jobs. Work seems monotonous and devoid of personally meaningful aspects, which can hurt performance and mental health. Gallup’s global workplace report for 2022 found that only 21% of people feel engaged in their jobs. Europe was the region with the lowest percentage of engaged employees at 14%.” This came from an ER Doctor responding to the mentioned post above. I think leaders may help rust out by: 1. Setting challenging and meaningful goals. 2. Providing opportunities for learning and growth. 3. Offering job rotation or cross-training. 4. Recognizing and rewarding accomplishments. 5. Asking their team, "what are you interested in" and how can I help? The bottom line is that it is critical to create a culture of trust where leaders are asking the right questions and employees feel comfortable sharing their honest opinions. People who feel like they’re rusting on the job can share with their managers, look for a new role, and re-inject enjoyable activities into their personal life. Bosses who spot rusty workers should help them speak up and co-develop a progression plan. My thoughts: This happens especially. If the staff, congregation, or whatever organization you are a part of, if they have not run you off in the first 1 to 2 years, then they may just let you run yourself in to the ground being satisfied with what they are getting out of you and giving you no room for growth or expansion.  Especially if we are doing work on a God Size scale, we need God Size Rest. Like Jesus or the prophets of old. Rusting out may be better than burning out!? But Burning UP… while often reducing stress and taking breaks like Jesus did is better, because Burning Up includes, Rest, Fuel, Encouragement, Fresh Ideas, Spiritual Food, Physical Food, Mental Renewal, and Creativity… Plus, Plus!!! God gives us no more than we can endure if we’re following him and depending on him. That’s why Matthew 11:28-30 is some of my favorite verses. (Matthew 11:28–30 NLT) - Jesus said, “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy my burden is light...” And yoke meaning that thing that’s around an oxen or animals neck. It helps pull whatever load it is. So get His yoke, the thing that’s going to make your burdens easier, because it’s when it’s Him it’s light and it is easy. I found my way is complex and hard. What about you? Are you frustrated doing things your way instead of getting God’s game plan? ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

LONGEST LOCK-IN EVER Rust out or Burn out Funny story: Three years in a row we had the same event happen on one of our toughest annual youth road trips. Every year we took middle schoolers to the mountains in the winter time (most of those years we had a sleeper bus). The “Skittles Event” came out of one middle school boy on this trip 3 years in a row. You will have to listen to the this episode to know what happened. Noah longest lock-in ever! 120 years to build the Ark. Stayed on the boat for 150 days. He left the boat on the 27th day of the second month of Noah’s 601st year of life. How do you like that for a fun boat trip? I found this article on my LINKEDIN account: “Burnout at work is a well-known problem. But a new opposite term has recently surfaced in wellbeing discussions: rust-out. Rust-out occurs when employees feel underutilized and under-stimulated in their jobs. Work seems monotonous and devoid of personally meaningful aspects, which can hurt performance and mental health. Gallup’s global workplace report for 2022 found that only 21% of people feel engaged in their jobs. Europe was the region with the lowest percentage of engaged employees at 14%.” This came from an ER Doctor responding to the mentioned post above. I think leaders may help rust out by: 1. Setting challenging and meaningful goals. 2. Providing opportunities for learning and growth. 3. Offering job rotation or cross-training. 4. Recognizing and rewarding accomplishments. 5. Asking their team, "what are you interested in" and how can I help? The bottom line is that it is critical to create a culture of trust where leaders are asking the right questions and employees feel comfortable sharing their honest opinions. People who feel like they’re rusting on the job can share with their managers, look for a new role, and re-inject enjoyable activities into their personal life. Bosses who spot rusty workers should help them speak up and co-develop a progression plan. My thoughts: This happens especially. If the staff, congregation, or whatever organization you are a part of, if they have not run you off in the first 1 to 2 years, then they may just let you run yourself in to the ground being satisfied with what they are getting out of you and giving you no room for growth or expansion.  Especially if we are doing work on a God Size scale, we need God Size Rest. Like Jesus or the prophets of old. Rusting out may be better than burning out!? But Burning UP… while often reducing stress and taking breaks like Jesus did is better, because Burning Up includes, Rest, Fuel, Encouragement, Fresh Ideas, Spiritual Food, Physical Food, Mental Renewal, and Creativity… Plus, Plus!!! God gives us no more than we can endure if we’re following him and depending on him. That’s why Matthew 11:28-30 is some of my favorite verses. (Matthew 11:28–30 NLT) - Jesus said, “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy my burden is light...” And yoke meaning that thing that’s around an oxen or animals neck. It helps pull whatever load it is. So get His yoke, the thing that’s going to make your burdens easier, because it’s when it’s Him it’s light and it is easy. I found my way is complex and hard. What about you? Are you frustrated doing things your way instead of getting God’s game plan? ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

146 Longest Lock-In Ever

Jesus is still relevant. Salvation is what students are looking for, but passionate sold out people are what they are attracted to. Focus on praying for students and their family members and friends, present the gospel clearly and quickly to them, and follow through with care over months and years.  Ask the QUESTION… HOW?  Praying with them. Bible study together. Be Pro-Active with them, so you are not Re-Active.  ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Jesus is still relevant. Salvation is what students are looking for, but passionate sold out people are what they are attracted to. Focus on praying for students and their family members and friends, present the gospel clearly and quickly to them, and follow through with care over months and years.  Ask the QUESTION… HOW? <ul> <li>Praying with them.</li> <li>Bible study together.</li> <li>Be Pro-Active with them, so you are not Re-Active.</li> </ul> ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

145 Looking For Jesus

“My grace is sufficient for you...” 2 Corinthians 12:9 “The process of elimination!” is the first step to success and identity. “Eliminate who you are NOT first… Stop the victim mentality…you are not entitled to anything… you are the author of your life.” - Matthew McConaughey Also on Joe Rogen’s Show, Matthew McConaughey said… “When I receive an award I give create to God on stage. I am not afraid of losing my place in Hollywood, but I have friends of faith in Hollywood who are afraid to clap for my confession of faith on stage because they are afraid of losing. Give up your life to save your life! (23)Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. (24)For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. (25)What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self? - Luke 9:23-25 (Berean Standard Bible) Arnold Schwarzenegger 2018 - The speech that broke the internet - “I hate plan B… it causes you to stiffen up and you think about what you might lose. You must relax in order to win…And don’t feel afraid to fail…We all fail…Michael Jordan said in an interview…I missed 9000 shots in the NBA in order to be the greatest player of all time.” Arnold, “Failure is part of climbing the ladder of success…” “Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us,” — Ephesians 3:20 Amplified Bible ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

“My grace is sufficient for you...” 2 Corinthians 12:9 “The process of elimination!” is the first step to success and identity. “Eliminate who you are NOT first… Stop the victim mentality…you are not entitled to anything… you are the author of your life.” - Matthew McConaughey Also on Joe Rogen’s Show, Matthew McConaughey said… “When I receive an award I give create to God on stage. I am not afraid of losing my place in Hollywood, but I have friends of faith in Hollywood who are afraid to clap for my confession of faith on stage because they are afraid of losing. Give up your life to save your life! (23)Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. (24)<a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/1063.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">For</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/3739.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">whoever</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/2309.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wants</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/4982.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">to save</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/846.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">his</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/5590.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">life</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/622.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">will lose</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/846.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">it,</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/1161.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">but</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/3739.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">whoever</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/622.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">loses</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/846.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">his</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/5590.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">life</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/1752.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">for My sake</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/4982.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">will save</a> <a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/846.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">it. </a>(25)What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self? - Luke 9:23-25 (Berean Standard Bible) Arnold Schwarzenegger 2018 - The speech that broke the internet - “I hate plan B… it causes you to stiffen up and you think about what you might lose. You must relax in order to win…And don’t feel afraid to fail…We all fail…Michael Jordan said in an interview…I missed 9000 shots in the NBA in order to be the greatest player of all time.” Arnold, “Failure is part of climbing the ladder of success…” “Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us,” — Ephesians 3:20 Amplified Bible ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

144 Lose - Fail - Eliminate - Success

A Tribute to My Youth Pastors: Ronnie and Maxine Kennedy Ronnie passed away recently and Maxine passed away a few years ago of cancer. They have 2 boys who are now men with families. They were bi-vocational pastors during the Jesus Revolution in North Carolina and did not know it. Yet, to them, and for many many others, we are indebted to their sacrifices. They bought a bus with their own money to transport us. They had meetings with us awkward teenagers in their house. We were not nearly as grateful as we needed to be to such sacrificial people.  They died not knowing the magnitude of what their sacrifices created. But now… in the presence of Jesus Christ they are amazed at their rewards and the rewards that are still building. They were not treated as the heroes while they were here on Earth, but in heaven they are well known among the heroes and saints of old. How…? Because they suffered the little ones to come to them as Jesus had done before them. The prayed and worked with and reached out to teenagers which few understood or would not even consider them as worthy of time or importance. But Ronnie and Maxine were on a mission! They were called for a time, so others could live eternally and brought to Christ decades later, still growing to reach a lost and dying world . Unsung heroes, visionaries ahead of their time. They looked liked normal people, but they were Saints of God with a calling much like Jesus and his followers. They were normal people with a God filled heart in each one. They gave too much, but it was heaven’s gain. “Little is much when God is in it.” “One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.”  Mark 10:13 NLT When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” Mark 10:14 NLT ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

A Tribute to My Youth Pastors: Ronnie and Maxine Kennedy Ronnie passed away recently and Maxine passed away a few years ago of cancer. They have 2 boys who are now men with families. They were bi-vocational pastors during the Jesus Revolution in North Carolina and did not know it. Yet, to them, and for many many others, we are indebted to their sacrifices. They bought a bus with their own money to transport us. They had meetings with us awkward teenagers in their house. We were not nearly as grateful as we needed to be to such sacrificial people.  They died not knowing the magnitude of what their sacrifices created. But now… in the presence of Jesus Christ they are amazed at their rewards and the rewards that are still building. They were not treated as the heroes while they were here on Earth, but in heaven they are well known among the heroes and saints of old. How…? Because they suffered the little ones to come to them as Jesus had done before them. The prayed and worked with and reached out to teenagers which few understood or would not even consider them as worthy of time or importance. But Ronnie and Maxine were on a mission! They were called for a time, so others could live eternally and brought to Christ decades later, still growing to reach a lost and dying world . Unsung heroes, visionaries ahead of their time. They looked liked normal people, but they were Saints of God with a calling much like Jesus and his followers. They were normal people with a God filled heart in each one. They gave too much, but it was heaven’s gain. “Little is much when God is in it.” “One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.”  Mark 10:13 NLT When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” Mark 10:14 NLT ____ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy )</a> Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

143 A Tribute To My Youth Pastors

David Kelly

David Kelly graduated from the University of Florida in 1995 and married his wife Karen in 1996. When they moved to Eustis, Florida (30 miles west of Orlando, Florida) they joined New Hope Presbyterian Church and began volunteering with the youth. From 1997 to 2001 he taught English/Journalism and coached 3 separate sports at Eustis High School. On July 1, 2001, he came on staff as the full time youth director at New Hope, a PCA church. Later that year, David and Karen became parents with the birth of their daughter and the next year welcomed their son. David is a member of Southland Camps leadership team. Southland Camps is a 501(c)(3) youth organization under the umbrella of the PCA that connects students to Christ and Community. David is also a volunteer at Tavares High School and works closely with the football team. He graduated from RTS-Orlando in May 2016 and received his Masters of Divinity degree. In April 2017, he was ordained and installed by the Central Florida Presbytery as an Associate Pastor at New Hope.  David now has a focus on men’s discipleship and leadership training with an emphasis in church planting. He also continues to be a youth director at New Hope. Some of his favorite activities (outside of youth ministry) are hunting, fishing, and drinking ice cold Coca-Cola from a mason jar. David said,"I love families and students, but I am most glad that Jesus loves us and allows us to know Him more and more." ____Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq   ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House Recorded by: Doug Edwards Graphics by: Ryan James Edwards

David Kelly graduated from the University of Florida in 1995 and married his wife Karen in 1996. When they moved to Eustis, Florida (30 miles west of Orlando, Florida) they joined New Hope Presbyterian Church and began volunteering with the youth. From 1997 to 2001 he taught English/Journalism and coached 3 separate sports at Eustis High School. On July 1, 2001, he came on staff as the full time youth director at New Hope, a PCA church. Later that year, David and Karen became parents with the birth of their daughter and the next year welcomed their son. David is a member of Southland Camps leadership team. Southland Camps is a 501(c)(3) youth organization under the umbrella of the PCA that connects students to Christ and Community. David is also a volunteer at Tavares High School and works closely with the football team. He graduated from RTS-Orlando in May 2016 and received his Masters of Divinity degree. In April 2017, he was ordained and installed by the Central Florida Presbytery as an Associate Pastor at New Hope.  David now has a focus on men’s discipleship and leadership training with an emphasis in church planting. He also continues to be a youth director at New Hope. Some of his favorite activities (outside of youth ministry) are hunting, fishing, and drinking ice cold Coca-Cola from a mason jar. David said,"I love families and students, but I am most glad that Jesus loves us and allows us to know Him more and more." ____Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “<a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook</a>” here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy</a> Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3saDyYq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3saDyYq</a> ____ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: <a href="mailto:youthworkeronfire@gmail.com">youthworkeronfire@gmail.com</a> Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: <a href="https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ</a> ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House Recorded by: Doug Edwards Graphics by: Ryan James Edwards

142 David Kelly - Youth Pastor, Coach, and Educator

It&#39;s wonderful to hear about the positive influence that mentors, teachers, coaches and volunteers have had on the lives of so many people. It reminds us how important it is to reach out and make a difference in the lives of today&#39;s youth.

Changing Lives!

Great show for training youth workers and parents  to brighten our future by fueling the people that will get us there.

Adolescence

Today's youth need youth pastors, mentors, teachers, volunteers, and most of all, they need YOU! Youth Worker On Fire is designed to give you the knowledge and inspiration you need to be the best youth worker possible. Youth Worker On Fire podcast is full of valuable information from people who work with youth on a daily basis. It also is about students years later in their adult life and how student ministry, or the lack of it, effected their future. Many are are changing their world and the world at large because of the influence of youth workers in their adolescent years. Listen as they share their stories of mentoring and positively influencing adolescents in today's world. In his interview, Mark Moore, tells how his youth pastor influenced him to become a missionary in Africa and now owns a non profit that feeds the hungry and cures S.A.M's, Severe Acute Malnutrition in third world countries. This is Youth Worker On Fire!

Youth Worker On Fire Podcast

Chad Canfield

He played football for the University Florida Gators for a year then played for Bobby Bowden with the FSU Seminoles for his remaining college under grad years. He has worked with telemedicine and been an investment banker. He to this day works out like a body builder and yet he still had a fight with cancer but he's back working out again. He serves God through working with a non-profit christian foundation. In all these things He gives credit for his success to his Lord, Jesus Christ and secondly to his family who have been his biggest cheerleaders his entire life. Find out how his worst and best times in life can encourage you to keep moving forward no matter your adversity.

He played football for the University Florida Gators for a year then played for Bobby Bowden with the FSU Seminoles for his remaining college under grad years. He has worked with telemedicine and been an investment banker. He to this day works out like a body builder and yet he still had a fight with cancer but he's back working out again. He serves God through working with a non-profit christian foundation. In all these things He gives credit for his success to his Lord, Jesus Christ and secondly to his family who have been his biggest cheerleaders his entire life. Find out how his worst and best times in life can encourage you to keep moving forward no matter your adversity.

079 Chad Canfield Cancer Survivor Body builder

Maury Buchanan

Maury Buchanan, Founder of Mission Discovery, speaks to youth pastors about how student missions helps build their students spiritual growth. You will hear about one student mission trip that was a surprise encounter for a student artist engaging with a local community.  Maury grew up the son of a war hero who was a POW. He tells about how God lead Him to salvation in college and about how long it took to start and continue healing from the emotional pain of family conflict in his life. You will then hear how his wife, Ann, led his father to a relationship with Christ Jesus. I asked him if he had had any angel experiences and he had. He shares that experience in this episode. He tells about the life journey that led him to start Mission Discovery and the mentors that taught him how to build a short term student mission nonprofit. Maury took his 1st sabbatical 2 years ago because his board members told him to. We look at the effect of long term rest and his hike through Spain with a little help from his friends, that he did not invite on this trip. The hike began in snow and was more than a 100 miles of a 500 mile trail which carried the body of James the apostle, Jesus' brother for his burial. This was a Pilgrimage. Wow! And there is more. That is just a very small glimpse into this value packed episode.  

Maury Buchanan, Founder of Mission Discovery, speaks to youth pastors about how student missions helps build their students spiritual growth. You will hear about one student mission trip that was a surprise encounter for a student artist engaging with a local community.  Maury grew up the son of a war hero who was a POW. He tells about how God lead Him to salvation in college and about how long it took to start and continue healing from the emotional pain of family conflict in his life. You will then hear how his wife, Ann, led his father to a relationship with Christ Jesus. I asked him if he had had any angel experiences and he had. He shares that experience in this episode. He tells about the life journey that led him to start Mission Discovery and the mentors that taught him how to build a short term student mission nonprofit. Maury took his 1st sabbatical 2 years ago because his board members told him to. We look at the effect of long term rest and his hike through Spain with a little help from his friends, that he did not invite on this trip. The hike began in snow and was more than a 100 miles of a 500 mile trail which carried the body of James the apostle, Jesus' brother for his burial. This was a Pilgrimage. Wow! And there is more. That is just a very small glimpse into this value packed episode.

076 Maury Buchanan - Founder of Mission Discovery

Mark Moore

Mark Moore spent 10 years as a missionary in Uganda, Africa where he saw children die of SAM's (Severe Acute Malnutrition). He later returned to the USA with his family and worked in the United States Senate where he served as Legislative Fellow and Africa Specialist in the United States Senate for Senator Mary Landrieu. While at Ebenezer's Coffee House in Washington, DC, he prayed, then soon attended a meeting about R.U.T.F. Ready to Use Therapeutic Food which can cure SAM's. Mark's nonprofit, MANA Nutrition, was born to distribute R.U.T.F. Here is...the rest of the story! http://mananutrition.org/

Mark Moore spent 10 years as a missionary in Uganda, Africa where he saw children die of SAM's (Severe Acute Malnutrition). He later returned to the USA with his family and worked in the United States Senate where he served as Legislative Fellow and Africa Specialist in the United States Senate for Senator Mary Landrieu. While at Ebenezer's Coffee House in Washington, DC, he prayed, then soon attended a meeting about R.U.T.F. Ready to Use Therapeutic Food which can cure SAM's. Mark's nonprofit, MANA Nutrition, was born to distribute R.U.T.F. Here is...the rest of the story! <a href="http://mananutrition.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://mananutrition.org/</a>

067 Millions Fed Mark Moore Mana

Nicole Dean

Nicole Keene Dean is a woman of great surprises. She came with a friend to the student ministry where I was pastor. And after about a year I get a phone call and Nicole says excitedly, "I got it! I got it!" To which I said, "Got what?" Listen and find out. Valedictorian, Honors Graduate University of Florida. Surprise, Nicole became a 2 time missionary to Amsterdam. She became a volunteer in our ministry. And the story goes MUCH Bigger! You are going to LOVE this interview! It's PACKED with VALUE FOR YOUTH PASTORS and amazing to everyone else. Listen NOW!!!

Nicole Keene Dean is a woman of great surprises. She came with a friend to the student ministry where I was pastor. And after about a year I get a phone call and Nicole says excitedly, "I got it! I got it!" To which I said, "Got what?" Listen and find out. Valedictorian, Honors Graduate University of Florida. Surprise, Nicole became a 2 time missionary to Amsterdam. She became a volunteer in our ministry. And the story goes MUCH Bigger! You are going to LOVE this interview! It's PACKED with VALUE FOR YOUTH PASTORS and amazing to everyone else. Listen NOW!!!

073 Nicole Dean School Teacher Student Ministry Volunteer

Jessica Hurley

Jessica Hurley is from St. Augustine, Florida. She had a very bad mentor to make her loose and a Great Mentor that turned her life around radically, but it wasn't easy. It took a lot of time and years to keep Jessica believing she was worth more than she could ever believe.  She had been arrested multiple times as a teen because of the influence of a cousin. She now has her Masters Degree and helped run AMIKids in Tampa, Florida. She is a podcaster and podcast developer for others. She was designed by family never to go to college. Her mentor stuck by her for more than 4 years and made college a reality for Jessica.  To Youth Pastors. We talk about her encounter with the church. Jessica, a non-churched teen that felt like an alien and an outcast when she went to church with friends. It took Young Life and direct encounters from God to help her, because the church often gets in its own way when it comes to the unchurched. This episode is an incredible guide and gift on how to actually help those who have no clue but want to hear and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior if they had to someone would guide them with empathy and no judgement. 

Jessica Hurley is from St. Augustine, Florida. She had a very bad mentor to make her loose and a Great Mentor that turned her life around radically, but it wasn't easy. It took a lot of time and years to keep Jessica believing she was worth more than she could ever believe.  She had been arrested multiple times as a teen because of the influence of a cousin. She now has her Masters Degree and helped run AMIKids in Tampa, Florida. She is a podcaster and podcast developer for others. She was designed by family never to go to college. Her mentor stuck by her for more than 4 years and made college a reality for Jessica.  To Youth Pastors. We talk about her encounter with the church. Jessica, a non-churched teen that felt like an alien and an outcast when she went to church with friends. It took Young Life and direct encounters from God to help her, because the church often gets in its own way when it comes to the unchurched. This episode is an incredible guide and gift on how to actually help those who have no clue but want to hear and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior if they had to someone would guide them with empathy and no judgement.

078 Created to Win Jessica Hurley Lost and Found

Irma was the biggest hurricane in Florida, 400 miles across. It brought back a memory of our student ministry taking 55 people to volunteer after Hurricane Andrew, 7 days later. A student, Jason Mages, decided we had to do something. He said the right things to the right people and the next thing I knew, we had a caravan of motorhomes, vans and trucks heading south from Eustis, Florida for a 2 night and 3 day work adventure in a place that looked like a bomb went off and had wiped out Homestead, Florida. Now we relive that experience but on a state wide scale. No where in the state of Florida or the Caribbean Islands escaped Irma's wrath. Today I just heard that a Catholic Nun in Miami is attacking Irma's aftermath with her own chainsaw, helping citizens remove trees from their property. With friends in the destruction of Harvey and Irma just days apart, there are plenty of places for us to lead our people to physically show that we are people of The Way, The Jesus Way, that helps the hurting. Get going Youth Worker Nation! Be the Force that God uses to change your world!

Irma was the biggest hurricane in Florida, 400 miles across. It brought back a memory of our student ministry taking 55 people to volunteer after Hurricane Andrew, 7 days later. A student, Jason Mages, decided we had to do something. He said the right things to the right people and the next thing I knew, we had a caravan of motorhomes, vans and trucks heading south from Eustis, Florida for a 2 night and 3 day work adventure in a place that looked like a bomb went off and had wiped out Homestead, Florida. Now we relive that experience but on a state wide scale. No where in the state of Florida or the Caribbean Islands escaped Irma's wrath. Today I just heard that a Catholic Nun in Miami is attacking Irma's aftermath with her own chainsaw, helping citizens remove trees from their property. With friends in the destruction of Harvey and Irma just days apart, there are plenty of places for us to lead our people to physically show that we are people of The Way, The Jesus Way, that helps the hurting. Get going Youth Worker Nation! Be the Force that God uses to change your world!

063 Student Missions Hurricane Irma 400 Miles Across

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