HALSETH HAPPENINGS

Merry Christmas from the Halseth Family!

2011-12-09T22:52:00.001-06:00

We pray your 2011 was blessed! Here are a few Halseth family highlights of 2011:

Rachel Rose is much loved by all. We love cuddling Rachel and enjoy watching her giggle! At 9 months, she is thriving. Her weight has tripled since we met her! She started at 6.5 pounds in July and is now 19 pounds! She does something new each day. We are so grateful to God for giving our family the gift of Rachel.

Joshua started pre-school this fall. He is filled with curiosity, and maybe a little mischief :) Joshua is very energetic, and loves to help Dad “work” by moving dirt piles or stacking fire-wood! He wears a superhero costume half the time. If he could actually be a super-hero it would be a cross between Batman and Spiderman!

Abby is a sweet first grader. Her teacher says Abby loves to learn & received the “Most Helpful” award. She is in dance, soccer, basketball & Awana. She is artistic & can’t wait for her next play-date. Abby enjoys dancing around the house to worship music.

Nathan is a third grader involved with scouts, basketball, football, soccer and Awana. Nathan is an avid sports fan. He must be growing up because instead of toys, he wants professional sports game tickets & jerseys! We esp. appreciate his sense of humor.

Matt loves leading a student Bible study, serving on our church board and working on the new Royal Servants Training Camp. Matt has adapted his hobbies to include four active young children… in other words, he loves doing what they love doing! :-)

Jenni is very very happy with the family God has blessed us with, and maybe a little tired w/a baby still awake many nights. :) Jenni esp. loves watching the older kids adore Rachel. Her goal is to keep all four clothed, fed & to the places they need to go!

As is already obvious, our most exciting news of 2011 has been receiving our precious adopted Ethiopian daughter. God is so faithful. Rachel Rose’s story continues to amaze us. We look forward to all that God has in store for her and for us as a family.Praying your Christmas shines brightly with many of His blessings!

Love, The Halseth Family

DANA'S STORY

2011-11-25T22:42:00.000-06:00

Dana served as a student in India this past summer. She attends one of our supporting churches, where Matt has been speaking and recruiting students for many years. We want to share Dana’s story with you.

“We took a rickshaw ride through the Redlight District of New Dehli. There are tons of fake storefronts. But inside the “stores,” you can see the staircases leading up to hidden rooms. You can’t see the rooms and you can’t see behind the walls. But when you saw a man with a little girl, you just knew. It broke my heart.

I have a heart to see sex trafficking ended. I remember those children and women who have, and are going through it. I want to be a part of bringing hope for their future. I am currently studying Bible and Psychology at Bethel University. If God should so lead, I am interested in serving internationally in a safe home for those recovering from the sex trade. Going on Royal Servants was definitely one of the MOST LIFE CHANGING things I have ever done. After going, I KNOW for a fact that overseas missions is what I was meant for. I love it so much.”

It is because of students like Dana that we are committed to serving with Royal Servants. God is at work transforming and calling students into ministry around the world.

Royal Servants 2012 mission teams will serve in: China, Costa Rica, England, Ethiopia, Europe, India, Ireland, Israel, and Sierra Leone. Our work throughout the calendar year is also very intentional to empower the whole of all the teams. We are committed to see each of the 300+ students grow, in Christ and in sharing Christ. Matt will be leading one of the Africa teams in 2012.

You are a vital part of our ability to follow His calling to serve. We continue to be grateful for your partnership in bringing the message of hope all over the world!

WALKING AS JESUS WALKED

2011-11-01T22:37:00.000-05:00

“Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6

I (Matt) just returned from an exciting three day ministry training in Chicago. This is the fourth time in a year and a half that I have joined this small group of youth ministry professionals. Why? Simply to study the life of Jesus and to learn how to create disciple making movements as He did. The ministry training is called, LIVE 2:6 (from 1 John 2:6).

What is a LIVE 2:6 group?
LIVE 2:6 groups are learning communities of 3-12 ministry leaders who study, train, and evaluate the life of Christ using a strategy developed by SONLIFE. Over 40 organizations globally (including Reign Ministries) and 750,000 ministry leaders have been through ministry training by SONLIFE.

I have loved being challenged and encouraged by my LIVE 2:6 group as I have learned to “walk as Jesus walked.” My ministry skills have been sharpened and I know that will translate to more students coming to know the Savior!

Thank you for your commitment to our ministry and the walk Jesus has called us to!

RACHEL ROSE, HOME FOREVER! (ADOPTION TIMELINE)

2011-10-01T22:33:00.000-05:00

May 11 – We accept the referral for our daughter.

July 19 – We meet Rachel Rose at the foster home in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

July 20 – We admit her to the hospital in Ethiopia where she is diagnosed with failure to thrive, severe pneumonia and severe malnutrition. She is given a feeding tube, IV antibiotics and nasal Oxygen. Rachel is in critical medical condition. We send emails and facebook messages around the world asking for prayer for Rachel Rose to recover. We are on our knees in prayer often.

July 22 – We pass Ethiopian adoption court

July 23 – Rachel Rose turns a corner medically and starts to clearly recover. PRAISE GOD!

July 30 – Rachel Rose is discharged from the hospital. She still needs nasal oxygen supplementation. We rent an oxygen tank and administer it to her ourselves from the guesthouse.

August 3 – The US Embassy in Ethiopia approves our adoption.

August 6 - We fly standby and arrive home to MN. Rachel Rose meets her new forever family.

GOD KNOWS HER NAME

2011-10-01T22:30:00.000-05:00

In the first two days we were with our daughter we noticed her Ethiopian name spelled four different ways on different types of paperwork. Above her bed, on her hospital papers, her adoption paperwork, at the clinic – everyone had a slightly different spelling. We saw her Ethiopian name spelled Nebet, Nabat, Nebadie and Nebat. I was struck by how despite the fact that there were kindhearted people in her life who wanted good things for her, no one really knew her name. I kept thinking, “She just needs someone who knows her name.” She just needed someone to make sure she ate enough, that she got medical care and medicine as needed. Simple reasonable things. How many children out there don’t have anyone who knows their name? In the Bible God talks about knowing us by name (Exodus 33:17), and how our names are written in the book of life. We are so thankful to be able to give our beautiful daughter her new name, Rachel Rose Halseth.

MIRACLES ALONG THE WAY

2011-10-01T22:27:00.000-05:00

God rescues Rachel Rose by allowing us to arrive in time to admit her to a missionary hospital in the country. We are told by several medical and orphanage staff that she may not have been able to make it much longer. Prior to meeting her, we had no idea she was even ill.

After five days, Rachel Rose responds to the medical care and makes a turn around. Praise God for the faithful Korean Missionaries who went to Ethiopia and built this Mission Hospital in 2002!

The beurocratic adoption process is expedited due to medical reasons and we bring Rachel Rose home in 3 weeks. The typical timing would have been 2-5 months.

Numerous missionaries living in Ethiopia reach out to us. Our Ethiopian friends we have known for 10 years reach out to us. We have nothing to offer them, but they generously serve us, pray with us and offer hospitality to us.

A friend of a friend connects us with their American friends living in Addis Ababa. She is a Pastor and her husband is the Ethiopia Director of USAID. They generously bring us meals, pray with us and take us to dinner. They have a diplomatic vehicle and driver which they let us use. We are given excellent transportation in a safe vehicle as we travel with Rachel from the guesthouse to the hospital, to the US Embassy, to medical appointments, etc. We feel cared for in a foreign land.

The day before Rachel Rose is discharged from the hospital, an American short-term missionary moves into the room next to us. Her name is Kristyn and she is a pediatric nurse. She generously offers her expertise to us as we care for Rachel the rest of our time in Ethiopia. Total blessing.

We are able to rent an oxygen tank in order to give Rachel Rose the nasal oxygen supplementation she needs while we stay in the guesthouse. On the oxygen she is able to eat and breathe normally. Off the oxygen her color is not good and she becomes too lethargic to be able to eat.

God leads us to fly home despite our ongoing concerns with Rachel’s oxygen issues. As they oxegynate the plane for pre-trip flight preparation, Rachel’s color improves dramatically. She has not had another oxygen concern since! Praise God!

We have to fly standby and all the flights are booked for a week. God miraculously gets us seats on a full flight, and we are the last three passengers onto the plane! We even got a seat with the infant bassinet!

Here in MN, we have taken Rachel to multiple Dr. appointments and she is declared healthy, healthy, healthy!

When we met Rachel on 7/19/11 she was 4 months old and 6.5 pounds, the same weight she was on 3/30/11. Now at 6.5 months of age, she weighs 14.5 lbs— a 130% increase!

Jenni’s 1st interest in adoption was at age 14 in a Haitian orphanage. While we were dating we discussed our mutual interest in adoption. 25 years later God gives us our precious adopted daughter. “A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul.” Proverbs 13:19

Join us in celebrating! We are confident and filled with hope because we know that the Lord has a plan for Rachel Rose’s life. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Isaiah 29:11

ADOPTION ANNOUNCEMENT

2011-09-15T22:13:00.000-05:00

Dearest sweetest Rachel Rose,

For many years we prayed for you.  Would it be possible that some day the Lord would bring us a child to adopt into our forever family? Several times we almost started the adoption process, but sensed God asking us to wait.  And then during the actual adoption process there were tears over the numerous paperwork delays. Your big brothers and sister felt like they were waiting “forever” for a baby sister!

And now as we hold you in our arms, we are so thankful for each and every single delay that happened.  Because of those delays - we were the family who got to be assigned to receive YOU.  YOU were the exact child God had picked out for our family.  Since before time began, it was in His plan that YOU, Rachel Rose, would be born in Ethiopia and then adopted into our Halseth family.  How did we get to be so blessed?  The word “thankful” hardly begins to describe the depth of our gratitude to have YOU as our daughter.

The Hebrew meaning of RACHEL is “God’s Gentle Little Lamb, Innocent before God.” Here is one verse associated the name Rachel:

“He tends his flock like a shepherd, He gathers the lambs in his arms, and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young.”   Isaiah 40:11

The last two letters of Rachel also have meaning. "EL" is another name used for God in the Bible, meaning "mighty, strong, prominent." A ROSE is seen as a symbol of love and beauty.  Rose is also the past tense of 'rise'.  When we met you, you were living in the city of Addis Ababa which means, “New Flower.” The Bible talks of the Rose of Sharon, and so you are also a namesake to your Grandma Sharon.

Rachel, you are our sweet, gentle little lamb.  You are innocent before God.  You are definitely lovely and beautiful.  When we met you Rachel, you were in a critical medical condition.  God rescued you and breathed new life into you.  He has a plan and a purpose for your life. We know this full well. May your heart stay soft and tender before the God who loves us all, more than we can know or imagine. May He be mighty and prominent in your life as you arise in His strength.

Love, Mommy and Daddy

PRAYING RACHEL ROSE HOME!

2011-07-10T22:05:00.000-05:00

PRAISE GOD! We are SO thrilled to share our exciting news! Matt and Jenni fly to Ethiopia July 17th!!! Our future adopted daughter is 4 months old and her name will be Rachel Rose.

THE ADOPTION PROCESS
We need to pass two more levels before we can bring our Rachel Rose home to the USA:

Ethiopian Federal Court- pray we pass on 7/22/11.
US Embassy in Ethiopia - pray we pass by 8/15/11.

As soon as we pass ET Fed. court, we are able to take custody of Rachel within Ethiopia; while we await passing US Embassy. Matt returns 8/2. Jenni has an open-ended ticket and is going to try to stay in Ethiopia long enough to be able to bring Rachel home for good, without putting her back in the orphanage. Otherwise Jenni will need to make a second ET trip to bring Rachel home.

PLEASE PRAY
Passing through the adoption process quickly/smoothly.
Rachel to be healthy and loved-on in the orphanage; also for protection against malnutrition, parasites, etc.
Nathan, Abby and Joshua as we are separated from them.
Safety in our international and in-country transport and accommodations. Also protection for our health.
Praise God for provision for our adoption expenses.

MINISTRY UPDATE
Matt loved leading the Barnabas team at training camp in June!We are excited about progress on the new training camp building project Matt is overseeing – the building shell is now complete!Pray for the 9 Royal Servants teams serving around the globe.

PRAYING RACHEL ROSE HOME!!

2011-06-05T21:57:00.000-05:00

“God places the lonely in families...” Psalm 68:6

We have our long awaited referral for a beautiful Ethiopian baby girl!  Rachel Rose is two months old. Join us in praying:

For loving care at her Ethiopian orphanage.
For favor to quickly pass through both the Ethiopian court system and the US Embassy in Ethiopia.
That we can travel to Ethiopia by August 1.

Wow, we are so excited! Praise God! We’re thankful for how we have been blessed through donations, fundraisers, and a grant. More than half of our adoption financial need has been provided. We are praying God will provide the remaining $13,000 needed.

GOD’S PLANS ARE ALWAYS BEST!

2011-05-01T21:51:00.000-05:00

The past few months have been very busy for us as we have been working out all our plans for the summer. However, we have learned long ago that “our plans” are not always “Gods plans,” and that His plan is always best! The verse that comes to mind is: “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (Prov. 16:9 NLT)

Please be in prayer for our work on the development of the new Training Camp, for our role as the Barnabas team leader and for our Ethiopia adoption. We know God has our best in mind as He determines our steps for this summer. We are grateful to serve Him and can’t wait to see all His plans unfold!

LEADING THE BARNABAS TEAM (AT TRAINING CAMP)

2011-05-01T21:45:00.000-05:00

Because the new Wisconsin training camp site is not yet available this summer, Royal Servants will hold training camp one last summer in Lewistown, Illinois. In addition to managing the Building Project in Wisconsin, I will also be leading the “Barnabas Team” in Illinois for most of June.

One of the things that speaks volumes to me about Royal Servants is how many alumni students we have that come back year after year. The Barnabas Team is one of our student alumni teams which serves at Training Camp only. The Barnabas team members help facilitate the smooth operation of training camp for all our international mission teams that prepare for overseas ministry.

We are very excited to be serving our student missionaries and alumni students by leading the Barnabas team at Training Camp this summer!

BREAKING NEW GROUND (NEW SUMMER PLANS)

2011-05-01T21:37:00.000-05:00

As you know, for the past several months I have been the Building Project Manager on the new training and administrative building Royal Servants is putting up at the new missions training camp, in Wisconsin. Last week our director asked me to remain in the US this summer in order to continue overseeing this WI building project. Another experienced team leader has been re-assigned to take my place as the Italy mission team leader.

We had hoped to have the building completed enough to use by June 1st this year for training camp. However, unexpected delays (especially the wet weather) have pushed construction back. As a result, there is a huge need for someone to be here in the US (and not have all the staff overseas) while the building project progresses. So this summer I will be spending a fair amount of time in WI in order to continue overseeing construction.

I am definitely going to miss leading an international missions team this summer. At the same time, I sense a specific calling this summer. It is an exciting opportunity to be able to use my construction skills and education to strategically serve our ministry in the development of the long-term permanent missions training camp site.

PROJECT MANAGER FOR NEW ADMINISTRATION/TRAINING FACILITY

2011-02-13T07:44:00.002-06:00

I have the opportunity to put my Architectural / Construction education and work experience (prior to ministry career) to work on a new project this spring – 2011. Our Director has asked me to be the Project Manager for building the new Administrative/Training Facility at our new Royal Servants Training Camp in Portage, Wisconsin. What does that mean? I will be drawing up plans, putting together specs on materials, organizing work crews, and collecting bids from sub contractors. This will save the ministry thousands of dollars from hiring a general contractor. I am excited about using these gifts and skills to advance God’s Kingdom. Our goal is to break ground this spring but there is much to do! Please pray for me as I diligently take on this huge project over the coming months.

NEW REIGN MINISTRIES WEBSITE

2011-02-13T07:42:00.003-06:00

If you have a minute, click on the link below and check out the new Reign Ministries website; www.reignministries.org. I’ve worked hard with our web developer over the last few months on designing a website pleasing to the eye and to the needs of our students. We made some big changes like; new mega-menus, featured content, more visible staff, personalization of pages, improved search, fast access to social networking, and super-easy commenting! We are very pleased by the results. Students and parents love the new site!

NEW ROYAL SERVANTS MISSION TRIP BROCHURES!

2011-02-13T07:40:00.001-06:00

I’ve completed the new 2011 Royal Servants Brochure. This new brochure has gone out to our staff and into the hands of thousands of students across the US and Canada. Even with the internet, we still find that a visually appealing brochure in the hands of a student goes a long way to our recruiting efforts. A brochure can give the opportunity for God to work on the hearts of those he is calling to the mission field. Please pray God would use this brochure to accomplish his purposes. Also, please help us out by giving it to a teenager or college student you know!

MINISTRY TRIP TO ARIZONA

2011-02-13T07:39:00.001-06:00

We will be in the Phoneix area for several days in mid-February meeting with ministry partners and churches to share more about our work with Reign Ministries. If you recall, Jenni lived in Phoenix and served with Food for the Hungry before we met and married. We haven’t been there in 10 years and are looking forward to visiting and reconnecting with friends and ministry partners.

ROYAL SERVANTS ITALY MISSION TRIP—SUMMER OF 2011

2011-02-13T07:38:00.001-06:00

I have been assigned to lead the Royal Servants mission trip to Italy this summer! Italy is a team I can hand off to a new team leader more easily should we need to change plans and travel to Ethiopia if we receive a referral for our adoption. So instead of returning to Sierra Leone, we will be on our way to Italy! Why Italy? One, Italy is much more predictable should my family decide to join us over the summer. Two, Italy is much less expensive (we will be camping it!) And three, Italians need Jesus just as much as Sierra Leoneans do! In addition, we have missionary partners working outside of Rome. We are all excited about serving them with a Royal Servants team. We will share more about this exciting opportunity later, please pray!

WOMEN’S OUTREACH DESSERT NIGHT

2011-02-13T07:37:00.002-06:00

Jenni continues to love working with mom’s and children. The “Moms-In-depth” ministry that she helped start in North Branch is still active and growing with new moms and leaders each year. In December, a former Royal Servants student invited Jenni to speak at a women’s outreach event in Cokato, MN with 150 women. Her topic was on “JOY.” It was an amazing opportunity for Jenni to share from her life experiences and her call in missions. Since this was also an outreach event, Jenni had the blessed opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ – our true source of Joy!

ADOPTION UPDATE

2011-02-13T07:28:00.004-06:00

We are still waiting for our referral of either twins or an infant girl from Ethiopia. It has been over a year since we began the process to adopt internationally. We remain excited as we continue to wait on the Lord. Please pray for our patience in the Lord’s perfect timing as we continue to trust in Him through this whole process. Also, Thank you so much to the many of you who gave specifically towards our adoption need at the 2010 year-end! We have a total need of approximately $20,000 to complete our adoption. So far, we have raised HALF of our total need. Praise God! He has blessed us in so many ways, through your generousity! Jenni is holding an adoption fundraiser “winter garage sale” in March. Please pray this will be a profitable fundraiser. If you still want to give towards our adoption through “Lifesong for Orphans” its not too late. You can contact us, or give online at www.already-love-you.blogspot.com and follow the “Donate” link. Also, be sure to follow our blog for the latest postings and prayer requests!

Merry Christmas from the Halseth Family!

2010-12-24T07:44:00.010-06:00

“Silent Night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend they light! With the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King! Christ the Saviour is here, Jesus the Saviour is here!”

We pray your 2010 was blessed! Here are a few Halseth family highlights of 2010:

Joshua doesn’t walk anywhere; he either runs, skips or bounces. He is enthralled with his brother and sister. He had a tractor birthday party when he turned three in November. We all wait to hear what cute thing he will say next. A recent bedtime prayer went as follows, “Dear God, thank you that batman has swords, Amen.”!!! He really is sweeter than words can say, and has a very gentle disposition.

Abby started kindergarten this fall and loves school! This year she has been involved with soccer, gymnastics and swimming. When she grows up she wants to be “a Princess Ballerina Mommy!” She is very good at caring for all her dolls and consistently asks why it is taking so long for her adopted sister to get here. Abby is very social and loves to have play dates. She is energetic and also very kindhearted.

Nathan turned eight in October and is in second grade. He keeps busy with all sorts of activities; soccer, baseball, swimming, football, wrestling, basketball and boy scouts! He still loves to tell jokes. He is an excellent reader and whenever he finishes a book he tells Momma that she really needs to read it too, because it was so good. He is an especially good big brother and plays endless hours with Josh.

Matt loves working with students, leading mission teams and serving in men’s ministry. He enjoyed attending 3 Sonlife conferences in Chicago this year. This fall Matt started working on the house to finish new bedrooms for our adopted child(ren).

Jenni has adjusted to the new 4-day school week, and enjoys having the kids home Mondays. We all loved our August camping trip to Madeline Island and swimming in chilly Lake Superior. She also got to go to 3 great women’s conferences this year!

Our most exciting news continues to be our Ethiopia adoption as we await a referral for either twins or an infant girl. We hope to bring the child(ren) home in Spring 2011!

Praying your Christmas shines brightly with many of His blessings!

Love, The Halseth Family

GOD'S POWER ON DISPLAY

2010-11-01T08:55:00.002-05:00

Students sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Sierra Leone, West Africa
By Matt Halseth

“I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.” —The Apostle Paul,
1 Corinthians 2:3-5

I often get a surprised look when I tell people that my job is to take students overseas to tell others about Jesus. I sometimes think behind that surprised look is a question like; “Are teenagers really capable of telling others about Jesus?”

Yes, I know, teenagers can be energetic at times but when that raw faith and enthusiasm is channeled on the mission field, teenagers can be a powerful force God uses to expand his Kingdom. After all, Jesus himself chose 12 wild and rambunctious teenagers to turn the world upside down for the sake of His Kingdom!

A huge part of our summer is evangelism. Most students fear sharing their faith because they have never done it before. Fear is a natural response to evangelism. We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 2:3-5 that even the apostle Paul experienced much weakness, fear and trembling.

Throughout the summer we tell students to share their faith NOT in their own strength but through the power of the Holy Spirit. I am constantly amazed to see how effective teenagers are when they step out in faith, trust in the Holy Spirit, and experience all God can do through them.

These are quotes I received from our students after a rewarding summer of evangelism in Sierra Leone:

“Royal Servants helped me understand what I believe and got me excited about sharing it with others. I even had the opportunity to share the gospel at a prison to more than 100 inmates! God gave me the words to say.”
--Chad Donnelson

“I strived this summer to not worry about whether my words were perfect. But instead I prayed that the Holy Spirit would work through me, and that the girls in my discipleship group would see God’s love demonstrated through me.”
--Clara Gleason

“In the beginning of this summer I struggled with giving God every area of my life, and trusting Him. Quickly I came to the realization that I could not make it on my own strength, but only through the strength that God provides.”
--Mckenzie Lee

“It is so amazing how God can work through my life. I have never felt anything like this before. I feel privileged to be called a servant of God.”
--Kaylee Hofsink

“In Sierra Leone God gave me more of a heart for street ministry, and one-on-one evangelism; even if it meant being persecuted.”
--Daniel Spelliscy

“I learned how to pray more passionately and earnestly seek what God had for me. This summer also helped me feel more equipped and confident in sharing my faith in Christ.”
--Bekah Basinger

Sharing the gospel with a complete stranger in a foreign land is just one fear to overcome. But bringing our mandated message home to friends and family brings about whole new levels of fear and trembling. Please pray that our students would be bold in their own schools and communities, and that they may continue to see God’s power on display!

A NEW TRAINING CAMP FOR ROYAL SERVANTS

2010-11-01T08:43:00.000-05:00

Developing a New Training Camp for Next Summer—2011

In October the Royal Servants mission trip leaders met to work and pray over the development of the new training camp land near Portage, WI.

This is a very exciting stage in the history of Reign Ministries. For the 28 years Reign Ministries has been leading Royal Servants mission trips, we have begun each summer by preparing our students at Training Camp.

Each year we have conducted our student missions Training Camp on rented grounds. But several years back, Reign Ministries started planning and looking ahead and decided to purchase our own property. Three years ago we found the right spot near Portage, Wisconsin. Now is the time to make the move. Next summer, God willing, we will be holding Training Camp on our own new ministry property.

Training Camp is not just a good idea; it is an integral part to our entire mission trip experience. Many of our alumni, often years later, report back to us that Training Camp changed the direction of their lives.

This fall our Royal Servants staff came together to work for a week on the existing storage barn. We leveled out the main floor, built new stairs, poured concrete in the basement and added tons of new storage shelves throughout the barn. It was an awesome week of working hard and dreaming about the potential of the new training camp for the sake of spreading the gospel around the world!

No doubt it will take years to completely develop the land. But our prayer is that in the first year we would be able to have the main infrastructure completed. In order for that to happen, a lot of details and work must come together. Please pray!

We are all very excited to see what the Lord will accomplish in the lives of students and the impact that will be made on the mission field because of this new land!

Before full-time ministry, Matt worked in the Building industry. He was able to use some of these skills in practical ways, like building the new stair case in the existing storage barn.

ETHIOPIA ADOPTION UPDATE

2010-11-01T08:40:00.001-05:00

The most predictable thing about an international adoption is… it is unpredictable! While we do not have a “due date” to plan for, we are thankful for the perfect timing of our heavenly Father!

The most major delay we have experienced thus far was last spring. Not by international bureaucracy, but by the State of Minnesota! Eventually, our paperwork did make it safely to Ethiopia, to begin the next wait. :-)

We expect to receive a referral anytime between December and March. We have requested infant twins or a single infant girl. We covet your prayers as decisions are being made by our agency about which child or children we will receive. Once we have a referral, we travel 10 weeks later. We are required to either take two separate trips or one longer trip to Ethiopia.

NOVEMBER PRAYER & PRAISES

2010-11-01T08:37:00.000-05:00

STUDENTS
Praise God for the incredible evangelism efforts we had in Sierra Leone with students. Continue to pray for the impact that has been made on students lives as they live for Christ in school this year.

NEW TRAINING CAMP
Praise God for the new Royal Servants training camp. Pray for all our staff involved in the development and that we make our goal of training students on the new land next summer!

SONLIFE TRAINING
Pray for Matt next week as he meets and networks with 20 other youth pastors and ministry professionals to study disciple-making. They meet 6 times over 2 years.

ADOPTION
Please pray for the adoption process and for our future adopted child(ren). We are hoping to have a referral by Christmas. Please pray for our family and for patience.

WHAT'S NEXT?

2010-11-01T08:35:00.000-05:00

- Planning Next Summer
- Creating 2011 Royal Servants Brochures
- Recruiting Students via Web / Church Speaking
- Reviewing and Archiving Thousands of Reign Photos for Website and Marketing purposes

TURNING HEARTS TOWARD HIM

2010-09-15T11:11:00.003-05:00

Changed Hearts on our ministry team to Sierra Leone, West Africa
By Matt Halseth

"I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up, and not tear them down; I will plant them, and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.” -Jeremiah 24:6-7

As the afternoon faded into dusk I sat, listening to Karim, a shy yet confident 15 year old orphaned boy tell his story.

“So, how old were you when all this happened?” I asked, “I don’t remember my exact age but I was just a young boy.” Karim explained.

We both stared off into the horizon overlooking some fields where farmers worked before sundown.

Karim continued, “After seeing my father slaughtered by the rebels, my mother and I fled into the bush and wandered for several weeks looking for a safe village to take refuge. Eventually we made it to a village where one of our distant relatives lived.”

Karim paused for a few seconds… “after we had arrived my mother got sick and within a few days she was gone. My heart was broken… there I was with no father or mother and now living with distant relatives who cared very little for me.”

I sat in disbelief as I listen to Karim’s story and tried to grasp the reality of what this boy has seen in his short 15 years.

Believe it or not, Karim’s story is not an uncommon one in a country ravaged by a decade of civil war. All too often our team of 27 students and staff heard similar stories from other orphaned children and displaced families in Sierra Leone.

One may be tempted to ask, “Where is God in the midst of these tragedies?” However, I experienced the presence of God in Sierra Leone unlike any other place. As Corrie Ten Boom puts it, “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”

We felt the depth of God’s love; amongst the stench and narrow trash filled alleys of the slums, while holding neglected children in an orphanage, when praying for those tormented by disease in hospitals and during our visits with ignored inmates at local prisons.

Many of these circumstances were tragic and heartbreaking, and yet I was often reminded of the goodness of God to redeem what was lost and to turn hearts back to him. We had the amazing privilege of partnering with Sierra Leonean believers through Youth for Christ (YFC) and with Jonathan’s Child Care Ministries (JCCM) who are doing just that.

Karim is only one of those who have been redeemed. Once lost, not just physically but also spiritually, JCCM found Karim and rescued him from a life that would have ended up on the streets. And though he was raised a Muslim, he has now been found in Christ and one day desires to bring the message of salvation back to the outer villages where he was born.

Throughout our time in Sierra Leone we were frequently reminded that though God chooses to use broken people like us, He is ultimately the one who turns a human heart towards Himself. The Lord continually brought me back to the words of Jeremiah, “I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God...” —Jeremiah 24:7

Your prayers and gifts to this ministry have played a huge role in turning the hearts of hundreds of lives in Sierra Leone and beyond. Thanks for being a part. We are blessed and grateful!

5 REASONS WHY I LOVE MY JOB!

2010-09-15T11:05:00.000-05:00

Without your prayers and gifts to this ministry it would be impossible to accomplish the work we have set out to do.

1. Training and Discipling the Next Generation
Before we even head overseas, we spend 1 to 2 weeks training students and staff disciplers in the basics of the Christian Faith as well as learning how to share Christ with others.

2. Reaching the Lost
Just as Jesus and his disciples went from village to village proclaiming the good news we had the opportunity to share with more than 1550 people in Sierra Leone.

3. Grounded and Rooted in God’s Holy Word
Students spent up to two hours reading, studying, discussing and memorizing the Bible every day of a Royal Servants summer.

4. Relationships that Last
As the saying goes, “There are only two things that last for eternity; Gods Word & People.” It is so rewarding to invest your life in relationships around the world that will last for eternity.

5. Fulfilling the Great Commission
Jesus said to “Go into all the world and make disciples.” We have the awesome privilege to do just that not just in the summer but throughout the year!

Thanks again for your investment in God’s Kingdom.

Give Thanks to the Lord... Great Things He Has Done!!

2010-08-10T11:00:00.000-05:00

“Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” 1 Chronicles 16:8

After a long and rewarding summer Matt is finally home from leading a Royal Servants team of 26 students/staff to Sierra Leone! Next month we’ll share a more detailed report on the summer but for now we wanted to send out a quick report to rejoice over what our great God has done through our team:

* 27 street ministry performances and gospel outreach
* 40 teens involved in a 5 day youth club outreach
* 75 children involved in a 5 day Vacation Bible School
* 225 presentations of the gospel (mostly door to door)
* 1550+ people hear a clear presentation of the gospel
* 650+ people indicated a decision to surrender to Christ

Wow! We praise God for his faithfulness and mighty hand in all that our team accomplished this summer. Thanks for being a part through your prayers and gifts to our ministry!

Prayer Points for our Family this Summer

2010-06-01T12:34:00.003-05:00

Please pray for us & our Royal Servants team as we share the Gospel in Sierra Leone this summer.

PRAYER POINTS FOR OUR FAMILY

An extra amount of strength and spiritual wisdom for Matt as he leads 30 students this summer. Pray that the students would grow deep in their faith and many people in Sierra Leone will come to know Christ!

Traveling safety and mercies for Matt, the team abroad, and our family as we travel within the US.

Joy, strength and wisdom for Jenni as she single parents while Matt is apart from the family for 6 of the 9 weeks of summer ministry travel.

Pray for us as we continue our adoption process and send our dossier to Ethiopia soon!

We praise God for his provision for the financial expenses involved with our summer ministry!

Prayer Points for Sierra Leone, West Africa

2010-06-01T12:29:00.003-05:00

RELIGION— Sierra Leone was the first West African country to be evangelized. Yet after over 200 years of effort, under 12% of the country claims to be Christian and 70% remain Muslim.

THE SIERRA LEONE CIVIL WAR— began in 1991 and lasted for about 10 years. Tens of thousands died, more than 2 million people were displaced as refugees and thousands of children were kidnapped, drugged and forced to kill. Pray for restoration of the government and for committed Christians to be a vital part of the leadership.

POVERTY— Sierra Leone is the 7th poorest country in the world, and ranks last on the United Nations Program’s for Human Development Index list. Pray the shattered economy be renewed.

UNREACHED PEOPLES— There are a total of 31 different ethnic people groups in Sierra Leone and 12 of them are considered unreached (have had little to no access to the gospel.) Pray for renewed vision among Christians to effectively reach these people groups.

10 Weeks of Royal Servants (May 30 - August 7)

2010-06-01T12:16:00.004-05:00

Week 1— Packing & Final Prep for Student Missions Training Camp - Final Preparation, Packing Equipment, Driving to Training Camp in Lewistown—Central Illinois

Week 2 — Reign / Royal Servants Staff Week - (setting up camp for 400+ staff and students) Unpacking Equipment, Setup Tents, Big Top, Office Trailer, Electrical/water/phone hook-up, etc.

Week 3 — Assistant Team Leaders Training -
Team meetings, Planning, Training, Finances, Medical and Food packing for all teams.

Week 4 — Summer Staff Training - (about 50 Discipleship Group Leaders—ages 19 and up) Training & Assigning Discipleship group leaders—3 to 5 students per adult.

Week 5 — Student Training - (about 300 students—ages 13 to 19) Students learn Unity, Holy Spirit, Prayer, Love, Discipline, Forgiveness, Grace, Purity, etc.

Week 6— Travel & Begin Ministry for all Royal Servant Mission Teams - Teams will be serving in China, Costa Rica, Europe, India, Ireland, Israel, Nepal, and Sierra Leone.

Week 7 — Ministry in Freetown, Sierra Leone - Working with local Youth For Christ staff who are partnering with pastors, and churches, to reach out to this predominately Muslim country.

Week 8 — Ministry in Freetown, Sierra Leone - Students doing ministry and sharing Jesus in the streets, slums, schools, parks, detention centers, handicapped homes and orphanages.

Week 9 — Ministry in Makeni, Sierra Leone - Students doing ministry and sharing Jesus from village to village, church to church, door to door, hut to hut, in streets, parks and schools.

Week 10 — Debriefing in London & Depart for Home - Reflection on summer of ministry,
looking ahead & goal setting, planning ministry back home in church & community. Travel Home :-)

The Royal Servants Summer Ministry Prayer Guide for 2010

2010-06-01T11:51:00.003-05:00

MISSION TRIP: Sierra Leone (West Africa)
DATES: June 26 to August 7, 2010 (6 weeks)
PEOPLE GROUP: Temne and others
RELIGION: 70 % Islam, 18 % Ethnic Religions, 12 % Christian.
OUTREACH: We will work with local Youth For Christ staff who are partnering with pastors, churches, and missionaries to strategically reach out in this predominately Muslim country. We will develop relationships and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people in the streets, slums, schools, parks, detention centers, handicapped homes, and orphanages.

TRAINING “...train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” –1 Timothy 4:7b-8

Before we even set foot on foreign soil we train our students and prepare them for the ministry ahead. During Training Camp, students experience team teaching, Bible study, small group discussions, Bible memorization, prayer, team building, and leadership training. They also practice in a skill group to help present the gospel overseas. Skill groups include dance, drama, music, and puppets. In addition, some teams specialize in sports, language camps, or other activities relevant for the location.

PROTECTION “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9

Over the years God has called students to give up their summer and invest their time in serious kingdom work. We are very thankful for each student that God has called our way. We take very seriously the safety and protection of our teams. God has entrusted us to care for each students specific needs. We are grateful to the Lord for providing protection in the 29 years we have been leading mission trips around the world. Please continue to pray for protection of our teams and wisdom for our leaders serving our students.

UNITY “...May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” –John 17:23b

If our relationships with team-mates and those on the mission field become strained we can badly damage our witness for Christ. We need to be honest and open with each other, show real repentance, and allow God to break our stubborn pride. It is NO easier for us to admit we are wrong than for anyone else! Pray that we will surrender “our” plans to God, be unified with our fellow Christian workers with agape love and seek the highest good rather than claiming our rights.

BOLDNESS “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” –Ephesians 6:19-20

Some of you may think that people going on a mission trip don’t fear sharing the gospel. But even the apostle Paul, bold as he was, still struggled with fear in proclaiming the gospel. That should not only encourage us to know that we are not alone in our fear but to pray that we too would follow in Paul’s example and be a bold witness for Jesus. Please pray that God would give our students boldness like Paul, as they open their mouth and proclaim the message of Jesus Christ fearlessly!

VICTORY “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” –1 Corinthians 15:57

Though there is not much talk these days about Satan, he is very real and desires to destroy us and our work for the living God! Please pray that we would have victory over his schemes. Pray also that each student would personally have victory over their own worldly and sinful desires. And pray that we would be in a constant state of thankfulness for our Victor, the Lord Jesus Christ!

WORKERS Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” –Matthew 9:37-38

Ultimately our work at Reign Ministries is to disciple the next generation of world changers for Jesus. Statistics show that MANY, MANY believers receive their calling to missions/ministry or will support the work of the Great Commission from their involvement in a short-term mission trip. Please fervently pray with us that God would do a mighty work among the next generation and send forth workers into his harvest field!

LASTING FRUIT “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” –John 15:16

We believe it is impossible for Christians to mature in their walk with Christ if they are not willing to speak for him. Unless we share our faith with others, we may never see any lasting fruit in our lives or in the lives of others. This is a top priority for our Royal Servants teams as we travel abroad and the reason we are seeing lasting fruit in the lives of the students and in the lives we serve overseas. Please pray that we will continue to make this our “top priority” in the work he has called us to. Pray that God will continue to work through us to “bear fruit” and “fruit that will last!”

A Call to Missions

2010-05-01T08:23:00.000-05:00

We have two passions that drive us in our CALL to MISSIONS;
1. The Great Commandment: Teach students to love God with ALL their heart, soul, mind and strength. – Mark 12:30
2. The Great Commission: Go and make disciples of ALL nations… teaching ALL Jesus commanded. – Matthew 28:19

It is one of our greatest joys to see students we work with during the summer whole-heartedly embrace these two passions in a call to missions. In 2008 Stephanie served with us for a summer in Northern Ireland and England. We have kept in touch with Stephanie and followed her journey with God over the last couple years. I asked Stephanie to share how Royal Servants was instrumental in her call to missions:

"When I signed up to go to Ireland in 2008 with Royal Servants, I could not have imagined the impact the experience would have on me and my future. That summer I was changed and challenged in remarkable ways. I knew that I would never be the same.

My second summer with Royal Servants I served in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Not only did I continue to grow spiritually, but I further discovered and developed my passions in missions. My time with Royal Servants taught me how to share my faith with people who are lost, give myself, and serve in a way that no other experience could have.

As I move forward, I plan to follow the Lord wholeheartedly into the mission field. This summer, I'm moving to rural Tanzania in eastern Africa to teach primary school at a Christian development center and medical clinic for one full year. My long-term plan is to attend nursing school when I return to the United States next year and then pursue medical missions.

I am so blessed to have been able to serve overseas for two summers with Royal Servants. The organization, passion, and growth associated with Royal Servants provided preparation for me and gave me indispensable experience in the mission field. It confirmed in me the calling the Lord has placed on my life and impacted my heart for reaching the world."

Hearing Stephanie’s story is just one of many stories that keep us going year after year. This summer will be Matt’s fifth year leading Royal Servants mission teams and we are excited to continue serving.

Please be in prayer for the significant work that is ahead this summer in Sierra Leone. Pray also for the Lord to be working on the hearts of our students as they experience first-hand their call to missions!

Called to Serve,

Matt & Jenni

P.S. To read Stephanie’s full story, please visit the Reign Ministries website at: www.reignministries.org/stephanie-lyon

IMPRESSIONS OF SIERRA LEONE - AN EXTREME MISSIONS JOURNEY

2010-03-12T15:49:00.003-06:00

Planes, Trains, Ferrys, Boats, Mini Buses, Automobiles and Motor Bikes... using almost every mode of transportation, Jeff and I successfully made our journey all the way to Sierra Leone and back! Our adventurous trip was a success and our time with the Youth for Christ staff (YFC) rocked. Plans are now underway for another exciting Royal Servants mission trip to Sierra Leone this summer!

After seeing it for the first time, here are some impressions that Sierra Leone made on me:

1. "You've gotta see it to believe it!"

Sierra Leone is really not a place you can fully describe in words—sights, sounds, smells, etc. One of the phrases that often came to our minds was, "You've gotta see this to believe it." I've traveled around the world and been in some pretty hairy places, but I was surprised to experience a fair amount of "culture-shock" in Sierra Leone. At the same time, I was not debilitated by what I saw, but eager and excited to serve. The warm, friendly and hope-filled YFC staff are truly a light in the darkness, and I am thrilled to partner with them to continue making a difference in Sierra Leone.

2. Crowded and Chaotic

Imagine traveling to any major world city and NOT seeing a single traffic light to bring order to the busy streets. Then imagine taking the majority of the people throughout the country and placing them along the streets of that city. Such is the everyday crowded and chaotic capital city of Sierra Leone, Freetown. There are over 1 million people who live in Freetown. Most are "refugees" displaced from the civil war that took place in the 1990's. Many of these people now reside among the three major slums within the city. This influx of people has created countless needs and overwhelming challenges to overcome.

3. Religion NOT Relationship

Though the majority of Sierra Leoneans profess to be Muslim, you might also get the impression that they are deeply Christian. After all, gospel music on the radio and Christian slogans on vehicles and billboards like "God will provide" are common place throughout the country. Yet, you don't have to look far to see that Christianity in many cases is simply just another religion to accept so that you may be "blessed" by God. One street vender even commented to me that the "gospel of Jesus" was his favorite religion, in hopes of earning some business from me. It breaks my heart to see Sierra Leone embrace religion and not a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is just one of the challenges with sharing the gospel in Sierra Leone.

4. Poor In Possessions But Not In Hope

The country of Sierra Leone is ranked the seventh lowest on the "Human Poverty Index." Most people live on less that two dollars a day and have very little possessions. Despite their poverty, they do their best to go about their lives as normal as possible. And though I saw hurt, I also saw hope in their eyes. I believe that is a God-given grace that all humanity shares. No matter what the situation is, there is always hope. I saw it in the school teachers as we passed through the slums, I saw it in the children playing in the orphanage, and I saw it in the eyes of YFC staff, who love their country. I thank God for the hope that he has planted in all our hearts - a longing for love, peace, and justice. The hope for Sierra Leone is only found in Jesus Christ and in his Kingdom. Pray that their eyes look upon Jesus for the hope that is in their hearts.

These are just a few impressions we experienced while we walked the streets of Freetown and traveled to the outer villages of Sierra Leone. All in all, we are stoked to be taking another team to Sierra Leone this summer. Whether working in the slums, loving on kids in orphanages or sharing Christ in remote villages; the ministry opportunities in Sierra Leone abound and lives are ready to be changed!

MATT IN SIERRA LEONE—PLEASE PRAY!

2010-02-22T07:12:00.002-06:00

Preparing for Royal Servants Mission Team—2010

“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” —Jesus

By the time you receive this letter Matt will be on the ground in Sierra Leone. Matt and his colleague Jeff Bell will be meeting with ministry partners, such as —Youth for Christ.

God has been using the Youth for Christ ministry to penetrate Sierra Leone with the Gospel for many years. We plan to visit orphanages, schools, hospitals, and the slums to meet with the key leaders who are helping to make a difference among the hurting and hopeless.

The Youth for Christ staff in Sierra Leone are looking forward to again partnering with us as we help meet many of the overwhelming needs in their communities. We will be spending time devising strategic ministry plans for our up and coming student mission team this summer.

As we have said before, Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world with a population that is 70% Muslim. There are also 12 people groups in Sierra Leone that are considered “unreached” —those who have little to no access to the gospel.

As you can imagine, we are sure to encounter difficult conditions as well as spiritual opposition.

Jeff (who lead the Sierra Leone mission team last year) said that his experience was unlike any other mission trip in his 20+ years of ministry.

“The opportunity for the gospel to shine in Sierra Lone is unprecedented. They are so open and ripe to receive Jesus.”

Please pray for protection and safety for Matt and Jeff as they travel. Also pray for wisdom as they plan out their summer ministry.

GOD’S PROVISION IN TIMES OF NEED

2010-02-22T07:08:00.001-06:00

Update on Matt and Jenni’s Support Development

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” -Phil. 4:19

As you know, we raise our financial support for 100% of our involvement in Reign Ministries. This year, we have been working hard to raise up some needed funds due to a short-fall in our support. God has been absolutely faithful to provide, as step by step he has honored our efforts to re-raise these lost funds.

This is a long and stretching process, but we are very encouraged by God’s provision through the people he has placed in our paths. So far we have raised over 50% of our monthly need to replace our short-fall of support. Praise God!

At the end of 2009, we needed to raise $15,000 in order to finish the year strong. I’m here to testify about God’s faithfulness as he completely provided for this need. Praise the Lord!

Words can not express our grateful hearts at how people have been receptive to the Lord when he has lead them to commit to our financial & prayer support team!

Please keep us in your prayers as we work diligently to raise the remaining monthly support in order to continue faithfully serving him!

NEW 2010 ROYAL SERVANTS BROCHURE

2010-02-22T07:05:00.001-06:00

The new 2010 Royal Servants brochure (one of Matt’s many projects) has gone out to thousands of students across the US and Canada. Our hope is that this brochure will encourage teenagers and college students to step out and serve on the mission field this summer.

Recently, at a Prayer Summit for the Zhuang unreached People group of China, we reconnected with Andrew. Andrew served amongst the Zhuong on the China Royal Servants team, and shared about his experience;

“My summer with Royal Servants changed my entire life. I am here to pray for the Zhuang today, and my hearts desire now is to serve long term. I am planning to sell everything, get Bible training and go to serve amongst whatever unreached people groups that God specifically leads me to.”

We are so encouraged to see God working powerfully. Please pray God would use this brochure to accomplish his purposes in students like Andrew.

FEBRUARY PRAYER & PRAISES

2010-02-22T07:02:00.001-06:00

Sierra Leone
Pray for Matt as he travels to Sierra Leone to set up ministry opportunities for the summer mission team. Pray for health, safety and protection. Also pray for solid relationships with our ministry contacts and for a good productive trip.

ADOPTION!
Our homestudy is almost complete. We hope to have our adoption “dossier” sent to Ethiopia within the next few months. Pray for God’s sovereign hand on this process as we take steps of faith to adopt a baby girl.

New Monthly Ministry Partners
We praise God for new monthly supporters and are very encouraged by God faithfully meeting our needs. Pray for the on-going work to re-raise needed funds.

Brochure & Recruiting
This is our busiest recruiting season. Matt is working hard to contact interested students and respond to those pursuing our mission opportunities. Please pray for God to call the right students to join our teams!

A PRAYER FOR HAITI

2010-01-26T16:14:00.003-06:00

The Below prayer was sent to us from a friend so we thought we would share it with you. Jenni's very first international mission trip was to Haiti as a 14 year old (see picture to right). It was a life-changing experience and part of her heart is still very much there today.

LORD,

I just want to say THANK YOU, because this morning I woke up and knew where my children were. Because this morning my home was still standing, because this morning I am not crying because my husband, my child, my brother or sister needs to be dug out from underneath a pile of concrete, because this morning I was able to drink a glass of water, because this morning I was able to turn on the light, because this morning I was able to take a shower, because this morning I was not planning a funeral…

But most of all I thank you this morning because I still have life and a voice to cry out for the people of Haiti. Lord I cry out to you, the one that makes the impossible, possible; the one that turns darkness in to light, I cry out that you give those mothers strength, that you give them peace that surpasses all understanding, that you may open the streets so that help can come, that you may provide doctors, nurses, food, water, and all that they need in a blink of an eye. For all those that have lost family members, give them peace, give them hope, give them courage to continue to go on! Protect the children and shield them with your power.

I pray all this in the name of Jesus!!!

AMEN

Merry Christmas from the Halseth Family!

2009-12-22T16:06:00.001-06:00

“Good Christian men, rejoice,
with heart and soul and voice;
Now ye hear of endless bliss:
Joy! Joy!
Jesus Christ was born for this!
He has opened the heavenly door,
and man is blest forevermore.
Christ was born for this!
Christ was born for this!”

We trust and pray that you are have had a blessed 2009! Here are a few Halseth family highlights of 2009:

Joshua is two, and charms all our hearts. Every day he has a new word. He loves to run, skip and jump. Trains are his favorite toy and he loves to read his books. Joshua is SO cute when he gets a cookie and he calls them “kikies.” Mommy remains amazed by how fast two year olds can transition from giggles to tears to giggles!

Abby is five and her sweet nurturing personality is a treasure. She loves to mother whoever lets her and always has at least one baby doll with her. Abby enjoys attending pre-school two days a week, and is VERY disappointed if she has to miss church, “My friends will miss me Mom!” she says. Abby played on Nathan’s soccer team, but she had more fun holding hands with her friend on the soccer field - rather then trying to score a goal! J

Nathan is seven and in first grade. This is the first year he rides the bus and he attends school all day every day. At first he thought it was too much work and not enough play! Academics seem to come fairly easily to Nathan. He is very verbal and loves to read. Nathan particularly likes to play with light sabers. He LOVED soccer this summer and just started basketball.

Matt continues to love working with students and leading mission teams. His team in 2010 will be going to Sierra Leone! He also enjoys his men's Bible study. This fall Matt built the best kids tree house ever out of scrap lumber from Grandpa Halseth.

Jenni still enjoys leading a Mom’s Bible study and had an awesome time going to the “Hearts at Home” conference in Nov. We all had fun in August camping on the North Shore and at Bear Head State Park.

Our most exciting news is that we have begun the process to adopt an Ethiopian baby girl. We hope to be able to bring her home by the end of 2010!

Praying your Christmas shines brightly with many of His blessings!

Love, The Halseth Family

SIERRA LEONE, WEST AFRICA

2009-11-06T10:31:00.003-06:00

Preparing for Royal Servants Mission Teams—2010

By Matt Halseth

In our 4 years leading mission teams with Royal Servants, I have completed different levels of training. My experience level has now reached the point of being able to pursue a wide variety of team locations. This is very exciting!

Next summer, I will be leading a missions team to Sierra Leone, Africa! Sierra Leone is located in West Africa and has huge physical and spiritual needs. About 70% of the people are Muslim and it is the 7th poorest country in the world (out of 194 countries). We are honored and humbled to be able to minister to those in deep spiritual and physical poverty.

Though Jenni and I have been to Africa several times, Sierra Leone will be a place that holds new challenges, and tons of awesome ministry opportunities! This February, I’m planning to take a research/vision trip to Sierra Leone in order to secure the team ministry and logistical details. Please pray for us as we recruit a team of students/ staff and prepare for this new exciting location!

A FATHER TO THE FATHERLESS

2009-11-06T10:09:00.004-06:00

Adopting a Baby Girl From Ethiopia!
By Matt Halseth

“God is a father to the fatherless… He sets the lonely in families and gives the desolate a home in which to dwell.” Psalms 68:5-6

Over 10 years ago I was deeply impacted by an article I read on adopting orphans. The article was titled, “A Father to the Fatherless.”

Though I did not know it at the time, God was planting the seed in my heart—to one day adopt an orphan baby. That article and title have always stuck with me as I have had the opportunity to minister amongst orphans around the word.

Jenni first remembers the desire to adopt while serving in a Haitian orphanage at the young age of 14. For the next several years Jenni served on numerous mission trips having many opportunities to serve in orphanages and among children living on the streets.

Together we have come to believe that God is indeed calling us to provide a loving home for one of these precious children. And we are thrilled how God is opening the doors for us to adopt a baby girl from Ethiopia!

Please join with us in prayer as we are in the process of finalizing the paperwork.

OUR AWESOME GOD

2009-11-06T10:04:00.005-06:00

Trusting in God, Not in Our Understanding

By Jenni Halseth

This year, God has been working in particularly dramatic ways in our lives. We practically just stand back in amazement and watch to see what He will do next! He is an awesome God who is filled with mystery, wisdom and power. He owes us nothing, yet He gives us everything we need.

There was the day we received notice about discontinued financial support from a significant long standing church donor. Then there was the day we realized God was calling us to look into becoming missionaries in the UK. And then came the day He made it clear we are not now to move to the UK, but instead to be found faithful right exactly where He has us. Mixed in with it all has been our heart to start an adoption and how all these things have played into that decision. It has by no means been a dull year of ministry for the Halseth family! We want to end by sharing a quote we recently read from Desiring God Ministries which has spoken to us:

“Much of the Christian life is spent trusting Jesus now and understanding him later. Jesus typically does not feel it necessary to explain on the front-end why he is doing something the way he is doing it… Our understanding his purposes in a particular providence tends to be not as important to God as our trust in his character. So together let’s continue to “trust in the Lord with all our heart, and… not lean on our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5). Because one day we will understand. And we will, with great joy, proclaim, “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.” (Psalms 145:17)

Thanks for praying and hanging in there with us through thick and thin. We are so incredibly grateful for all your love and encouragement!

REACHING THE WORLD FROM HERE

2009-11-06T10:01:00.001-06:00

By Jenni Halseth

After much prayer it has become clear that at this point in time, God is not leading us to serve in the UK. We definitely had excitement about the possibility to serve full-time overseas. However, we are EVEN MORE excited about the way the Lord has CLEARLY answered us!

He has shown us and given us a heart to continue WHOLE-HEARTEDLY in the ministry He already has us in! For a long time it was not a clear or simple choice; we feel it really could have gone either way. But eventually God was so faithful to make it clear that He wants us right where we are.

We are not moving overseas right now, but we do know that God had his purposes in our pursuit of this possibility. He has revealed to us on a deeper level the heart He has for ALL the peoples on the earth. We are also more deeply united as a couple in our continued growing desire to serve in whatever role He calls us to – here or anywhere.

Moving overseas at a future date is not out of the question, but not in the immediate future. Our vision to reach the world for Christ through our current position with Royal Servants has been confirmed and affirmed via friends, colleagues and prayer partners. Thank you so much for praying for us as we considered this move!

November Prayer & Praises

2009-11-06T09:59:00.000-06:00

Please pray for us as we prepare for our mission to Sierra Leone. Pray God would be drawing students to join us in reaching out to this country for Jesus.

Thanks for praying for us as we considered a move overseas. We are thankful for a clear answer from the Lord—to remain faithful where he has us in MN!

Pray for us as we are finalizing adoption paperwork. Pray God would meet us throughout the process this next year.

CHURCH SUPPORT—Thank you to many of you who have been praying for us in regards to a major supporting church who discontinued their support due to some changes in the church. While we are still official missionaries receiving prayer support, we currently do not receive financial support from them. Please pray as you feel led, and also join us in trusting prayer to see God re-raise up these funds.

RAISING UP WORKERS FOR THE HARVEST Changed-lives on our ministry team to Northern Ireland & London

2009-09-01T09:02:00.000-05:00

"Then he [Jesus] said to his disciples. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38

I confess! I love my job!

This summer, 53 students and staff left family and familiarity to embark on a 5 to 6 week, life-changing journey to central Illinois, Northern Ireland and England. Though I have been in missions now for 10 years, I never tire of:

* Seeing the raw faith and enthusiasm of young people on the mission field
* Helping them grow in truth and deeping their calling through Gods word
* Giving them opportunities to live out their faith through actively reaching others for Christ

One of my most encouraging times of the year is to read about “changed-lives” in the student reports from my team. Here are a few quotes I wanted to share with you:

“I have had the time of my life on Royal Servants this summer. From the teachings we received, to learning about God in our Quiet times to the many successes our team experienced in planting so many seeds in peoples’ hearts. I stopped worrying about rejection and I saw that God was faithful. Learning to have faith in God has been a huge step forward in my walk with him and I couldn’t have learned it in such a powerful and permanent way without having dedicated this past 5 weeks to a Royal Servants mission trip!” Ashley Shellenberger

“The theme of this summer for me was, “Learning to live and serve fully for others benefit and completely for God’s glory.” God helped me to see that I can’t do it all and that he uses each member of the body of Christ. I learned to love and appreciate the body of Christ so much more through seeing God work through others on this trip. He has developed in me an ever more selfless attitude in leading others to glorify Him. It has been a great summer and a brilliant first step into foreign missions.” Andrew Zulker

“This summer has impacted me in so many ways. But now that the mission trip is over, that doesn’t mean that the ministry or the growing stops. I plan to continue memorizing scripture, and re-igniting my youth group with a passion for Christ. I am going to live out my faith boldly and have Christ be at the center of everything I do!” Kaila Yim

“My mission trip with Royal Servants to Ireland and England has opened my eyes so much to the world’s need for Christ. I am so grateful to God for all the many blessings we received, and for the people we planted seeds in and led to Christ. This summer has been the most impacting and amazing summer of my life!” Austin Carlin

Now many students like Ashley, Andrew, Kaila and Austin are back home actively involved in ministry through their local church and reaching others for Christ in their own schools and communities. Our desire is to see these disciples sent out into his harvest fields, whether in their own communities or around the world. Please pray!

And now, thanks to you. We could not be in this ministry without the encouragement of praying friends and praying financial partners. We are grateful.

Matt & Jenni

What a Summer... What a Team... What a MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!!

2009-08-01T08:52:00.000-05:00

“O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are MIGHTY… and your faithfulness surrounds you.” Psalm 89:8

Hey Friends… After a long and rewarding summer Matt is finally home from leading a Royal Servants team of 50 students/staff to Ireland and London! Next month we’ll share a more detailed report on the summer but for now we wanted to send out a quick report to rejoice over what our mighty God has done through our team:

* 7 local church services we were involved in leading
* 45 street performances or creative outreach teams
* 80+ children involved in the Holiday Bible Club (VBS)
* 34 Bible study and team teaching sessions
* 36 Bible verses memorized by each individual
* Hundreds of individuals hearing the gospel message

Wow! We praise God for his faithfulness and mighty hand in all that our team accomplished this summer. Thanks for being a part through your prayers and gifts to our ministry!

Matt, Jenni, Nathan, Abby & Josh

“COME OVER AND HELP US!”

2009-06-01T19:13:00.003-05:00

Matt Leading a Team of 50 Students to Impact Ireland and England

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. – Acts 16:9-10

Do you believe God can still give people visions today? I believe God is still alive and active among his church today and he is still calling people to come join him in ways just as he did during the early church.

A couple of months ago I picked up a book titled “St. Patrick: Pioneer Missionary to Ireland.” And can you believe that the Lord gave Patrick a vision to go to Ireland similar to the one Paul received to go to Macedonia in the book of Acts?

Yes, that is right! Several months after Patrick had escaped his slave life in Ireland he had a vision in the night that changed his life… “I saw a man named Victoricus, coming from Ireland with countless letters. He gave me one of them, and I read the opening words which were: ‘The voice of the Irish…’ I thought at the same moment I heard their voice: ‘We beg you holy youth, come and walk among us once more.’”

From that time on Patrick prepared for the ministry and eventually made it back to Ireland to fulfill Gods call in bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to Ireland!

Ok, so I did not receive a specific vision from the Lord to go to Northern Ireland or England this summer, but I have received several emails from our Irish and British brothers and sisters in Christ to “Come over and help us!”

The need for the gospel to be proclaimed in Northern Ireland and England today is just as great as it was when St. Patrick received his call. So we have responded to their cry for help!

Please pray for Matt in July as he leads a team of 50 students and staff to serve and partner with churches in Londonderry, Northern Ireland and Tottenham, England for the sake of the gospel. Thank you for coming alongside us and helping us in the work he has called us to!

Highlights of our Trip to the UK

2009-06-01T13:37:00.002-05:00

Last month Matt and I went to England for a week to visit with our Reign UK staff team and to explore the possibilities of a long-term UK missions/ministry position.

Here are some highlights:

We sensed the power of people praying for us - throughout the trip. On four different occasions we had British ministry leaders express to us a specific prayer, word, verse, or vision that God put on their heart specifically regarding us.

We were encouraged by how many open doors were shown to us regarding how He has specifically equipped us in the ministry to train up new youth and youth leaders to reach the UK.

We sensed continuous confirmation along the way that He is leading us to be exploring this possibility.

We were able to clearly see the great need and unique circumstances that make reaching youth in the UK especially strategic.

We were excited to see the heart of the ministry which our colleagues there are involved with – to reach teens in the UK for Christ. There is an entire generation missing from the local church and less than 1% of teens attend church.

What now? We are taking several months to “soak in prayer” the decision of whether the Lord is in fact leading our whole family to move to another continent!!
Please join us in praying for this rather large decision. Pray we will be really in tune with Him. Pray we will be able to hear clearly and consistently if this is His will for our family. Please pray also that if we are to go that placement details would become more clear.

We hope to make a decision sometime this fall. Before leaving we would have to raise additional financial support. Should we move, it would be sometime in 2010 or 2011.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

2009-03-17T13:14:00.006-05:00

This year I am celebrating St. Patrick’s Day a bit different. Well to be honest with you, I have not done much to celebrate it in the past other than eat something green. But never the less, this year is different for me. Why? Well, even though this will be my second year leading the Royal Servants Ireland team (and third time to Ireland), I’m a bit embarrassed to say this but I knew very little about the real St. Patrick. Then again, I bet you or your friends can’t tell me too much about him either!

So here is the quiz!... Who was St. Patrick?
a. An Irishman who really liked the color green
b. The cartoon figure on a box of lucky charms
c. A legend about a Leprechaun with a pot of gold
d. A guy who loved God and was called to bring the gospel to Ireland

Ok, hopefully I made that easy for you… if you picked “d” you passed the quiz!

About a month ago I picked up a book titled “St. Patrick: Pioneer Missionary to Ireland.” While reading this book I have been totally encouraged and inspired by this man of God who left everything comfortable and risked his life to bring the gospel to the people of Ireland.

The amazing thing about his story is that his first journey to Ireland was not even as a Christian but as a 16 year old British slave to Irish raiders! At that time Ireland was a place of unspeakable demonic stronghold. Druid priests made child sacrifices to their gods and the people worshiped false idols. Patrick was sold as a slave into the service of a local Irish king. As a slave tending pigs and sheep he met the Lord and his faith was nurtured through prayer and fasting over several months and years.

He described his prayer life as a slave in this way: “Many times a day I prayed. The love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. In a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many in the night. I used to get up for prayer before daylight whatever the weather – snow, frost, rain – without suffering any ill effects. The spirit within me was fervent.”

For six years Patrick had lived under harsh extremes as a slave. When he had the opportunity he spoke to his captors about the love of Christ but they did not respond. In all his years of captivity, pain and rejection, he did not loose his faith and trust in Christ but clung to him all the more. Then one night he heard a voice: “Soon you will go to your own country.” The voice came again. “See, your ship is ready.”

Patrick left in the middle of the night with little supplies and walked for 200 miles before finding a ship on the coast making ready for sail. Through some miraculous events and answered prayer he was able to board the ship and escape his slave life in Ireland.

After a serious of event on his journey Patrick finally reached home in Britain. He settled in with his parents and began living a normal comfortable life. Though he desired to stay with his parents and take over the family farm one day it was not to be. Late one night he had a vision that changed his life: “I saw a man named Victoricus, coming from Ireland with countless letters. He gave me on of them, and I read the opening words which were: ‘The voice of the Irish…’ I thought at the same moment I heard their voice: ‘We beg you holy youth, come and walk among us once more.’” From that time on Patrick prepared for the ministry and eventually made it back to Ireland to fulfill Gods call on his life.

For thirty years Patrick faced the strongholds in Ireland and continued to preach the gospel from village to village, seeing many come to faith in Christ. By the time of his death he had baptized tens of thousands and helped establish hundreds of churches throughout the land. Within a century this once pagan land became predominately Christian, and began sending out missionaries into Europe.

St. Patrick died in his beloved Ireland, March 17th about 460 A.D. The land which once enslaved him, he had set free!

The true St. Patrick has quickly become one of my hero’s of the Christian faith. In many ways, he was like the apostle Paul. He preached the good news of Jesus to a pagan people who worshiped false gods and false idols, was imprisoned for months at a time, was faced with many trials and hardships and planted churches through out his missionary journeys.

I believe we can learn a lot from St. Patrick’s life in how we to can live our lives for Jesus. You may wonder how you can even relate to such a man of God. After all, I’m sure most of you did not receive a dramatic vision from the Lord telling you to leave your friends and country for the sake of the gospel. However, God has put a deep desire in the hearts of our students to do just that, and they have responded in faith!

I know the Lord has big plans for us this summer, not only in Northern Ireland but also in London. I just read a staggering statistic saying that less than 1% of teenagers go to church in the United Kingdom. And you can only imagine how few teenagers in that 1% who even have a real relationship with Christ.

May our hearts be broken for those in N. Ireland and London, who do not yet know the God who created them, the God who loves them and the God who gave his life for them!

I pray that you too will be able to celebrate St. Patrick’s day in a different way this year as you remember the God who transformed his life and called him to leave his comfortable life. May Jesus also do a work in you as you live your life for Him and for His glory!

THE HALSETH FAMILY PRAYER GUIDE FOR 2009

2009-02-01T12:48:00.000-06:00

LOVE

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it; Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments. --Matthew 22:37-40
Our goal this year is to put together a family mission statement that includes this verse. Please pray that we will not only memorize this important verse but that we will live it out in loving God and others in ALL that we do.

DEVOTION

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” --Psalms 1:1,2
Unless we spend time daily with the Lord in prayer and meditating on his word, the pressures of this life can overpower His voice. Please pray we would not neglect our time with God. Pray that we would hunger and thirst for righteousness. Pray also that God would meet us, fill us and satisfy us through His Spirit and by His Word.

MARRIAGE

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” --Colossians 3:12
As we approach our 8th Anniversary we remain thankful for the gift of our marriage. Please join with us in praying that we continue to give our marriage the healthy priority we want it to have. We don’t want to take each other for granted. We want to continue to “spur each other on” in whatever God has. Pray we won’t allow pride to get in the way.

CHILDREN

“…These commands that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” –Deuteronomy 6:6,7
DADDY: Sometimes it is easier to make time for ministry outside the home then inside the home. Please pray that I would develop the discipline to “Impress” the truths of God on our children now. Pray that I would continue to make them a priority!
MOMMY: Ohhh – they are SO Cute! How can I NOT treasure every minute with these precious little charges?!! Yet somehow I can become discouraged by the endless dishes, laundry, cleaning, organizing, and sibling disputes. Pray that I will keep my vision above the daily mundane tasks to honor the calling, and the privilege to be a Mommy to Nathan, Abby and Joshua.

ADOPTION

Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.” –James 1:27
Over the past year we have had many mixed emotions about pursuing another pregnancy. In light of our past medical problems and our hearts desire for adoption, we sense God is now leading us to pursue adoption! Pray that God would direct us and lead us throughout the process. Pray also for us to have patience. Pray that we are connected to the right adoption organization (international or domestic) or the right person who knows someone. And pray that God provides for the finances to adopt.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. –James 5:16
In a culture that values independence, pray we will pursue opportunities to be held accountable in our pursuit of personal spiritual growth. We have witnessed a few close friends in ministry struggle in their integrity. Pray for the Lord to protect us and keep us accountable through a few specific authentic and transparent friendships. Pray we would value a prayer partner and/or a mentor.

PROVISION

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:19
MEDICAL: In the last month, we have been to the ER or the doctor maybe a dozen times! (Josh-croupe, RSV, pneumonia; Abby-pneumonia, ear infection, tooth ache; Jenni-stitches, optical migraine.) Please pray for health for our family. Pray also for us to identify a more economical health insurance strategy for our family—as this is something we pay for entirely out-of-pocket.
FINANCIAL: With the economy as it is, we have found ourselves in a place where we need to focus on building up our support base. In recent months our regular monthly giving has been down at least 20%. Though this could be burdensome, amazingly—our call to long-term ministry seems to be strengthening

THE HALSETH MINISTRY PRAYER GUIDE FOR 2009

2009-02-01T12:45:00.000-06:00

CALLING

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. –Ephesians 2:10

Believe me when I say there has been numerous times when we have thought about leaving ministry, getting regular jobs and having a “normal” life. But whenever we entertain that thought there is never a peace about leaving but instead a constant drive from the Holy Spirit to “stay the course.” Pray that God would continue to lead us and direct us in our calling in ministry. Pray that we would continuing to pursue the “good works” he has prepared in advance for us to do.

FOCUS

Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. –Ephesians 5:15-16

In order to continue to build my focus, pray for wisdom as I periodically set defined, measurable goals in my work. Also pray against a tendency for “my task” to become more important than my focus on the one who called me to it. I pray my focus is first and foremost fixed on Jesus, as my top priority. And then secondly, the task He is calling me to. Pray for discernment to dive into the tasks He calls me to, and also the self-control to not over-commit myself.

UNITY

“...May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” –John 17:23b

If our relationships with co-workers and those on the mission field become strained we need to be honest and open with each other, show real repentance, and allow God to break our stubborn pride. It is NO easier for us to admit we are wrong than for anyone else! Pray that we will surrender “our” plans to God, be unified with our fellow Christian workers with agape love and seek the highest good rather than claiming our rights.

BOLDNESS

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. –Ephesians 6:19-20

Some of you may think that people in ministry don’t fear sharing the gospel. But even the apostle Paul, bold as he was, still struggled with fear in proclaiming the gospel. That should not only encourage us to know that we are not alone in our fear but to pray that we too would follow in Paul’s example and be a bold witness for Jesus. I want to be like Paul, please pray that God would give me the boldness to open my mouth and proclaim his message fearlessly!

VICTORY

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. –1 Corinthians 15: 57

Though there is not much talk these days about Satan, he is very real and desires to destroy us and our work for the living God! Please pray that we would have victory over his schemes. Pray also that we would personally have victory over our own worldly and sinful desires. And pray that we would be in a constant state of thankfulness for our Victor, the Lord Jesus Christ!

WORKERS

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” –Matthew 9:37-38

Ultimately our work is to disciple the next generation of missionaries. Some may ask, “Are short-terms missions worth it?” And my response is always, YES! Statistics show that MANY, MANY missionaries receive their calling to missions or ministry through a short-term mission trip (including Jenni and I.) Please fervently pray with us that God would do a mighty work among the next generation and send forth workers into his harvest field!

LASTING FRUIT

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the father will give you whatever you ask in my name. –John 15:16

I believe it is impossible for Christians to mature in their walk with Christ if they are not willing to speak for him. Unless we share our faith with others, we may never see any lasting fruit in our lives or in the lives of others. This is a top priority for our Royal Servants team as we travel abroad and the reason we are seeing lasting fruit in the lives of the students and in the lives we serve overseas. Please pray that we will continue to make this our “top priority” in the work he has called us to. Pray that God will continue to work through us to “bear fruit” and “fruit that will last!”

The Halseth Family Highlights of 2008

2008-12-09T16:10:00.005-06:00

Joshua: (11/9/07) We can’t believe that our sweet baby boy has already turned one! After a few health concerns as a newborn, Joshua is healthy as can be. He loves to walk and climb. He watches if anyone should happen to leave the gate open and then he takes off up the stairs – just to scare Mommy perhaps… His favorite activity is playing “What drawer or cupboard can I get into next?” Honestly though, a toilet works just fine to play in as well! He is good natured and finds great glee in being entertained by his older brother and sister.

Abby: (6/3/04) Adorable ABBY is sweet as can be. She is in her second year of preschool two mornings a week and loves it. Mommy sometimes needs to protect baby Josh from all of Abby’s nurturing love because she really loves babies. She had a Princess “Cinderella” 4th birthday party, and dressed up as Princess “Belle” for Halloween. She spends a lot of time making artistic pictures of princesses, dressing her babies like princesses, wearing princess jewelry, and twirling in princess costumes. If she could have it her way—the whole world would be pink! Abby loves to sing and is full of animated stories!

Nathan: (10/18/02) NATHAN enjoys kindergarten and seems to thrive in anything academic. He is full of questions, and we sometimes need to do our own research in order find answers to his good questions. He is a very verbal child and even performed in the teenagers talent show on Daddy’s summer team as a teller of “knock-knock” jokes! He can climb a tree much higher than Mommy is comfortable with and enjoys exploring in the woods. He knows Friday is allowance day and also earns extra dimes by helping all the chores. He remains very social and loves to have friends over to play.

Jenni: Jenni spent a lot of time this year trying to “settle” the house - maybe it is her new hobby?! After spending much time the past few years having babies, and moving – a bit of accumulation has built up! We have happily become strong supporters of the local charity donation bin. Jenni enjoys being involved with a community Bible study called Moms In-Depth. If free time can be found, Jenni loves going on walks, going on dates with Matt, reading, and hot bubble baths. She loved a fall weekend away at a Mom’s conference, “Hearts at Home.”

Matt: Matt gained the admiration of many and became a regular Winter Super Hero in February. He and his friend cross-country skied deep into the northern Minnesota wilderness for an winter camping/ice fishing trip. (Jenni is glad he has someone else to go with him). Matt enjoys being involved with the youth group, meeting with men in a weekly bible study, listening to sermons/books on his MP3 player and spending his free time in the outdoors. This fall Matt went hunting for the first time in several years and bagged a 6 point buck to fill the Halseth freezer with venison! Way to go Matt!

Vacation: Mommy declined a week of fun camping in August in order to clean the house! She must be getting too old to have so much fun anymore :-) But we did manage to take two short overnight trips to a great mid-week deal in a Duluth, MN water-park hotel. We also joined Matt’s family camping over Labor Day Weekend which was tons of fun!

The Animals: Our dog Bailey is still with us, and always great with the kids...though getting less robust in her old age. This year we also gained two new cats, affectionately named Daisy and Tiger (not pictured). Their primary job is to help ward off the garage mice who had built a nest in Matt’s rain boot and under the hood of the van!

Growing Deeper with Moms In-Depth

2008-11-09T15:30:00.005-06:00

Developing authentic friendships with Moms, through small group Bible study and Prayer By Jenni Halseth

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength… and love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

Two years ago I invited some women in our community to join me in a Bible Study. My original hope was to find five interested Moms, but to my amazement twelve signed up. As I got to know these women I was excited to learn that several had never before had the opportunity to study the Bible. Some were not involved with a church. The Moms who attended church were from five different local churches, bringing a true interdenominational flavor to our group.

MOMS LIVES BEING CHANGED BY GOD
There have been times in my life when I felt “strong enough” to be an “effective leader”. This was not one of those times…! I was in the middle of a number of challenging personal health issues (miscarriages, heart problems, etc.) and yet somehow the Lord saw fit to give me this inspiring opportunity to serve. Often, I am aware of how little I have to offer, but (of course!) God remains so obviously bigger than my weaknesses! He is so faithful to show up and move in powerful ways. Moms are genuinely deepening their commitment to Christ, true friendships are being built, and families are being changed. Not only have I seen Moms grow incredibly in their own faith journey, but the Lord continually uses these women to bless me in countless ways. My biggest prayer request has been that somehow I will be in tune with the Lord enough to not get in the way of all that He may be wanting to do.

Last year we had new people join and this year our group has grown to 25 Moms. Numbers are not important, but each changed life is. Once again the Lord continues to bring new Moms who have little previous exposure to Christianity or the Bible. Words cannot express how incredible it is to be able to witness the Lord bringing women to Himself, and some for the first time ever.

“MIDZ KIDZ” CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
We now call ourselves “Moms In-Depth”, and have split into two small groups instead of one. Five of the Moms faithfully serve with me on the Servant Leadership Team, to keep us all afloat. I am totally thankful to be mentored as I serve - by a dear and wise friend named Marion. In order to care for the 50+ children involved, we have nine staff working in our children’s ministry called “MIDZ KIDZ.” MIDZ KIDZ is an answer to prayer as the children’s program has grown from a struggling childcare scenario into a blossoming Children’s Ministry. Caring for our 50+ children is such a vital challenge as we organize, organize, organize – and as we search for qualified staff, and the money to pay them! (Should you ever sense a leading to financially support the Moms In-Depth ministry directly, please make checks payable to North Brook Fellowship - our local North Branch, MN church.)

A MOM’S PRIORITY IN A MINISTRY CALLING
Over time, Matt and I have felt compelled to share with you this testimony of how the Lord is at work in the lives of these Moms. We hope you understand how much we appreciate your role in this. Your prayers and financial support allow us to not only serve full-time with Reign Ministries, but also to serve in our local community, as the Lord leads. Many of you are so faithful in your prayers; for our ministry with students, for our international mission trips, for our personal walks with Christ, and for our family. Here is one more area we appreciate your prayer support; for continued wisdom with my role in the lives of these Moms. For several, the Lord is bringing His healing into (the sometimes messy) backgrounds of brokenness.

I love seeing God change women’s hearts and lives through prayer and exposure to His Word. I love being a stay-at-home Mom with Nathan, Abby and Joshua. And I love that my husband is so receptive to the Lord’s clear and continual call to serve in long-term ministry with International Missions and Students. Yes, I admit that I may whine a little about living in a tent with lots of huge ants for several weeks at training camp…! But despite the challenges J God has given me a strong desire to support my husband in his ministry calling.

I know my commitment is first of all to my Savior, and then to my husband and children. Please join me in praying for wisdom beyond that. Many of us Moms seem to have a similar prayer request. Lord, show me how to keep my priorities your priorities. Grant me wisdom and discernment to balance all the valid possible things you may be calling me to invest in (and yes – that does include diapers, dishes and laundry :-)!

In Christ,
Jenni

Blessed Beyond Imagination

2008-09-24T12:26:00.011-05:00

A Royal Servants report on our ministry team to Northern Ireland & London
By Matt Halseth

Early on during our time in Northern Ireland I reminded the team of a verse about “blessing” from the Old Testament that has been important to me over the years:

"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country..." Duet. 28:1-3

This summer our team was constantly blessed by our loving and gracious God. What blessings did we encounter? Where do I begin? To start with, I felt every day was a gift where God specifically blessed us with one of those "WOW!" moments.

Here are a few more "blessings" that I personally felt or witnessed as our team followed God in obedience over the summer:

· Divine appointments with hearts that were ripe for the Gospel

· A timely word from the Lord for an individual or situation

· Godly relationships formed that are sure to last a life-time

· Our teams needs being met through generous givers

· A "calling" confirmed in the hearts of a numerous students

· An encouraging word from the Lord when the team needed it

· Seeing students grasp and understand truth from God's Word

· Having just the right amount of strength for each day

· Good weather when we needed it for our ministry in the city

I could mention countless more blessings that each individual on the team experienced as we all had the privilege of serving Him this summer. God is so faithful and worthy to be praised and worthy to be trusted! This summer and all its blessings had once again brought that to the forefront of my mind.

THE BLESSINGS OF STEWARDSHIP

I know that it’s NOT about the numbers but I’m always amazed to see what God can accomplish through our lives in just a few short, ministry-packed weeks. As I looked back over my trip journal, from the start of training camp to the flight home, I reflected on what we accomplished with our time and resources:

· 7 local church services we were involved in leading

· 21 street or drama performances

· 80 children involved in the Holiday Bible Club

· 18 creative evangelism team outreaches

· 11 servant evangelism team outreaches

· 12 youth clubs or outreach programs

· 6 community school summer schemes participated in

· 34 bible study and small group sessions for each individual

· 32 team teaching sessions

· 31 bible verses memorized by each individual

· 102 team meals prepared and shared together (3 times a day!)

THE BLESSINGS OF PARTNERSHIP

Recently I was asked by a friend to share just one encouraging moment in ministry from the summer. I thought, wow, how can I share just one, there are too many to count? But if I were to narrow it down to one thing that stood above the rest, it was this; the blessing of our partnerships with churches in Northern Ireland and in London.

Why? In all my ministry years working with churches overseas, I would have to say that this summer was one of the best, in terms of partnership with the local church we go to serve.

Not only did Ebrington Presbyterian and Miller Memorial Methodist let us use their facilities to do ministry… they partnered along side us to do ministry and several within the congregation were involved in the work each and every day. So it was NOT about Royal Servants or about their church, it was about the Kingdom!

Together, we were able to do more than we could have done by ourselves. At Ebrington we brought young Catholics and Protestants together, something that had not been done at the church in over 100 years! And at Miller we broke new ground by reaching out to local youth and exposing our students to poor and ethnically diverse communities!

THE BLESSINGS OF FREINDSHIP

As you can imagine there were lots of tears shed the mornings we departed from each church. Several church members showed up at our early morning departure to give final hugs and say their goodbyes. Here is one of the letters I received from David Baxter, one of the church members that I became close friends with….

Dear Matt,

I just wanted to write this note to you and really to all the Royal Servants to thank you all for the joy you have brought to our church. Not in my time here have I seen so close fellowship and the Holy Spirit working in so many people. I know the Lord will bless you all in his work when the team splits up to go to their own homes. I don’t feel this is goodbye between us, “just a break,” because with the Lords help this relationship between Ebrington and the Royal Servants will grow, all for His glory and I find real encouragement in that… I will be praying for you all regularly, especially for you Matt and your family. Have a safe journey and may Jesus be with you all.

Your Brother Forever in Christ,

David

And finally, we thank God for blessing us with friends like you. Thanks for hanging in there with us. Your prayer and financial support is invaluable. We pray that you, too, will be immeasurably blessed beyond your imagination!

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more that all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen

Ephesians 3:20

A Familiar Foreign Land

2008-03-18T16:32:00.007-05:00

Another Summer to Disciple Students, Impacting Ireland and the UK.

Leading the ‘08 Ireland Team

Many of you remember the amazing summer Jenni and I had in Ireland back in ’06. Well, I have some exciting news to share, I have been asked to be the senior team leader for the Royal Servants ’08 Ireland team! I am so excited to be leading this team! I can’t wait to see the team God will raise up to join us in making a lasting impact.

This year, our Ireland team will be unique from previous years. Why? Because God has placed an opportunity in our path that we just couldn’t pass up! In addition to working in Northern Ireland, we will also be serving in one of the poorest boroughs on the outskirts of London.

Partnering with Local Churches and Reaching Diverse Communities

The first part of the summer will be spent in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. In Londonderry we will be working hand-in-hand with a church youth group to reach out to the community through a variety of ministry opportunities.

For the second part of the summer our team will fly over to London, England to partner with a church in the Tottenham borough.

Tottenham is rich in ethnic diversity. It has some of London’s highest concentrations of people from the Caribbean islands, Ghana (West Africa), and Eastern Europe. We will be reaching out to a racially diverse community with big needs.

“Real” Spiritual Growth

Though one of our main purposes of our summer is to reach people for Christ in these communities, we also have the privilege to see God work in the hearts of the students on our American team. Real spiritual growth takes place in a God centered, discipleship oriented, summer mission experience! Listen to how God worked in David’s life, a young man on the Nepal team last summer.

In a recent email David said in part:

“I just wanted you to know that God really used Royal Servants this summer to change my life. You helped me to get to the point where I was on my knees, offering my heart up to God. My WHOLE heart.

Before the trip, my sin had been separating me from having an awesome incredible relationship with the God who created the universe, but thanks to Royal Servants I now feel like all those walls have been torn down and I can finally meet with God face to face and experience His presence in ways I have never felt before.

So again, my life has truly been changed by God this summer, and I am forever in your debt for letting God use you as His instrument to shape and mold the lives of us students.” David—Nepal ‘07

Pray for the Harvest… Pray for Workers!

It’s our desire to see more students like David be equipped to make a difference and be impacted for Jesus’ sake.

Currently, I’m actively recruiting students to join Royal Servants this summer. I’m not looking for students who are perfect, only students who have a heart for Jesus and desire to grow more in their faith - like David (above).

Do you know a teenager or college student who desires to be shaped by Christ and wants to make a difference for him in this world? If so, simply send me their name, email and/or phone number (with their permission) so I can contact them. It would be great to have them join our team!

Please pray for all the preparation, planning and for our time in Ireland and the United Kingdom this summer. I anticipate with great joy what God is going to do in the hearts of the students and in the lives Jesus will touch through them!

From One Extreme to the Other

2008-03-18T16:05:00.009-05:00

The Secret to a Balanced Christian Life - Contentment

It was one of those arctic cold January mornings in Minnesota… 20 below with a wind-chill factor of -45!

I waddled my way to the car and slowly sat down on the frozen driver’s seat. To my amazement the car turned over and fired right up. In a couple of minutes I was on my way to work.

I looked into my rearview mirror and noticed that it was a little out of whack so I place my hand on it and gave it a slight tweaking. Next thing I know I’m freely holding the mirror in my hand! “So much for that,” I said to myself as I laid it on the passenger seat and headed down the road.

Then it dawned on me, this was not the first time my rear view mirror had fallen off. I racked my brain to recall the last time it happened... Oh yes, it was a scorching summer day in central Florida. The inside of my car had to have been 115 degrees. “Talk about one extreme to the other,” I thought.

My rear view mirror had experienced both extreme climates. In each situation the glue that held it to the window had failed under these intense conditions. The Lord brought to mind how sometimes I fail to keep my relationship with him under the proper balance.

One minute I’m hot – seeking Him with all my heart and the next thing I know, I’m cold – and it has been days since I have seriously prayed or spent time with Him.

I have to admit I have spent much of my Christian life in the ups and downs, counting on the future and believing my life in Christ would be more satisfying, if only…

If only I didn’t have to deal with this situation right now… If only I didn’t have this struggle… If only God would have given me "that" gift. You get the idea—fill in the blank.

Lately the Lord has convinced me of the secret to a balanced Christian life. Though I’m not totally consistent, I have found that the secret is being content in Christ – not in my circumstances - whether I’m up or down or somewhere in the middle.

Does this sound familiar? The Apostle Paul figured this out and wrote to the Philippians about it.

“…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13

It is interesting to me that Paul uses the word “secret” when talking about contentment. A secret is something hidden, concealed or unknown to others. Being content in all our circumstances therefore is not something that we can figure out on our own. True contentment is a secret that only Christ himself can reveal to us.

It’s not hard to realize this, just look around at our culture today and observe if any others have found the secret of being content. Sadly, many driven people today, including Christians, continue to go back and forth in search for true peace and contentment.

I feel I no longer need to search for contentment. I don't have to count on the future to reveal a better circumstance.

God's love is the only thing that gives me strength and brings me true contentment. I just need to allow Him to lead me through each moment of each day - whether good or bad, hot or cold... or from one extreme to the other!

HALSETH HAPPENINGS

Merry Christmas from the Halseth Family!

DANA'S STORY

WALKING AS JESUS WALKED

RACHEL ROSE, HOME FOREVER! (ADOPTION TIMELINE)

GOD KNOWS HER NAME

MIRACLES ALONG THE WAY

ADOPTION ANNOUNCEMENT

PRAYING RACHEL ROSE HOME!

PRAYING RACHEL ROSE HOME!!

GOD’S PLANS ARE ALWAYS BEST!

LEADING THE BARNABAS TEAM (AT TRAINING CAMP)

BREAKING NEW GROUND (NEW SUMMER PLANS)

PROJECT MANAGER FOR NEW ADMINISTRATION/TRAINING FACILITY

NEW REIGN MINISTRIES WEBSITE

NEW ROYAL SERVANTS MISSION TRIP BROCHURES!

MINISTRY TRIP TO ARIZONA

ROYAL SERVANTS ITALY MISSION TRIP—SUMMER OF 2011

WOMEN’S OUTREACH DESSERT NIGHT

ADOPTION UPDATE

Merry Christmas from the Halseth Family!

GOD'S POWER ON DISPLAY

A NEW TRAINING CAMP FOR ROYAL SERVANTS

ETHIOPIA ADOPTION UPDATE

NOVEMBER PRAYER & PRAISES

WHAT'S NEXT?

TURNING HEARTS TOWARD HIM

5 REASONS WHY I LOVE MY JOB!

Give Thanks to the Lord... Great Things He Has Done!!

Prayer Points for our Family this Summer

Prayer Points for Sierra Leone, West Africa

10 Weeks of Royal Servants (May 30 - August 7)

The Royal Servants Summer Ministry Prayer Guide for 2010

A Call to Missions

IMPRESSIONS OF SIERRA LEONE - AN EXTREME MISSIONS JOURNEY

MATT IN SIERRA LEONE—PLEASE PRAY!

GOD’S PROVISION IN TIMES OF NEED

NEW 2010 ROYAL SERVANTS BROCHURE

FEBRUARY PRAYER & PRAISES

A PRAYER FOR HAITI

Merry Christmas from the Halseth Family!

SIERRA LEONE, WEST AFRICA

A FATHER TO THE FATHERLESS

OUR AWESOME GOD

REACHING THE WORLD FROM HERE

November Prayer & Praises

RAISING UP WORKERS FOR THE HARVEST Changed-lives on our ministry team to Northern Ireland & London

What a Summer... What a Team... What a MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!!

“COME OVER AND HELP US!”

Highlights of our Trip to the UK

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

THE HALSETH FAMILY PRAYER GUIDE FOR 2009

THE HALSETH MINISTRY PRAYER GUIDE FOR 2009

The Halseth Family Highlights of 2008

Growing Deeper with Moms In-Depth

Blessed Beyond Imagination

A Royal Servants report on our ministry team to Northern Ireland & London By Matt Halseth

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more that all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen

Ephesians 3:20

A Familiar Foreign Land

From One Extreme to the Other

A Royal Servants report on our ministry team to Northern Ireland & London
By Matt Halseth