Monday, March 2, 2015

KAIROS DISCIPLESHIP SCHOOL RETURNS FROM HONDURAS

Every February the Kairos Discipleship School (a division of Reign Ministries) has served an unreached people group in the mountains of Honduras. Recently they returned from another successful mission where they joined hands with Mercy International on the ground. Their focus is equipping Hondurans to become missionaries in countries around the world, while also impacting the lives of unreached locals though unique ministries, such as educating impoverished students. God faithfully provided  many ministry opportunities for our Kairos students, including sharing the Gospel and personal testimonies with the Honduran youth (pictured here).


NEW 2015 ROYAL SERVANTS MISSION TRIP BROCHURES!

I’ve completed the new 2015 Royal Servants Brochure (you can check it out online at the link below). 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, if you know any high school or college-age student wanting to go on a mission trip this summer please let us know. We'd love to talk to them about Royal Servants!



“MEGA-FUN” WINTER RETREAT 2015

In January, Jenni and I organized a winter retreat for 3rd-6th graders in our church. This was our second year in a row to bring students to the popular Camp Lebanon event. We learned about Daniel, memorized scripture to a dramatized skit and were encouraged to begin “Holy Habits” such as daily prayer and bible reading. For some, this was their first overnight retreat experience.

THE ART OF MARRIAGE RETREAT

Two years ago Jenni and I attended a FamilyLife marriage retreat called, “The Art of Marriage.” If you have never had a chance to enjoy a FamilyLife “Weekend to Remember” marriage conference or other event, then I highly recommend checking it out! (see link below) 

We had such a great experience at the retreat we thought; “Why not bring along other couples with us next time?” And so, we recently promoted and organized a group from our church who will be attending the event February 27– March 1st at Inspiration Point Christian Camp and Retreat Center. We are praying that we and these couples fully experience God’s design for marriage and expect a stronger relationship with Lord and with each other! 



MEN’S ADVANCE 2015 (COMING IN APRIL)

If there is one thing that is lacking in the Christian community, it is the need for more Godly Men to be strong in the Lord, to serve their families, churches and communities. That is why I continue to be involved in local Men’s ministry. I am excited to see that we now have three different groups of men from our church meeting each week for Bible Study. Coming this April, we want to bring all these men together to attend a Men’s Advance retreat. Please pray for a number of men to join us so we can continue to grow together in community and in our roles as Godly men!


Monday, December 1, 2014

Merry Christmas from the HALSETH Family!


We pray you have had a blessed year! Here are a few Halseth family highlights of 2014:

Rachel Rose is three and growing up before our very eyes.  Healthy, energetic, and thriving.  She loves to laugh, and can often be heard giggling with her siblings.  She looks forward to preschool two mornings a week. She can almost swim on her own.  She enjoys playing outside, swinging, puppies, playdates, and of course Elsa from Frozen! We appreciate her bright eyes, kind heart, and sweet spirit.

Joshua is a big 1st grader now going to school all day for the first time. He is somewhat philosophical for a seven year old and we are often intrigued when he speaks his mind.  He isn’t shy and can start up a conversation with almost anyone!  Joshua was a spy for Halloween, which is also his current career goal.  He loves legos, collecting rocks and playing soccer.  He soon starts basketball and wrestling.

Abby is a 4th grader.  She enjoys volleyball, basketball and soccer.  She is a very helpful sister.  We see her giftings as she is able to motivate and organize younger kids easily.  Always our artist, this year she is into loom bands and knitting. In Scotland, she was a face painter at VBS, and loved seeing the sea.  
       
Nathan is a 6th grader now with a school locker.  He really enjoys changing classes each hour. He plays saxophone. Nathan completed hunter safety, and hunted pheasant and deer with Dad this fall.  He loved fishing - both off the pier in Scotland, as well as on a four day SD trip with Grandpa Morse.

Matt enjoyed another summer with his family while working with students in Scotland. He enjoys short getaways with Jenni, or day trips with the kids - especially in nature. He also loves­ his men’s bible study and Jr. High ministry. He is active in sports and is coaching Nathans 6th grade basketball team! Heart Update: We are very thankful to report that all tests came back normal on Matt’s heart!

Jenni is more into a rhythm of managing life as a parent of four kids :)  She has even completed a few home projects this year!  She enjoyed ministry and travel with the family in Scotland, and especially the Scottish people.  She continues to enjoy biking, walking, reading, and Mom’s bible study.

Praying your Christmas shines brightly with many of God’s blessings!

Love, The Halseth Family

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

ENCOURAGING REAL FAITH

Matt with Robert, one of the only young 
Christians in Dunoon, Scotland. Next 
summer our family and the Royal 
Servants will be returning to Scotland! 

“Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”
  – Acts 15:36
Imagine being all alone in your Christian faith. You don’t know any Christians your age that you can identify with. You feel there is no one to show you REAL faith. 
Then one day a group of young passionate believers stroll into town. They want to hang out with you, disciple you and bring you along to tell others about Christ. Can you imagine how that would encourage you to live out your faith in a REAL way?

AN INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT FROM DUNOON, SCOTLAND
Jenni:  Can you tell me a little about your faith background?
Robert: I became a Christian 2 years ago through missionaries at a summer camp. Later on my faith became like plastic. It just wasn’t real. I did not have anyone to look up to. It is really tough. In our town there’s only maybe 3 or 4 Christians my age who are living for God. We are all really struggling because we are so few.
Jenni: Can you tell me how your life has been impacted by our Royal Servants team?
Robert: The Royal Servants have really opened up my eyes on how to live for God. They have touched a lot of lives all around Dunoon already. They have really shown me how to turn my plastic faith into something real. 
Jenni: How have the Royal Servants specifically encouraged you?
Robert: They are really committed to the Bible and trusting in the Bible. They love reading it, which I find amazing because I've never seen that before in my life. I sat in on a Bible study group. For the first time ever I saw students that are joyful about the Bible. It has really opened my eyes. It is not just a boring book. It’s Jesus' word and it’s great!
Jenni: You said earlier that a few people you knew have come to Christ. Can you tell me about that?
Robert: I was overjoyed to hear about one friend.  I did not expect him to, but he became a Christian. I just never believed it would happen. It is crazy because I grew up with him… but I guess God can do great things!
Jenni: Do you have any prayer requests?
Robert: Please pray for the youth in Dunoon to find Jesus because they are crumbling and have no one to look up to. Pray that with what the Royal Servants have done, the younger Christians can build a strong connection in the church. I also just want to say thank you for sending the Royal Servants. They have really changed our lives!

Wow! It is so exciting to see God at work in receptive hearts in Scotland.  We are eager to go back again! Yes, that’s right, for the summer of 2015, our family will be returning with Matt as he leads the Royal Servants Scotland team!
You are a vital part of our ability to follow His calling to serve. We want to echo Roberts words, “Thank you for sending the Royal Servants.” We remain grateful for your prayers and partnership in bringing the message of REAL faith around the world!