A New Year Newsie: A Look Behind and Ahead

2012 Communications: As you might have figured out, newsies wont be

making their way into your mailbox every month. Because time isnt in abundance with a busy school year schedule, Abigail and I have decided to not put so much time into the newsletters, and to instead use that time to plan for the service projects. At the beginning of each month, we will try to mail out a flyer with the planned project, details, and tentative date. We really hope to be able to send out a newsletter every couple months, time permitting. Also, instead of using online RSVPs, we will mainly communicate via phone calls, since that has proven to be more effective.

2011 Recap: 2012 is here (I know surprise, surprise!). I have a lot of thoughts
about how last year has shaped me as a person, as well as how God has used a lot of difficult changes to bring unexpected blessings into my life and to draw me closer in my relationship with Him. I know Ive shared with some of you, so I wont reiterate my 2011 life story here right now. I would like to share a recap of the different projects that A.C.T. was able to accomplish last fall. Before I do that though, I would like to really thank all of you that were able to participate in these service opportunities. Although leading A.C.T. has been a big responsibility, time and energy wise, I am immensely thankful for the opportunity to lead all of you in being obedient to Gods calling for us as youth to get out there and serve on the mission field here.in Columbus, OH and beyond! Heres a summary of what we were able to do these past few months:

September: To kick off the beginning of A.C.T. ministry, Abigail and I baked 10
dozen cookies, and our A.C.T. members joined us in showing our support to 5 local fire stations by delivering a plate of cookies and thank-you note to each of the stations we stopped at. The fire-fighters were surprised and appreciative, and upon questioning, we had the open door to share our motives behind this service project with them.

October: Our next project was what we call a take home and DIY. Using yarn, knifty knitters, and time, we were able to bless 19 needy kids in Pike County with a handmade hat. It was a blessing to be able to share Christs love in a practical way, and I know God will use the seeds we planted. November: For Novembers project, we met together at Linworth Baptist Church after the Sunday service to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. Afterwards, it was off to Abbys house for our first A.C.T. fall party.lots of fun and fellowship to go around! I am looking forward to another time of shared family friendship.coming soon in January!

December: Lastly, in December, we went to the Laurels of Worthington retirement

home to share some Christmas carols with the residents there. We had a lot of fun and most importantly, were able to brighten the lives of some very lonely people.

Januarys Service Project: Making Parachutes!

All A.C.T. members are invited to join us for a parachute party at the Moll house! We will be constructing these parachutes by using kits from Voice of the Martyrs. The finished products will make their way to Columbia to be filled with Christian literature and a Galcom radio (pre-programmed to two gospel stations). Russell, the pilot that drops these parachutes, has been able to see the fruit of this unique ministry- many FARC guerillas coming to Christ for salvation and new life. Please join us as we help Russell reach more Columbians with the gospel; you can be directly involved in a foreign mission field.from right here in OH! The agenda: dinner together and then some intense parachute construction as we work toward our goal of 30 parachutes. A tentative date will be picked soon.

Send Me: My thoughts on missions and our role as youth

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, Here am I. Send me! 1) It is His work. For His kingdom. For His glory and honor. 2) He desires to use our hands and feet. What an amazing thought that He would want to use us! Even though we are sinful human beings, He can use us to spread His light. 3) Are we open to whatever service He is calling us to do? Wherever He wants us to go? His timing in our lives? A.C.T. ministry started with a desire to serve God with my time, abilities, and finances. I had been praying about the possibility of going to Africa on a missions trip, and was really desiring to go to China to serve in a Christian orphanage for orphans with special needs. Doing service projects locally had crossed my mind, but I had (ashamedly) forgotten about ituntil the Holy Spirit brought it to mind while praying about these missions trips. I realize now that God had been preparing my heart to lead youth in doing service projects. I still want to go on these missions trips, but while I wait for His perfect timing for me to go internationally, I know He wants me to serve here. How much time do we waste while we wait for, what He wants me to do when I grow up.? What if He took me to be with Him in heaven tomorrow- would I hear the words, Well done, thou good and faithful servant.? I dont want to waste the time He has given me while I wait for the bigger picture of His plan for my life to be revealed. I want my life to be used even now to further His kingdom. I trust that He will use my desire to serve and lead, to accomplish much for His glory. I am not perfect; I still struggle sometimes with giving freely of my time and resources, but I trust, no matter how long A.C.T. is officially

operating, that He will somehow use this ministry to make a difference in our city, our state, our country, our world and in the hearts of Christian youth. My question for you is, will you choose to start serving God now with your life? You dont have to be a member of A.C.T. to serve God. If you dont feel led or arent able to be a part of our projects, please pray about how God would want to you to get involved in serving Him. I do covet your prayers- there is still a lot of growing and maturing in store for A.C.T. So, as we start a new year, make new resolutions, look ahead to new opportunities, and anticipate spiritual growth, may this be our prayer. Jesus, Lord of my salvation, Savior of my soul. Send me out to the world to make You known. Jesus, King of every nation, this worlds only hope. Send me out to the world to make you known. Send me out to the world. I wanna be Your hands & feet. I wanna be Your voice every time I speak. I wanna run to the ones in need, in the name of Jesus. I wanna give my life away, all for Your kingdoms sake. Shine a light in the darkest place, in the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus. Carry to the broken-hearted mercy You Have shown. Send me out to the world to make You known. And to the ones in need of rescue, lead me I will go. Send me out to the world to make you known. Send me out to the world. Here am I, I will go. Send me out to make You known. There is hope for every soul, send me out, send me out. Here am I, I will go. Send me out to make You known. There is hope for every soul, send me out, send me out. -Fee May God bless you as you seek Him in this coming year! Sincerely, Sarah (and Abigail)

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of Gods grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10