I NEVER MET ROSA PARKS BUT I MET ANNIE LEE COOPER

          Today is the 60th Anniversary of Rosa Parks refusal to give her seat to a white man. I never met her, but I did meet Annie Lee Cooper.

     For several years I traveled the country with many opportunities to speak to teenagers. One of my favorite places of working with kids was Selma, Alabama. I spent a week there and met a lady named Annie Lee Cooper. She was kind of famous for punching a Sheriff, but her story is much deeper than one confrontation with the law, if he really was the law.

         I held the microphone as Mrs. Cooper told her story. We were in the Selma HS gym without about 500 or so people, mostly teenagers. Mrs. Cooper was 93 yrs old then. She hobbled up to the front of the gym floor to address the kids in the bleachers and told her story. She remembers when she was 13 yrs. old and white men on horses chased her and a friend. The friend was trampled and killed. Mrs. Cooper could still hear her friends screams 80 yrs later.

          After the United States Government said that Black people could vote, Mrs. Cooper marched up the courthouse steps to vote and was met by the Sheriff who tried to stop her. She punched him in the face. The crowd roared when she said that. But you could see by the stoic expression in her face that what happened next wouldn't make anybody smile. A group of cops beat and kicked her, breaking many bones, ribs and her jaw as they pummeled her to the ground. They threw her in jail just the way she was. They wanted to charge her with attempted murder. To be a cop back then, all you had to do was be a white guy willing to beat a black person, there was no civil service test. I knelt in front of her the whole time, with one hand I held the microphone, with the other I wiped my tears.

          Mrs. Cooper was one of the greatest human beings I ever met. I spent time at her home and interviewed her in front of kids who soaked up her pain and wisdom. In the end, she said she would drink the cup of suffering all over again, she gave Christ the credit. The dark parts of Mrs. Cooper's life make up a bright spot for the rest of us to cry about and learn from.

JLYASDW

TOM BURGER & A JAIL CELL PHONE

     He's been locked up for close to six years now. Every year begins with some new hope. Every mid-year the hope seems to fade. There has been very few court dates and the process of justice (or injustice) moves slowly. Over the last six years, we have prayed on the phone many times. Jail cell phone calls are not cheap. For each thirty minutes of talk-time, the cost is twenty-five bucks. Most of the calls come at night; when I'm tired. I really don't feel like talking when I'm tired.

     Last night when the phone rang, I was intently focused on a book that I'm in the process of writing. I did not want to answer the phone. The area code showing on my phone was unfamiliar so I took a chance thinking it would be a quick call. I soon realized that it was another jail cell call. My funds on the pre-pay prison fund were depleted so I needed to make another deposit. That whole process of entering your credit information to a recorded message seems to take a long time. I followed through and we connected - me and the prisoner.

     Small talk is the rule during most of our conversations. Sometimes it's about basketball or baseball. Every once in a while the prisoner is moved to a new prison and we talk about the accommodations. Some places have amenities like a microwave, a pull-up bar and most importantly a Law Library. He tries to research the law and his case so he can be prepared for the court process. My advice to him that I've repeated many times is twofold:

1.  Be the kind of prisoner that the guards will feel sad when you leave because they respect you so much.
2. You will be locked up until you figure out what God wants you to learn from the experience. God opens and shuts doors that no man can open or shut.

     Two things can happen at the end of our call. If we don't keep track of the time (and we don't) the call can end without any notice whatsoever other than a click followed by silence. You would think that with such exorbitant rates that they could afford to give you a "heads-up." I feel bad when we are left without a proper goodbye or worse, we don't get to end our jail cell call with our customary prayer. Last night we got to pray and it was good - Oh so good!

     I took a page out of my good friend Tom Burger's notebook last night. Tom is a Prison Chaplain in North Carolina. When my wife and I visited Tom and his wife Sharon last year, we were honored to be able to visit the prison where he works (loves.) Tom doesn't work with people or work in a prison. He loves people and helps them know love in their hearts. Tom empowers people and helps them learn how to stand on their own relationship with God. The prison band is a true worship team, Tom helped put them together. When it came time to pray for people, it was fellow prisoners who prayed for fellow inmates. Tom empowered these guys to understand self-accountability - true discipleship.

     Last night Tom was my role model - I asked the prisoner to pray, I empowered him like Tom would. His prayer was beautiful and gut wrenching. Instead of this young man just listening to my words about God, he opened up his heart through his words. He spoke of gratitude and asked for covering for my wife and I. He thanked God for the hope and inspiration we provide by being there for him. Guys on the "inside" need a lifeline on the "outside" and a cell phone can be a line of hope.

     I don't know how many years this young man has left behind bars or how many jail cell calls we will have, but I know that Tom Burger has helped me to imprint Jesus on the young man's heart. Thank's Tom, Jesus loves you and so do we.

If you would like to learn a little more about what Tom Burger knows, read his book. http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Faith-Uncomplicated-Complicated-Life-ebook/dp/B00HZ3XXWM 

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.

JLYASDW

Bob Kuebler is the Author of The Bright Spot Report.  As the Founder & Director of Youth With A Purpose, Bob has spent the last 12 yrs. learning about pain and perseverance from inner city young people and their families. Healing starts with love and encompasses compassion and empathy. Our mission at YWAP is to inspire inner city young people to develop as leaders who overcome the mindset of violence and poverty. Bob is the Author of four books and regularly shares with many audiences about how God is redeeming our cities through young people.
Bob can be reached at 716-830-8240 or ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com.
www.youthwithapurpose.org

Melissa Franke, Gaskill Prep & A Rubber Chicken

     The word spread quickly in the hallways of Gaskill Prep today in Niagara Falls. The students were sharing news about a speaker in Mrs. Franke's Health Class who tossed a rubber chicken.at sleeping students. Actually nobody was sleeping in Mrs. Franke's Class. In a phenomenal display of respect, all 5 classes were among the best audiences that this speaker has ever had.

 

This was the only student who I had trouble communicating with.

   
The rubber chicken is simply an attention getting tool for laughter. I didn't need to try and get anyone's attention, these students were busy getting my attention with excellent class participation. Several times it was the students who were teaching the class. We covered drugs, alcohol, gangs, abstinence, risk, self-control, earthquakes in Nepal and riots in Baltimore. We discussed cause and effect. We explored the idea of embracing conflict as a means of personal growth. I was amazed, these 7th Graders were more like college students.

     The atmosphere at Gaskill is a very good one that's conducive to academic achievement and character growth. Melissa Franke is an excellent Teacher who helps her students do their best by helping them set their own expectations. They respect her and the people she brings into her class. When I reflect back on my day spent in her classroom, here are the words that come to mind: cordial, polite, respectful, kind, self-control, willing to learn, eager to participate, helpful, encouraging, intelligent, compassionate, empathetic, eager and happy. 

Thank you, Mrs. Franke, for all you do on behalf of children. What happens in your classroom is making the world a better place.

The photos here were taken by students who shared the camera. 
Thanks guys for your nice work.


If you are interested in bringing YWAP and the rubber chicken to your school, 
please let us know.
ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com
716-830-8240
www.youthwithapurpose.org
JLYASDW 

WEST SIDE NEIGHBORS GET TOUGH ON JOHNS

     Winter's icy grip on Buffalo is finally giving way to a softening of the ground. New life is pushing up through the earth. All of Mother Nature's renewed vigor is contagious on the West Side of Buffalo. Neighbors springing into action. They are banding together to turn a blight spot into a Bright Spot.

  Johns are people who pay for sex. People who sell their bodies for sex are prostitutes. The neighbors are posting signs letting johns know that if you bring your luridness in our neighborhoods, you're being watched and we will call the Police. I applaud their efforts and I urge you to help in any way you can.

     As a youth director on the West Side for over 12 years, I've seen many wounded people who will do anything for drugs, money or even a place to sleep. Statistics show that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys are physically abused. I've watched many people continue the cycle of abuse that was perpetrated upon them. They feel dirty about themselves and gravitate more dirt because they think they deserve it. Victims become victimizers and promulgate the victimization. Some guys pimp their girls just to make some money. Some girls support their families by selling their bodies. I have prayer walked the city and I will continue to do so. There's no proselytization involved - just simple love. When I get the opportunity to look in someone's eyes who is shackled by street life, there is one message I hope to convey;

"You are uniquely beautiful and loved just the way you are. God made you in his image and you are special in his eyes."

     The Bible speaks about action. James 2:25-26 says;

"Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works
when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
For as the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without works is dead also."

Rahab was a prostitute who supported her family by selling her body. She received messengers who prayed. She was delivered from a life of prostitution. My faith tells me what my works should be. A neighborhood is made up of many parts working together. My works are prayers that bring a message of love. I hurt for folks who sell themselves. I hurt for folks who live a street life. I hurt for anybody who does not value and esteem the preciousness of each human being.

Every year we lead kids in neighborly projects. We pray, work and show love to folks we never met and may never see again. Good things are happening on the West Side of Buffalo, New York.

     I applaud the neighbors on the West Side of Buffalo for taking action. I urge you to support them. Post a sign if you can. Report any suspicious activity to the Police. Tell a prostitute that God loves them. Say a prayer. I will support them by prayer walking Grant St. I will support them by looking for Jesus in the eyes of everyone I meet. Imagine the West Side as a place where the abused were healed by the love of God through us. The johns wouldn't have any bodies to abuse. Just maybe they would begin to understand what love really is. Somewhere they learned how to be dirty. 

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.

Jesus loves you and so do we. #JLYASDW

A MAN AT A WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

     Free chocolate is always a good reason to attend a conference. But how would a guy get the chocolate if it was available only to attendees of a Women's Conference? Actually, I had no idea that the Relentless Women's Conference in Buffalo would net me two pieces of chocolate. I'm a guy and I couldn't register for the Conference and receive any chocolate. Guys don't receive benefits from a Women's Conference or do they?

    Soon after we were married, my wife proved how much she loves me by moving to Buffalo, N.Y. from Phoenix, Az. The month of February separates the two cities by almost eighty degrees (Fahrenheit.) After Linda arrived in balmy Buffalo, there were several ministries I suggested to my wife that would assure her continued growth as a spiritual juggernaut (she would never use that term, but I can.) Just Joy Ministries under the leadership of Carol McLeod was at the top of the list. Carol has a way of being highly impactful to a large group while making each person feel like she has their heart in her hands. My wife is like that and I knew Carol's ministry would find a place in her heart. Linda was the Leader of a Prophetic Prayer Team at Without Walls Christain Center in Az. In Buffalo, she's a member of the Buffalo Niagara Healing Rooms. Linda wanted to attend the Conference. I think God answered her thoughts. A very kind friend reached into Linda's heart and deposited a ticket for the Conference. I signed up to be a volunteer "valet-dude." (I was unaware of the free chocolate but I did get free coffee.)


     My wife has been suffering from a sprain her back for almost ten months. After several mountain trips and city mission trips with kids last year, Linda's back gave out. We made plans to attend the Conference on Friday night. We agreed that I would be ready to take her home if the pain became overwhelming. I spent the first hour outside with some other guys as we welcomed the ladies to the Relentless Conference. It was a blast, I smiled at all the kind ladies and said: "It's good to see ya!" A few of the guys parked cars and some of us just held the doors open. After about an hour we moved inside; that's when the "man-benefits" began.

     The worship was cool, deep and moving. The first speakers we heard were a couple of ladies who did a phenomenal job of introducing the Conference. I believe their names were Monica and Angel. They made us laugh as they poured vital information into our ears. They had a natural gift of love flowing between them which they shared with the audience. Carol introduced a speaker who knocked our socks off. She was a cancer survivor who told a story about her son with a bullet lodged in his forehead after being shot through his windshield. The bullet penetrated the skin and stopped. I think they put a band-aid over the wound. Survival is a heart condition that runs in her family.

     Carol McLeod is kind of like a meteorite of encouragement cascading from the heavens. She knows perseverance like it's a personal friend. Overcomer, friend, wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, Christ follower - she is a whole cloud of witnesses all rolled into one heart. My benefits received included truth, worship, prayer, a deeper friendship with some guys, encouragement through Christ and some chocolate.

     On Saturday morning, I woke up to a piece of chocolate on my nightstand. Linda went to the Conference all day Saturday while I attended a Prayer Walk For Life in Buffalo. My wife spent the day giving and receiving love in mass quantities. She also shared her chocolate! The second piece of chocolate was given to me on Sunday after church. I have a joy in fasting before any church service I attend so my wife packs me a small lunch to eat after church. The special atmosphere created during the Conference continued on Sunday morning. When Pastor Craig McLeod was beginning his sermon, his words somehow became a prayer in my heart for my wife. He spoke and his words seemed to reverberate in my heart as a prayer. I did plead the Blood of Jesus over my wife and especially her back. I watched, listened and prayed even as other folks around me prayed. I know there was a prayer team active during the whole Women's Conference. Prayer is changing Buffalo (along with some chocolate!) I hope there's another Just Joy Ministries Women's Conference soon.

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.
Jesus loves you and so do we. #JLYASDW

Pastor Fred Naedele is Still Saving Lives From Heaven

      As a Youth Director for many years, my heart easily breaks for wounded kids. I reached into my desk drawer earlier today, the Holy Cards (from funerals) of several deceased kids caught my eye. I hate it when kids die - on both sides of the womb. Pastor Fred Naedele and I had that in common - we love kids on both sides of the womb.


           On Saturday, April 25, 2015, I will be prayer walking the streets of Buffalo. There's an 8 am Mass at St. Rose of Lima, 500 Parker Avenue in Buffalo. Following the Service, there's a Prayer Walk to an abortion chamber at 2500 Main St. for anybody who's interested. Pastor Fred had a heart for children who were victims of abortion. Sometimes his prayer walking lead him to a jail cell. He demonstrated commitment in the most persevering manner. Fred was all about saving lives and making disciples. We've been trying to follow in his footsteps at Youth With A Purpose for the last 12 years. My prayer walk for children on both sides of the womb will follow in Fred's footsteps.

          Another young man who was like a son to me would have had a birthday on the day of the prayer walk. DeMario (Spizzy) McCain would have been 24 years old on April 25, 2015. He died because somebody decided to shoot him. Children die in many ways and it's always a tragedy. I miss Spizzy and I miss Fred. I'm walking in prayer, crying out to God on behalf of kids and folks like Fred who cried out before me. Fred taught me how to cry.

      On Friday, April 24, Pastor Fred would have been 83 years old. One of my favorite past times is associating numbers with Bible verses. 

Psalm 83:1-5 A song. A Psalm of Asaph.
1 Keep not silence, O God; hold not Your peace or be still, O God.
2 For, behold, Your enemies are in tumult, and those who hate You have raised their heads.
3 They lay crafty schemes against Your people and consult together against Your hidden and precious ones.
4 They have said, Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be in remembrance no more.
5 For they have consulted together with one accord and one heart; against You they make a covenant"

Psalm 119:83 "I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, exhausted with waiting. But still I cling to your laws and obey them."

Song of Solomon 8:3  (To the Daughters of Jerusalem)

"His left hand is under my head, And his right hand embraces me."

Daniel 8:3 "Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and there, standing beside the river, was a ram which had two horns, and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last."

Matthew 8:3 "Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed."

Acts 8:3 "As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, 

and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison."

Romans 8:3 "For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, 

on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,"

Here's one for DeMario who would have been 24 years old.

Psalm 24 

The King of Glory and His Kingdom
A Psalm of David.

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face. Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah

Thank's God for Fred's life and thank's for DeMario's life.

Jesus loves you and so do we.

#JLYASDW

If you'd like to read a great article about Pastor Fred, check out what Rob Palaszewski wrote in Thrive Magazine,

http://www.bluetoad.com/article/THE+MEASURE+OF+THE+MAN/143521/0/article.html

TEACHERS CAN'T SEE

Are Teacher Evaluations a sinkhole for children?

     Most of us set goals that are attainable and clearly defined with a definite outcome. Society and our government have set goals for teachers that are described in teacher evaluations. Test scores allegedly reflect the outcome of the teacher's efforts to educate children. Test scores are easy to see, growth in a child isn't always easy to see. Over the course of a teacher's lifetime, thousands of children will pass through their classroom. Over the course of a teacher's lifetime, thousands of children will pass through the heart of a teacher. The majority of those thousands of children will fade from the teacher's eyesight - the teacher can't see what these children will accomplish because of their efforts.

     We're living in the days of evaluations and reevaluations. Everything we do seems to be evaluated, rated and judged by somebody. Folks in romantic relationships judge love by our attitudes and actions. Our employment performances are always under review, sometimes the reviewer has no clue what our job is. Teachers are evaluated primarily on the results of test scores.

Evaluations don't consider the
 effect of heart-sores on test scores. 

Children who haven't learned how to deal with the social and emotional upheavals in life are less likely to do well on tests. Those same students will cause turmoil in the school that can affect the academic achievement of other students. Sometimes they're suspended and end up unsupervised at home or in the street. Gangs are waiting to make them feel special and invite them into a life of carnage that steals, kills and destroys potential. The teacher can't see the potential in a child who is removed from their classroom.

     Here are some platitudes that someone constructing Teacher Evaluations may want to consider.

• Evaluations based on test scores do not reveal the healing of heart sores.
• Encouragement creates an environment of emotional safety.
• Compassion  is a cultivator of potential - just believe in somebody.
• Children removed from the classroom should not be removed from the building.
• All children are gifted.
• Emotional and Social learning affect the very core of a child's heart which directly impacts potential.

     To all of the Teachers in the world, I say thank you for agreeing to forgo the right to see. You have accepted blindness as a part of your calling in life. I encourage you to overcome your exhaustion and lack of appreciation with faith. Your faith in each child and your belief that every child is gifted with potential will create sight for thousands of children. 

The children once were blind to potential and now they see - because of you.

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.

JLYASDW

Bob Kuebler

Founder/Director

Youth With A Purpose Inc.

youthwithapurpose.org

716-830-8240

YWAP - Teaching Leadership to Students, Teachers and Mentors.

Mrs. Turner's North Tonawanda Middle School Health Class

     
     Yesterday was a great day to visit Mrs. Turner's North Tonawanda Middle School Health Classes.Both of the 7th and 8th Grade Classes were unbelievably respectful - reflecting the heart of their Teacher. Most folks bring the Youth With A Purpose program into a school to do presentations regarding, gangs, drugs, and violence. What we really talk about is leadership. These young folks already have a resident leadership Teacher in Mrs. Turner.

 





     The students, listened, laughed and learned a lot about themselves and each other. One of the highlights of our day was the steady stream of kids who walked out of the classroom. They were leaving to sign up for the Helping Hands Program. The students  were volunteering to serve with some folks who are developmentally disabled. That's one of the coolest things that young people can do - share their time and share their hearts. I would imagine that their compassionate attitudes had something to do with the seeds of compassion planted by their Teachers at NTMS.

     During our class, we covered a lot of social and emotional subjects with the students sharing many opinions and valuable insights. Everyone I met in the school greeted me with a smile - from the ladies in the office to all the Teachers I encountered. The students at NTMS are in a safe place with people who care about them and hold them accountable - and they like it! Thank's Mrs. Turner for your kindness and leadership - you're a rock star!

Thanks for your time,
Go do something nice for somebody.
JLYASDW

Bob Kuebler
Youth With A Purpose
In School & After School
"All Children Are Gifted"
157 Locust Street
Buffalo, New York 14204
716-830-8240

http://www.youthwithapurpose.org/
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/26-3043165
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Youth-With-A-Purpose-Inc/111808805513470
If you are looking for a speaker for parents or youth, please call us.

LAFAYETTE RENAISSANCE

RENAISSANCE PLAN AT LIA

     I enjoy listening to folks describe their creation of a Renaissance plan. Last night (1-20-15) I had that opportunity. I listened to several members of the Renaissance Team at Lafayette High School in Buffalo, New York paint a beautiful picture of potential opportunity for students. They did a masterful job! The School is now referred to as Lafayette International Academy or LIA. 

     Buffalo is an extremely diverse community with students from all over the world. That in itself presents unique challenges for teachers. To pass the New York State Regents Exams, you need some proficiency in English. 

     There is no need to restate the Proposed Innovative Progran here. The whole plan in its entirety may be found on the Buffalo Schools Website at: 
http://www.buffaloschools.org/files/filesystem/Phase-In%20PS%20204%20red.pdf
If you aren't involved, please do so. Education isn't something to be left solely to politicians and wealthy decision makers. Everyone needs to be involved. I know from experience that children will suffer if the wrong people take control of education. 

     Naomi Cerre is the Principal of LIA and last night she let her heart be transparent. I saw compassion. She really cares about kids and goes the extra mile to think outside the box and create new opportunities. You need to go the extra mile and get involved in the innovation plans for the Buffalo Schools. This is only a potential plan because it needs to be approved by the educational hierarchy. Please study the plan and ask questions. Call or write Buffalo School Board members or attend School Board Meetings. Time is of the essence and good things are happening in the Buffalo Schools.

     Several years ago I spent some time as a member of the Iroquois School Board. We worked hard to put children first. For the past 12 years, I've been in the streets and classrooms of Buffalo as the Founder and Director of Youth With A Purpose. I've watched some kids go to jail, I've watched some kids die and I've watched generations of families spend their lives on welfare. We can create world-class opportunities in our schools - our children deserve it. Our children's tomorrow depends on what we do today.

Thanks for your time,
Go do something nice for somebody.
JLYASDW

Bob Kuebler
Youth With A Purpose
In School & After School
"All Children Are Gifted"
157 Locust Street
Buffalo, New York 14204
716-830-8240

http://www.youthwithapurpose.org/
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/26-3043165
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Youth-With-A-Purpose-Inc/111808805513470
If you are looking for a speaker for parents or youth, please call us.

Immanuel Ministries Transforming the World-One Relationship at a Time

Last Sunday (12-28-14) Linda and I were invited to Immanuel Ministries to share what God is doing through Youth With A Purpose Inc. Our time was "fruitful and friend-making!" During the worship, there was a song that gave me a vision of how God knits folks together. The stringed instruments represented sinews and nerve endings. Piano keys introduced heartbeats and the breath of God was a rising crescendo of all the instruments. All of it represented the birth of new life and the peaceful end of life. It was the Alpha and Omega in the blink of an eye.

When I stepped to the podium, I had tears in my eyes from the powerfulness of the vision. I shared stories about God and YWAP along with how God has directed me in His plan for YWAP. Pastors Scott and Jennifer Johnson are 2 incredibly real and genuine people. They've got joy written all over their faces and compassion is delivered with a smile. If you'd like to visit a church in the Java/Strykersville, New York Area and you're looking for real folks with energy and love - THIS IS THE PLACE!

Pastor Scott shared his vision for a youth center across the street. Please add that to your prayer list and let us know if you have a prayer request.

Here are my notes about Applying the Life of Jesus and the Conception and Birth of a Vision.

Applying the Life of Jesus

Everything has a beginning - your life, your family, your purpose, your ministry, your relationships, your business, your life as a student - everything has a beginning. This morning I'd like to take you on a journey that tells a little of the story of how Youth With A Purpose was created and how YWAP is continually being recreated. God speaks through the Holy Sprit using the Bible, prayer, circumstances and people as His voice.

Five Steps in the Conception and Birth of a Vision 

1. God's Vision - Jesus life was foretold. The Bible is prophetic promise for your life. Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
2. God's Action - Jesus was born. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. God parted the waters of a virgin's womb.
3. God's Partnership - Jesus invites us into partnership with Him.  - Jesus was baptized (we repent.) Surrender - Jesus allowed John to baptize Him. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

4. Death - Jesus died. Your vision must become formless. Genesis 1:1-2 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
5. Complete and Implement - Jesus was raised up. 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

• The call of God in your life should be a living hope that draws others into a resurrected life with Christ.
• The contagiousness of the Holy Spirit will manifest itself through God's purpose for your life.
• The borders of your life will be enlarged through the surrender of your heart to God.

Here is the contact information for Immanuel Ministries. Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.

• Address

  4530 Main St (Rte 78), Java Village, New York 14083
• Start Info

  Started on 2012
• Hours

  Always open
• Short Description

  Immanuel Ministries is a new Christian church serving the Java/Strykersville NY area under the leadership of Pastors Scott & Jen Johnson. We believe that a relationship with Jesus Christ can not only transform your life, but transform the world.
• Mission

  Our Mission is simple: To Transform the world-One relationship at a time. Christianity is all about relationship-first being... See More
• Products

  Women's & Men's Studies, Free Family Movie Nights! Sunday Service is casual, upbeat and faith filled. Call 716-353-2863 or www.immanuelministries.us for details.
  
• Phone

  (716) 353-2863
• Email

  info@ImmanuelMinistries.us
• Website

  ImmanuelMinistries.us