SEND ME RETREAT PRAISES!
Amazing. Simply Amazing...
115 youth came out for an incredible
weekend with God. The students were challenged to press through the difficulties and trials that we all face and will eventually have to face in this life.
Friday night we heard messages from 3 people from Country Faith Church. Saturday morning we were privileged to hear and see Jeremy Erickson tell his story.
It was so gripping at times,
that you could hear a pin drop
in the auditorium. He shared the fact that through this
ordeal, he still struggles with some of the same issues, in fact,
he said, some of his struggles are worse than before.
It was a wake up call to just praise the Lord for all he gives.
Because in these difficulties, Jeremy pointed us to be completely
honest, like David in the Psalms. When you pour out your heart,
there is worship going up to God through it.
On Sunday morning, we heard testimony from 17 different
students and youth leaders of how this retreat open their eyes
and encouraged their hearts though they are going through
hard times.

The theme song for the retreat was a song called,
Praise You In This Storm:
A sample of the lyrics:
I was sure by nowThat You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining
As the thunder rollsI barely hear Your whisper
through the rain "I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands
and praise the God who gives and takes away

I'll praise You in this storm And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand
You never left my side And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I have had to reflect on what storms, if any, I am in.
Honestly, I have gone through nothing, when I compare
what some of our speakers and students are going through.
I am just delighted for the chance to give those who
are going through to share and testify about the faithfulness
of God.

I hope you can be encouraged that even though
you may be going through great difficulties, you can find the
strength to Praise Him in the Storm.

MUST READS

Anna and I have been reading 2 significant books the last couple weeks. They are must reads for us. May we recommend them to you.

1) The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell - This book is a fascinating study on the "little things" in life and how they make a big difference. It is about the things that push ideas over the edge, what makes things "tip" Check it out if you get a chance. It is a New York Times bestseller.

2) Red Moon Rising by Pete Grieg & Dave Roberts - A book about how the worldwide 24-7 Prayer movement began. Has references to places we will be going this summer along the border of Germany and in Prague. We are hoping to hook up with the prayer room that has been established there in Czech. Thanks Charlie O for the gift of this book.

EASTER EGG HUNT
My events (Anna's) aren't quite as big as Mark's yet, but I'm learning. Today I planned an Easter Egg Hunt outreach and invited 3 families that I have gotten to know lately from the library storytime, as well as a few friends from church. It was a blast! Lacey, Aisha, and Stephanie came early and helped stuff and hide the eggs. We had WAY TOO MUCH candy. I read the story of Jesus and talked with the kids about the true meaning of Easter. Several of them appeared as if it was all new to them. They were all very attentive. I know it was a success when one of the library moms said, "I'll help you next year" When I said, "I'll be in the Cities next year" She said, "Well, we can still do it, and then you can come back for it, right?"

TEAM CZECH 2006!!!
Here we are... pictured at our gathering in St Cloud last Sunday...
We are all getting stoked about the trip now that we have had a chance to meet and greet one another. God has put us together, that is for sure. We found out that there is a common bond of CHESS players on our team. Cool.
Czech-Mate!
Here are the people in the picture (left to right)
Dean McLaurin, Mark, Anna, Travis Sorenson, Briana Capp, Sara Capp, Bill Capp.
Be in prayer for us daily.

LIFT-OFF Golf Tourney Invite
We are ever so close to mailing out the
invitations to this first ever event. I've never done a golf tournament before. But it has been alot of fun planning it. We would love for you to be a part. Mark this date down on your calendars and on your FOREHEAD:
MONDAY, MAY 22nd
We are looking for golfers of any skill level to come out and enjoy a 4 person scramble... which basically means... you hit the best shot of your 4-some on every stroke. It is going to be a blast... we have tons of stuff we are giving away as prizes... and we have a cool guest speaker named Walter Bond coming. Spread the word. And look for your invitation coming in the mail SOON.

MEET THE LIFT-OFF Board of Directors
We just had a board meeting this past Sunday and
I had intended on doing this earlier, but I wanted to introduce
you to the folks who oversee the work of the ministry.
They are a great bunch of guys really.
I have known almost all of them for at least 10 years.
They bring terrific insight and wisdom to help Anna and I
be who we are called to be and do what we are called to do.
We are so grateful for them.

They are:
Pat Franey - Chairman of the Board
(senior pastor of Morris Community Church)
Morris, MN






Scott Guhl - Secretary
(Associate Pastor of Vision of Glory Lutheran Church)
Plymouth, MN









Matt Engelson - Treasurer
(Friend & Budding Financial Planner)
Buffalo, MN










Mark Daigle - Idea Catalyst
(Friend & Manager at Brownsworth Office Furniture)
Minnetonka, MN











Bill Royce - Ministry Intercession Leader
(Friend & Mapping Analyst @ Navteq)
Fargo, ND