Church Service

This morning we were ministering at Templo Elim Assembly of God in Corpus Christi.

Morning Service

We are headed to a children's service for 10:30 our time! Pray for us!



- posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

Saturday In The Park

This morning we are doing a service for children at the South Bluff Park. (in English and Spanish)














- posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

Mission 911

Director Tony Reyes and one of their staff members share with our kids about staying clear of the dangers that are ahead of them. The wise listen and add to their understanding (Proverbs 1)






posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

More Pictures From Tonight

- posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

Eating and Ministering to the Homeless

- posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

Mission Team on Local News

Check out: http://www.kiiitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14368750




- posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

Mission 911

That is the name of our location today. The team is involved with fence work, cleaning out storage, artwork on a trailer and helping organize their clothing distribution area. The media is also here to interview some of the kids.


















- posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

Bus Stop #2

Great night of more outreach, prayers, and Matthew 25:40!













- posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

Bus Stop Ministry #1

We prayed, made sandwiches, brought drinks and we are passing them out and praying with people in Corpus.














- posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

Visit From Alumnus of FMCS

FMCS class of 2000, Andrew Richter, is stationed here in Corpus and his sister, Jill is on the trip. He was able to stop by and greet the students tonight!



posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

Good Morning Corpus Christi

- Good morning! Kids are up bright and early - might be the last time that happens. Devotions with deer - not sure if you cam see them in the second picture. We have breakfast, and practices before we hit our first outreach tonight. Pray for a great day for us!


posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

LOOONG DAY!

But a good day. Kids are enjoying dinner - all has gone well today and we are very thankful for safe flights, luggage here, good health and
great start. We'll have sharing time, devotions, and worship at the campfire!





- posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

The Eagles Have Landed

All safe! Thanks


- posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

Safe In Houston

Just wanted all the parents to know that we are all safe and well in Houston. Next flight leaves in 50 minutes! Thanks


- posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

And Away We Go!

We are all through security and praying for a great trip!


- posted from Mr. Mitchell's iPhone

More Notes Before We Leave

1. Keep in touch with the weather so you know how to pack: http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USTX0294

2. Houston will be a busy place this week and that will be good for our team. With people coming into town Wednesday for the NCAA basketball championships, the airport security should be great and the airport should be at it's best. The Tuesday we come home should be another busy day with teams, fans and media leaving.

The Countdown to Revolution!

After Friday night, ask your kids what we meant by "revolution" on this missions trip. I would be curious to hear what they said.

This week:
- puppet practices at lunch time Tuesday and Wednesday
- drama practices during elective times

If you have any questions, please contact me as we get closer! Thanks

Reminder: Friday Night

Friday night - very important all missions team meeting:

6:30-10:00 pm in the Colonial Chapel.

The only time the students and all the adults that are going will be together.

Pizza and drinks served, how to make balloon animals, worship and prayer time and all team instructions for the trip!

Parents - this is not designed for you, but you are welcome to come and watch. Thanks

Missionaries to Elementary Today

Today the 8th graders made their way over to the Children's Center to talk with their partnering elementary classroom, talk with the students about the trip, and pass out prayer cards - 15 days to go!

17 Days To Go!

Highlights and prayer requests for this week:


1. Tuesday morning - please be on time, 8:30 a.m. students are going to an assigned elementary classrooms to pass out prayer cards and ask for prayer.

2. Friday night - very important all missions team meeting: 6:30-10:00 pm in the Colonial Chapel. The only time the students and all the adults that are going will be together. Pizza and drinks served, how to make balloon animals, worship and prayer time and all team instructions for the trip!

Pray for a great week! Missions March Madness continues...

Mr. Mitchell

More Reminders - 30 Days to Go!

1. This Thursday night, 6:30 pm - the adults going in the trip will be meeting!

2. THIS WEEKEND: - IMPORTANT: MARCH 5 and 6: missions team prayed for at the First Assembly services Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Saturday at 6:00 pm, be there at 5:45. You are free to leave quietly after they pray for us.

Sunday be there by 9:15 am, we will all sit down front and stay for the 9:30 service; then after they pray for us in the 11:00 service you can leave quietly. ALL TEAM MEMBERS PLEASE ATTEND.

3. Thursday night, March 10th - Middle School Open House at 7:00. Students involved in the "sculpture" drama: Dexter, Andrew, Jared, Will, Zach, Mallory, Amy, Ariana and Robin. If you have not seen it, it is an excellent drama and this will be great opportunity for you to get a chance to see it before they leave. This also gives them a chance to minister in front of a group of people before they go. If for any reason your student cannot be here, PLEASE let us know know now so that Mrs. Mitchell can work someone else into their role.

THANK YOU - KEEP PRAYING! keep checking the website: http://www.fmcsmissions.blogspot.com/

Group 1 Missions Trip

I guess their post got lost in cyberspace - let me try again! All the kids did a great job today.




Many thanks to Mrs. Mitchell working on dramas with the kids!



-- Posted From My iPhone

Missions Team Practice Continues

Here's a look at the second group and their makeup:




Thanks Mrs. Tuma, as well as Mrs. Yorty, Mrs. Dillon, and Mr. Romstadt fir their help.




And the whole team:



Posted From My iPhone

Saturday Practice

See you in the morning: 9:00 am in Mrs. Mitchell's room. This is for all the students to attend. We could also use the help of any of the sponsors with the make up. Mrs. Tuna willl head up the make up room.

We will finish up at 1:00. From 12:00-1:00 we will have pizza and drinks and go over the packing list - ask your missionary student for it when you pick them up at 1:00. Thanks

37 Days To Go!

Reminder - We have two busy weekends ahead:
- THIS Saturday, February 26th, make-up and clowning with lunch (9:00 am to 1:00 pm). Students will get their list of what to pack and will be given lunch.

- IMPORTANT: MARCH 5 & 6: missions team prayed for at the First Assembly services Saturday night and Sunday morning. Saturday at 6:00 pm, be there at 5:45. You are free to leave quietly after they pray for us. Sunday be there at 9:00, we will all sit down front and stay for the 9:30 service; then after the pray for us in the 11:00 service you can leave quietly. ALL TEAM MEMBERS PLEASE ATTEND.

37 days from a life-changing experience!

Roster as of February 2

8th graders:
Ariana Bergmann
Dexter Cheal
Mallory Dillon
Celine Gulbronson
China Haisley
Jared Horowitz
Zach Liebetreu
Rachel McLaughlin
Robin Mitchell
Haley Morig
Janine O'Reilly
Will Perri
Amy Romstadt
Andrew Ryan
Rebecca VanDenstorm
Josiah Vega

Adults:
Mel Mitchell
Lee Mitchell
Pastor Brandon Strickler
Paula Dillon
Dusty Zarick
Dana Barfield
Joe Romstadt
Barbara Dukes
Josh Vega
Tim McLaughlin
Dorothy Yorty

January 25 Update

Reminders of upcoming dates from the handouts at the beginning of the year plus one addition:


This Thursday - meeting for the adults that are going on the trip at 6:30 pm

Next Tuesday - $600 in the account for each person going to cover plane ticket and luggage costs (you can email Mr. Mitchell at Mmitchell@fmcs-fl.org or Mrs. Dillon at PDillon@fmcs-fl.org if you need an updated balance total)

February 26 - the last Saturday meeting for the trip. From 9-1 for all the students going on the trip. Make-up session that we will do no other time than the day of the trip.

NEW - March 5 AND 6: FMCS highlighted in all three First Assembly services. Saturday at 6:00 pm, Sunday at 9:30 am and 11:00 am the team will be called up for prayer.

Keep praying - just 64 days before we leave!

Mr. Mitchell

January 7 Update

1. Thank you to all of you that we able to minister and raise money at the Holiday House over the break. Over $1900 was raised!


2. Updated Roster for the missions trip: This is our roster as of January 7th for the 8th grade missions trip -

8th graders:
Ariana Bergmann
Dexter Cheal
Thomas Dean
Mallory Dillon
Celine Gulbronson
China Haisley
Jared Horowitz
Zach Liebetreu
Rachel McLaughlin
Robin Mitchell
Janine O'Reilly
Amy Romstadt
Andrew Ryan
Rebecca VanDenstorm
Josiah Vega

Adults:
Mel Mitchell
Lee Mitchell
Pastor Brandon Strickler
Paula Dillon
Dusty Zarick
Dana Barfield
Joe Romstadt
Josh Vega
Tim McLaughlin
Dorothy Yorty

Missions Trip Update - November 1

THANK YOU AGAIN!


All the parents and students who came on Saturday! The drama practice went very well - thank you Mrs. Mitchell!

This was also the BEST turnout of students who are not going on the missions trip who came to help us - EXCELLENT!

This morning, I gave each of the students (that are going on the trip) an updated financial sheet with your current total amount due. I have added in any money that you have turned in, car wash money, and the Abundant Funds fundraiser money. Parents can turn in money gradually or all at the due dates.

The next due date is to have $600 in your account by February 1st.

All money is due by March 11th ($1050).

THANK YOU!

Missions Team Car Wash

Thanks to all of you for a great turnout to support the 8th missions team today! We thank the Lord for awesome weather,a great team, and $857 raised!


-- Posted From My iPhone

Saturday's Car Wash

Reminders for Saturday - Meet in Mrs. Mitchell's room Saturday at 8:30 am

Car wash and drama practice/8:30-3:30
9:00-12:30 car wash shift /afternoon drama

Josiah Vega
Tommy Dean
Zach Liebetreu
Amy Romstadt
Rachel McLaughlin
China Haisley
Robin Mitchell
Janine O’Reilly
Julia Perret-Gentil

Parents:
Dillon
Pomanate

Bergmann
Barfield
Dean
Perry
Fenelus
McNabb

12:30-3:30 car wash shift/ morning drama

Arianna Bergman
Dexter Cheal
Jared Horowitz
Andrew Ryan
Mallory Dillon
Celine Gulbronson
Olivia Jones
Haley Morig
Rebecca VanDenstorm
Markie MacDonald
 
Parents:
Vega

Yorty
Romstadt
Horowitz
McLaughlin

Special Guests in 8th grade

This morning, the Rivera family (our missionary contacts for the 8th grade missions trip), are here at FMCS talking with our team that will be going March 30- April 5. The Riveras will also be at the auction/banquet tomorrow night.


-- Posted From My iPhone

Edwin Rivera and Family

The Rivera Family, our missions partners for the 8th grade trip, will be here this week! This will be a real blessing for our students that no other team has had the chance to experience.

Edwin will be speaking to the 8th graders Thursday at 9:00

The Rivera family will be with us for the Banquet/Auction Friday night - make sure you have your tickets!

New Calendar Dates

TO ALL PARENTS WHOSE STUDENTS ARE GOING ON THE MISSIONS TRIP:


Please mark on your calendar NEW dates that are IMPORTANT:

March 5th and 6th the team will be highlighted and prayed for at the service at First Assembly of God

March 5th at 7:00 pm

March 6th at 9:30 am and 11:00 am

More details later - please reserve the date on your calendars! Thanks

The First Roster For Our 20th Anniversary Team for 2011

This is our roster as of October 3rd, for the 8th grade missions trip:

Ariana Bergmann
Dexter Cheal
Thomas Dean
Mallory Dillon
Celine Gulbronson
China Haisley
Jared Horowitz
Olivia Jones
Zach Liebetreu
Rachel McLaughlin
Robin Mitchell
Haley Morig
Janine O'Reilly
Julie Perret-Gentil
Amy Romstadt
Andrew Ryan
Rebecca VanDenstorm
Josiah Vega

Alumni High School:
Maria Swiersz
Adults:
Mel Mitchell
Lee Mitchell
Pastor Brandon Strickler
Paula Dillon
Dusty Zarick
Dana Barfield
Joe Romstadt
Barbara Dukes
Josh Vega
Dorothy Yorty

Anyone else who plans on going, please get your deposit and application turned into the middle school office.

Thank you

Deadline Tomorrow

8th grade parents:


MISSIONS TRIP UPDATE - Friday is the day! Application(s) and $50 non-refundable deposit(s) - bring to the office tomorrow.

For those of you that may need it - here are some words of wisdom from one of last year's team members, a parent who has been on the trip, and a parent who sent their student after being new to our school for just one year:

'I was not planning on going on the trip, but God made a way for it to happen. That the students that are going on the trip will be set outside their comfort zone and see how God can work through the lives of the people. That the whole class will grow as a family and team, and they will see parts of the world they are lucky not to be in and makes you thankful for what you have in life. And one of the most important thing about going on the trip is that it prepares you for HS and that your relationship with God streghthens through the whole experience. Thank youuu!' - Julie Wagner

'As a parent who has gone twice now with my children on the FMCS Missions Trip--once to Mexico and last year to Texas, I would urge no parent to even begin to hesitate to send their child on this life-changing, incredible trip! Your children will be safe and well cared for by the missions team sponsors. They will be challenged and grow by leaps and bounds in their commitment to God. They will work hard and see how blessed they are for everything they have. And, they will have so much fun and create memories that will last a lifetime, continuing to propel them forward in life and in their walk with God. If finances are an issue in any way, I'd say to still put down the deposit and pray and ask God to supply the need for your child to go. Last year, it didn't make 'sense' financially for us to go, but God made a way, and I can't even imagine having had my son--or for that matter, myself--miss the trip. I've seen this trip make an eternal difference in the lives of our kids and every kid who went, as well as to the people we have ministered to. This missions trip is such a powerful and positive experience. No kid should ever miss it!' - Lisa Sadler

'It is worth every penny, a life changing experience. I was a little concerned with Logan being a new student at FMCS but with your constant FB updates, I really never worried about Logan at all. Just wish he could go again this year. Give my phone number to anyone who is thinking of not going' - Ellen Samuelson

Missions Trip Roster

It may help some parents to know, some of the adults already signed-up to go on the trip:

- Mel Mitchell
- Lee Mitchell
- Paula Dillon
- Dorothy Yorty
- Pastor Brandon Strickler
- Edwin Rivera (missionary)
- Shelly Rivera (missionary)

...hope to see more names coming

The First Meeting

Ok, we have met last night at Open House with parents and I met with the entire 8th grade this morning! All the packets have been passed out.

BY NEXT FRIDAY: We need your $50 non-refundable deposit and completed application (SAME FOR ADULTS THAT ARE GOING. The forms have to be notarized, and Mrs. Dillon can do that in the office when you come in.

Great things are already happening - stay tuned to this blog!

2011 Trip First Meeting

Have you started praying yet? The first meeting of the 2011 8th grade missions team is at Open House, Thursday night, August 19th.

After last year's trip, I am really excited about this year's trip from March 30th to April 5th - I'll be prinicpal and parent this time!

Come to the meeting to pick-up information and ask questions - your life and your student's will never be the same!

Prayer Request

Dear Friends,
Hello there, we are sending out this email to specifically ask for your prayers concerning the different situations here in Mexico. As you all know, the violence in Mexico has been escalating and now here in Samachique where we live; it is hitting very close to home. The drug cartels are totally out of control and are literally at war with each other as well as with the government authorities. In the past few weeks there have been killings within a 10 mile distance of us, and many of the villages that our hospital works in, are now too unsafe to travel to. There have been pick-up trucks with heavily armed men going in and out of Samachique on their way to the other villages and they know that they can do whatever they want. One missionary has reported that there are killings everyday out in the village where he is stationed, but he cannot leave for fear of traveling on the roads to bring him back to the main road where we are at. We know that a few days ago there were 13 people killed in this drug war- and that is just here in our region. This is grievous to us, as many of the people in these villages have been our patients here at the hospital and the birth center in times past. Unfortunately, they have not learned that growing drugs is NOT worth it. This year marijuana crop did not do well in certain parts of the canyon, and so now the Tarahumaras are starting to grow cocaine and opium instead. This is very frustrating to us.
There are no military soldiers out here and the news is not reporting any of these things. In the big cities there continues to be many people killed every day. Right now, there are more people dying on a daily basis in the drug war here in Mexico than in Afghanistan. The cartels are very powerful- even better armed than the Mexican army, and they are threatening and have even killed some of the candidates that are running for different offices here in Mexico. This system here is very politically corrupt.
Will you please remember to pray specifically for this situation here? We do not feel any direct fear of being targeted by the cartels, but there is the travel situation- especially for Edwin as he needs to use the roads to transport patients from our hospital to bigger city hospitals. Also, the concern has been raised that Americans would be a very easy target to be kidnapped by the cartels for ransom. The hospital also has to treat the drug traffickers when they come into the hospital wounded, and that makes for a scary situation at the hospital- especially if/when the other cartel members come by, looking for them. The villages that we have been going to are no longer safe to travel out to. National missionaries that have been here for more than 20 years are saying that it has never been this bad and things are going to get a lot worse.
We know that the safest place to be is in the center of God’s will. We just want to make sure that we remain in the center of His will. We greatly appreciate your prayers. We value you and your friendship and thus would appreciate any words of wisdom, encouragement, or your thoughts about this. We normally do not mind our newsletters, emails, communication being shared with other people, however, at this time we’d ask you not to do so. We value your input and spiritual covering and support.
Love in Christ,
Edwin and Shelley



--
Thank you for your love, your friendship, your prayers and support.
May God continue to lead you and bless you in all you do!

All our love,

Edwin, Shelley, Joy, Abby & Evelyn Rivera.
www.riveraministries.org
www.mexicomedical.org