Ministring with TEENS! (Unsaved teens!)

Public School Ministry

As with any ministry you need to prepare and over-prepare....yet we never know what to expect at the project. After brainstorming some, our team (two members at the church and a bible college student) decided to try out a different VBS theme each month until December. The theme for August was Joseph: from Prison to Palace (we had done this in our VBS in January). Two weeks ago we had the worst week yet—there was almost no teaching, chaos, and I recruited the monitor to sit in and help us out.

This past week the layout was a little different—the kids were divided into four groups instead of two. OK—(deep breath) this should be better, I thought. The younger age group seemed were more likely to respond to a VBS layout. Well…can I just say …let me give you two kids to pray for: Richard and….the other we’ll call Victor (I don’t remember his name). These two created so much chaos that it was, again, almost impossible to teach. In the end, we were finally able to hold their attention by having one of the kids dress up in a pharaoh outfit we brought, and thus teach a principle from God’s Word!

The second hour we had the teens. Here, as I have shared before, I am out of comfort zone. Get their attention? I really have struggled in how to do this. We showed half of the movie Facing the Giants one week only to not be able to get them to watch the second half the next week (we had no control as to making them participate). This past week we tried something different. One in our team prepared what we term “creative evangelism” to share the gospel and the other prepared an object lesson.

In working in a place that students have free reign for immoral behavior, where arguments and fights are the norm and not the exception, and where exists disrespect and minimal fear of authority, we have prayed and asked the Lord to show us how and what to do in this one hour each week.

It seems that the first objective is to give an understanding of the law of God: the Ten Commandments. Plant what God says about what is right and what is wrong. Have them read and hear what God says about hate and lust.

It was a blessing straight from heaven: this past week they did listen. We used a chair, broom, and cord to teach how it is so much easier to sin, to take the easy road than to stand up and do what is right. Sin drags each of us lower than we ever thought we would go. They listened to what happened to Joseph—the evil sin of his brothers, the love God had for Joseph, and the deliverance of the famine---all the while sharing about their sin, God’s love and plan for each of them and the deliverance of the Gospel God offers!

Please continue to pray as we press forward in this ministry. The monitors have asked that we help with the end of the year program but they plan to use rock music and dancing as their program while also incorporating (I assume separately) a live manger scene. Pray for the salvation of these teens.

Only God Breaks the Chains!

In July, I wrote a blog about an unexpected opportunity to give a Bible study to ladies in the community. This hasn’t happened, but pray towards this that it would yet become reality. Tina, who is Lucas’s mom, has since come to visit a church service with her daughter (Alessandra), granddaughter (a newborn) and friend, Ivette. We have been so glad to see Lucas’ faithfulness to services and youth activities. If he were the only one reached from the public school ministry, we all know that that would be worth the energy and effort to organize that ministry!

As it is, a few days after their church visit, the Lord opened a door to have a long conversation with Ivette. We asked her about her relationship with God and surety of going to heaven. She wasn’t sure but was willing to hear what the Bible said. In hearing the gospel she stated that she understood and had not heard it explained before. That afternoon, that divine appointment gave cause to…

“Go sound the horn! Start up the choir! a sinner is saved….saved from the fire! No more in darkness…(she’s) received God’s Son! All heaven rejoices; that’s the value of one!”

Grow, grow, grow….pray for Ivette’s growth! We’ll be visiting her and encouraging church attendance. She has already shared that she would like to do a Bible study with Tina. Pray for Tina’s salvation as well.

The Unexepected

Why do I insist on pulling into parking areas backwards? Who am I trying to impress, really?  But I do love the easy of pulling out straight from whatever spot I “masterly” pulled into.  And—I have to say, I do have a good laugh at myself when I get out to check out how I did and see that I “masterfully” came in crooked! So the bad news is that in pulling in backwards through a narrow brick-wall driveway, I craftily gave my left mirror the worst headache it has ever had. I’ll be getting that checked out today.

But the distress of that moment could not touch the pulsating joy of the possibility of another huge opportunity to bring others to Christ.

Yesterday afternoon I had visit #2 with a mom of one of the public school project’s kids.  Her son had come to an activity at church and a couple weeks back I had come out to get to know his family.   That first visit went well as far as first visits go—and she even invited me back! So here I was with visit #2.

We had a great time chatting and getting to know each other—she too, was very interested in the school and had in the past organized several moms to help out in varying ways.  Her current desire was to get these moms (and ladies in the community) together to teach them a craft as a source of income for their homes. In fact, she had already talked to the principal with the idea of putting this into action on Monday afternoons at the school.

As we talked and shared in many topics, I was praying asking the Lord how I could show Himself to her.  The time passed and it seemed that this visit would close without much conversation related to spiritual things. I began thanking her for the cake she prepared and for inviting me over when—something changed. She mentioned how so many people come to her for advice and help, yet in reality, she couldn’t be their source of strength.  As she had already spoken of having faith in God, I followed her awareness of this truth by supplying—“and what an opportunity to be the person to direct them to the Ultimate source of strength!”   We talked some more and I restated to her that if she was ever interested in studying the Bible together or reading some passages together I would enjoy the opportunity.

Well, then something unexpected happened.

She looked at me and it was as if she changed the topic.  It went something like—  “I think the Monday afternoon project for these ladies will go well.” “Everyone together to learn some new things.”

 Huh? I was not following. 

“I know several ladies and I know they will come out to participate,” she continued.

Wait…was she …..“Are you inviting me…. to….?” my question came out a bit halted and uncompleted. 

“Each person can share in the area that they understand best.”

“Do you mean...share with them about the Bible?.....oh, it would be a great pleasure…”

“Ok, great.   I’ll just check with Cristina (the principal) and we should be starting mid-August.”

What? Really? You’re kidding--did she really just ask me to give a Bible study? To a group of ladies in this neighborhood?

Friends and co-laborers in the Lord, I never expected to have such an opportunity given to me! Yet, here is the possibility share God's love, grace and His generous gift He offers to all.


I am greatly humbled to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands-- and in much prayer that He would direct me in how to reach these women.  I ask that you pray for me……and that you would pray that this possibility becomes reality.

Thank you so much,

In Christ,

Tati Cordeiro

HOOK, BOOK, LOOK, TOOK

I love teaching and am always looking for ideas to do a better job. Recently I came across this method of organizing and prepping for your teaching situation.  What grabbed me was the importance of making your goals clear to your learners and the need to develop your goals by discerning the following (I guess I put that backwards...anyway): 

a) what do I want my students to know because of this lesson? 

b) what do I want my students to feel because of this lesson? 

c) what do I want my student to do because of this lesson?

So here we go--hope you find something you can use too!

(You can go right to the website by clicking here. This is method comes from "Creative Bible Teaching"by Richards/Bredfeldt-Moody Press 1998.  Here is a video that shares this concept.)

Teaching Effectively in Ministry Situations

UNDERSTANDING HOOK, BOOK, LOOK, TOOK

Purpose: This lesson will teach you how to prepare a Bible study or group discussion using a specific method called Hook, Book, Look, Took.

Objectives: By the end of the lesson you will be able to:

1)    Put together an effective group Bible study.

2)    Know how to guide the discussion using strategic questions.

Good questions are the key to success in leading a guided discussion.  In any guided discussion or Bible study, the teacher/facilitator should have a specific outcome that he or she wants to lead the group to.  This is generally a response or application of the lesson to the students’ lives.  We have found that preparation beforehand is crucial to the effectiveness of the group.  

Following is a description of a method called Hook, Book, Look, Took that will help you put together your own Bible study in an interesting and effective manner.  You will also find suggestions designed to help you to construct good questions to fit the Hook / Book / Look / Took Outline.

This closely relates to the Bible Study method which uses Observation, Interpretation, and Application.

The Hook/Book/Look/Took method focuses on four main aspects of any group study.  You must first grab the students’ attention in order to introduce the lesson and lead them to want to be involved in the material.  The second area of concentration needs to be the Bible since you can not have a Bible study without looking into God’s Word.  After reading Scripture and seeing the Biblical truths revealed, the learners must also then take these truths and see what they mean.  Finally from here, application of the text to the student’s own lives must be made. 

Before you can teach a lesson, you must start by preparing the lesson in advance.  This may seem obvious, but it needs to continually be stated.  If you do not plan ahead how you are going to address the four parts of the study, you can be assured that the students’ will know and that the lesson will not a success.  When preparing your discussion, you must have a specific objective(s) in mind for where you want the discussion to end up.  Objectives are vital in helping you determine if the group was successful and in helping you evaluate the effectiveness of the lesson.

On the next pages, you will find a chart outlining the Hook/Book/Look/Took method.  This chart will explain what each portion of the method is and its purpose, will give examples of how to utilize and apply each part, and will also give sample questions that will help you determine the types of questions you need to ask to bring the group to the point of personal application.  You will also find several hook ideas that will help you introduce a variety of subjects that you may be studying, and then you will find a sample outline that you can use to organize your own studies.

EXPLANATION OF HOOK/BOOK/LOOK/TOOK

PURPOSE	SUGGESTED HOW TO'S	EXAMPLES
HOOK -    To get attention. -    To set a goal for discussion. -    To act as a transition to the Bible discussion. -    See attached "Hook Ideas.	·       Should appeal to discussion.  ·       Should be focused on the group’s needs and/or interests.  ·       Shouldn’t necessarily be Biblical in nature but set the stage for it.  ·       Should not be answerable with a Yes or No.  ·       Should be simple and direct.	*   What makes people happy? *    How do you get rich? *    What are you living for? *    What makes a good friend?
BOOK -    To lead the learner to discover Biblical truths. -    To aid the learner in understanding the truths discovered. -    Make observations.	·       Should relate to the Hook portion of your discussion.  ·       Should help in the discovery of the facts, usually by beginning with, Who?, What?, How?, Why? ·       Should clarify and define the truths discovered.	*  What in the book of Philippians brings Paul joy or causes him to rejoice?  *  Who is talking to whom in this verse(s)?  *    Where did this take place? *    Why do you think the passage(s) or verse(s) is here?
LOOK -    To guide the learner to formulate the truths into principles to which he can respond. -    Sets the stage for application.	·       Should summarize the facts discovered and draw out the principles or truths. ·       Should help clarify and formulate the truth(s) so application can be made.	*  Why is Paul joyful even amidst adverse circumstances? *    What can we learn from Paul about a joyful attitude? *    How can you tell when a person is joyful?
TOOK -    To make personal, specific application of the Biblical truths discovered. -    Desire specific, changed behavior.	·       Should bring the discovered truth to a level of practical, personal application.  ·       Should help the individual see how the truth can be specifically applied to his life. ·       Should not be general and vague. Have group members write out their planned application and share it with the group.	*   How do you plan to demonstrate joy this week (Be Specific)? *   In what specific situation do you plan to display joy this week? *   Think of a situation at _____(Home, School, Work, etc.), where you have not been joyful but will trust the Lord to make you joyful.

 

Hook Ideas

1.            Agree/Disagree sheet.

2.            "Buzz groups" - Divide the group into pairs and have them discuss a question.  Then have the group come back together and share their answers with everyone.

3.            Case study - Read a story or illustration that is related to the lesson and ask questions about it.

4.            Relate a current event or movie to the lesson.

5.            Use a story from a devotional book that relates to the lesson.

6.            Have a "mini-debate."  Divide the group and defend opposing views that relate to the lesson.

7.            Have the group draw stick figures of a situation or subject and share them with the group.

8.            Have the group close their eyes and visualize a memory.  Remember sights, sounds, touch, and tastes.  Pick a memory that relates to the Bible Study lesson.

9.            Use secular magazine ads or newspapers to create a collage that could double as a message from God (i.e., if the topic is on assurance of your salvation, then cut out phrases from magazines like:  "Lifetime guarantee;"  "Here's an unprecedented anti-aging complex").

10.            Use a tape at the beginning with a brief talk or song that relates to the topic.

11.            Do a Word Study - (eg.  "to be filled" - Similar to wind filling the sail on a boat.  Bring a toy sail boat and bowl of water and illustrate the direction and power of the boat when you blow on the sail.  Or, bring a little fan and a plastic bag.  Turn the fan on and illustrate the effect on filling the bag with wind from the fan.)

12.            Do a small skit or "stage an argument" about the topic.

a.    Gossip - Send three people out of the room and stage a conflict.  Have one after the other explain the conflict and see if the story changes.

b.    Discipleship/Modeling - Have one person try to "mirror" funny movements of another person.

c.    Trust - Have someone fall backwards into the arms of a "trustworthy object."

d.    Involvement in a local Church - Stage a fight over the topic by arranging beforehand to have a "discussion" with a Bible study member on whether you need to attend church or not.  You should take opposing views.  Don't let the others in the study know that this is a pre-planned discussion.  Allow the others to join into the conversation.  Then introduce the Ten Basic Steps #1, lesson 6 on "Church."

13.            Match Scriptures with statements.

14.            Brainstorm an idea.

15.            Bring items to illustrate the topic.  For example:

a.     Multiplication - bring dried peas and a checkerboard; double the peas on each square of the checkerboard.

b.     Relationship vs. fellowship - Bring a picture of your family to talk about the fact that you will always be related to your family.

c.     Dealing with temptation - Bring a plate full of brownies with a "Do Not Touch" sign.

d.     Fact, Faith and Feeling - Bring a toy train and label the sides.

It has to rain... today?

Steady rain.  Well, it’s early in the day. 

There’s time to come up with plan B.

It’s Thursday, public school project day and 

it’s raining...

Last week we started off inside the “Mais Educação” room.  We had a plan and put it to action…tried to, at least.  Forty plus kids that wouldn’t obey instructions lead to complete chaos.  This week needed to be different.  I was hoping we would be outside….my stomach started turning in knots.

Well, right away, a friend of mine came to visit.  Fear stopped for a chat and reminded me of what a disaster rainy days at the project had been.  I had not been able to control the constant activity around me….and the Shame of failing surrounded me.  Fear had brought Pity with him and Pity started talking about how all the work fell on me and there was no one to help. Would the helper come or would the helper not come? Fear said not to ask--I would be better off not knowing.  Well, the helper came, whistling. But why didn’t the helper help? Pity engaged in a longer conversation until he transformed to Overwhelmed.  This is all wrong! The project was not about Fear, Shame, Pity or Overwhelmed! It was about Jesus. Those that would be willing to hear, let them hear!

We arrived at the project. Lots of kids were missing today because of the rain.  Half the group was present. Well…that made the group was manageable. The first hour, a couple handfuls of kids joined to play games.  We transitioned to an English game –finding the opposites to words (ex. Black/white or Front/Back).  Since the kids love games—we played another game that was an introduction to the lesson: The Price is Right*.  A kid from each team guessed the price of an item and whoever was closest without guessing over, got a point for their team.  Transition/Application: Items cost money. Typically, you don’t receive items for free…there is a cost involved.  In fact, a price was paid for us to go to heaven and live with God forever.  This beautiful place, this perfect place, was paid for with a large price!

We talked about how our sin separates us from God and the need for Someone Perfect to pay for our sins.  Jesus Christ is the bridge between God and us. The gift God offers is a free gift.

I looked at the kids seated on the synthetic green rug on the floor.       

"Anyone want this gift bag?"

"Me!" they almost simultaneously shouted. 

As I turned to give the gift to the first one that called out to receive it—the group immediately began to argue about who should receive the gift.  Even the one who was receiving the gift began to defend why he should receive it.  “Wait!—Look—Here he is selfishly defending why he should receive the gift, but you know what, he didn’t have to work for this.  I didn’t say—'pay attention and don’t talk and I’ll give this to you'."  The room got silient. “All I said was, ‘Do you want it?’ And he gets to get it…..but guess what…I brought some for everyone." Handing out the M&M's I continued,  "You see, God doesn’t offer His gift to the smartest, the biggest, the happiest, the one who has worked the hardest—His love extends to every person, regardless. And that includes you."

Hard to believe how well they listened. 
At the end of the hour, four kids testified to have believed on Jesus as their Savior. 


Was I disheartened by rain?

This was a great project day.

*used www.creativeyouthideas.com for the evangelism/game idea

Mom's big 7-0!

Birthdays are definitely special occasions in my family and my parents always made my brothers and mine a big deal.  Sometimes it was the rare event: pick your favorite restaurant--which was a no-brainer as kids--Pizza Hut! Apparently, nothing else compared back then. :)  A favorite memory is also going to bed the night before with that great anticipation that it was your birthday the next day...and to be "overcome" with excitement in seeing the house decorated with balloons and streamers.  Then, when we were older, dad started the tradition of waking up the birthday-ee right at mid-night and singing "Parábens" in their room to them...and after a couple of years when it became expected, it was always still happily received. :)

Ever since we were kids, dad always built up the anticipation for birthdays and in particular, mom's birthday.  Recalling memories, I have to smile and laugh! "Sneaking"downstairs to "quietly" wrap her presents...then watching her open a box, to find another box, and yet another box...you get the picture.  He always had roses for her and we always knew that if he was mysteriously "not present" the day before that he was out shopping.  :)

Today is my mom's 70th birthday.  It's not just any birthday--it's a landmark birthday! Mom, I am so thankful for your life investment into my life.  Nineteen years without seeing your family in Brazil to invest in Christian education, music lessons, and college funds...you and dad made sacrifices that I am still yet to fully comprehend.  You are a lady of inner strength, boldness, love, virtue, honesty and steadfastness. Thank you for your consistency and "toughness"-- (not always welcomed as a teen)-- but today I want you to hear me--Thank You!

That any of us (Dolfo, Fel or I) serve the Lord is a tribute to your faithfulness in prayer for us. We know that it is God that does the work in and through His children; yet prayer is that part that "availeth much"and makes the difference.

I love you! Happy 70th Birthday!!

Celebrating mom's birthday in 2010!

Up for the Challenge?

When it comes to going against the odds, it seems there's usually two types of people -- those who pursue against obstacles and those who give up before starting.  Take my older brother for example.  As the oldest, he was usually the one who bumped headfirst with the obstacles and challenges of life... teased as a kid for obeying our parents, pressured as a teen to not live for the Lord, missing out on the birth of his firstborn...if you start counting there's definitely a list...yeah, somehow he always got the toughest hits of the three of us. However,  he never gave up, he didn't give in, he just always pursued to do his absolute best..."keep your eyes on Christ" is the blueprint of his life!

Then....comes me.  

Hmm...the comparison takes me back to when he and I went through several teachers in our "career" of music lessons. In one particular piano lesson, I remember that one of the teachers we shared said to me -- well, you'll never be as good as me. ughh--thanks! :-\... I already knew I wasn't very good... My reaction was the opposite of what I guess my brother would have done--it was more like, well why bother trying to improve?! Thankfully, in spite of the deflating words of that day and because of the locked-in decision of my parents to continue lessons until the end of high school, I learned that skills can still be developed and you can always grow somewhat by continued practice...not to mention that "not trying" was even an option!

My "why bother" philosophy changed as I learned that it is God who gives, it is God who enables; it is not about me or for me but about God and for Him!

So....the daunting challenge facing me today? It's the group of fifty young teens of varied backgrounds and behavioral issues that await me next Thursday.  I'd have to say this isn't exactly.... comfort zone. :P I surely don't feel like the right person for the job! But I remind myself that...I wasn't the one Who opened the door; my only surety of going through the door is grounded in God who strengthens and enables those He uses; it is He who works in hearts and transforms lives. 

And a door has opened...

For Thou are great, and doest wondrous things: though art God alone.

Psalm 86:10

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

JOSEPH

We have seen the Lord do some great things in past several weeks! Our theme for the February/summer VBS this year was “Joseph: From Prison to Palace.” Though our workers were few in number, we had a great VBS teaching through the life of Joseph.  It was a big help and special blessing to see the young ladies Sunday school class get involved by acting out a daily skit that went with each day’s theme. 

“God, do I love you?

Right on the heels of VBS we had summer camp organized by Brazilian youth pastors and leaders from several local churches.  I was asked to help assist as a counselor and in organizing the music for the week.  We had a GREAT week with a strong spiritual focus building on the theme: God, do I love you? (Mt. 22:37).  Several teens made decisions ranging from faithfulness to church to removing certain sins in their life to glorify God.  We saw one teen boy share his salvation testimony—having received the Lord that week! Our prayer and yours can also be that God would rise up more youth to serve Him whole-heartedly and respond to His call towards ministry.

“Back to School...”

My focus has been more recently directed to my participation in the public school.  Students here in Brazil recently started their new school year and have been underway now for about three weeks. A little over a week ago I met with the principal of the school in Ponta Grossa and discussed two project ideas.  The first project was to teach the recorder to one class, once a week, during class time.  We had discussed this before and now I agreed to teach on a volunteer basis. The second project idea is a Bible club.  Since schools in Brazil are half days and the public schools in this area have adopted a government program to keep the kids in school all day through supplement activities, there was a possibility to incorporate this activity into the day.

Cristina, the principal, has received me so well—she seems genuinely glad to have someone volunteer time to invest in the kids. In our discussions, she has shown that she is definitely open to the kids being taught about God.  Her belief is that any teaching about God will do them good.

This past Wednesday the Lord gave me the “door” for which I have been praying. I have been given permission to have the kids for one hour on Thursdays.  After asking some questions, I discovered I would possibly have around 50 students ranging in ages from 10-15.  Are you following that I could use your prayers? One of the seminary’s bible college students will be assisting and the school has offered a monitor.  I am currently working on putting together an activity /game for each session and revamping what I had planned on teaching since the age group is older than I expected.  If you want to share your top youth group games, send them to me!  Lord-willing this will be a dynamic time of activity and teaching.

One last thing

I find it a great joy and blessing to live in the bible college building.  This year the school has received new students of which two I will be teaching lessons (one piano the other violin).  I humbled by the Lord’s goodness in allowing me to have a part in training others to help glorify His name through godly music.

Your servant and friend in Christ,

Tati Cordeiro