Joshua Generation 2010

(Words of Aaron Cieply but I couldn't have said it any better)

It has been such a fun summer seeing God move in peoples lives and bring about freedom, transformation and healing!! I have seen the reality of God's love in my life and in the life of others, which encourages me to continue on with perseverance on the journey He has led me on. Thank you for enabling me to do what He has called me to, and what I love!

Just over a month ago, we began our summer youth program, Joshua Generation. We were involved with around 80 young people for an intense 3 weeks. Our time was full of teaching, worship, personal devotion, dance and drama training, evangelism training, and fun and games!

Our time together begins each year with a 10 day "boot camp". During this time, kids from all different kinds of backgrounds come with many different burdens and struggles and are met by our beautiful, redeeming God! These kids who range from 12 to 18 years old are set free from guilt, bitterness and a poor self image. We have themed teachings at night covering topics such as purity and forgiveness.
After the 10 day "boot camp", we split up into 4 teams and went throughout New England sharing the love of Christ and putting into practice all we had just learned. We performed the dances and dramas and spoke with thousands of people about the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ .

In just 10 days through 4 teams, God brought 900 people into a relationship with Him!

It was a miraculous and inspiring 3 weeks with these kids! I am sure their lives and the lives of thousands others has been changed by the powerful love of our great God!

My job this summer:

This summer for Joshua Generation I choreographed and trained the teenagers in a dance that they used during their outreach, It was a lot of hard work but so much fun and so worth all the time and effort. (check out the video “FreshWord” on www.JGBoston.org)

IT IS Worth it.

1Corinthians 15:58-

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing your do for the Lord is ever useless."

I have to be completely honest, there are days when I think to myself what am I doing, why am I here working this hard? And then very often I am reminding why.
Here was a message I got from Carol, a teen I had trained and was involved in the School of Evangelism in Waltham.



"There are not enough words to describe the impact you have had in me...its incredible, unbelievable... I am so thankful for you being in my life...popping out those dance moves...for handling the attitude i gave you sometimes just because I was tired..and thankful for that 8am practice because even though I didn't like getting up so early...it helped us out..I'm glad we all got 2 know each other so well...I hope to see you and JJ again...life wont be the same without all of you from YWAM... God Bless You."


Yes.. that right there is why. To inspire and impact all for God's Glory.

IT IS Worth it.

Its Only the Beginning

"Its only the beginning" those were the words that came from each teen as they spoke and gave a testimony at the completion of the School of Evangelism Sunday night. This was after their high impact weekend of outreach.

The entire weekend was filled with all day outreaches. We went out to different places and the teens were able to perform as well as evangelize. It was such a joy seeing all of them going hard and speaking to people with love and compassion about Jesus.
As the weekend came to an end, I couldn't help but tear up a little bit. I was really proud of them. I had only known them for a short while but I had seen such a dramatic change happen in their hearts, where it matters.

So cheers to new beginnings and to these young people who embrace what God has put on their hearts.

Excitement.

God is Amazing!
That's a good place to start.

This past month has been awesome. I started training a group of teens at a local Hispanic church in both drama and dance. Over the past couple weeks I've seen how much more open they are with me and how much fun we have during our 2-3hr practices. (yeah that does say two to three hours!! lol I make sure they work hard and sleep well that night ha ha) I feel so joyful because I am doing what I love to do and ministering to these teens at the same time. I love telling them what God is doing in my life and seeing and hearing what God is doing in theirs. It is such a blessing. They each wrote their testimonies for me and as I read over them my heart broke, they have been through so much and even admitted their struggles and how hungry they still are for God.

Since then we have taken the teens on an evangelism outreach. I think its safe to say that none of them had ever witnessed to someone before and five of them lead someone to Christ!! They were all so excited after and couldn't wait until the next time! How awesome is that? To witness their faith growing and seeing them excited for the Lord in just a few weeks.

Next week the youth leaders have invited me to a big event at their church and have asked me to perform with the youth to kick off the weekend. I am ecstatic!!

God is opening doors and is allowing me to use dance, drama and my testimony for His Glory!!

Amen!!

Time.. where have you gone?

This past month and a half have been really insane. And then a thought crossed my mind.. When was the last time I updated my blog? If I couldn't remember that must mean it has been way too long. Now I don't believe that updating my blog is life or death, really its only to keep others updated with whats going on with our ministry here in Boston. (I'll try my best to be better at this)

Update in a nutshell!! Here we go!

• We are able to stay here in Boston! Some of you may have gotten my newsletter (if not and you would liek to please email me at hrodriguez112@hotmail.com) and read how Jesus rescued us out of a big mess in March and has enabled us to continue our journey here in YWAM!!

• Encounter New England was a great blessing. We were able to perform in my hometown of Manchester NH so members of my family were able to get a glimpse into what I do here! =]

• Encounter has officially gone on Tour as of April 8th. Javian & I were not able to go, for different reasons but are now able to help with the Schools of Evangelism that are happening.

• Which brings me to my next update! I am now teaching one of the schools the drama "Doors" which is a evangelistic street drama. All by myself.. ALL ten parts! lol its quite a job but has been extremely fun! Cant wait for them to use it on the outreach next weekend.

• Joshua Generation is getting alot closer. I've been working on alot of new choreography for the summer! =]

Thanks for reading the update! God Bless!

Encounter 2010 Promo Video

Heading on tour April 7th- May 17th up and down the East coast!

Just Breathe...

These are the Lyrics to the song "Need you to Love Me" by Barlow Girl. These lyrics touched my heart deeply, reminding me of how MUCH I need God's love everyday in EVERY situation even if I feel I'm not worthy of it. His love is never ending, full of mercy and grace. Listening to this song made me want to sit in Gods presence and "Just Breathe".

Why, why are You still here with me
Didn't You see what I've done?
In my shame I want to run and hide myself
But it's here I see the truth
I don't deserve You

[Chorus:]
But I need You to love me, and I
I won't keep my heart from You this time
And I'll stop this pretending that I can
Somehow deserve what I already have
I need You to love me

I, I have wasted so much time
Pushing You away from me
I just never saw how You could cherish me
'Cause You're a God who has all things
And still You want me

Your love makes me forget what I have been
Your love makes me see who I really am
Your love makes me forget what I have been