It's Summer!
Look outside your window. What do you see? That's right! The sun is shining, the pool is calling your name, and if you're in Texas, then you are safely inside with your A/C. Ablaze is so excited for all of the incredible things that are going on this summer, and you will get to hear about some of those later on. But we definitely closed out this past spring semester with a bang! We had another wonderfully successful benefit dinner, as well as a powerful Pentecost Vigil. And if God wasn't good enough, he brought us two new missionaries joining us this fall! Read on for the exciting details.
Welcome to the Family!
We are incredibly honored to have two new amazing missionaries joining Ablaze! Brian Baudoin is coming in as a Director of Youth Ministries, and Jalyn Gonzales is joining us as a Youth Minister."I joined Ablaze because I believe that there are needs that aren’t being met for our Catholic teens and those that minister to them. I see Ablaze as a way that I can help answer that need and help change the game for Catholic Youth Ministry." —Brian Baudoin
To learn more about Brian or to support him as a missionary, go to our website.
"Through these ministries, I discovered my love for the Lord. I formed friendships and learned more about Jesus. There I discovered the passion in my heart to know the Lord more." —Jalyn Gonzales
To learn more about Jalyn or to support her as a missionary, go to our website.
Ablaze Ministries
2017 Benefit Dinner
This year's benefit dinner was a huge success! We are incredibly blessed to receive so much support from our community and people like you. We were excited to have speaker Bob Rice and host Jim Beckman join us, and they did not disappoint! The Malinowski Center was filled with lots of laughter, good food, and inspiring testimonies from youth in our ministries. Click on the video below for a small taste of this wonderful evening. And thank you for your continuous prayers and support.
Click here to watch the video on Youtube Ablaze's Resources for Teens, Parents, and Youth Ministers
Ablaze Ministries has some great things to say!
- Parents: Beyond the Pew is a short, weekly video blog that provides practical applications on how to share the faith with your kids. Each week we have a new post here!
- Teens: The Forge provides practical and helpful ways for teens to grow in their faith when it comes to our culture, relationships, life, and prayer.
- Youth ministers: The Next Level Ministry blog provides foolproof tips, ideas, and encouragement in ministry. Also, check out the NLM Vlog on Youtube.
Thank you for your support and prayers! You are such an important part of all that God is doing in our ministries. Our staff is praying for you this summer. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for more frequent updates regarding our ministries and resources.
Ministry Events
UNDERSTANDING 13 REASONS WHY
The Journey (high school youth) groups at both St. Joseph's in Bryan and St. Mary's in Caldwell tackled the controversial "13 Reasons Why" Netflix series in a unique and engaging way.
Sam created 12 profiles of imaginary high school students and how they might react to different events in their lives. Sam and Josh, using text messaging and fake tweets, walked their youth through an activity that encouraged empathy for others, especially when they may not know everything that is happening in their lives. The youth then discussed how it felt to be aware of the things going on in their own high school, and how they can support each other every day. It was a powerful activity and an excellent close to the semester.
"It was a very eye-opening night. Many of the youth came up to me talking about how frustrating some characters were because they needed help, but nobody helped them. But even in that frustration, they wanted to do it again. It was a powerful activity."
—Josh
CAMP BASIC
Nearly 50 people are currently at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, TX for a 5-day middle schooler summer camp. Not only are the enjoying a ropes course, archery, swimming, and slides, they are growing in fellowship with the Lord and each other! Please keep this amazing event in your prayers as they wind down this week!
PRAYER INTENTIONS
Send us your intentions so that we can pray for you as a staff! Reply to this email or email admin@ablazeyouth.org
SAVE THE DATE
August 19th:
Everyone is invited. More details will be coming soon.
September 9th:
for all in grades 6-12 ft. talks, games, concerts, and more.
Stay tuned for our next Quarterly Update this fall!
In Christ,
the Team at Ablaze Ministries
