in CableDELIGHT

Volume IV sprIng 2010

End-of-the-Year Ideas

Get Connected! Camp

Blessed to Be a Blessing

A publication of

in Cable

Reflections“I’m just so nervous praying out loud,” she said. “I do fine when it is just me and Him. But when I have to pray out loud, I just freeze. I cannot think of a thing to say… and then when I do say something, I immediately have doubts and think I must sound like a fool! I guess I’ll never be good enough to…” and her voice trailed off and her eyes dropped to the floor.

I could not leave it there. “Not good enough for what?” I inquired.

“Oh you know. Not good enough to lead a group of girls by myself. Not good enough to participate in a really deep Bible study with other women. Not good enough to do any of the stuff you do....”

“Oh my goodness, Becky” I said. “You ARE good enough to do any and all of those things right now! Doing those things has nothing to do with being ‘good enough.’ Feeling comfortable doing them may have something to do with gaining experience, but it has nothing to do with being good enough. Did I ever tell you about the first time I prayed out loud? Remember I did not grow up in a Christian home. I came to Christ as a young adult. So the first time I prayed out loud was with a small group of women that invited me to a neighborhood Bible study. The leader, Bonnie, was the most outgoing, bubbly woman you would ever want to meet. She made me feel so welcome in the group and I really enjoyed the study right from the beginning. But at the end of our first meeting when everyone else

gems girls’ Clubs executive BoardShirley BattsPortage, Michigan

Cori DykhousePort Lambton, Ontario

Susan KepleyGrand Rapids, Michigan

Glennys KuperusHudsonville, Michigan

Lia LeenstraByron Center, Michigan

Henrietta ReindersRockwood, Ontario

Amy SchaafGrand Rapids, Michigan

Lyn VanTolSpring Lake, Michigan

Mary Jo Vis Riverside, California

gems girls’ Clubs staffJan BooneExecutive Director

Lenae BulthuisTraining Manager

Michele DeHaanCustomer Relations Specialist

Tina DeKamArt Director

Sara DeRidderGraphic & Web Designer

Sara HiltonSenior Editor

Alecia VanHulzen Conference Coordinator

Amy WhitePublications & Web Coordinator

Gert Wolfert Executive Secretary

Canada post publication sales Agreement #41124116, return undeliverable copies to Cable c/o gems girls’ Clubs, po Box 39, norwich, on n0J1p0

To honor God by being responsible stewards of His creation, Cable is printed on post- consumer recycled paper and uses vegetable-based inks.

spring 20102 gems girls’ Clubs

if you would prefer to receive an electronic copy of Cable, send a note to

cable@gemsgc.org to be added to our email list.

Jan practices songs with Zambian CITs for gems new CD, Love in Every Language.

took turns praying out loud, I froze! I opened my mouth but nothing came out. Perspiration was literally dripping off me! After the third meeting ended with the exact same response on my part, I waited until everyone else left to talk to Bonnie about my problem. I told her I wanted to pray out loud as the other women were praying, but I could not do it. I felt so uncomfortable, inadequate, and wondered if I should just stop coming to the study since I apparently was not ever going to be able to pray out loud. Bonnie hugged me and gave me a huge smile.”

“Oh, Jan, it happens to us all. The first time is the hardest, but it gets easier and easier the more you pray. Believe it or not, soon you will not even be aware that there are other people in the room. You’ll just be talking directly to God. The only thing you need to do is take the first step. Just pray two sentences and you’ll be on your way.”

“And so that’s what I did, Becky. I made myself pray two sentences at our very next study. I’m pretty sure I had to throw away the shirt I wore that day because of the huge perspiration stains, but I did it! I started. And through God’s grace and mercy and the Holy Spirit’s encouragement, I haven’t stopped. Today when I pray, there is no fear, because I understand that I am talking directly to my Father who loves me. I know He is not looking for eloquence in my words. He is looking at my heart. And I know Becky, that Bonnie’s wise instruction will work for you just as it did for me. You just need to begin and you will be on your way.”

What a privilege we have in GEMS this year to teach girls to pray together. When we teach young girls to pray out loud for one another within the safety and security of their small group at GEMS, their fears leave and their prayer life grows. When girls gain confidence in their prayers and learn to be comfortable praying aloud in their childhood, that confidence and comfort in praying will continue throughout their adult lives. What a gift you are giving them, GEMS counselors. Thank you for investing so much into young lives. GEMS Counselors, you ARE the best!

Jan Boone GEMS Executive Director

gems girls’ Clubs 3www.gemsgc.org

It has been such a joy for me to share with you in each Cable. I am so thankful for the years I was able to serve on the geB; it was a privilege to serve the ministry and has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I thank god for giving me the opportunity to serve Him. Through gems I have been stretched to new levels and grown so much closer in my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that each of you would use the time you are serving through gems to stretch and grow you into the woman god has planned for you to be.

I love the gems ministry and how it changes not only the lives of young girls, but also lives of the women who serve as counselors!

It is a joy for me to pass the baton of president on to Henrietta reinders, who I have had the pleasure of serving with on the geB for the past several years. Henrietta is a strong woman of faith who will lead the ministry well.

now I leave you with this verse from 1 Chronicles 16:11: Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually.

may the lord bless each and every one of you as you serve Him through your role in the gems ministry.

Blessings,

Barb

Do you ever wonder how or why you are in the position you are in? We may wonder, but god knows exactly what He’s doing – we just need to walk in faith. It’s in that faith walk that I introduce myself, Henrietta reinders, as the next geB president. Fifteen years ago I first joined gems as a group leader. From there, doors opened for opportunities to serve in other capacities in gems.

It has been an incredible blessing and privilege to meet and work with so many amazing women – women who are walking with the lord and sharing their faith walk with so many girls. As a Board, we will continue to seek and follow god’s direction for gems. Your insight and encouragement are always welcome.

As the baton passes, we are thankful for the years of service Barb miedema has given to gems, and, knowing Barb, she’ll keep going!

Walking in faith together,

Henrietta reinders

If you have a question for the geB please send it to us at boardquestions@gemsgc.org.

Ministry Update

Club Coordinator Mailing

Club Coordinators – watch your mailboxes this summer for important information from the gems service

Center. In late June or early July you will receive a checklist for the upcoming season, sHine brightly and Sparkle renewals and invoices, as well as a supply Catalog and order form.

Then, in late August, you will receive dues and offering forms as well as information on The Call to Africa and Hand ‘n Hand.

If you are not returning as the Club Coordinator next year, please inform the service Center so we can ensure the correct person receives this information.

supply Catalog Coming soon

It’s never too early to start thinking about next season! Watch your mailboxes late this summer for the neW

gems supply Catalog. Check out all the new Annual Theme materials as well as the latest uniform options and fun new supplies and gifts! These materials will also be available at www.gemsgc.org. new prices go into effect June 1, 2010.

Blessed to be a Blessing

With the current state of the economy, lots of clubs throughout north America are unable to provide

sHine brightly and Sparkle subscriptions as well as other curriculum for their girls. And, our Adopt-a-Club fund that usually covers these costs for struggling clubs has greatly diminished.

If your club is currently in a time of financial blessing, please consider making a donation to our Adopt-a-Club fund and ensuring girls everywhere can be blessed through gems.

geMs 14th annual golf Classic

This may, gems will be hosting its 14th Annual golf Classic at Diamond

springs golf Course in Hamilton, michigan. each year the Golf Classic

helps underwrite the costs of Get Connected! Camp while also

supporting the overall ministry of gems.

Check out www.gemsgc.org to learn more about the individual and corporate sponsorship opportunities and learn how you or your business could help deepen the impact of gems around the world!

If you are interested in hosting a Golf Classic in your area, please contact Amy at amy@gemsgc.org for more details.

neW

Barb Henrietta

leaRn More at

You go to church. You lead gems. maybe you even do a midweek Bible study. But how closely are you following Christ? seriously. stop and think about it. How passionate are you about your faith? Do His truths infiltrate every aspect of your life? Does He control your money, your time, and each word you say? Do you have a fire of love burning so brightly in your heart that everyone you meet can feel the blaze? or, do you have areas of indifference in your life that cast a shadow over the power of your testimony?

god is passionate about His people. His Word repeatedly describes His sincere desire to have an authentic, wholehearted relationship with us. But, too often our response is a lackluster faith. Too often we choose to be apathetic and lukewarm. How should we respond to god’s love? We should ceaselessly Feed the Fire! in our lives by passionately pursuing god (revelation 3:15-16) and zealously serving Him (romans 12:11)!

now is the time to refute apathy and complacency! As followers of Jesus Christ we must move from apathy to action – living a life that is defined by radical, wholehearted love and obedience to god alone.

4 gems girls’ Clubs

ClUB neWs

This year’s Annual Counselors’ Leadership Conference will introduce this new theme and teach you more about what it means to Feed the Fire! in your own life

and to pass the flame on to the girls in your club.

But, that’s not all!

This Conference will also contain many unique features including:

The debut of new curriculums including completely revised books for girls in •first through third grades, an all new Badge Book for grades four through six, and two brand new curriculums for seventh and eighth graders!

An all-new GEMS CD perfect for girls and counselors alike•

A GEMS EXPO with a variety of interactive demonstrations and ideas for •club use

A complimentary Club Coordinator training on Thursday morning•

A special women’s night away dinner cruise designed just for you!•

We look forward to seeing you at Bethel University in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota July 22-25, 2010! Register today at www.gemsgc.org. And, if you have already registered, don’t forget to confirm your travel arrangements by mailing back your confirmation cards, confirming on the conference website, or by emailing Alnora at tbruin47@gmail.com.

end-of-tHe-YeaR ideas

Looking for ways to wrap up your GEMS Season in a memorable way? Try one of these ideas:

Host a • family banquet – check out the gems website for details on hosting a Prayer – No Worries! banquet.

Have a special• awards ceremony and distribute all of the badges girls earned throughout the year.

Invite a • guest speaker to talk about the power of prayer she has witnessed in her own life.

Host a • talent show for your gems and their families.

Do a • service project as a club in your church or in your community.

2010-11 theme feed tHe fiRe!

GEMS

www.gemsgc.org gems girls’ Clubs 5

tRain the trainer eventGEMS is all about girls. But GEMS is all about women,

too. Ensuring that you are growing in your faith and fully equipped to impact the girls in your club is one of the primary goals of the ministry.

The ACTS (Area Counselor Training and Support) Program was designed so counselors could receive training within their geographic region. Each area of North America has an AC (Area Coordinator) and an LT (Leadership Trainer). Each spring these volunteers attend a weekend retreat to receive the training they need in order to organize events, run workshops, and offer encouragement to local clubs and counselors throughout the year.

Lenae Bulthuis, GEMS Training Manager, said that at this event ACs and LTs, “…receive training on the new season’s theme, learn how to plan workshops, how to start and support new clubs, how to train new Club Coordinators and counselors, and are introduced to all the new materials.”

In addition, ACs and LTs from across North America have significant time to share what is going on in their region. They pray for one another and learn and grow from the trials and triumphs of each area.

“It’s critical to have these key leaders in place in each of the areas because they serve as the area’s ambassadors to GEMS,” Lenae said. “With only nine ladies on the GEMS staff it would be impossible to travel to every area in a single season to train and encourage counselors in their important work with girls. But through the ACTS Program, that’s taking place! Most areas have local ladies that are equipped to train them and answer their questions. Not only are these ladies equipped, they’re eager to do so! They love helping counselors and reaching out to girls!

“When you know what resources are available to you and how to use them, you’ll be more successful,” Lenae concluded. And that is exactly what ACs and LTs are available to do.

If you are not familiar with your local AC and LT, check out the GEMS website today. Each area will be hosting workshops to introduce the new theme and offer other valuable support this fall.

Clubs training ClubsAfter 23 years as a leader in the ministry, Geraldine Runia

understands a thing or two about GEMS. For the past 19 years she has served as the Club Coordinator for Volga Christian Reformed Church in Estelline, South Dakota.

So, when the pastor from a nearby town asked her to attend a meeting about starting a GEMS Club at his church, she agreed. After Geraldine presented the mission and vision of GEMS along with highlights from her own club, Hamlin Reformed Church decided to go ahead with the program.

April Brouwer, the Club Coordinator of the new club, knew Geraldine. “Our oldest daughter and April were friends through college,” Geraldine explained. So Geraldine started to mentor April as she learned the ins and outs of leading a GEMS Club.

“I told April to call me at any time with questions or concerns,” Geraldine said. “I don’t have all the answers, but sometimes in talking problems over we come up with ideas together.”

Geraldine helped April’s congregation overcome the misconception that GEMS is solely a ministry of the Christian Reformed Church, as well as offering her general input and support. “She shared with me how she handled [certain situations] in her club and she told me which curriculum her girls’ seemed to enjoy the most at each level,” April said.

“[She assured me that] most groups start off very small,” April continued. “And not to get discouraged if something doesn’t work the way it was planned, to be open to the ideas and opportunities of our girls, to do what works for our club, [and she said] I would grow to love the girls and look forward to seeing them each time!”

This relationship with Geraldine has been an amazing blessing to April throughout the year. If you have a newer club or would simply like the insight of a more seasoned Club Coordinator, contact your local AC or LT (call the GEMS Service Center or visit the GEMS website if you do not know who your AC and LT are) to set you up with a mentor club today!

“I don’t have all the answers,

but sometimes in talking problems

over we come up with ideas

together.”

6 gems girls’ Clubs

get inspiRed

“In our culture a lot of girls don’t know

god, and before gems no one was teaching them. ”

6

Watching Catherine Phiri traverse the streets of Kalingalinga (a small compound nestled in the otherwise massive city of Lusaka, Zambia) as she

visits GEMS Clubs each Saturday, you never would guess that this joyful, godly woman ever had a lackluster walk with the Lord.

But, as Catherine recalls, that was her reality before becoming a GEMS counselor. “When I was not a counselor, I would go to church in chapters. Some Sundays I would go, some Sundays I would not go – maybe just once a month.”

But, after hearing about GEMS and attending the first counselor training in 2005, things started to change. “I had a strong desire to meet with God,” Catherine explained with a smile. “Some time back…I wasn’t even able to read the Bible. But since becoming a counselor I’ve learned so much! Now I go to church every Sunday and I am in two choirs; I teach the other women how to sing.”

Catherine said that the first GEMS counselor training was difficult, but she worked hard because she knew that girls in her church needed guidance, training, and love. “In our culture a lot of girls don’t know God, and before GEMS no one was teaching them. So, I was very excited that I could be a counselor [and] share the Word of God.”

Now, as a Leadership Trainer, Catherine not only inspires girls, but helps other woman as well. “I enjoy teaching other people,” she explained. “We coordinate workshops and the other counselors come so we can teach them how to teach.”

The results of Catherine’s efforts are obvious. Women eagerly look to her for guidance and support. “You see,” Catherine explained, “for many counselors, their skills are improving as well. Before, some women were just sitting at home doing nothing. Now that they’ve become counselors, they go to church, read the Bible, and do things. They are working, sewing, and practicing. [The badge lessons] are great for the girls, but even for my life they are very helpful; we’re learning basket-making, communication skills, the budgeting of money, and many other things.”

From a timid woman unable to speak English and lacking genuine faith, God used GEMS to transform Catherine’s life and make her a prominent leader for the women in her community. Self-assured, content, and forever gracious – her love and joy are tangible.

But it doesn’t stop there. Catherine’s newfound confidence in God has overflowed to those around her. “Even my family has changed,” she said. Since Zambian households often run several generations deep, Catherine is influencing her four grandchildren, all of whom have lost their parents.

Catherine’s granddaughter, Irene, has experienced a profound effect as a result of GEMS and through watching her grandmother. As a member

of one of the four original GEMS Clubs in Zambia, Irene says she has seen a drastic change in her own life. “I have learned so many things,” she said, “and when my grandmother was teaching I admired her.”

Irene quickly found a leadership role within her club of 120 girls. Along with some friends, Irene began leading praise and worship – even taking the time to compose her own songs. “I just like worshipping God,” Irene explained. “He is my Creator. He gave me everything. Some of my friends – they are dying, but me, I am alive, and I want to worship God because of that.”

www.gemsgc.org gems girls’ Clubs 7www.gemsgc.org

Get Connected! Camp – Register today!

god daily invites us to peel away the distractions of life and connect with

Him. And, Get Connected! Camp offers early-teen girls an opportunity to do just that! By removing all the commotion of culture, girls are better-equipped to hear God’s voice and respond to His truth.

Get Connected! Camp is specifically designed for girls who have been enrolled in GEMS for at least one year who have completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. This year’s camp is August 9-13 in Lawton, Michigan.

Assistant Camp Director, Natasha Moes, can’t wait. “I am really looking forward to whatever God has in store for camp. I am sure we’ll be experiencing some incredible things!”

Natasha is no stranger to Get Connected! Camp. After attending twice as a camper she volunteered to be a TLC (counselor) in 2007. “I absolutely loved being at camp,” she said. “There is so much freedom to get to know other girls [and] to try activities…each time I was at camp I was challenged in incredible ways and definitely noticed growth in my faith.”

From crafts and high ropes courses to building relationships with other girls in her cabin, Natasha remembers her weeks at camp as fun, exciting, and engaging times spent learning, growing, and connecting. “Camp is a place where a lot of the distractions are not around, so you have lots of time to learn about

God and the incredible love that He has for you! The days are also filled with a ton of fun stuff.”

As a camper, Natasha appreciated the impact her TLCs had on her life.

“[They] made me feel so welcomed and engaged in whatever we were doing as a cabin…I know how valuable they were in my life and faith, and I [wanted] to be used by God in the same way. Also, being a TLC is so much fun spending a week laughing and hanging out with

amazing 6th through 8th grade girls...it is a blast!”

And, now, Natasha is excited to help lead camp this summer, and she wants to encourage any girl who is still thinking about coming. “If she’s never been to camp before,” Natasha said, “this is something she won’t regret- it is just so much fun. I really think every girl will benefit from being at camp, no matter what her interests are. There are tons of things to do and to learn, and all the TLCs will be working hard to make sure she feels comfortable and at home in her cabin. It is an amazing way to finish off your summer!”

Check out the GEMS website for more information about attending camp or serving as a TLC. Registrations for campers will be accepted through May 1.

campget connected!

After attending the first Get Connected! Camp in Zambia last summer, Irene wanted to further her involvement with GEMS. So, this past April, the 10th grader attended the new counselor training. Now, as a CIT in her club, she works alongside her grandmother each week as she teaches and inspires younger girls.

“GEMS to me means that girls every-where meet the Savior,” she said. “So I know we should bring other girls – those who don’t go to church – to GEMS so they can meet their Savior, too.”

girls

everywhere

meeting the

savior

Dynamic Youth ministries

p.o. Box 7259 grand rapids, mI 49510

p.o. Box 39 norwich, on n0J 1p0

pLEASE rEcycLE

gReen tRUtHWhen you head to the grocery store, remember what time of year it is. Shopping seasonally

not only means you will have fresher produce, but you will also be helping reduce emissions

because when items are not in season they have to be shipped over greater distances to end

up on your local grocer’s shelves. So plan ahead so you can enjoy sweet corn in the summer,

apples in the fall, and citrus in the winter!

the esther school – Brick by BrickBe sure to visit the GEMS website to get updates on The Esther School in Zambia. As more bricks come in we will update the progress to keep you informed. Check it out today and learn how you and your club can get involved in building this school for orphaned and under-resourced children!

You can also check the GEMS website to find out more about teams traveling to Zambia to work on the school this summer. Interested in serving God in Africa? Check out these opportunities today!

Using His Resources Wisely for the KingdomAs the slowed economy continues to have a negative impact, we all must be careful to use

the resources He provides wisely. The information presented below is meant to help you understand where the monies you send for dues and offerings are used within the ministry. Indeed we are a non-profit ministry so we never budget for a profit. Dues that are paid by clubs and offerings paid by churches are necessary parts of our budget contributing to the overall operation, vitality, and success of the ministry.

Income: Percentage of Total:

Magazine Subscriptions 11.5 Merchandise Sales 33.0Offerings 19.0Dues 3.0Individual Donations 4.5Fundraising 6.5Conference Registrations 16.5Get Connected! Camp 6.0Ministry Shares or Denominational Support 0.0

Total Income 100% Expenses: Percentage of Total:

Magazine Production and Mailing 11.5Merchandise Costs 33.0Office Expenses 3.0Program Development 13.5Promotion and Fundraising Expense 2.5Leadership Training 3.0Board and Committee Expense 0.5Conference 16.5Get Connected! Camp 6.0DYM Allocation 10.5 (building “rental,” utilities, equipment use, maintenance)

Total Expenses 100%

magazine

magazine

Conference

DYm

merchandise

merchandise

program Devolopment

offeringsDues

office

promotion/FundraisingTraining

Board/Committee

Donations

Camp

Camp

Fundraising

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Publications Mail Poste-publications

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