Category Youthmark Stuff

Prayer Update

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

It’s been about a week since my trip to LA.  I came back from the trip very focused on what needed to get done in a three week period.  I quickly realized, three weeks was actually about two weeks because of my lifeboat (small group) trip in early August.  It has gone well, though distractions come up and I need that kick in the backside every now and then to remain focused (hoping your prayers will aid in that kick).

Since many of my readers have committed to be prayer partners for me/us/youthmark I think it would be good to post a prayer update from time to time.  I’ll try to do this often (perhaps once a week).  So here is the current prayer list:

  • Writing project is right on schedule, pray I continue to work diligently on this project.
  • Missions project is a little behind; pray for a good dedicated time of concentration so I can get ahead. This means setting aside about 3-4 hours to work only on this to feel I have a good grasp on progress.
  • Biking, I did really well the first few days, need to get back on the bike today to avoid it becoming a streak of days not riding.
  • We had a list of four churches in our area we had on our initial church-search list.  We have seen all four now, and over the next month we will re-visit a couple.  I am also privileged to be preaching at Boulevard Park next week (Aug. 3) and I will be out of town for one Sunday (visiting a PHX trip with my lifeboat guys).  Pray for the right fit for us, where we can be fed and feed.
  • Family life is going well.  Really enjoying consistently being home in the evening with the family!  Pray for our wisdom in parenting.
  • Several outside prayer requests others have let me know about, lift up these specific situations for my friends:  Two friends contemplating job changes.  A friend who has a loved one with cancer.  A friend who just transitioned to a new job.  Many friends leaving on a youth group trip this Sunday.  A wedding I am doing this weekend and the foundation of their new life together.  
Thanks for your prayers for me, my family and our new ministry!
Grace,
Brian 

Trip Report

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

I am posting from the Promenade Starbucks (very close to LAX) as I prepare to fly home from a wonderful two days of meetings down in SoCal.  Two weeks ago, as I began this venture full time, I knew some of the things I wanted to get started on.  These last two days were affirming and inspiring. I am very excited about the first two projects I will be working on (more so than before).

The first is the mission component.  Over the next three weeks I will have a far more intensive plan and even some of the beginning promotional materials developed.  Please pray specifically for the details to come together (many contacts to make, arrangements to be made and the financial commitments to be worked out).

The second is the completion and expansion of my original Youthmark Product.  It is a series of Guided Studies on the Life of Christ.  The expansion is exciting but will mean that at least half of my time over the next three weeks (have to meet a deadline) will be dedicated to this project. 

I really would appreciate your prayers for both of these projects and as the release dates and promotional materials are developed I can speak more specifically about each of these.  

Off to In-N-Out for the obligatory and much appreciated Double Double (weight watchers to begin again AFTER the trip!!!!).

Grace,
Brian

Thankful

Brian Aaby 2 Comments

I am so thankful to the people of BPPC and the surrounding ministries (merge, Youth Group, etc.) for the wonderful “going away” party/merge service they had for us last night. We are thankful we don’t need to leave these relationships and we know that many of you will be partnering with us through prayer. 

I look forward to having a Youthmark Prayer Fellowship on Monday, August 18 at the Heiders.  I will keep you posted at this site (it will be in the evening).  We covet your prayers in the mean-time.  

I will be heading down to LA for a quick day and a half of meetings to discuss publishing, marketing and the like.  Please pray for these meetings.  Pray for safety in travel as well.  I’ll post from down there.

For those of you connected to BPPC and the family gathered last night.  Thank you.  We were/are very blessed to have you as friends.

Grace,
Brian

So, what are you doing?

Brian Aaby 3 Comments

Where to begin?  As I sit down to begin my “career” at Youthmark I am struck with this question, and to be honest, it’s the question I have been asked the most the last couple weeks, “what is the first thing you will be working on?”  

I want Youthmark to provide quality products, events, experiences, resources, coaching and more for the greater youth and family ministry causes.  To that end I will be putting together mission trips, conferences, camps and written resources.  Over the last few years I have written a series of books (Bible Studies) which will make their debut and be published sometime in the next few months (we hope).  Because this is out of my hands (or off of my computer so-to-speak) and in the hands of more professional people doing the final edit/formatting/publishing, then I am free to begin some of my other projects.

So, to answer the “what will I be working on” question… I am developing what I think could be a HUGE program for Youthmark. It will be one part mission trip, but will include resources and the like to enhance the mission of the Youth ministries in the northwest.  Please be in prayer as I write these resources, develop a business strategy and market the plan.   

Over the next month or so I will be receiving feedback from move: mission prep workbook, and reformatting this to be included in the overall mission strategy. 

I am hoping to head down to LA in the next few weeks for some key meetings and will also be working on a writing project with Elisabeth.  We greatly appreciate your prayers.

Speaking of prayers… Sometime in the next month we will have a gathering of sorts (I’m hoping a BBQ) for those who want to be part of the Youthmark Prayer Fellowship (just came up with that for lack of a better title).  We want to gather from time to time to bring our prayer support team up to speed and just enjoy hanging out together.  I’ll let you know when this is, Andy and Terri Heider will host the first one.  We’d love to have you there!

Okay, back to the other writing!

Grace,
Brian