Firestorm Youth

Places of Remembrance

2007-06-21T12:11:00.000-05:00

During the summer of 2004 our lives were in limbo. Mary and I were waiting on a church while I was working in a factory in Conneaut Ohio. Everyday when I woke up from my afternoon sleep I’d saunter over to the phone and check to see if any Pastors had called. As the weeks drug by without any serious leads, we grew more discouraged.

Our only respite was a little park situated directly on the Lake. We’d walk the trails, discuss our lives and spend times in prayer. That park became a divine place of rest for us that summer. God met us there over and over again, reassuring us and speaking peace into our lives.

On our vacation this past week, Mary and I determined that we would take an afternoon and head to our park. With Lakyn & Lani in tow, Mary and I walked the trails once again chatting about how our lives had changed and how good God had been to us. We remembered the peace God had granted to us even in the that place of uncertainty. That afternoon we were once again reminded of God’s faithfulness.

All of us need places where we meet with God. In times of difficulty, God longs to speak peace into our lives if we are in position to listen. So find a place that helps you get in position to hear His Voice, and in time, long after God has calmed your storms, you can revisit that place and remember His faithfulness.

-Pastor Doug Misch

Adrenaline Rush Christianity

2007-05-18T10:32:00.000-05:00

The day after Carlinville schools releases its kids for the summer, Firestorm is headed to 6 Flags over St. Louis. For me, and many of our teens, this is one of the most anticipated events of the year. The roar of the coasters, the mumble of the crowds, and oh my the smell of the food! Who couldn’t love an atmosphere like that?

As for the rides, I have always hated a certain type of ride- the ones that spin. Whether it’s the contraption that looks like a spider with eight legs, each contiaining a bucket of people whirling around and back, or the spinning teacups, I REFUSE to step foot on a ride that could cause me to lose my lunch. But the coasters, sign me up Papi!

I love the coasters! I could ride them all day. In fact, I need a bigger rush that can be given at 6 Flags (luckily I’ll be at Cedar Point in August). There is something about a roller coaster that feeds my inner dare devil. I’m not sure if it’s knowing that if one little screw breaks, I’m a deadman, or the physics of zipping down a 150 ft drop, but whatever IT is, I like it.

Following Christ is not all thrills and chills. In fact most of the time it is routine, BUT there are times that God calls us to climb aboard the roller coaster, strap ourselves in and hang on for the ride. A few years ago, while living in West Virginia, I felt God asking me to give a Bible to my neighbor. I was friends with the man, but knew he was opposed to the gospel. I told the Lord O.K., got a Bible, took a deep breath and obeyed. It was a rush! My gift was not accepted with open arms, he and his family did not “run to the altar”, no one was raised from the dead- but I obeyed.

I pray that you would obey the Lord when he asks you to strap yourself in for the ride. When you hear the lap-bar click you may be nervous, but know that when the ride is over you’ll want to go again.

pop quiz

2007-04-20T11:38:00.000-05:00

“Alright, put away your books and get out your #2 pencils.” These words have caused many a student to break out in hives. I was not one of those students. Always a good test taker, I was the kid who’d finish his test first, return to his seat and read a magazine. You know the one- many of you glared at this kid, inwardly envious of his quick test taking ability. Some of my friends fell into the other category. After class they would ask how I took the test so quickly while they struggled to finish on time.
Life tests have not been quite as easy. The teacher has seemed to test me on areas that I’m weakest in, and always in the form of a pop quiz! How could I prepare for showing love to the man in the car who ran a red light, almost hitting me? What about the co-worker who stole my customers? And the friend who betrayed me? Needless to say, many times I had reacted in anger- yelling at the man who nearly hit me, despising the co-worker who disrespected me, berating the friend who betrayed me.
Over the years, I’ve discovered a few things about life tests which have helped considerably. First, the key is not what you know but whom. When a pop quiz appears, I head to my knees. Choosing to nestle up to God during a pop quiz has saved me from guilt, inner turmoil, and strained relationships.
Also, trusting the teacher is mandatory. If God has brought a test my way, He must know I can pass it. Transferring that information from my head to my heart is perhaps the toughest part of the test. But that’s what the teacher ultimately wants me to learn. Once trust is deeply embedded in my heart, any storm can come my way and I know I’ll stand.
Friend, getting as close to God and truly trusting Him will allow you to pass any test that comes your way with flying colors. Then you and I can be like the house whose foundation can withstand any storm, any trial, any test.

-Pastor Doug Misch

Pop Quiz!

2007-04-20T11:29:00.000-05:00

Standard Living

2007-03-23T09:57:00.000-05:00

It was a sunny November Saturday. Mary and I had just come into Carlinville, our new place of ministry. As I drove the U-Haul truck down Johnson street with Mary following in her car, I wondered what our new house would be like. We had only seen pictures.
Soon after moving in, we were told that our house was a “standard edition” house. I had no clue what that meant, but discovered that over 100 homes were built in Carlinville in the early 1900’s to house coal miners that were ordered out of the Sears catalogue. There are a few different styles sported in our town, but the most common one is called a “Carlin”. Maybe that is why our town is named, “Carlinville”.
Just by name a “standard edition” home must meet certain criteria. Each “Carlin” standard edition home is the same as any other “Carlin”. They are standardized. As I think about the church of today, I wonder, do we have strong standards? Does the church meet God’s standards?
A standard is a battleflag. When 2 nations would be in the thick of battle, they would raise their flags in the face of their enemy to threaten and intimidate. My question for you is, “Are you threatening the enemy with your life?” “Do your standards intimidate the enemy?” if not, perhaps it is time to examine your heart.
May your level of moral quality challenge those around you. May your integrity scare the enemy, and most importantly, May your life please our heavenly Father

Cleaning the Basement

2007-02-23T09:43:00.000-06:00

I grew up in a very old house. It was built in the 1890’s, so it was about 100 years old during my early years. I remember spending time in the basement of that house. It was a dark, dingy place. The main room housed my father’s woodworking equipment including an industrial sized wood plainer and some large contraption used for making spindles. When my father made furniture, the walls and floor of the basement would be covered with wood shavings. When the light would shine through the window, I could see them dancing in the air. It felt like I was under a woodshavings sea.
Venturing into the next room of my basement was an experience. There was a wall of home made canned jars given to us by my grandmother. They were covered in dirt as was the rest of this room. It was as if whoever built this house stopped at this room in the basement- I could literally see the basement end and the earth begin. So you can imagine how incredibly dirty my basement was.
I was always amazed when I had the fortunate opportunity of traveling to a friend’s house. My friend John had an F.A.O. Swartz in his basement. He had a 6’ long G.I. Joe AirCraft Carrier, complete with planes and G.I. Joes, all of the He-Man action figures complete with castle, and what seemed like the entire Transformer collection! What stunned me more than anything was his basement- it was soooo clean! It boasted paneled walls, carpeting, and even a snack bar! What a far cry from my dungeon.
Most houses have a basement. Speaking of our human hearts, we all have a “basement”. I don’t know how clean or dirty yours is, but from time to time mine needs a broom. This is called “Sanctification”. In Revelation 3:20 Salvation is depicted as letting Jesus enter through your heart’s door- He enters your basement. That is the easy part, now the basement needs cleaned.
“A Christian is sanctified as he identifies with Christ, and accepts in faith His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection. Sanctification is a daily acknowledgment of our union with God through His Son Jesus. As this identification occurs it is only natural for the Christian to offer every portion of his life to the control of the Holy Spirit.” (AG 16 Fundamental Truths)
Unlike cleaning my basement, I need the help of the Holy Spirit. He shines the light on the portions of my heart that need cleaning. He provides the power to turn on the Shop Vac of my heart. I can’t clean it on my own.
May you grow each day in your relationship with Christ. May your “basement” become cleaner with the Spirit’s power. May you come to realize that your Christian character is developed as you and the Holy Spirit walk together each day.

2007-02-02T10:32:00.000-06:00

Here are some pics of the girls.....

Get Ready!!

2006-12-21T10:13:00.000-06:00

As you know, Mary and I have some interesting life changes ahead of us. Here within the next few months (pray that they can hold off until February) we will be welcoming 2 new members into our family! Knowing this has slingshot us into a state of hectic preparation. We’ve been buying cribs, clothing, diapers, swings, high chairs and carseats. We have even driven across 2 states to corral a beautiful handmade cradle (which almost got my Grandfather’s finger cut off- ask me to tell that story later)!
Our house has transformed from a nice country looking home for 2, to a collection house for baby furniture. I swear my basement shrinks by the day. But anyway, we’ve gone from the, “Oh, we are going to have babies” low-gear to the “We need to get ready!!!!” ultra high-gear. We’ve thrown ourselves into baby-mode.
I believe that some changes are coming for you too! God is getting ready to do something new in your life. I don’t know what it is. You may not have a clue either, but it’s coming. The question is, are you throwing yourself into it? Will you be ready for it when it comes? It is time to clean out those things in your house that would hinder God, and get room ready for what He wants.
When our little girls arrive, they will be #1. Our time, energy and desires will come after. The same applies with God. Are you ready for Him to be #1?

-Pastor Doug Misch

2006-11-21T12:11:00.000-06:00

Make Time for Faith

As a sophomore in college, I would run 2 miles or so a few times a week. I enjoyed this very much….for a while. Back in those days (don’t I sound old!) a runner either had to run without any music, with a walkman, or with a CD player, constantly hoping that it wouldn’t skip as it slapped against his thigh. I didn’t own a walkman and the CD player I had, though it boasted an “anti-skip” function, skipped like a twelve year old girl with a jump-rope. So, I was sans music. As you might imagine, as a 19 year old, I got bored quick which lead to my quitting jogging.
There have been other times in my life that I’ve picked up jogging, but none have I enjoyed more than my recent love affair with it. I’ve been jogging regularly now for more than 3 months, with no plans of quitting! The difference this time is a wonderful invention- the MP3 player. For those of you unaware of this device, the MP3 player allows a person to digitally record music and audio, and play it back without fear of skipping. Wow! Now I am able to listen as I jog.
Currently I’ve been filling my ears with the New Testament each morning as I meander the streets of Carlinville. I’ve found that listening to God’s Word blesses me deeply. This practice has strengthened my faith.
What would it take for you to deepen your faith? We all are fighting the demands of the clock, but we must intentionally make time for our faith. Perhaps you could pray during your commute to work, or memorize scripture from 3X5 cards during red lights, or be like me and listen to the Bible as you jog, or clean your house. Whatever your flavor, make time for faith-it’s the most important thing you could do today.

-Pastor Doug Misch

2006-11-10T09:36:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a cool kickin' time during Momentum Convention. I want to encourage you to continue in the fire that God placed in your heart during Momentum. Fan it into flames, work it up with in you. Keep your eyes and attention on Jesus.

2006-09-22T16:13:00.000-05:00

For Firestorm, October is always one of our busiest months! Our activities include heading to the Godfrey Corn Maise Friday October 6th with a cookout afterward, Paintballing Friday October 20th, and most importantly, Momentum Convention (which is actually in November)

Last year we had a great time doing all 3 of these events, and look forward to great fun again!

2006-08-28T06:08:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, I am an avid football fan. When I think that the first week of college football is a just around the corner, excitement wells up from deep inside of me. Some of you may be thinking, “Football is just a stupid man-thing, driven by testosterone”. There might be some truth to that, but for me it’s so much more.
There are 2 major brands of football-NFL and College. Subtle differences separate the 2. NFL atheletes are paid gargantuant sums to play, while college atheletes, at best, receive a scholarship. NFL rules are slightly different than the college game- a player must get 2 feet inbounds on a pass in order to have completed it, the clock continues to run after a “first-down” has been achieved. NFL stadiums hold 60,000 to 70,000 fans, while certain college stadiums hold over 105,000!
For me, the excitement of the college game far exceeds that of the NFL. This is due in large part to the size of the college stadium. The buzz that goes up from Ohio Stadium when the Buckeyes score a touchdown during a critical game could blow out your ear drums! The band, a college football tradition, also adds a deeper dimention. But it is the sense of community that I love the most about college football.
During our white water rafting trip in West Virginia, noticing I was wearing an Ohio State Buckeyes hat, shouted out to me from his boat, “O-H”. Immediately I returned with, “I-O!” I didn’t even know this man. We had never talked, yet I felt a bond with him because we exchanged a universal Buckeyes cheer!
Acts 2:1 says, “When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” Pentecostalism is about speaking in tongues, it’s about evangelism, it’s about walking in the Spirit, but it is also about drawing believers together in community. Whatever you are into, whether it be football, reading, vegging out on your couch, remember, the church is where it’s at and you’ll never find true community without plunging yourself into loving relationships with God’s people.

Tossed to and fro

2006-06-23T11:50:00.000-05:00

8 of us from Firestorm had the privilege of ministering in Charleston West Virginia last week. What a joy to touch the hearts of children and adults in that Appalachian city with God’s love. Our hearts were touched by the Father also as we chose to give of ourselves.
On Saturday, when all the mission work was finished, we took advantage of our geographical surroundings by taking a white water rafting trip on the New River. For 5 hours we happily braved the white water while taking in the breath-taking view of the mountains. At one point, our guide directed us back upstream to “surf” in the rapids. When water pours over the rocks it creates a hole on the other side. Gravity wants to fill the hole so it borrows water from the river, creating a current back towards the rock. When the raft hits the point where the current and the hole meet, “surfing” takes place.
When our raft hit the hole, the craziness began! First, the left side of the raft flipped up sending me flying into Ben, who immediately fell over the right side into the water. The raft recovered for a few seconds but soon started flinging us again. As it was tossing us to and fro I looked to my left and noticed that Carissa and Tommy were no longer with us. My reaction was to grit my teeth, tell myself that I was staying on regardless, and hold on tighter to the ropes on the raft. A few seconds later, Amy flew off the side too! That left me, Rick and Ashley.
As I thought back on that experience, James 1:6-8 came to my mind. It says, “…a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do”
If I had climbed upon a rock before we’d hit the hole, I’d never have been tossed around. Are you being tossed around right now? Is your mind filled with worries? Perhaps it’s time to get out of the white water, climb upon the Rock of Jesus and watch in safety as everything around you is tossed.
-Pastor Doug

Mission Trip!

2006-06-02T15:01:00.000-05:00

Here's the river we'll be white water rafting on!

We're about to head out into the mountains- to hillbilly country to minister in the hollers of Charleston WV. we can't wait to sink our teeth into the work God has called us to. Be praying for all of us: Pastor Doug, Mary, Carissa, Ben, Tommy, Ashley, Rick, Amy.

2006-05-12T13:39:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone enjoys Circle Time. It is fast becoming one of my favorite things we do during Firestorm. Learning from one another greatly deepens our ability to remember. Circle Time also gives YOU the chance to teach, and let your oppinion be heard!

I am so glad you guys are liking Circle Time!!! Look forward to more controversial and thought provoking discussions in the future. Remember, above all to question your oppinions with God's Word. His Word is the true authority!

2006-04-04T11:54:00.000-05:00

In his book, Velvet Elvis, Rob Bell says, "if people were taught more about who they are, they wouldn't have to be told what to do." What great insight! Sometimes the church and even youth ministry is too good at do's and don'ts rather than encouraging people to get to know Jesus. If we know Him, and saw ourselves as the wonderful people He sees us as, it wouldn't be about the do's and don'ts, but rather falling into His arms and letting ourselves be loved.

I've recently started reading a book entitled The Return of the Prodigal Son. In it the author speaks of us as prodigal sons, searching for our worth in the world. He believes that where we belong is in the arms of our father, who is willing to welcome us back. It is there that we find our value, and realize we are "loved of God."

Where are you? Are you resting in the arms of your Father, or vainly trying to get love from the world. The world's love is based on "if's": I'll love you if you are wealthy, good looking or cool. Your father loves you no matter what.

2006-03-15T14:42:00.000-06:00

Via Dolorosa is coming up Easter weekend (April 14-16). Remember to raise lots of money for Speed the Light with your Via Dolorosa pledge sheets. 1st place wins a free trip to 6 flags and $20 spending $. 2nd place wins a $20 DQ gift certificate!

2006-02-03T15:20:00.003-06:00

Get ready for a Youth Rally in Alton March 3rd. $5 buys Pizza and a cool game of broom hockey afterwards. Our youth band will be providing the music!

2006-02-03T15:20:00.002-06:00

Winter War has only 3 weeks left! Be sure to get craaaaaazy for your team. Big points will be given away these next few weeks. The last week will be a point Extravaganza!!!!

2006-02-03T15:20:00.001-06:00

Feb 11th 4-11pm We are going to Olive Garden for our Valentine's dinner again this year! This time, make sure you don't spend all of your $ (Ethan F) before we eat. And don't spend all of you $ on appetizers (Billy D). We will have tons of fun. Don't eat too much bc we may do something fun afterwards.

2006-02-03T15:20:00.000-06:00

You guys getting ready for the super bowl? remember to bring $5
and chips or soda . Go Steelers!

2006-01-17T14:50:00.000-06:00

Remember, for those of you who are going on the mission trip, $50 due Wed. Feb 1st. For Questions see www.youthworks.com

What's up Firestorm?

2006-01-06T14:52:00.000-06:00

FireTraining Discipleship starts Sun. night 5pm in the fellowship hall!
Are you ready to be set on fire for Jesus?

Next Saturday, Jan 14th we will be going to the Jr. Blues game. $7 plus food money. Be at the church by 5:30.

Get Ready For Winter War!!!

2005-12-09T11:00:00.000-06:00

Winter War is coming soon! Starting on Jan 4th we will split into teams and compete for the Title of Winter War champion! Be ready to brave the cold, toughen up and get ready to go head to head with other members of Firestorm.

http://www.sandager-sandager.dk/smallgames/XMas.htm

Check out this link-www.christianrock.net

2005-12-06T11:30:00.000-06:00

Do you have trouble finding good Christian music? Sick of WIBI? Check out www.christianrock.net.

X-mas is coming!

2005-11-18T09:59:00.000-06:00

Wanted to give you all a little preview of what's coming up in December. One thing we will be doing is going Christmas shopping. Those of you who are a part of Firestorm youth, save your money, fill out your "to buy for" lists, and come with us December 17th. Maybe we will go to Springfield. Meet at the church at 9. We will be back by 3:30

2005-11-17T15:11:00.000-06:00

So this is Firestorm! Well, most of us anyway. Last night we talked about the Candies of the Spirit part 3 (Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control) We learned that all of these "candies" are gifts from God, not things we can earn on our own.

Here are our announcements for this upcoming week:

Eat at DQ every Thursday –

Thursday, Nov. 17th Jr. Highers meet me at DQ! Just make sure you have your parents inform the school that you’ll be eating out, then come hang with Pastor Doug at DQ!

Next Wednesday, Nov. 23rd No youth service! There will be a community service at the Catholic church. The van will not run. If you want a ride, call Pastor Doug

Bring crayons, coloring books, hotwheels, barbies to put in our Angel Tree box for kids for Christmas

Wednesdays- 7:30 FCA meeting in the Jr High Choir Room!

Attend Pre-Service Prayer in the Spanish room (across the hall) every week 6:30-6:45

2005-11-17T15:06:00.000-06:00

So this is my first time doing the 'blogging' thing. Here it goes!

2005-11-15T12:05:00.000-06:00

So tomorrow is the big Ohio State v. Michigan game. I think we all know who is going to come out on top this year. Obviously the buckeyes! They are going to stomp all over them like an elaphant snuffs out an ant! What do you guys think?