Mosaic Student Ministries

Hello

2008-12-02T14:37:00.003-06:00

Students and Parents,

Hello, sorry it has been so long since we last posted anything on this site. We want to stay in contact with all our ministry so in an effort to do this we will be communicating in this manner along with other avenues.

We have some exciting things coming up so please stay tuned and help us to move this ministry forward.

God bless and we love you all!!!!!!

SECRETS: ADDICTION

2008-04-08T08:57:00.003-05:00

Contents:

The Addictive Process
Psychosomatic Interpretation of Addiction
Disease Model of Addiction
Addiction and Heredity
The Sociocultural Context of Addiction
Spiritual Basis of Addiction
Recovery

References and Resources
In the past the term addiction was reserved for the compulsive and uncontrolled use of certain psychoactive substances, notably alcohol, cocaine, narcotics and other mood-altering drugs. In recent times the term has been used as an overall label for a set of diverse addictive behaviors to objects, people, relationships, ideas or pursuits. So we now talk about addictions to food, work, sex, perfection, religion, ministry, gambling and even computer games. It is commonly believed that there is an underlying similarity among the entire spectrum of addictive behaviors—that all addicts desire a sense of well-being, a temporary heightening of self-esteem, a transient experience of ecstasy, a state of oblivion or some measure of relief from pain or tension.

The Addictive Process
The first step in a potentially addictive process is the individual’s encounter with the addicting “object” and the mood-altering experience it produces, the so-called peak experience. This affects different people in differing degrees. Those who are more susceptible to addictive behaviors tend to seek repetition of the peak experience until they become mentally obsessed by this emotional craving and preoccupied by the euphoric recalls, often fed with fantastic imaginations. Because of the mental obsession, the individual begins to lose contact with self and the environment; this is most obvious in the person’s denial of his addictive relationship to the peak experience by saying, “I am not an addict.” Other forms of denial may present themselves as a tendency to minimize the problem, to find an excuse for the preoccupation or to blame others for it.

The next stage in the addictive process is a loss of control. This is manifested not only in the frequent mental recall of the peak experience but also in an escalation of the frequency of acting out. In this stage, seeking peak experiences has become a behavioral obsession, and the individual usually develops observable personality changes, becoming defensive and irritable. Although the addictive behavior may still be within socially acceptable limits, the individual begins to feel shame and remorse and may make repeated resolutions and compulsive attempts to control his or her own thought patterns and behaviors. There is a need to create an illusion to oneself and to others that he or she is still in control.

Nevertheless, repetitions of the peak experience require an increasing amount of the addictive object (for example, alcohol) to be established and maintained. (This process is known as tolerance—a form of physiologic habituation in which the nerve cells become less sensitive and responsive to repeated stimuli so that an increase is required in order to produce a similar level of satisfaction.) When this stage is reached, the addicted individual’s loss of control becomes obvious, as it is accompanied by personal and social breakdowns. Often the addicting behaviors have to be interrupted abruptly due to a number of possible reasons, including financial exhaustion or repeated troubles with the law leading to incarceration. The individual will experience a state of withdrawal that can be mentally, emotionally and physically terrible. The physical withdrawal from some substances can be life threatening.

Psychosomatic Interpretation of Addiction
Throughout the last century, a number of theories have been advanced to explain the causes of addiction. One approach starts from the observation that addicted persons commonly exhibit one or all the following attributes: (1) exaggerated emotions and inability to deal with them, (2) difficulty with forming and/or maintaining normal relationships, (3) inability to look after oneself and (4) low self-esteem. A psychodynamic interpretation following the Freudian tradition suggests that the addicted person may be seeking to counterbalance an unfulfilled need experienced in infancy or a developmental defect due to either a physical or a psychological deficiency; in this view an addictive behavior serves as an affective prosthetic designed to strengthen the individual’s self-esteem. In this sense, addictive behavior is seen as a form of self-medication.

Disease Model of Addiction
While the psychodynamic model is valuable in explaining certain psychological aspects of addiction, it tends to disregard any biological factors as possible determining forces in addictive behaviors. In contrast, the biologic/disease model views addiction as a form of physiologic-genetic abnormality more or less beyond the control of the individual. This has been proposed since 1933 as a cause for alcoholism, with the result that hospitals were opened to treat alcoholics. The biological basis of addiction has since been corroborated by an enormous amount of neurophysiological and genetic research.

One of the most fascinating and significant studies was undertaken by James Olds and Peter Milner, who accidentally discovered in 1954 that stimulation of certain parts of the brain in experimental animals was able to elicit a pleasurable response. When allowed to self-stimulate through an electrical device, a variety of animals would seek these stimulations until they collapsed from exhaustion.

These brain areas are now referred to as reward centers or pleasure centers, and the activities within these centers are mediated by neurotransmitters such as serotonin, GABA and a number of opioid peptides. It is postulated that defects in these centers are linked to a loss or impairment of the sense of well-being and induce in the animal or human a craving for a substance(s) or activity that will relieve the feeling of dysphoria. Heroin, cocaine and amphetamines are known to interact with these centers, making them good candidates for substance abuse. Studies have also shown that activity-related elations and mood upswings associated with physical exercise, such as jogging, are related to an increased release of certain opioid/peptides (for example, endorphins known to be active in these brain centers), thus making health conscious compulsive joggers classic addicts.

Addiction and Heredity
Furthermore, to some extent deficiencies and imbalances in the pleasure centers have been shown to be inheritable. A degree of heredity in addictive behavior was postulated as early as the 1940s, when studies showed that the children of alcoholic parents often underestimated the amount of alcohol they consumed and usually drank considerably more than others before sensing any effect. Recent genetic research has shown that children of alcoholics have an unequal and increased susceptibility to alcoholism or other addictive behaviors when compared to their peers, even if they are raised by a nonalcoholic family.

In a thorough study based on the statistical analysis of the families of 2,651 alcoholics and 4,083 nonalcoholics, parental alcoholism was correlated specifically to alcohol problems in the children. Other adoption studies have shown a high incidence of alcoholism among the children of alcoholic parents, even if they are raised in a nonalcoholic home. These and other studies strongly suggest a possible genetic predisposition for addictive disorders, although the biological mechanism has yet to be elucidated. While the biologic/genetic model is scientific and rational and provides clear explanations for a relatively complex phenomenon, it is too much influenced by a modern paradigm of biomedicine and as such is reductionistic. Specifically, it overlooks social context and personal responsibility in health and sickness.

The Sociocultural Context of Addiction
The sociocultural/behavioral model emphasizes the impact of the social and cultural environment upon the behavior of the individual and its role in the development of an addiction. This approach regards addiction as a socially acquired habit carried to the extreme. Because family plays the most significant role in one’s psychosocial well-being, the stability of the family and particularly its interactive patterns, between parents and between parents and children, may be regarded as the main psychosocial determinant for addictive susceptibility. On the whole, research has shown that a family in which adolescents are living with both biological parents represents a low-risk family environment because it allows secure attachment patterns to be established; children growing up in such an environment are less susceptible to addictive behaviors than those living with single parents or stepparents. High-risk family environments are those in which anxious and fearful parents are extremely protective and restrictive, emotionally abusive parents are contradictory and misleading in communication, or parents are physically and emotionally abusive. Marital and psychiatric problems or conflicts with the law on the part of the parents are also factors in promoting addictive behaviors in children. Outside the family, societal values and worldviews also contribute to a person’s sociocultural milieu and thus play crucial roles in causing addictive behaviors. An example of the influence of social values is seen in the spread of eating disorders, which is correlated to the idealization of slimness in modern society.

Spiritual Basis of Addiction
Finally, there is the moral/spiritual model. This interpretation takes into consideration the importance of human desire as a basic determinant of human life. It views human desire as created by God and for the purpose of relating to God (Genesis 1:26; Psalm 42:1-2; John 17:5). Saint Augustine’s prayer “You have made us for yourself, and our soul is restless until we find rest in you” testifies to this basic human desire. But this desire has been distorted by our sinful nature. When we are disengaged from desiring God, our proper desire is derailed. Turning away from the Creator, we look for created things, objects and relationships to replace God (Exodus 20:3-5; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 8:4). We seek peak experiences and tend to indulge in them even when they are harmful to ourselves and others. Ultimately, human desire is corrupted to lust, worship to idolatry, devotion to addiction. This model views all addictions as sinful and all sins as addictive. A true test of grace is, therefore, freedom from all our addictions. The Christian life is a pilgrimage from lust to desire and from addiction to freedom.

It is unlikely that an adequate theory of addiction will be provided by any one single model. To the extent that humans are created and redeemed to be whole (see Healing; Health), any satisfactory analysis of addictive disorders must include biological, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions.

Recovery
The first step to recovery is to overcome the denial of addiction, not only by the addict but also by the significant others, who often act as codependents. This may involve painful but necessary confrontations, for which prayer, education and counseling are useful preparation. Next, a modification of one’s sociocultural milieu by avoiding addictive environments (for example, bars, casinos) and joining a specifically antiaddiction group (for example, Alcoholics Anonymous) is important. There is also a need to develop new skills and activities to fill the void after addictive behaviors are removed and to relearn to attend to such basic needs in life as relationships, family, physical health, housing, work and finances. At the same time, one needs to develop new skills to cope with stress, tension and inner hurts involved in feeling one’s true self, which has been masked by the addictive process in the past.

The popular Twelve Steps is a powerful and indispensable program in addiction recovery. Christians may recapture its Christian roots and put the biblical foundation back into this program. Many have witnessed it to be a life-transforming spiritual journey in which they have met God. Admission of one’s powerlessness and surrender to God (steps I, II, III; Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 12:1) is followed by an honest self-examination and a taking of one’s personal moral inventory (step IV; Psalm 139:24-25; Lament. 3:40). Confession of wrongdoings and asking for forgiveness ensue (steps V, VI, VII; Psalm 37:4-5; James 4:10; James 5:16; 1 John 1:9), which also includes making restitution to those who have been harmed (steps VIII, IX; Luke 19:8). Ongoing recovery involves an ongoing journey of sanctification by continuing personal inventory and confession whenever necessary (step X; 1 John 1:7-8), and this means daily prayer and meditation to maintain conscious contact with God and to seek his will and power to carry it out (step XI; Col. 3:16). Having been visited by grace and set free, one also tries to share the good news with others who are in bondage and reach out to others who may need help (step XII; Galatians 6:2).

Is the Ship Still Burning?

2008-02-12T00:50:00.000-06:00

What a question! However, it is one that I must ask. For a lot of you students who went to camp, I know that the Lord did a work in your lives. I watched a lot of you as you listened to the message on Saturday morning and Saturday night. I saw a resolve in your faces that this is it; I am going to change from the old way of doing things to the new. The tears that flowed from some of your faces were tears of relief that finally “someone feels my pain and I don’t have to hide it anymore.” Then on Saturday night, many turned those tears into action with the burning of the ships. What a powerful experience! I know that the Lord was looking down on all of you who participated and He could do nothing less than smile. Because He, who knows all things, was able to do what He had planned from the foundations of the earth. He wanted to set some of you free from the bonds of slavery, which is sin. I was moved to see a lot of you burn whatever ship you needed to get to where the Lord wanted you to be. The question now is “Is the Ship still burning, or have you put it out?”

What was it like coming back from Winter Chill this year knowing that you preformed an act unto the Lord? Has this camp experience been turned into just that, an experience? Has the oil of the Lords Holy Spirit dried up? Are you starting to crack and become dry all over again? If so, we have missed the mark.

One of the phrases we want to convey to MSM this year is “turning camp retreat experiences into ‘NORMS’ ”. What do I mean by that? You know many times when we go off to camps and retreats we have these great experiences, and no doubt they are real moves of God for some of us. For some they are just good “get aways”, but for the most part they are wonderful times with the Lord. However, when we get home we tend to slip back into the same old ways and habits we had before we left. This is where we have to make a stand within our own being. We have to make up in our own hearts that we are going to be different in the ways we need to be; especially in the areas where we let God deal with us at the camp or retreat. This will help us turn the experience into a “NORM”.

Think about it, if I allowed the Lord to touch me in my heart in the area of anger and bitterness and then He gave me joy and peace, I don’t want to pick that junk back up when I return from camp. So that means I need to do something to turn the experience into a “NORM”. What was happening when the Lord touched me? I was worshipping and praying and seeking Him in His word. Guess what, those are the ingredients to turning your experience into a “NORM”. I need to find myself in worship and prayer and His Word to keep my fire alive. The last thing you want is to allow the fire that’s burning your ship to go out. Do whatever you need to do to keep it burning. You want this “NORM” to last a lifetime.

So, how do you do it? Let’s take the three things I mentioned before - worship, prayer and God’s Word. These three are awesome because you need these in your life to stay a “Contagious Christian”.

· PRAYER is you speaking to your Father in a way only you know how. This helps your relationship to stay authentic. When you talk to your Daddy you tell Him your deepest heart issues. When you do that He is able to respond to you in a special way; a way that is only for you.

· WORSHIP enters you into the Lord’s presence and gets you face to face with Him. At this point you are able to experience the joy and peace of an authentic relationship.

· GOD'S WORD - This is the means in which you not only listen, but you can read what the Father is telling you about your burning ship. When you discover that your burning ship is something that has kept you from hearing or receiving His Word for you, being in His word will keep the fire white-hot.

This would be a “NORM” for a person in this situation. For some it might be just staying connected with those in MSM. For some it might just be going to church on Sunday morning. Whatever the situation, whatever you need to do, TURN the experience into a “NORM” not only for yourself but also for your student ministry. Let the experience of camp last all year.

I ask you again “Is the ship still burning?” I hope it is, but if it isn’t, put more wood on the fire. :)

Him Alone,

Amos Gray

THE AFTERMATH :: Winter Camp '08 Reunion

2008-02-07T11:36:00.001-06:00

2008-02-07T11:31:00.000-06:00

WINTER CHILL 2008 PHOTOS!

2008-01-23T16:21:00.000-06:00

MSM COACHING GROUPS

2008-01-10T12:59:00.000-06:00

Coaching Groups
at various times and locations during the week
The mentoring arm of MSM, coaching groups are designed to provide a Christ-centered, small group and peer environment to promote and encourage personal accountability via deepening relationships of transparency and trust.

To plug into a Coaching group, contact Rob McBryde at 562.3336 or rob@mosaicchurch.net.

NEW SUNDAY SCHEDULE - Starting January 27th

2008-01-10T12:50:00.000-06:00

Hey Folks,
We're making some adjustments to improve the quality of our time together on Sunday mornings!

FIRST OF ALL: Check with your Coaches to find out when and where your Coaching Groups will meet. We will no longer have them on Sunday mornings between services so that you all can have enough time and come together in an environment where you can really talk and share your lives with each other.

SECONDLY: Here's the new schedule for Sunday mornings beginning Jan. 27th.

MSM Worship in the Dock
10:45am - 11:10am
Training Groups
11:15am - 12:00pm

If you have any questions, call Amos or Rob at 562-3336.

Peace,

Rob <><

prayers for you and others...

2007-12-18T15:48:00.000-06:00

When I wrote these two God was getting me through some hard times and they just became my prayers for myself and for others.

~Erin~

Clinging to You

I cling to You, God

And Your promises that You'll never leave me

God, please take me back

and forgive me of my sins

rescue me from the chains of this world

Jesus, set me free!

I'm surrounded in the darkness of this world

but You Word is my light

with it I won't stumble

Lord, when all fades away

You'll still be there

When I'm left alone

You'll still be at my side

You're cheering me on

When I'm about to give up

You're standing beside me

When all are against me

You keep me going

Lord, You are my God

My Abba Father

and in You I will trust

For You made the sun and trees

and most of all You made me

So to You I give my life

And to You I give my heart.

You've gotten me this far, Jesus

I know You'll help me the rest of the way.

Battle of the Heart and Soul

The spiritual battle is so great

with choices that have to be made

choosing which side is yours

and stay to the Truth at all cost.

So many people are hurting

but their looking for healing in the wrong things

picking up knives and slicing their flesh

because they think it helps.

So many people seeking the truth

looking to things that don't fulfill the longing.

God touch their broken hearts

heal their wounds from sin

Jesus, rescue them from this dark place

they call their home.

People asking for help and asking for love

but looking in all the wrong places

from relationships to pills

But the truth is right in front of them

real Love is a hand reach away

so why can't they see it?

God touch their broken hearts

heal their wounds from sin

Jesus, rescue them from this dark place

they call their home.

My hearts so broken for them

So hurting for them to find You

but You gave them freewill

so the choice is theirs....

which will they choose

its all up to them.

Real Life Answers

2007-12-05T15:11:00.000-06:00

Are there different weights to sin? I mean does God see some sin not as bad as other sins, or is all sin the same no matter what we do as a result of sin.

Example: Is the sin of killing someone any different than if a person went out and lied? (This is in God's eyes.)

I think that God considers these both as sin and it wouldn't make any difference how big or small it is because it is still sinning against God.

I want to know where it talks about this in the bible if I'm right or even if I'm wrong

Great question! Although it may seem that one sin is much "greater" than another, God doesn't really see it that way. In God's mind, sin is sin. One sin is not greater than another. All sin separates us from a holy God and needs to be confessed for forgiveness.

Now some sin may have greater consequences involved in it. Lying can destroy a relationship. Murdering someone can destroy your very life. The earthly consequences may vary, but in God's ultimate plan, all sin is just that... sin!

Check out the following passages and see what you find!

Romans 1:28-32 (especially where it mentions being disobedient to your parents and being the same as all the other "sins")

Romans 3:23

Romans 6:23

Hope that helps! God bless!

This question was found on HomeWord.com

MSM's Evening for the Ages

2007-12-04T13:21:00.000-06:00

Letter from Hell

2007-11-27T11:22:00.001-06:00

My Friend

2007-11-21T15:25:00.000-06:00

Hey Gang, Here's a really good article I just read on youth builders. I know a lot of teens have talked to me about the issue of homosexuality. i want to be a help for all those who are struggling and who want to learn how to help. Check it out and get back with me on the blog.
Amos

I recently faced a dilemma: A friend of mine has come out of the closet about being a homosexual. He says he's been gay since he was 12, and now he's almost 18. Although my friend became a Christian five months ago, it hasn't changed his sexual orientation. My problem is, I don't know how to approach him in a kind, loving manner and tell him what the Bible says about homosexuality. What can I do?
You do have a difficult dilemma. Homosexuality is a very complicated and misunderstood issue. We, as Christians, have not done a very good job of presenting biblical truth in a kind, loving manner. Many Christians have either made fun of homosexuals or have been mean to them. Neither of these methods will ever bring the love of God to anyone.

The dilemma we have lies in the fact that the Bible is quite clear in regard to sexual sin. And that’s any sexual sin--not just homosexuality. It’s interesting that there are at least 17 references to different types of sexual sin in the Bible, and only three (or at most five, depending on your interpretation) of those references deal with homosexuality.

So, according to the Bible, there is no big difference between the sin of homosexuality and any other sexual sin--premarital sex, for instance. The word sin in Greek, the language the New Testament was written in, literally means to "miss the mark." And all sexual sin is missing the mark of God’s standards.

From my experience, I’d guess about 10 percent of the youth population has struggled with what we call gender identity confusion. Your friend is not alone in his struggles. However, I am also convinced that most people who believe they are homosexual are not. Let me give you some important information on homosexuality.

Sexual abuse is a key factor in homosexuality. Studies show that as many as 58 percent of homosexuals have experienced some kind of sexual abuse as children. Many others who call themselves homosexual were either physically or emotionally abused. Also, many homosexuals suffer from sexual addiction. With the ease of obtaining pornographic materials from the Internet, videos and magazines, some people experiment with homosexual behavior because of what they’ve seen and read.

A lot of Christians, including myself, believe that homosexual behaviors are preventable and treatable. Many people who experiment with homosexual behaviors are simply confused. Although the issues can be complicated, young people who struggle with homosexuality can move on to a healthy heterosexual marriage with the help of good Christian counseling.

I would also ask your friend to call Exodus International, a Christian organization committed to helping free people from a homosexual lifestyle. The telephone number of Exodus is 260-784-7799.

From my own experience talking with students, I would guess that your friend has a great a deal of sexual identity confusion. Since your friend has recently become a Christian, I think that if he wants to, he will be able to seek the truth about his sexuality and receive the help he needs. Your job is to do what you said you could do: Be kind and loving, yet share your understanding of Scripture.

One thing we know about those who struggle with this issue is, the earlier they can get help, the easier it is to live a lifestyle that is glorifying to God. Please know it is never too late to get help and never too early to make wise and godly decisions about our sexuality. I commend you for caring for your friend in such a sensitive way.

What's up

2007-11-21T14:41:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone, Just wanted to wish all of you a great Thanksgiving. May all of you have a great time with your family. Also, I am stoked about the upcoming events. check out the events on the blog.

10th and 11th graders- Evening of the ages, Dec 2 at the church

9th graders- Progressive dinner, Dec 19th

I am looking forward to seeing you.

Everything :: Lifehouse

2007-11-13T19:11:00.001-06:00

A connection with Revelation with Daniel...

2007-11-05T09:29:00.000-06:00

So the other day God showed me some stuff in Revelations and then in Daniel and how they are somewhat connected...which I never saw......hopefully this makes sense and if you have anything to add or comment on please tell me!

In Revelations 1 it starts to describe John's vision from God that he had of Jesus and what is to come.

"..and among the lampstands was someone like a Son of Man dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet and with a golden sash around His chest. His head and hair were white like wool as white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire. His feet like bronze glowing in a funernace and His voice was like the sound of rushing water." Revelation 1:13-15

First off this is actually talking about JESUS! "like the Son of Man" refers to Him and Jesus even refers to Himself as that in Matt. 26:64; Luke 21:27; and John 1:51. Let's dig deeper....

His white hair showed His wisdom and divine nature (Daniel 7:9)
"Blazing eyes" symbolized judgment of all evil.
The golden sash reveals Him as the high priest who goes into God's presence to obtain forgiveness of sin for those who believe in Him.

WOW! So how does the book of Daniel go along with this?? Well actually Daniel had somewhat of the same vision in Daniel 7...way before Christ even came to earth! I think that is so cool! Look at this:

"As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair on His head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all blazing. A river of fire was flowing, coming out before Him. Thousands upon thousands attended Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated and the books were opened." Daniel 7:9-10

Can't you just imagine this? The Judge or the Ancient of Days, the Lord Most High, walks in with clothing white which revealed His glory and holiness. Thousands upon thousands of people are around and are standing before the throne....everyone is seated. And the Book of Life is opened... That is what this passage is speaking of its talking about the judgment before God Almighty and how the book of life will be opened and everyone will be judged. Revelations 1:3 tells us that the time is near. And Hebrews 9:27 says, "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." We've got one life, how are you going to use it?

So the Book of Life is opened, what happens next after that? Look:

"In my vision at night I looked and there before me was one like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, and nations and men of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."

Again the Son of Man is Jesus Christ and the Ancient of Days is the Lord Most High. Here's more...

The clouds of heaven portray the Son of Man as divine. Throughout scripture clouds represent His majesty and awesome presence! God's glory even appeared in a cloud in Exodus 16:10 and 19:9 at the giving of the law at Sinai.

It says that every nations, peoples and men of every language worshiped Jesus! Psalm 72:11 says, "All kings will bow down to Him, and all nations will serve Him." Revelation 7 even talk about the great multitude that no one could count worshiping and praising God. (more to come in a later blog :-D) What a WONDERFUL day that will be!!!

The last verse talks about that His kingdom will never pass away or be destroyed....Hebrews 12:28 says, "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so, worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." AMEN!!!!!!

So yeah this is kinda long but I wanted to share with you all this stuff and thought that it was all just amazing!

Saved to Serve,

Erin

4 MORE!

2007-10-27T16:47:00.000-05:00

Amos Gray just checked in from Nebraska.

He reported that four students at the Lutheran school he spoke at last Thurs received Christ with over 60 coming forward to the alter to pray!

I stand in awe of our Lord. What a remarkable week for the gospel.

-HL

Look At MSM

2007-10-17T17:00:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,
Look at the new web spot we have now. God has blessed us to have a guy like Rob McBryde on our Team. We owe him a big THANKS for the new blog. Anyway, I hope you all like it have fun and place your post soon. I would love to hear your comments.- P. A. (Pastor Amos)

MSM WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

2007-10-17T16:27:00.000-05:00

FUSION
Wednesdays,
6:55 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
FUSION is designed for students of MSM and their friends and provides the opportunity to present biblical principles through relevant themes, games, music and fun.

Join us in the Dock at Mosaic!

MSM SUNDAY MORNINGS

2007-10-17T16:25:00.000-05:00

On the Dock
10:45 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
In this large group time of music and message, students will be challenged to grow closer to one another and deeper in their love and commitment to Christ.

Training Groups
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The educational arm of MSM, students will gather in mid-sized, grade-appropriate classes to study God’s word in a systematic way.

Amos Gray

2007-10-17T16:22:00.000-05:00

Four years ago, Amos and Carol came to Little Rock to visit Amos' mother (Treopia Bryant's sister) who was ill. There, the couple met Mark DeYmaz and a relationship began. Carol reflects, "Initially, I was disappointed when the door didn't open four years ago because I knew God was doing something here, and I didn't want us to miss out on what He was doing." Amos adds, "The ministry I saw happening at Mosaic spoke to my heart, it was one of my heartbeats and immediately grabbed a hold of us." After the visit Amos and Carol headed back to Omaha to continue their ministry.

Amos formed a multi-ethnic youth ministry called W.A.Y. Ministries and directed it from 1996-2004. He became a Youth Pastor for Community Grace Church (1999) and then Beautiful Savior Church (2003), both in Omaha. Meanwhile, Mosaic continued to piece together Children and Youth ministries with part-time staff and interns. All the while Mark staying in contact with Amos and Carol to keep the process of a future move hopeful. As the church grew, it became apparent that the time had come for a full-time director. After four years God's timing was perfect. "When we really knew God was going to have us leave Nebraska four years ago, I couldn't stand the thought of it," says Carol. "But when we started talking about it this time, we were excited and sure that God opened the door for us to come here."

Amos states "after working in a lot of dead end jobs and then having my feet set on the path of working with children and youth. Weather at Father Flangans Boys Town, Community of Grace or Beautiful Savior Lutheran church and even starting his own non-profit all of these have prepared me for this ministry here at Mosaic."

Of course, the Gray's are excited about the future. Amos finishes this with "I look forward to working with all the parents, staff and volunteers and raising up the next generation of leaders for His kingdom.

You can e-mail Amos at amos@mosaicchurch.net.

Alison Clinton

2007-10-17T15:47:00.001-05:00

Alison Clinton grew up in Southern California and moved to Little Rock, AR, with her family, in 1993 during her senior year of high school. In September of 1993, she met Mark DeYmaz, at Fellowship Bible Church on his first Sunday as the new Student Ministries pastor. Alison started volunteering with the junior high and high school students that Fall.

In February of 1998, Alison joined the staff of Fellowship Student Ministries at Fellowship Bible Church. While on staff at FSM, she worked as the Assistant Director of Programs and Special Events planning and doing the administration for all the mid-week programs and camps that the students attended.

Alison joined the staff of the Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas in the Fall of 2001. She filled multiple roles while she was on staff there as the church was just starting out.

She and her husband, Sloan were married in June 2001. They now have two beautiful daughters, Delaney (4) and Isabelle (2). Sloan and Alison were some of the founding members of Mosaic and have felt so blessed to be a part since the beginning. Both, Alison and Sloan are very excited about what God is doing at Mosaic and are especially excited about raising their girls in such a church.

Currently, Alison is a stay-at-home mom and is working part-time in MSM as the Director of Special Events and Administration.

If you’d like to contact Alison, you can email her at alison@mosaicchurch.net.

MSM STAFF

2007-10-16T16:33:00.001-05:00

Amos Gray
Pastor, Directional Leader
amos@mosaicchurch.net
<<read more>>

Alison Clinton
Events and Administration
alison@mosaicchurch.net
<<read more>>

MSM MISSION & VALUES

2007-10-16T16:17:00.000-05:00

OUR MISSION...

To enlist, equip, encourage and empower junior and senior high school students to become the moral and spiritual leaders of the 21st century.

OUR VALUES...

Real
We are students and adults committed to authentic interaction and transparent lives.

Friends
We are students and adults committed to both encouraging and exhorting one another in love.

Excitement
We are students and adults committed to combining fun with meaning.

Life
We are students and adults committed to Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life.

MSM EXPERIENCES & EVENTS

2007-10-16T15:54:00.000-05:00

AN EVENING FOR THE AGES
December 2, 2007
Sophomores & Juniors will inaugurate and host this 1st annual Christmas Banquet for the more mature members of Mosaic.

WINTER BANQUET
December 8, 2007
Mosaic seniors will gather for fine dining and reflection in the Christmas season.

PROGRESSIVE DINNER
December 12, 2007
9th graders join us for fun and festivities at Christmas!

WINTER CHILL
Date: January 11-13, 2008
Cost: $110
Location: New Life Ranch, Colcord, OK

SENIOR GRAD NIGHT
May 17, 2008
Celebrating our graduates!

BEACH BLAST
Celebrate the end of school and kick-off the summer at the beach!
June 5-10, 2008
Cost: $245
Location: Gulf Shores, AL

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 10

2007-06-30T08:58:00.000-05:00

Pray for Travel Safety for the team as they depart Nicaragua today at 6:50am and arrive in Little Rock at 10:40pm. Pray for the family and friends who will be driving to meet them.

~ Psalm 35 ~

Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation." May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them. Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, may ruin overtake them by surprise— may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation. My whole being will exclaim, "Who is like you, O LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them." Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. They repay me evil for good and leave my soul forlorn. Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; attackers gathered against me when I was unaware. They slandered me without ceasing. Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me. O Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue my life from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you. Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. They gape at me and say, "Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it." O LORD, you have seen this; be not silent. Do not be far from me, O Lord. Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. Vindicate me in your righteousness, O LORD my God; do not let them gloat over me. Do not let them think, "Aha, just what we wanted!" or say, "We have swallowed him up." May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, "The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant." My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 9

2007-06-29T08:54:00.000-05:00

Pray for the team today as they wrap up their trip, and enjoy some sightseeing and fellowship with Nicaraguan students. Continue praying for endurance & unity.

Pray for team members Nina Ruth Harris & Katie Harris.

~ Romans 15:5-6 ~
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Nicaragua Update #3

2007-06-28T11:01:00.000-05:00

Buenos Dias!
We didn´t meet with the gang members who said they´d be there on Tuesday- very disappointed about that, yet God had other divine appointments for us, especially Amos who kept speaking into other young men´s lives. Yesterday, Wednesday, we found out why the gang members didn´t come, they came to see us and said they had been caught and put in jail that night! So they came by and Sandy and Amos had a strong conversation with them- they are totally in the hands and stronghold of the devil, yet they know the Truth, but the demonic strongholds are more than we can handle today. They will come back today, Thursday, to keep talking to amos. It´s amazing to see these rough kids paying attention to Amos words- 2 days ago amos was talking to 5 of them, and another one was off to the distance listening to what he had to say, but he didn´t want to come by. The next day he came to amos and said he wanted to talk to him- he said that he was about to go buy drugs but that there was something in Amos´words that stopped him and he didn´t go get high… he accepted Christ yesterday!!!!

The students went door to door yesterday and it was scary for them and we pushed them hard to be bold, and they did a great job! Many people accepted Christ and many people rejected strongly. Jesus is not for those who need it, but for those who want and take Him!

Most of the students are being broken and God has opened their eyes to His big plan for all of humanity. They are being changed drop by drop- their minds and hearts are questioning everything about American Christianity. They are wrestling with themselves and their lives and circumstances. They are wrestling with God about their purpose in life. It is the highlight of my week to see the eyes of their understanding changed every day- I couldn´t have prayed for anything more. I could die and go to heaven now!

Pray for us today re. the gang members. WE praise God for your prayers because the FAVOR of God is upon us! We couldn´t have asked for anything more before these guys who are in the pit of hell and God wants to rescue them.

The van is here, gotta go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On behalf of the team,
Ines

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 8

2007-06-28T10:49:00.000-05:00

Pray for the health and strength of our team members as they continue with their work projects and street evangelism.

Pray for team members Dianka Moton and Ross Harris.

~ Philippians 4:13 ~
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 7

2007-06-27T08:27:00.000-05:00

As the team continues their work projects and street evangelism, please pray that they would receive rest in the midst of their work. (please be sure to read updates #1 & #2 for specific and current requests)

Pray for team members Keisha McGill and Anthony Ossenfort.

~ Matthew 11:29 ~

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

Nicaragua Update #2

2007-06-26T10:50:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful, hard day Monday- we did children evangelism in one school, 2 kids and 2 teachers accepted Christ. In the afternoon, we played basketball and amos shared Christ with the students playing- please pray for us today, Tuesday, at 2pm we have made an appointment with 3 gangs from one area and their leaders have agreed to come to the church and hear amos- we´d like for them to make peace with each other. Pray for protection and discernment. The 2nd team also had a lot of fruit from their evangelism in another side of town and many, many children accepted Christ.

Tami harshaw got sick yesterday and was healed after we prayed for her. Everyone else is doing great- the students are amazing evangelists and never get tired.

We need your faithful prayers for us.

Got to go!
On behalf of the team,
Ines

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 6

2007-06-26T08:09:00.000-05:00

Pray for Endurance & Unity for the team as they continue with work projects and street evangelism.

Pray for team members Támi Harshaw and Hunter Sadler.

~ Romans 15:5-6 ~

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 5

2007-06-25T07:53:00.000-05:00

Pray today as the team begins work projects and street evangelism (see update below). Pray for boldness as they encounter new places, new people and new ideas.

Pray for team members Brett Viney and Sandy Viney.

~ Philippians 1:19-20 ~
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Nicaragua Update #1

2007-06-24T19:45:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! The Nicaragua team made it all in one piece last night, including Rob and Ines today. The team went to church in Spanish for a special 4 hour long Father´s day service- Amos won a father´s day gift (free cell phone!) and we´ll use it this week if we activate it. We met with 4 key players in our weeklong mission- very strategic pastors who shared the vision they have for their communities. Pray for us tomorrow- we´ve had a few change in plans and maybe a little more than we can handle, but we came prepared for anything so this is no surprise. Pray for the youth who will be evangelizing a whole school tomorrow, the teachers, and do street evangelism in high-risk-gang areas of 2 very poor cities. Pray that the electricity won´t be shut down so we can stay out on the streets after 5pm. No one has gotten sick- everyone loves the food and don´t complain about the heat. Pray that the Spirit will go before us and that He´ll bear fruit thru us in evangelism.

I hope to send another update Monday or Tuesday. Thanks for your prayers! We will REALLY need them.

On behalf of the team,
Ines

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 4

2007-06-24T10:14:00.000-05:00

Pray as the team gathers together as the Church for group devotions, praise and prayer. Pray for their unity and preparation.

Pray for team members Rob and Inés McBryde.

~ John 17:20-23 ~

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 3

2007-06-23T07:36:00.000-05:00

Pray for the team as they depart this morning and will arrive in Nicaragua tonight. It will be a long day of travel followed by a general orientation, so pray for open ears and eyes.

Pray for Travel Safety.

Team Members to Pray for:

Amos Gray & Zack DeYmaz

(*praise* Amos's passport came through ~ our Lord isn't hindered by document processing!)

~ Psalm 27 ~

The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 2

2007-06-22T09:27:00.000-05:00

Pray with us for the Spiritual & Physical preparation of the team,

for their Unity with each other and with their brothers and sisters in the Church in Nicaragua.

~ Ephesians 4:1-6 ~
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 1

2007-06-21T08:12:00.000-05:00

Pray for the Families of the Team Members, as the Team Leaves for their 10 Day Journey.

Pray for Strength as Both the Families and the Team Members will be Facing Spiritual Warfare.

~ Ephesians 6:10-20 ~

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

MSM Nicaragua Missions Trip

2007-06-19T15:02:00.000-05:00

MSM Nicaragua Missions Trip

June 23-30, 2007

8 passionate high school students and 6 insane adults are traveling to Managua, Nicaragua on Saturday, June 23 on the first ever Mosaic Student Ministries Missions Trip!

The Mosaic youth will be working together with another team of Nicaraguan youth to do service projects during the day and street evangelism in the evenings at 2 different sites of the city. Our mission is to expand our view of God's glory among the peoples, mobilize the American and Nicaraguan youth to have a heart for all the nations by working in unity for one week, and to encourage the believers of those 2 churches who will do follow-up/discipleship on the new believers.

Please pray for the youth:
Brett Viney
Hunter Sadler
Anthony Ossenfort
Dianka Moton
Ross Harris
Nina Ruth Harris
Katie Harris
Zack DeYmaz

And For the Adult Support Staff:
Amos Gray
Tami Harshaw
Keisha McGill
Sandy Viney (the mom)
Rob & Ines McBryde

For the weather:
It will be HOT & HUMID & RAINY :-)

Pray for safety, health, unity, boldness in evangelism, sweet fellowship with our Nicaraguan brothers/sisters, brokenness, transformed minds & hearts.

If we find internet access we will TRY to update this blog throughout the week with a picture or two and a brief story of what's going on. But if we don't, don't worry and thanks for your prayers!! We know that we will not be the same when we return. To God be the glory!

In case of emergency, Cesar Ortega (cesar@mosaicchurch.net) will be our point of contact with the USA. Remember: no news is good news!

on behalf of the team,
~Ines

Hello

2006-04-13T16:07:00.000-05:00

ha ha ha my name is amos and I am using the internet.

~ 48 HOURS WINTER CAMP 2006 ~

2006-02-11T20:46:00.000-06:00

Don't Miss The Fun!

2005-10-25T17:51:00.000-05:00

<~ Wednesday Nights @ 6:30 P.M. ~>

<~ Sunday Mornings @ 9:29 A.M. ~>

<~~ @ The Dock ~~>

See you there!

Gator Park

2005-10-17T19:18:00.000-05:00

YES!!! It has finally come! Mosaic is renting out GATOR PARK!!!! Bring all your friends and family and be ready to have some major fun!!!! We will also have a community meal there, so don't stuff yourself with food before you come. It will happen Sunday, Oct. 23, 05. We will be there at 12:30, right after church. We hope to see you there!!!!

9:29am @ The Dock!

2005-10-10T16:30:00.000-05:00

What's Up Guyz n' Galz?

I'm pumped at how many of you are coming regularly on Sunday mornings, and now that Wednesday nights are beginning to take off, we're building numbers there too!

I want to thank those of you who make it on time every Sunday. You enable us to get to do everything that we've planned for the MSM hour @ The Dock.

From now on, We're Starting Promptly (that means "On Time" :)) at 9:29am. That means, please Be there, Be ready, and Bring Your BIBLES. Cool? Cool!

In addition, I want to encourage those of you who may have sleepy eyes on Sunday mornings, to get to bed just a little bit earlier Sat. night if that will help you be @ The Dock by 9:29a.m. :)

I Love You Guys, and Want You to Experience All That MSM Has To Offer. - Joey

MSM WEDNESDAYS NOW @ THE DOCK!

2005-10-10T10:46:00.000-05:00

MSM has moved and is now meeting at The Dock @ Mosaic on Wednesdays for fun and games. It starts @ 6:30 to 8:30 and it'll be fun, so be there! Call Joey at 562-3336 or e-mail him at joeutterman@hotmail.com for more information!

MSM Has A New Look! edited for Ramon

2005-10-03T09:08:00.000-05:00

The OLD look...

And the NEW look...

MSM Wednesdays!!!!

2005-09-28T17:33:00.000-05:00

That's right, MSM is now meeting at the Holmes' on Wednesdays for fun and games. It starts @ 6:30 to 8:30 and it'll be fun, so be there!

FYI...Cool Things Coming Soon!

2005-09-26T15:25:00.000-05:00

www.fellowshipstudents.com (for tickets)

www.acquirethefire.com

www.christomlin.com

www.livinitar.org

Not a concert...Just Andrew Sengler ollie-ing over Will. Whoa!

Look! Joey is posting!!!!

2005-09-12T16:31:00.000-05:00

This is my first MSM blog post. Yay!

Paint Day: Phase 3

2005-08-08T22:37:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday, August 10, MSM is going to finish off the MSM room! Be there @ Mosaic ready 2 paint. I would also suggest that you should wear clothes that you wouldn't mind getting dirty (just in case).

Pray for Honduras Mission Team!!!

2005-08-08T22:31:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!!!!

On Saturday morning, the Honduras Mission Team left to go to Honduras to minister and help the people there. I would just like to say that it would probably help them so much if you could pray for their saftey, providing them with the things they need, and that they would lead christ into other people's lives. I'm sure they would appreciate it!

Mosaic Student Ministies headed to Hot Springs!

2005-08-01T22:17:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, August 6th, Mosaic Student Ministries (7th –12th grade) will enjoy a day of fun and fellowship at Crystal Falls/Magic Springs. Staying for the evening concert with Jars of Clay, the group will return to Little Rock at 10:30 p.m. after departing at 9:30 a.m. from Mosaic. Bring a swimsuit, dry clothes to change into, a towel, plenty of sunscreen and a sack lunch. For more details, call Joey Utter at 870-480-2889. Cost is $20 for the day plus spending money.

WE WANT YOU!!!

2005-07-20T16:02:00.000-05:00

Calling all Mosaic Student Ministries students!

Here's a chance for you to serve the church by helping with the cleanup after the Asian Festival on July 30th. All hands on deck from 5:30pm to approximately 7:30pm on Saturday, July 30 for some heavy duty sweeping and mopping.

You will be accompanied by the Honduras Mission team members so the more the merrier! Let Rob McBryde know by e-mailing rob@mosaicchurch.net. He'll be so thankful!!!

Peace!

The Price of Freedom

2005-07-04T10:50:00.001-05:00

Happy 4th of July everyone and I hope you have a great time! But I would also like you to think about this for a moment: What is the price of freedom? Usually we think of how 54 brave men signed a paper and they lived happily everafter. But think about it for a minute. What did happen to those 54 men? Did they live happily ever after, or did they all die? I did some reasearch on Google.com and found this on Snopes.com. If yo uwould like to visit this page, visit http://www.snopes.com/history/american/pricepaid.asp. Please read this:

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year, he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.

Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more.

Standing talk straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books never told you a lot about what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn't fight just the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government!

Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July Holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: Freedom is never free!
*End of Article*

These men sacrificed so much for us to be free and we owe them a lot more than we could give. Now you see how much people sacrifice for other people... without them, where would we be today? So, give this a moment and thank these people for sacrificing so much.

The Price of Freedom

2005-07-04T10:50:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th of July everyone and I hope you have a great time! But I would also like you to think about this for a moment: What is the price of freedom? Usually we think of how 54 brave men signed a paper and they lived happily everafter. But think about it for a minute. What did happen to those 54 men? Did they live happily ever after, or did they all die? I did some reasearch on Google.com and found this on Snopes.com. Please read this:

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year, he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.

Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more.

Standing talk straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books never told you a lot about what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn't fight just the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government!

Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July Holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: Freedom is never free!
*End of Article*

These men sacrificed so much for us to be free and we owe them a lot more than we could give. Now you see how much people sacrifice for other people... without them, where would we be today? So, give this a moment and thank these people for sacrificing so much.

Small Group for Girls

2005-07-03T15:19:00.000-05:00

Hello! Amy S. has a small group for girls that starts every sunday at Mosaic at 5:00-6:15. Please come. It is one of the best times to learn about God and have fun at the same time!!!!!!!

MSM Bonfire @ the DeYmaz's

2005-07-03T14:42:00.000-05:00

Hey!!!! This Wednesday, MSM is having a bonfire at the DeYmaz's!!! We will have smores, tell stories and have LOTS of fun!!!! If you need directions, please contact one of our leaders. If you need rides to go to the DeYmaz's, we will be meeting at Mosaic Church at 7:40. If you need any information, please contact Joey Utter.

Leaders

2005-06-19T08:20:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! I'm Anna and I am going to introduce the leaders of MSM. The leaders are Joey, Rob, Josh, Meredith, and Amy. They are great leaders so say "hey" to them sometime. Joey is our new youth pastor and is a great one, too. I really enjoy what he teaches. Meredith and Amy are so fun to be around. Rob and Josh are really fun, too. They are all pretty funny. All the leaders are great and are so much fun to get to know. Believe me, all of them are really nice and love fun. They're great!

WELCOME...

2005-06-14T11:28:00.000-05:00

Hey! This is the first official post on the MSM blog!

Mosaic Student Ministries

Hello

SECRETS: ADDICTION

Is the Ship Still Burning?

THE AFTERMATH :: Winter Camp '08 Reunion

WINTER CHILL 2008 PHOTOS!

MSM COACHING GROUPS

NEW SUNDAY SCHEDULE - Starting January 27th

prayers for you and others...

Real Life Answers

MSM's Evening for the Ages

Letter from Hell

My Friend

What's up

Everything :: Lifehouse

A connection with Revelation with Daniel...

4 MORE!

Look At MSM

MSM WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

MSM SUNDAY MORNINGS

Amos Gray

Alison Clinton

MSM STAFF

MSM MISSION & VALUES

MSM EXPERIENCES & EVENTS

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 10

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 9

Nicaragua Update #3

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 8

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 7

Nicaragua Update #2

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 6

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 5

Nicaragua Update #1

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 4

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 3

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 2

Nicaragua Prayer ~ Day 1

MSM Nicaragua Missions Trip

Hello

~ 48 HOURS WINTER CAMP 2006 ~

Don't Miss The Fun!

Gator Park

9:29am @ The Dock!

MSM WEDNESDAYS NOW @ THE DOCK!

MSM Has A New Look! *edited for Ramon*

MSM Wednesdays!!!!

FYI...Cool Things Coming Soon!

Look! Joey is posting!!!!

Paint Day: Phase 3

Pray for Honduras Mission Team!!!

Mosaic Student Ministies headed to Hot Springs!

WE WANT YOU!!!

The Price of Freedom

The Price of Freedom

Small Group for Girls

MSM Bonfire @ the DeYmaz's

Leaders

WELCOME...

MSM Has A New Look! edited for Ramon