Monday, October 27, 2008

Banquet Update

The annual Teen Mission, USA, Banquet was held on October 23, 2008, at Gardenside Christian Church in Lexington, KY. We were truly blessed by having one of our best banquets in many years with around 140 people in attendance. The program featured inspirational music from JD Miller, Gary Nelson and the Bowden Family along with music and comedy from Kenny Speakes (pictured left) and a video presentation by TM, USA.

One of the reasons for the banquet is to say THANKS to the many supporters of Teen Mission, USA, who help make this mission/ministry possible. Many of you have kept this ministry going over the years through your prayers, financial support and volunteer help. May God bless you!

In a sense, you (the supporters) are stockholders in this ministry. The banquet, then, is like a stockholders meeting. We (the staff) give you an update on what you have invested your time and talent in. Many of us, have had nothing but bad news lately on many of our investments. The stock market has lost a lot over the past few weeks. There's even been reports of stockholders’ funds being used by CEOs for lavish personal vacations.

Let me assure you that this is not the case with your investment in Teen Mission, USA. On the contrary, I think you’ll some good news in what has happened with your investment with Teen Mission, USA. And we have not taken a staff retreat to a fancy spa or golf resort (Although we will go if you insist).

In 2008, the Mission Journeys sent 550 volunteers out to mission locations in many countries around the world, impacting thousands. I know of at least 45 decisions for Christ (17 by baptism) made as a result of this year’s mission trips. Ken’s schedule has been as full as ever with several speaking engagements around the country and world. Leonard reports thousands of people are currently enrolled in Global Bible School. We know at least three have accepted Christ and have been immersed as a result of the lessons this year.

We have this event to not only update supporters about what is happening with our ministry, but to also help fund our efforts. Money is in short supply here every fall. After the summer mission trips, we face September through January, as time when spending is greater than our regular income. We need extra income during that time. God has always helped us get through by special offerings and one-time gifts from individuals and churches. That’s the other reason for this event.

I'm happy to report we an offering of over $7,000 received at the banquet. Monies given before and after the event will take the offering total to nearly $10,000! THANKS again to all who helped. You've been a huge blessing to all of us.

Two more "regional" banquets will be held in the next few weeks. They will be: Saturday, November 1st (@ Gateway Church of Christ/St Albans, WV) and Thursday, November 6th (@ New Life Church of Christ/Flemingsburg, KY).

In Him,
Greg Herriford
Associate Director/Teen Mission, USA
Email = gregh@teenmission.org
Web http://www.teenmission.org/

Monday, October 13, 2008

Teen Mission Notes (September, 2008)

September was a very good and productive month. In fact, I recently realized that we're nearly halfway through October and I had yet to post a September update! I spent a good bit of my time in September making plans for the near future (fall & winter, 2008) as well as next year (2009).

The fall is also a time where we focus a little more on fundraising and development. Money is in short supply here every fall. After the summer mission trips, we face September through January, as time when spending is greater than our regular income. We need extra income during that time. God has always helped us get through by special offerings and one-time gifts from individuals and churches.


This fall, we’re holding 3 banquets in the following places:

October 23rd @ Gardenside Christian Church (Lexington, KY)

November 1st @ Gateway Church of Christ (St Albans, WV)

November 6th @ New Life Church of Christ (Flemingsburg, KY)

The banquets are a wonderful evening of celebration, food and fellowship. We'd love to have you join us at one of the banquets near you this fall. Our Lexington, KY, banquet will be a fun evening of family entertainment featuring special musical guests JD Miller and Kenny Speakes. Kenny entertains audiences of all ages with his songs, humor and unique style. JD is a multi-talented singer/songwriter/producer who plays piano with the very popular Southern gospel group, the Messengers.

As summer gives way to fall, GREAT things are continuing to happen here at TM, USA, such as:

  • The "Ken Henderson Presents" part of TM, USA, continues to go well as Ken's fall calendar is full with preaching and speaking engagements.

  • Thousands of students around the world are hearing about Jesus for the first time through Global Bible School.

  • We hope to make Christmas a little merrier for folks in Beattyville & Booneville, KY, through our 4th Annual Appalachian Christmas Project, December 12-14, 2008. We'll hold Christmas parties, giving presents to children and food baskets to families in need. There's room for you; contact us if you'd like to take part in this great program!

  • Also, work on the 2009 Mission Journeys is already underway. Our 2009 trip list is posted on our web site: www.missionjourneys.org. It will be updated as new trips are added. The 2009 Mission Journey newsletter is hot of the presses and will be mailed to over 7,000 churches and individuals in mid-October.

In Him,
Greg Herriford
Associate Director/Teen Mission, USA
Email = gregh@teenmission.org
Web http://www.teenmission.org/