We are in New Mexico!

We are 11 miles out of Gallup and 143 miles from albuquerque

The Stand

I honestly can't even begin to explain how amazing this evening was. There are so many different stories and perspectives of this event that one person could never explain how amazing God's plan was. When we got to Madcap the lovely Sheila gave is all twine so that we could make prayer bracelets. I do believe they mean so much more to our students; not only do they cause us to pray for the Anthem but they will always remind us of what our God revealed to us (well except for AJ and myself because cuddle pants (rachael) lost ours!! :p). Some of our students got to help set up this cool sculpture masterpiece. After lunch at madcap we went back to the hotel. The students swam, napped, had small group time and got all dressed up. I thought it was cute that everyone wanted to look really fancy and nice for the Stand. :). We arrived back at Madcap at 4 to have a run through of the evening, finish setting up, and, most importantly, pray. 5:30 and all thought emptied my mind. 15 minutes. The excitement and anticipation of the unknown was making all of us jump and giggle uncontrollably. As the greeters and snow cone people (Jonny, Kenneth,Chantelle, Corey, Holly) were outside chatting it up with people, we were taken off guard by screams from the inside lobby. I checked my phone so fast it almost flew out of my grasp. It was time. Opening the doors, Isaiah and Sierra passed out tickets, while Jacob and I counted the people and ushered them inside. Melanie and Skylar were in the main Lobby directing people to the stairs or elevator. Zigzagged up the stairs were 5 smiling students to welcome everyone. I believe it was: Cj, Deborah, Amiee, Tristan, and Rachael. If you chose to ride the elevator Andrew would be waiting to take you to the correct floor. As the doors slide open you would see the concession stand, multiple merchandise tables and tons of people. Denae's table was run by Nick, Hannah, and Ivorie. Dominic's table was under the watchful eye's of Jackie, Aaron, and Marisa. The Stand started at six with beautiful worship from the Anthem band. At that time there were about 107 people in attendance :D. Denae Templeton was the second to play, she had a lovely folk worship sound. After her set Nick came and gave an amazing message for unbelievers, 12 people came forward. We had some students, as well as other volunteers, act as counselors. It was really cool to see the students learn and partake in explaining the next steps to take in faith. I as beyond proud of them. After intermission/counseling time Dominic Balli played. IT WAS AMAZING!!!!! I believe everyone had fun dancing, singing, and worshipping. Then Nick came back out and talked to all believers pleading with us to stand up and preach the gospel. The room raised up hands and shouts to show that we all agree to Stand for our God. It was so beautiful. Dominic played two more songs that slapped us all in the face with its INTENSITY!! I mean people were jumping, screaming, laughing, dancing and raising up hands out of excitement. It was bliss. After the Stand we ate at In-n-Out and then headed to the hotel for extended worship and prayer with Jonny. It was a truly lovely day. God had such a huge plan. I am blessed I was a part of it :)

There are many other stories of people talking to strangers and just pouring the gospel into their lives. Andrew, Richard, and AJ have some seriously beautiful witnessing stories. Every person was used in a precise perfect manner to make the Stand a huge victory for the Kingdom of God. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The past few days.....

Wow.. I was completely blessed by reading jonny's last post. I am, unfortunately, not as good a writer as he is. Gulp. All I believed about my writing abilities is a fable. To continue, Thursday morning we woke up pretty early, enjoyed a long quiet time, had group breakfast, and then headed to...... Starbucks! You see Matt Pirolo was extremely exhausted and we wanted to bless him with an Americano. Also, it was Melanie's G-day (gratitude day). Then joyously holding hot beverages we headed to Calvary Chapel of Northern Phoenix. For a good 4 hours of the morning, we were able to clean, scrub, and polish EVERYTHING. It was amazing to serve another Calvary, represent our Calvary, the Anthem, and shine for our Lord. After eating lunch, we were shuttled back to the hotel where we proceeded to get cleaned up for our future skate outreach. It was really cool to see all our skater friends, shout out to Ethizzzzle, and as we drove to another city we prepared our hearts with worship. That night some amazing conversations arose. The Lord blessed everyone and even though the day was riddled with attacks from the evil one, we prevailed on Christ alone. Praise HIM.

Friday, oh what a day. We set up for The Stand most of the morning and then enjoyed some wonder bread sandwiches. We were able to go to the Hotel and enjoy some R&R. I believe I napped :) hmmm mm............ What else happened... OH!!! We went to another skate park. Let me tell you that God did some amazing things!! Six people were saved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! I was blown away at how well the students and other leaders did:) Also, we met a 5 year old boy and were able to give him love, safety, kindness, and hopefully, a new beginning. I believe that God rocked all of our hearts and spirits.

This trip has created in me a desire for a deep deep unbreakable need of the Holy Spirit in my soul. I feel like I have become bold and more equipped to share my faith. The Lord has revealed many things to everyone. My deepest prayer is that all of us will not fizzle out after two months but continue to grow in faith, love, strength, maturity, and courage. Also, I like exclamation marks a little too much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peace and blessings
Sarie berry!

Battles

I awoke to the mellow vibration of my cellular device. It was Tuesday; yesterday. Slowly getting out of bed, I silently prayed in my thoughts that God would fashion our day according to His will and teach us to further glorify His great Name! It was our first day of serving; going to an art school to paint the outside walls of classrooms. I was stoked.

After getting out of bed I quietly made my way into where the kids were sleeping, the living room, and awoke each of them with a pillow to the face (a great way to start the day). I urged them to commune with Jesus, shower, and meet in the lobby for some breakfast burritos and cereal. We then started our day by heading to the school to paint for several hours.

Once the painting was done (which was totally blessed by God because it wasn't too hot) we came back to the hotel, ate lunch, and went through our books "The Necessity of Prayer." Once our fulfilling times of learning about trust in prayer came to an end for the day we headed to the Tempe History Museum and walked around for several hours. The museum had insightful information as well as interactive exhibits such as a greeting card maker and a real T-series model car. Once done at the museum we started our trek home in which I grilled up some delicious burgers and dogs on the grill (I'd have to say I'm a rockstar at grilling).

When all were filled with delicious cooked ground beef patties we headed down to the Mad-Cap Theater and Mill Avenue to do some street evangelizing and promotion of the upcoming event, "The Stand." Some great opportunities and stories came up throughout the night such as one group being able to buy a man some dinner and pray and talk with him. The whole experience made me feel somewhat like Jeremiah in which there was a fire in my bones to preach the gospel. Such a great opportunity for us to step out of our comfort zones and serve Jesus.

But then today came, a day in which our faith would be tested and God would be further revealed to us in ways we wouldn't ever expect.

Today started like all the other days: Quiet times, showers, and breakfast. Once done doing our necessities we read more of our prayer books. Today it was over "Desire and Prayer."It really spoke to all of us how Bounds writes that prayer without a full desire of God is displeasing to Him. I challenged my group to come before Jesus and ask for more fire in their hearts and souls.

At the end of our great discussions we packed up and headed to the Mad-Cap for opportunity to serve. Little did we know that the enemy was ready to attack us in the best way possible, according to his strength, which is, of course, nothing compared to Jesus. Soon enough one attack after another came upon the students and leaders. By the end of the day we could sense fear surrounding our hearts; but we wouldn't let it affect us because our Lord is stronger than any force of evil. The encouragement that helped me stay strong throughout the battle in front of us was 1 John 4:18 where John states that perfect love casts our all fear; that fear is not from God and not of God. We trusted and prayed to Jesus and He came through and gave us all the peace we needed. Before I knew it we were all outside the theater on our knees with hands lifted high praising the Lord, crying to Him, and trusting in His faithfulness.
He brought us together.

Today we learned a lot. We saw that serving Jesus will cause the enemy to seek and attempt to destroy our mission. We learned that Satan doesn't necessarily want us to hate God, but to forget God (thanks for the insight, Richy). But most of all we learned that God is faithful, good, just, sovereign, and powerful. Nothing is clearer in His Word that He wants to give us the desires of our hearts, that He's willing and able to provide for us. We are encouraged tonight by what we've learned throughout our daily spiritual warfare.

"Trust in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct Your paths."

Keep the team in your prayers. Good night and God bless~

First night in Tempe!

So our first night in Tempe, AZ was awesome, and HOT to say the least, but awesome! As soon as we got in town, we quickly checked in to our hotel, (as quickly as we could anyway), and right away we were hit with the heat of Arizona. This was definitely an experience for us all. As Nick put it last night in his message, "It's like having a blow dryer right in front of your face," and in my opinion a super suped up blow dryer that is set to it's complete maximum. So in other words it was hot, sweaty and a big challenge for us right away. But after jumping into our vans, and reassuring the kids on 1 Corinthians 10:31, "Therefore whether you eat or drink to it all for the glory of the Lord," and listening to some encouraging words from Mat Kearney, "And I wont back down, cause no matter what comes crashing down, im still gonna stand on solid ground," we were pumped and sweaty, excited as we rushed over to the Anthem Church. We got there just in time for prayer. After that everyone was put to work. The kids were greeting people outside the theater and inside, handing out flyers welcoming all people to the Anthem. (The kids really executed their learned skills from 421!) So church started and as all our team sat in the front row, we worshiped God with our whole hearts, and adding to that experience a blessed atmosphere of dimmed lights, and complete worship and surrender to God. I felt everyone had a sigh of relief now that we had got here and we were just worshiping God. And aiding that even more was a powerful teaching from Nick Crespo on Philippians chapter 1 and how we need to have a ridiculous insane love for Christ ultimately and showing that love to everyone around us. It really was an awesome message and perfect for preparing us for the task of evangelism here in Tempe.
We ended the night by eating dinner at our favorite place ever...In and out burger!!! Yes this was amazing, and some of the kids had never eaten there before so it was definitely an amazing experience. We followed our stuffed bellies with a stroll across the street to Yogurt land. You'd think no one would be able to eat after double cheeseburgers and ice cream shakes. Especially immediately after we were done eating. No not our Velocity kids. They saw Yogurt land and the amazing 10 different flavor help yourself service and their dreams come true. So they ate and they enjoyed! We all did, and as the Anthem joined us at In and out and Yogurt Land with great fellowship, we headed back to the hotel for some needed rest.
God is so amazing and He is going to do some great big things with this whole team! All for His glory! Stay up to date with our next blog for today and don't forget to keep us in Prayer!!! We love you all!

We made it to the Anthem

We made it to Tempe safely and we just got to the madcap theater. We are now praying the church and after service the kids will give you all a call.

On the road again!

Hello friends! We have hit the road, with a banjo on my knee! We are well equipped with cheese puffs, gummi bears, and twizzlers. We are journeying to an environment foreign to our own a land of dirt and heat; wait?! Well you get the point. We should be arriving in Tempe around 3ish hour, Lord willing. Please pray for traveling provisions. We are gonna claim this city for Christ!

Acts 17:6b

Let's Not Stop Training

My favorite athlete, Georges St. Pierre, wrote an interesting tweet today it said

" People ask why I train 7 days a week, all year long. It's simple: that's 5-6 more hours of training a week than if I was on a 6-day program. I’ve been doing this for the last 10 years- I'll let you do the math! Keep getting better every day!!! "

Wow! That's dedication! We can draw a beautiful parallel between this dedication and our lives as believers. As the time is closing in on our mission my prayer is that we have this same dedication. We sometimes think, like most athletes, that we train hard then we take a break. Yes we take our sabbath, but we never should stop training. Let me be CLEAR, we are NOT going on a vacation. This is not going to be just a trip you go on over the summer. This is not just 2 weeks away from your parents. This is going to be training. This will be challenging, trying, and a testing of our faith. There WILL be spiritual battles. There will be mental and physical challenges.

Yes, we will have a ton of fun. And yes, it will be vacation-like. However, we must not forget our mission and priority; serve, proclaim the gospel, love. So before we depart, friends, let's be ready. Let's be prayed up. Let us be rested up. Let us be bold and unashamed. This will be life changing. This will be life challenging.

So when we leave the parking lot, lets leave expecting great things. Leave with audacious, radical, mountain moving goals. Stepping out in faith trusting that God will protect, provide, and move powerfully in Arizona. Pray that the Lord would be working in the lives of whom we will minister to and also to us before our mission.

We won't stop till our mission is accomplished. We will be training all 7 days, all 24 hours. We won't let our guard down because our enemy is relentless and does not sleep. So let's be ready for the fight
“These who have turned the world upside down have come here too." (Acts 17:6b)
Let's turn the world upside down!

Arizona Team Commissioning has been moved to the Main Service

We will meet in front of the PLEX @ 6:45 then head over to the main building.

Arizona Team Commissioning Service in the PLEX

We will have a commissioning service this Wednesday June 22 from 7-8:30 in the PLEX.
Everyone is invited.

ARIZONA TEAM PACKING LIST

Duffel bags are the best way to pack. You are allowed one carry-on and one duffel/bag. We don’t have room for more than that.
o Toothbrush, toothpaste & floss
o Razor & shaving cream (if you need it)
o Sun screen, sunglasses & a hat
o Extra pair of prescription glasses if necessary
o Deodorant (please!)
o Soap & shampoo & antibacterial hand soap
o Famine hygiene items
o Comb, brush
o Earplugs (for noisy roommates)
o Baby wipes
o Hand Sanitizer
o Towel
o Medicines: antibiotics, vitamins, aspirin, allergy tabs, diarrhea medicine, ointments,
Band aids. Etc. Make sure all prescriptions are in a prescription bottle.
o Bible
o Notebook/Journal
o Pen
o Water bottle
o Snacks for the road
o Spending money
o ID (if you have one)
o Camera
o Pillow (optional)
o Bug spray
o Sweater or Light jacket (may not be need but you never know)
o Work gloves
o Work clothes - light cotton is best, work sneakers (Bring something you aren't worried about getting dirty or paint on.)
o Jeans & Shorts
o Girls: no spaghetti straps, low-cut shirts, short shorts or skirts. T-shirts are the best way to go
o Swimsuit (no two piece swimsuits)
o Handkerchiefs or headband are handy for keeping the sweat off
o PJ’s
o Walking shoes (sneakers)
o Shower sandals, flip-flops
o Laundry bag (to keep your dirty clothes in)
o Have one change of clothing as well as anything that you need to clean up with you so when we get back from training you have some clean clothes to change into on Saturday.
o Do not pack you spending money in your suitcase once we pack your suitcase in the trailer you won’t be able to get to your suitcase till we get to Tempe.
o No electronics at all besides your camera and cell phone. (You are allowed to being a cell phone with you. It WILL remain off till your leader says you can call home and check in. and your leader will have control of your phone.)
o No knives, lighters or matches.
o Leave valuable jewelry at home
o Zip lock baggies are great for any liquids that may open accidentally
o Tag your entire luggage with your name & address & phone #
o We travel as a TEAM - never alone


Please do not call your son or daughter while we are out in Arizona. We will have time set aside for them to call.
If you have an Emergency you can call the Student Ministry office at 505-338-3699 and they will get a hold of the team.
You can follow the AZ Team at www.vsmmissions.blogspot.com/ we will be posting daily

Parent Meeting this Saturday Night after service in the PLEX

Last Team Meeting

We have our last team meeting this saturday from 1-4 then the parent meeting right after service.

Street Light this Friday

Hey Team street light is this friday. Meet here at calvary by 6. Make sure to bring a few bucks.

Mission Trip Money Is due:

Remember all money is due today. If you have any questions email me at reuortiz@gmail.com

Street Light Ministry is Canceled

Hello all,

I just want to let you all know that the Street Light Ministry has canceled tonight's event due to fact that we will not have enough leaders and transportation. Sorry for the late notice. We will see you next weeks Street Light.

Reuben

Prayer

Hello everyone,

Make sure to stay in prayer this whole week for the money that needs to be due this weekend. It is imperative that we trust in God continually as we get try to get the money together. Remember our God is Jehova Jireh, meaning "my provider." And He has been and will provide for us. Jesus says in John chapter 14:13 "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." Let's continue to stay united in our prayers to our God.

Important Dates

May 29 - Team Meeting 1-4 Meet in the upstairs class room in the HUB
June 5 – Team Hang out & Pool Party from 2-6, 7305 Ticonderoga rd. NE
June 10 – MANDTORY Street Light, Meet here at Student Ministries @ 6pm to about 8pm bring a few bucks to buy something to eat.
June 11 – ALL MONEY IS DUE!! Turn it in to one Mission trip team leaders.
June 17 – MANDTORY Street Light, Meet here at Student Ministries @ 6pm to about 8pm bring a few bucks to buy something to eat.
June 18 – Last Team Meeting 1-4
June 18 – Parent Meeting right after Velocity service
Directions to the team hang out June 5th from Calvary

4001 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109‎
1. Head west on Osuna Rd NE toward Washington St NE go 197 ft
total 197 ft
2. Make a U-turn at Washington St NE
About 1 min go 0.3 mi
total 0.3 mi
3. Turn left onto Jefferson St NE
About 1 min go 0.3 mi
total 0.7 mi
4. Turn right onto Ellison St NE
About 2 mins go 0.4 mi
total 1.0 mi
5. Continue onto San Antonio Dr NE
About 4 mins go 1.5 mi
total 2.6 mi
6. Continue onto Harper Rd NE
About 1 min go 0.2 mi
total 2.8 mi
7. Turn left onto Barstow St NE
About 1 min go 0.4 mi
total 3.2 mi
8. Turn right onto Plymouth Rock Rd NE
About 1 min go 0.2 mi
total 3.4 mi
9. Take the 2nd right onto Freedom Way NE go 279 ft
total 3.5 mi
10. Take the 1st left onto Ticonderoga Rd NE
Destination will be on the left go 98 ft
total 3.5 mi
7305 Ticonderoga Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109‎

Fundraiser This Weekend

Hey Team be at the Calvary in front of SOPO by 4pm Saturday to help setup and get grilling some burgers. Also make sure that you get to SOPO in Sunday at 7am.

See you all there.

Team Hang out night at the Schroff's has been moved to Sunday May 22th

Team Hang out night at the Schroff's May 22th
Arizona Team,

Hey Guys! I just Wanted to let you know how excited I am we will be going on this Trip together, So I wanted to invite you to a get together at my place...

What? BBQ, Smores FIRE Music Fun!!!
When? May 20th 6:30 to 9:30
Where? 7505 Rancho Bonito Dr NW.

I hope ALL of you will be able to make it!!!!!!!
If you have any Questions call me at (505) 792-5437

ALL Candle Money Needs to be turned in this Sunday!

All candle money is due this Sunday May 8th, Give all your forms and money to Reuben at any of the services this weekend.

Flea Market Fundraiser has been canceled!

Due to lack of donated stuff we have to cancel this event. If you have any questions talk to your leader. The date of this event was going to be on May 14. See you at the next Fundraiser for the weekend of 21 & 22.

Team Hang out night at the Schroff's May 20th

Arizona Team,

Hey Guys! I just Wanted to let you know how excited I am we will be going on this Trip together, So I wanted to invite you to a get together at my place...

What? BBQ, Smores FIRE Music Fun!!!
When? May 20th 6:00 to 8:00
Where? 7505 Rancho Bonito Dr NW.

I hope ALL of you will be able to make it!!!!!!!
If you have any Questions call me at (505) 792-5437

WITH ALL OF MY LOVE,
Sierra Schroff♥♥♥

Here is a link for a payment/donation Form

http://www.globaladventures.org/docs/Velocity%20donation%20sheet.pdf

Next Team Meeting This Sunday May 1 from 1-4

This Sunday is the next Team Meeting. We will be meeting in the upstairs class rooms in the HUB.

Caffeine Fast stats today!!

Just want to let you all know that we are 2 months away from our trip. Keep up the Good work.

Remember that all Mission team members need to be attending at least 1 of the four services.

Good Friday Fundraise.

If you are going to help out with the fundraiser on Friday you need to be at Student ministries by 8:30am. We should be done around 1:30 or 2pm. See you all on Friday!

UPDATED DATES

I had to make some Changes to the team training days. Two of our training days fell on mothers and fathers day. So here are dates that we have as of right now. I will be passing out information to all the kids at this Sundays meeting. I am also including upcoming fundraisers.

Important Dates

April 17 - Team meeting from 1-4pm meet in front of the PLEX

April 17 - Candle Fundraiser

April 22 – Good Friday Fundraiser @ Calvary Need to be at Calvary by 8:30am and plan on be there till about 1:30

April 25 - Start of Caffeine Fast for the team and Leaders. Yes that means no caffeine at all.

April 30 – Yard Sale. We need DONATIONS!! Ask your parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts, anyone. See Reuben or Richard for more information.

May 1 – Team meeting from 1-4pm meet in front of the PLEX

May 14 – The Flea Market fundraiser HAS BEEN CAN CANCELED

May 21 – We will be grilling burgers and Hotdogs in front of SOPO 4:30 – 6:30

May 22 – We will be selling Burritos, Krispy Kreme doughnuts and coffee. 7am –after service

May 25 – Chick-fil-a Fundraiser

May 29 - Team meeting from 1-4pm meet in front of the PLEX (Memorial Weekend)

June 11 – All money is due.

June 18 – Last Team Meeting we will also have a parent meeting after service.

June 25 - 1st day of Mission trip. Team training & staying the night at the church.

Team Meeting Sunday April 17

We have our next team meeting this Sunday April 17 from 1-4. We will meet in front of the PLEX. Please Try to be on time.

Deposit & finished Applications due this Wednesday

AZ Mission Trip Team don't forget your deposit and finished application is due by tomorrow after Velocity!

Sample Letter 2

Sample Letter 1

Parent Meeting

There will be a parent meeting this Wednesday Night after service in the PLEX.

Velocity Mission Team is now set.

I Just want to thank all the Velocity Leaders who help decided on this years Mission's team.

Here are this years team members.

Holly Chadwick
Sierra Schroff
Marisa Cecco
Skylor Schroff
Rebekah Rendon
Ivorie Baxter
Aimee Martinez
Aaron Oster
Nicholas Martinez
Rachael Rhoads
Tristan Gallegos
Jacob Casaus
Kenneth Hobbs
Isaiah Perales
Deborah Dorl
Corey Perez
Chantelle Baxtor
Hannah Gonzales


Mission Team Leaders:

Reuben Ortiz
Sara Lloyd
Richard Trujillo
Melanie Hobbs
Andrew Jaramillo
Damara Perry
Nathan Dennis
Jackie Melton
Jonathan Korman


Please keep this years team in prayer.