Miscellaneous – Page 8 – Tomorrow's Forefathers, Inc.

Bekah’s Birthday Song

October 15, 2013 Grace Mally7 Comments

Today is Bekah’s birthday! We surprised her with a little party Saturday night after the conference. Here’s the little song we sang for her. Even though there are a lot of inside jokes, I think you’ll still enjoy it.

Bekah, Bekah, we all love you, full of laughter, full of sun
Faithful, long term Bright Lights member, you provide us so much fun
When you enter, you bring laughter, you bring joy, you make a splash
We are thankful for your friendship and your secret chocolate stash!

Bekah, Bekah, make us coffee, you don’t measure, it’s okay
We have grown to kind of like your simple, tasty, random way
You could use the coffee maker, aero press, or moka pot
French press, or the Keurig maker, make it strong and make it hot!

9:00 we meet at office, ready for the day to start
It has been a two-day weekend, we can’t bear to be apart
We just miss your cell phone singing, tigger boings and little sounds,
More than that we love your laughter, little jokes and friendly bounce.

Phone is ringing, won’t stop ringing, all you want to do is yawn
Coffee filters down to zero, and the precious cream is gone!
Where is Hannah when you need her? Tia’s gone to family camp.
Grace is talking in the bookstore. Stephen, did you take a nap?

Nickie, are you always busy? Sarah’s door is closed the most.
And of course, like every morning, Mr. Mally burns his toast!
Packing orders, finding labels, post office is closing soon
Is it 5 O Clock already? I thought it was only noon.

Think of all our conference memories: stubborn horses, cowboy boots
30 hours without sleeping, and your favorite—durian fruit!
Think of all the Asian cooking: fish eyes, squid, and sea weed bites
And your favorite from Australia, that delicious vegemite.

If you ever get discouraged, think of all your favorite things
Target shopping, purple pillows, coffee mugs and cell phone rings,
IMing Nickie, when you should be working, playing dumb games on your nook
Don’t forget what you have written in your “I am Awesome” Book

Bekah, Bekah, Happy Birthday! Hope that you can really thrive
With the new responsibilities now that you are 25!
dusting your cubicle, learning to drink tea, and with the printer make amends
Bekah, Bekah Happy Birthday! Blessings from your loyal friends!

On a more serious note, thank you to everyone who was praying for our conferences last week! I will post some more pictures soon.

Here are a few things going on today here at our office.

Sarah and I practicing putting together the travel easel that we will be using next week at a girls camp in North Carolina. (Trying to prevent potential disasters from happening since we will not have our normal technical assistance along! [smile]) We only broke down in tears once, lol, but those were tears of laughter. I think we have it figured out now.

Since we were gone last week we had quite a few packages of materials going out to many Bright Lights groups today! My Grandpa packed almost all of them. We are VERY grateful for him.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul,And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5)

Miscellaneous/Witnessing Stories

“Extreme Weekend”

October 5, 2013 Grace Mally2 Comments

Last weekend I attended a youth Bible retreat (connected with my church) called “Extreme Weekend” at Willowbrook Bible Camp in Des Moines.

Mark Woodhouse (an elder at my church) taught through the book of 1 Thessalonians over the weekend.

I had never noticed how every chapter in 1 Thessalonians points to the return of Christ. It is so important that Jesus’ return is consistently on our thoughts! It encourages our hearts and purifies our lives (1 Thess 4:18; 1 John 2:28)!

Saturday morning we went to a mall to share the gospel. Most of us started conversations by asking people for prayer requests. We’d say something like this: “Hi, we’re from a Christian Bible camp and we’re here at the mall today asking for prayer requests. We are going to pray for them this afternoon. Do you have any requests?”

Often, this led into a longer conversation. We saw many divine appointments.

I walked up as Josiah and Homer were praying with two guys, so I snapped this picture. Apparently they had a great conversation and one of them was very close to coming to Christ.

Eating lunch and sharing stories about the witnessing encounters God gave.

Back at the camp, Tony wrote the prayer requests on the board as we listed them.

It was fun to hear about the different approaches people used. One guy in our group hung out near the hunting section at Scheels because he found that to be an easy place to form friendships with kindred spirits and then witness to them [smile]. One girl got a manicure so she could have a conversation with the girl doing it. Another girl noticed a lady checking out a bunch of romance novels at Barnes and Noble and was burdened to talk to her about Jesus’ love.

I met an Indian girl who had only been in the US for 2 months. She said she had two Christian roommates that had been doing a Bible study with her! She told me about how they go phrase by phrase explaining what each verse means. It was exciting to have the opportunity to build on what the Lord is already doing in her life. (I left her with a “God of Wonders” DVD. If you are looking for a good evangelistic give-away DVD, this is definitely one I’d recommend.)

Praise the Lord for a long list of prayer items!

Praying for the requests mentioned, and, more importantly, for the people who told them to us.

Good-bye pictures with new friends!

Family News/Miscellaneous/Witnessing Stories

Neighborhood Pie Party

September 27, 2013 Grace Mally4 Comments

Last night was our annual (well, almost annual) neighborhood pie party! It went great, praise the Lord! About 35 neighbors came from all around the block, and we were so excited about the warm responses and good connections made!

Our purpose for the pie party is simply to get acquainted with our neighbors.

The first year we had the pie party about a dozen neighbors came. It has just continued to grow since then. The neighbors like the opportunity to get to know each other. (Now they express strong disappointment to us when they have to miss a neighborhood pie party.)

Unfortunately, in today’s generation, most people don’t know their neighbors that well. It’s not because people are less social than they used to be – it’s just because they don’t “rely” on each other as much, and have more connections elsewhere. But we’ve seen that our neighbors really do like getting acquainted (and eating pie).

If you’d like to try this in your area, we’d highly recommend it! Here are a few tips:

1) Set aside a couple hours a few days in advance to go around, knock on doors, and invite all the neighbors. It’s helpful to tell them about it face to face. It also gives extra opportunity to get acquainted. (Sometimes I have long talks on their doorsteps!)

2) Print up a little paper to leave with them (or attach to doors) to remind them of the day, time, and place.

3) Whatever you serve for desert, make it special and memorable.

4) If there is a prayer request or celebration in the neighborhood, acknowledge that. For example, last night as everyone arrived my dad prayed to give thanks for the food and prayed especially for Harry, our next door neighbor struggling with cancer. We also honored the couple across the street who was celebrating their anniversary.

5) Use name tags. Last night my dad invented a new kind of name tag by cutting paper plates in fourths so they looked like pieces of pie.

Right now I am working on a study guide to go along with Will Our Generation Speak?. I’m looking for practical ideas similar to this one to include. I’d love to hear any you may have! Feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me. Thanks!

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” Hebrews 10:24

Miscellaneous

Special Trip to Ohio

September 16, 2013 Grace Mally4 Comments

The weekend before last we drove out to Ohio for our friend Danielle’s wedding.

We have been very blessed to have Dani on our team at many Bright Lights conferences both in the States and internationally.

A highlight of the trip was getting acquainted with Dani’s older brother and sister-in-law who are missionaries in Ukraine, and also with her sister and brother-in-law who are missionaries in Alaska. Dani has told us so much about them and how much they have encouraged her in the Lord over the years. It was special to see their excitement for their little sister, to see the expression on their faces during the “family prayer” on stage, and to see their joy over how the Lord has answered their prayers for Dani. The support, prayer and love of godly brothers and sisters is a huge treasure.

“Give thanks to the LORD for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1

Family News/Miscellaneous

1,200 People @ Iowa Farm with Duggar Family

September 10, 2013 Grace Mally1 Comment

Our friends the Bontragers host a unique event every year at their farm called the “Turning Hearts Celebration,” based off Malachi 4:6.

Home school families from all over Iowa and surrounding states come for a day of great fellowship, hay-rack rides, food, special music, and speakers. It has been exciting to see this event grow. This year topped every other year with over 1,200 people!

We wondered how that many people would fit, but much prayer went into the day, and the Lord worked it all out. (The Bontragers even served dinner! [smile])

It was nice having some friends who are students at the University of Iowa come with us.

The Duggar family sharing special music

In the evening Mr. and Mrs. Duggar did a Q&A time and shared a lot of good advice. I think my favorite point that Mrs. Duggar made was how Matthew 18:15-16 revolutionized the way she dealt with tattling with younger children. All the wisdom we need for every area of life is in the Word of God.

It was a good thing the Bontragers had a good sound system because as you can see, not everyone fit in that barn! The Bontragers ended the evening with a concert. If you haven’t heard their family sing before, I recommend you check their schedule here to see if they are coming to your area. You would be encouraged!

It is very encouraging to be with a large group of godly families for a day – to be reminded that God is raising up a generation of ministry-minded warriors!

When we consider the strong opposition to homeschooling in Germany and other nations, we’re reminded to be grateful to God for what He’s given us here. Those of us who were raised in godly homes with much godly teaching have great responsibility. “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” (Luke 12:48) May we not lack zeal or focus, but run looking unto Jesus.

… let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus … (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Family News/Miscellaneous/Witnessing Stories

Witnessing with the Duggars at the University of Iowa

September 1, 2013 Grace Mally9 Comments

We were blessed to have the Duggars for lunch at the Bright Lights office last Friday!

It was so fun to have our office swarming with people and fellowship for a few hours.

After lunch, we asked if some of their older children would like to come witnessing with us, and we were delighted that the whole family volunteered to come!

Here Mrs. Duggar is sharing her testimony and the gospel with a growing crowd at the University of Iowa.

Since many recognized them from their TV show, this provided extra opportunity for open-air sharing, one-on-one conversations, and getting tracts into people’s hands.

My mom greeted a girl who was waiting in line to talk to Mrs. Duggar.
“What’s your name?” my mom asked her.
“I don’t need to tell you that,” she responded. She didn’t seem very happy.
She seemed to have a complaint about the Duggars’ motives and all their kids.
Mrs. Duggar talked to her for several minutes, and treated her with such warmth that her countenance totally changed. By the time she left, she was smiling and wanting to get pictures. It reminded us how “a soft word turns away wrath,” and a loving response goes a long way!

We loved how the Duggars initiated a time of open-air testimonies and singing, and then interacted with the crowds in such a loving and embracing way. Many good contacts were made with university students! Praise the Lord.

The Duggar boys did a great job passing out trillion dollar bills with cheerfulness to people walking by. Kids are often best when it comes to passing out tracts. [smile] Which is just another reason why doing ministry as a family is such a good idea. (And the more kids the better. [smile]) As Psalms 127:4-5 says, “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them … ”

Jinger had a long conversation with a group of skeptical teens. They seemed to be responding with interest to her words and appreciating the conversation!

Jana and I had a few interesting conversations with people further down the street.

Since we had a larger group than normal this time we were able to interact with many more individuals on a personal basis. Teamwork is exciting.

We praise the Lord for the way the Duggars are using their unique position for the glory of the Lord.

About three months ago Avalon, the younger sister of Bekah May (who has worked with Bright Lights for many years) told her parents she really wanted to meet the Duggar family. (She LOVES their show.) Her family encouraged her to pray about it. So that’s what she began doing. What a special thing it was to see how the Lord gave her the desire of her heart. [smile] My mom commented, “I think the reason the Duggars came for lunch is because of Avalon’s prayers!”

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!” Psalm 105:1-3

Miscellaneous/Thoughts

Romans Challenge!

August 17, 2013 Grace Mally41 Comments

When speaking on witnessing at the Radiant Purity conferences, I have been recommending to the girls that they spend more time in Romans—saturating their thoughts with the gospel so that it overflows into their lives and witness. I’ve been suggesting that they do the “Romans Challenge” which I did last winter: reading Romans 1-8 daily for thirty or fifty days. Last winter over 100 others did it with me, and it was wonderful to be able to share reports and study tips with each other. They would send tips and testimonies to me, and I’d combine them in a weekly e-mail.

I decided to host another “Romans Challenge” in September for those who are interested, and I have been announcing it at conferences.

I’ve been encouraged by the enthusiasm of the girls who come up to me afterwards with their e-mail address, asking to be included in the September “Romans challenge.” Last night I spent some time entering all the e-mails into my computer.

If any of you would be interested in more information about this challenge, see my post from last February and leave a comment if you’d like to be included! Also feel free to pass the word to any friends you know who may be interested.

Even if you don’t do this Romans challenge, I recommend you do something similar with a book of the Bible sometime. Read it over and over for a period of time, and watch as the Lord gives you a deeper, broader understanding of it. And remember—you are not the only one out there desiring to seek the Lord diligently. It can be easy to begin feeling alone in your Christian walk at times, but remember—there many other young people that are also seeking, craving the Word—wanting to be stretched, to grow deeper, stronger. Traveling around the states doing conferences gives us the opportunity to see that the Lord is raising up a generation that is seeking Him!

Here are just a few of testimonies from those who did the Romans challenge last winter:

“You don’t realize the wonderful logic of the book of Romans until you read it through like this. … I have really enjoyed it and am always tempted to read the rest of Romans. You realize that you learn so much this way and it has really motivated me to want to do it with all the books of the Bible!” ~Katrina

“It would be difficult to express what God is doing in me through y’all’s testimony and especially through His Word. . . The truth of His glorious plan is sinking in, becoming my own. – Ben

“This has been such blessing… I don’t want the 50 days to end. 🙂 I started compiling all of my notes into a fun notebook … I feel like I have a much better understanding of Romans and how it all fits together, because of this.” –Becca

“Thank you so much for sending the tips and ideas. They help to keep it fresh and help me dig deeper. 🙂 I have been sharing what I am learning about with others quite a bit. Reading it so much keeps it constantly on my mind, so I can’t help mentioning it!” Hannah

Miscellaneous

Regrouping At Home

August 1, 2013 Grace Mally1 Comment

We are enjoying a week at home before we leave for our next conference trip in Ohio and Michigan. Yesterday after lunch we had Tiramisu and a little party for Nickie’s birthday (a little late). Nickie’s dad is doing pretty well with the chemo. Thank you to all who are praying.

Lunch time around here is pretty fun and often ends up in unique theological discussions. It’s nice having more people here right now! We praise God for the big help it is to have Allison, Anna, and Kristin helping us this week. They’ve been doing so much! I don’t like to think about how we would get everything done without them here.

Miscellaneous

Back to Texas!

July 30, 2013 Grace Mally3 Comments

Over the weekend Sarah, Anna, Allison (who are with us for the summer) and I went down to Texas again to help with the Single Ladies Retreat that Taryn and Mirren Martin put together. It was even better than any of us expected. The teaching was rich with Scripture and insight, and the fellowship was very sincere and deep. The retreat wasn’t really about singleness, it was about walking with the Lord. Being around so many other girls and women who are living in surrender to the Lord and in love with Him was a very big encouragement.

One encouraging element to the weekend was all the special music from three of the sisters in the Marshall family and from many others. The messages of those rich, heartfelt songs shared were one of my favorite parts of the conference.

One of the songs has been lingering in my head today: “I Just Want to Please the Lord.” It is in living for His desires, not our own, that we find joy and rest.

“I just want to please the Lord
To be in His will in every way
To be lost in His presence
Found in His likeness
Hear Him say ‘well done’ some day.”
–I Just Want to Please the Lord, Ronny Hinson

Miscellaneous/Witnessing Stories

Growing Evangelists in Mexico

July 25, 2013 Grace Mally2 Comments

For those who saw my post a few days ago, I asked for prayer for a camp in Mexico that is focusing on training young people in evangelism this week. I thought you would enjoy hearing the story Mrs. Clark e-mailed me!

Thank you so much for your prayers for our camp. The Lord is truly blessing us! Each day, 4 teams of young people and adults have gone out to different nearby destinations to witness. Those who go to the city of Morelia have been using questionnaires with some of the questions you have on your website. They have been very encouraged, using this method, and many have had good conversations with people.

The first day out, Ted went with a team to a nearby rancho (village). His little group was welcomed into a very poor home of an 86 year old widow, María de la Luz. She listened attentively to the explanation of the gospel and told Ted decidedly that she did want to pray to receive Christ! (We often have people here who will say yes to everything and just follow along to be polite, but usually, it is clear they don’t really understand.)

But Ted said that this was different. He sensed that she really was sincere. She told him she had been praying that someone would come to tell her the way of the truth! She can’t read, but we will be following up with her. We are so thrilled to be able to be co-workers with God in this world!

Here’s a picture of María!

Mrs. Clark also added another specific prayer request:
One thing to remember in prayer for her: the Jehovah’s Witnesses are like a plague here in Mexico, and they have visited her constantly. It seems that she sensed something wrong with what they told her. Pray that they would leave her alone and that the Lord would open the door for us to continue sharing truth with her.

What a thrilling report! Praise the Lord. Nothing compares to that joy of seeing people embrace the gospel! Mrs. Clark also said they have had many other great stories from their witnessing trips each day. Let’s keep praying for the Lord to raise up laborers unto the harvest there in Mexico!

“Could it be that up in heaven, God is sitting on His throne
Anticipating another sinner will soon become His own.
Years of wasted living and years of toil and strife
Are just about to be over as he receives the gift of life.

Go sound the horn, strike up the choir.
A sinner is saved. Saved from the fire –
No more in darkness, he’s received my Son
All heaven rejoices – that’s the value of one!”

Category: Miscellaneous