Behind the eight ball...

POOL TABLE DESPERATION!!!

Many years ago the Drop-In was donated some top notch pool tables, but with many years comes much wear and tear, and we've been behind the eight ball for upkeep.  Unfortunately, this kind of repair is not "do-it-yourself" kinda work, and it does not come cheap, so as a not-for-profit we haven't had the extra funds to fix them. Year after year they still become a major highlight of our facility, and a great way to connect with people, but duct tape isn't doing the job. So I'm going out on a limb here hoping that the word would spread that we are in need for some financial donation specifically for this cause. My estimate is $1000 for both tables to be repaired (possibly more). Let me know if you or someone you know may have this on their heart...THANKS!

Skaters vs Old Man Winter

With this crazy whirl of "spring" weather we're getting a crazy whirl of emotions within our skateboarder crew.  Sunny, dry skatepark and snow-covered skatepark with biting northern winds, from one day to the next.  Anticipation for the end of old man winter has never been this high as long as I can remember.

Let the Spring come!

Let the kids come!

Old Man Winter go away!

An organic volunteer experience

We just got back from the ANNUAL YFC VOLUNTEER RETREAT

WOO WOO!

 As always, we gathered at YFC's Camp Cedarwood.  This year was different because for the first time we had all our sessions in the "Lakeview Lounge."  We also brought our friend, Jordan St. Cyr to come jam with us.  It was a fun, organic worship experience.  Thanks so much to Jord for coming!

Vintage piano stylings from Josiah

 Our "questionable" -yet adorable-  sound techs for the weekend.

Connecting with each other, and God, all in one room.

Magnolia on lead piano, everyone!

All in all, a great time of connection with each other, the YFC vision, and ultimately our awesome Lord and Saviour, Amen!

marked out on a whiteboard

It's DISCO TIME!!!

Also known as DISCOvery Time.
It's the "Christian Teaching" optional class being offered in Niverville to grades 1-6.  We have been teaching the grade 6's for about the last 10 years.  It's not an easy endeavour, as we walk the balance of what is relevant, worthwhile, keeps order and yet engages.
Our biggest push towards this opportunity is NOT teaching grade 6's, actually, but rather establishing RELATIONSHIP and sharing that same heart of what we do at YFC, of what's in the Bible, and about Jesus.
So we had our last one of the year (the course only goes up until Spring Break), and we had the kids come up and write what was on their hearts about God.

We were so blessed to see their hearts marked out on whiteboard.

homeshow

So the South Eastman Home Show at the Niverville Heritage Centre has come and gone.

Quickly, I might add.

What does the Home Show have to do with our local Drop-In, you ask?

Well, we're still trying to figure that one out.

     What we do know is that we were invited by Town Council member, John Falk and Credit Union to take up a complimentary booth for non-profits.  So we said yes.  Yes to what...we weren't sure.  But we showed up with some limited "eye candy" such as signed merchandise from the professionals we have brought to Niverville over the last few years (Project 86, Brian Welch, Zac Archuleta, Brian Sumner...) as well as skateboard paraphernalia, videos, and a videogame system for kids (and some adults) to play.
      I think most importantly we brought ourselves.
     Although it was an extra 18 hours of exhibit-manning on top of our busy week, we were able to connect with many people, young and old, as well as other businesses and exhibitors whom we would have never had such an opportunity to do so.  I remember having talks with a young boy about 7 years old with a thick English accent who wanted to become a skateboarder.  Also talked to a professional MMA instructor (Mixed Martial Arts) and how that's affecting youth culture, as well as a good old-fashioned talk with a senior lady (probably in her 90's) about how we can best impact our youth.  So it's probably safe to say that it was worthwhile.
     We're so thankful for the community of Niverville, for each one of you "Nivervillains" who contribute to make this place great.  Us Drop-In folk are walking proof of this...a self-sufficient, sustainable community ministry reaching to many youth in the margins.
     Thank you, Niverville.

May many more who come to live in this town come alongside the Drop-In vision!

(2 of our most adorable visitors at the Home Show)

twenty thirteen already!

time flies...
                           ...it's been a long time.

life at our local drop-in centre's been a little crazy.

last year we said goodbye to a staff member...our good friend eric mcmahon.
                           ...but gained his valuable experience as a volunteer!

now we have a hands in a young people's coffeehouse running twice a week,
                              regular drop-in nights
      runs to winnipeg yfc's "edge" skatepark (sometimes twice a week)
student worker program supervision
                                                      community young adult get togethers
and many, many one on one relationships...



...for which we need your prayers.

mark von riesen

SUMMER2012 part 1

Well, it's been a crazy busy summer for us staff.  So cyber-relations have gone on the wayside, but we're back up and running and want to share with you what is happening with us at the Drop-In!

First off, we survived the wonderful mayhem of the Niverville Fair as we undertook a $35,000 project to bring the popular Christian rock band called Red, as well as a Christian professional skater, Brian Sumner, AND running a Sunday morning service on Main St. with a FREE lunch afterwards.  YIKES!  But God is so good, as many people came together to make it happen, and many people came out to make these events worthwhile.  We still faced our share of difficulties with the workload, and trying to raise the funds necessary to make it happen.

Frontman for Red was very engaging

Everyone "sardined" close to the stage

 

My band leading worship on Sunday morning

Our local Prayer Centre leader, Daniel Williams, praying with Brian Sumner

Sumner engaging with the audience