an invasion of helicopters?

Over the winter months we like getting groups of skaters together to go to the Edge Skatepark in Winnipeg (an indoor skatepark run by YFC).
One such trip I had the privilege of having my father-in-law join us...along with his super camera technology.
The result...

Feel the Breeze!

The Niverville Fair is rapidly approaching!
                                       And our schedule's are rapidly filling up with planning.

Just a quick heads up that we are excited to be a part of a number of things once again this year.  Friday evening we're a part of a musical conglomeration of more than 10 local artists, going on for 3 hours straight!  My (Mark von Riesen) band Pangea! will be playing.
Also, we're heading up the late night youth concert, bringing in a Christian band from Altona who recently got signed onto a label...Vessels of Veritas!
Finally, we're also helping spearhead the Sunday worship service.  Working alongside the churches, we've decided to move to Hespeler Park to make room for a more family-friendly experience.  In addition to worship music (traditional & modern), testimony, prayer, feasting and games....YWAM's Island Breeze will be joining us to provide some real Spirit-filled excitement!!  Check out their website if you want to know more about them.

http://www.islandbreezemanitoba.com/

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)