The beginning of change

Howdy, howdy.

First great link:
www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike
Post #944

Not much to update you all on in the Poole adventure. First, for those who have emailed, commented, facebooked,hugged or called...thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support. Indeed it is a rough time, and I'm a true believer that we can't do this thing called life on our own. So mahalo for your love.

David will be finishing his time as youth pastor at the end of February. This will be a key time to transition the students, and set a plan for the youth group to run with an interim youth pastor until they find the next full time guy/gal. Our hearts are to continue to serve and love the teens until God calls us to the next season. Just because you don't have the status of "youth pastor" doesn't mean you can't disciple, encourage, and love teens. With that being said, if you attend a church and there's a need for youth leaders, jump in! There's such a need for Godly people to love and disciple teenagers. Unfortunately, there's such a steady spiritual decline amongst this up and coming generation, that I'm convinced we need more people everywhere who will serve in youth groups all across America. So what are you waiting for...Go, grab your youth pastor and ask where you can plug in. *stepping off soap box*

This past Friday we set a world record in how many people we can fit into our little house. *Drum roll please* 32 teenagers! Yes, despite the news of the resignation that did not keep students from attending our Open House. In fact, our house was bursting at the seams.

God continues to provide sub jobs for me. For two weeks in a row, I've worked Monday-Friday. What a blessing, although I'm exhausted. David and I went cruzing this past Saturday over to Kona, a needed break after all that has happened.We had some good time together, and good conversation. It was good to dream again, although come March we'll need a job for David. If you know of a job, preferably in Hilo, would you please let us know:)

So I know I need to post more pictures. David went night diving after Open House and caught the biggest fish yet...we'll post pictures soon. Currently it's sitting in my freezer with the other waiting-to-be-eaten fish. He speared it as it was sleeping. I told him that was unfair to the fish...he didn't have a chance. I guess the "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" doesn't apply to spearfishing. Anyone craving fish? just give us a hollar.
By the way...it was so good to talk to Jenna Y and Dani Mac this past week. So refreshing! May God continue to lead and guide you in His will. In fact, that goes for every reader reading this blog. May the God of the Universe, who loves YOU so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross for YOU, lead you and guide you into His will for your life and that nothing would be burdensome, but everything would be full of life and freedom (1 John 5). Oh, by the way...His Son ain't dead... in fact...He's alive and we'll see Him soon! Thank you Jesus, for that is my hope every single day.

Love you all.
Send me your thoughts: kelsey.poole09@yahoo.com

Kelsey

announcement

When I started this blog, I wanted it to be a way for you all to gather insight into our lives. Of course, I wish I could only report all positive things. But that's not reality. And as much as I won't report the gory details for the sake of our privacy (over exagerrated...the gory part...i'll always stick to the privacy part), I do want to share realistically what God is doing in our lives. I do this not for our sake, but for whose I'm undecided. If you are like me, I often feel so alone in trials- like I'm the only one who has or ever will go through ______(fill in the blank). So for those who have gone through, are going through, or will go through trials...this blog is for you. You are not alone! And although our trial may be different...a trial is a trial. I believe Satan wants to isolate us as believers, and fill our minds with shame, depression, insecurity, and doubt, so that we don't truly find the fellowship and support of believers and experience the unity and freedom in Christ.

So all that being said: David resigned this past Friday from the youth ministry at Hilo Missionary Church. Does that mean we are leaving? No. We believe that God called David to step out of professional ministry, with the confirmation of many of our leaders. Our desire is to still serve the kids as youth leaders as the transition for the next youth pastor is being made. So, no, we arent leaving the church, and in fact, we have been blown away by the support and love we have experienced from the majority of the church body. As expected, questions are being asked, conclusions drawn, and sides taken. And here's our response (or God's response):
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
" I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisons among you and that you are perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another "I follow Apollos"; another "I follow Cephas"; still another "I follow Christ."
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, no with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be empited of its power."

Simply put, I believe God is saying: Don't focus on leadership, focus on Jesus. And that's our heartbeat. Leadership will come and go, drop the ball, disappoint...but if we focus on Jesus we'll be a unified Body of Christ that won't let Satan have a foothold into the Kingdom of God. So our desire now: Is to walk and talk purposefully bringing unity and focus to Jesus. We know that God has a bigger plan than any of us can imagine. We know that God is in the redeeming business (sidenote: David did not have any moral failure to bring about a resignation, but recognized he had a lot of room to grow in and not at the expense of the youth).
We hold true to the verse (and this verse stands true for anyone who knows Jesus and is going through a tria)l:
Romans 8:28-30
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."

When Job went through his trial, his friends counseled him in trying to understand "why". Ultimately, God concludes that He's in control and it was a way for Job to see that God was in control and He's Big enough for any situation. Even the most junk (a Hawaiian expression). And what did God do after Job was refined to the point of understanding that God is in control and so Sovereign that nothing escapes Him...he was blessed.

God is in control! He knows what's best, and we believe this is a refinement for us, our marriage, and our relationships with other people, ultimately drawing us closer to Him.

We continue to appreciate your prayers and support. We'll continue to be here in Hilo for as long as God allows.
David needs to find a job (we do appreciate your prayers in his efforts).

Love,
Kelsey

Apart from Him, there's nothing

Pictures: David and our niece Bella. Snow on Mauna Kea, and us (no that's not our puppy, it's Nellie read blog below).
Our first week back in Hawaii has been busy as usual. I thought after our trip back to Colorado I needed a vacation, but it hasn't happened yet.

We have hit the ground running. David has much to do in the area of of youth ministry. Still praying for wisdom and guidance in this area. Despite being gone for two weeks, we came back to some eager kids waiting to get some of the small groups and fellowship times going again. Thursday we had about 18 (plus 4 more who will be joining next week) for our "Build" part of the youth group. During this time the students break into Link groups (accountability) where they ask each other deep questions and then go into a "classroom setting" to study either Prayer, Bible, Worldview, or Life (Eph 6) taught by 4 different leaders.
Last night we had our Open House. This is the "Reach" aspect of the youth ministry. We encourage kids to invite their friends in hopes to create a sense of belonging. We had 3 new students come, invited by their friends, along with about 20 of our "old" kids. It was a packed house. With games, food, and fellowship we kept the neighborhood up until almost 10:00 pm. They just didn't want to go home.

I have been getting phone calls left and right asking me to sub. I am almost booked for sub jobs for the month of January, and starting to get calls for February. Praise God! I was able to sub 3 days this week, and took Monday to go enjoy a little kiteboarding. The wind was going about 25mph, and therefore I couldn't fly, but I was able to watch others who had smaller kites fly. Almost 18 kiters out in the water enjoying the strong wind...*sigh* I'm hoping that will be me one day.

Well it's a 3 day weekend for some, with MLK Day on Monday, what are you doing? In the midst of busyness, I pray you find time to quiet your life, quiet your heart and spend some solid time with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

As David and I were doing devotions we were reading out of Proverbs 15 where is says:
"With love and faithfulness, sin is atoned for. And with the fear of the Lord man avoids evil". What does it mean to you to fear the Lord? Food for thought.

Aloha from the Big Island,
Kelsey

family

800 dollars in travel vouchers, two meal vouchers, and a night in the San Francisco Double Tree hotel -later, here we are sitting in the airport on our way back home with a lot to reflect on. As most of you know, David and I took some vacation time and travelled back to Colorado for the Holidays and Kelsey Travis (now Lantz)'s wedding. It was a wonderful retreat and great to see friends and family. We spent 3 days celebrating Christmas with each "section" of family. It was so special to see our almost 6 month old niece, Bella Cosette, and watching Pablo and Christina parent. It made David's vacation, when Bella fell asleep on his chest while we were all talking. What a special gift, and we believe God has awesome things in store for that little girl. We also were able to play with my aunt's new little australian shepherd puppy, Nellie. It's like having a 2 year old in the house. The attention that was required for that little ball of fur was unbelievable, but very very worthwhile.

David and I were also able to play a little. We went up with my sister/cousin and her hubby to go snowboarding . With fresh powder and a little sunshine, we had a great time. David and I also took a little adventure to go snowshoeing. What could have been a good time, turned sour due to my idea to take our three dogs. It was quite comical watching David balance snowshoes and a dog as big as a small horse. And I decided I could handle our two rambuncious goldens...hahaha!

*** (Sunday)We are now back in Hilo, awaiting what God has in store for the New Year. We know a challenge lays before us, and our trust is in the Lord. I tell you, I love Hawaii, and I loved seeing the students today. We want what God wants! We covet your prayers and encouragement.

Two beautiful places in the world...and I'm torn

Well Happy New Year!

Can you believe it is 2011? Here's our top 10 list from 2010.

10. Whale watching in Feb with Kjersten at Honolii Bay

9. Our random Kona excursion with Joel Runyon at 10:00 at night...so random but so fun!

8. Kelsey's wedding (not me, Kelsey Travis, a great friend from H.S.) and seeing some sweet girlfriends from HS and Bethel. David catching up with the few TCA folk he knows too at the wedding.

7.Kelsey learning to kiteboard- and still keeping awesome relationships with the Kona folks!

6. David and the boys night diving. Best catch- 16 in. 5lb. Kumu.

5. Having the the interns (Nate and Drew) and college, high school, and junior high students sitting in our living room enjoying true fellowship and worship.

4. Seeing my (Kelsey) first article published in a REAL magazine called Susie mag about Bethany Hamilton. The whole trip to Oahu to interview and meet other media was incredible. Soul Surfer coming out April 8! Don't want to miss it!

3. David's trip to Thailand where God rocked His world in many ways.

2. Trips to Maui and Kauai visiting family!

1. June Trip to Colorado and watching 8 students get baptized and a lot of student's lives changed for the glory of Jesus Christ!