World Changers of PCC

Knoxville Team Makes The Evening News!

2009-06-23T09:43:00.001-07:00

Check THIS out - the World Changers team made the local news in Knoxville! See how their investment of time and energy is really making a difference in the life of a Knoxville resident - and hear from two of our own PCC team members about the work they are doing!

Click here to watch the story.

Tanner Iglio: God Story

2009-06-22T19:50:00.001-07:00

We had another great report from the Knoxville World Changers team after their first full day of work. The team is serving 26 homes across Knoxville - working on roofs (in the rain!) and other various projects.

Tanner Iglio called in to report that he'd been greatly impacted by the presence of a friend on this trip who just began attending church recently:

"My friend Holden and his faith walk so far has been awesome. I've pretty much been there through the whole thing. We've been good friends all throughout the year and he's been a huge inspiration to me to be a better Christian and to work to show it to him. Tonight we went up to the front to the altar to nail some things on a paper on the cross. Holden was actually starting to cry, which is unusual because he's a very masculine guy - he does not like to show weakness. It was amazing to me. I was crying. Everbody was crying. He's only been coming to church for a month now, and we have really grown together and he's just grown into a huge Christian. After only three weeks at PCC, he signed up for World Changers!!! It's so awesome to walk with him and get to know him even more! He's made a huge impact - he's made tons of friends, he's a great addition to our youth group. He's a very friendly guy, really funny, good with the younger kids and I would love to see him grow some more."

Remember, you can encourage Tanner, Holden and others by using an E-couragram. Just go to this link and follow the instructions for the Knoxville team!

Joseph Freeman: God Story

2009-06-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

Here's the first God-story from the PCC World Changers Knoxville team; Joseph Freeman called in to give us this report. Beginning tomorrow, the team should be able to blog from Knoxville, but this first story is transcribed from Joseph's call:

"So...we were walking out today in the city to introduce ourselves, let them know that we'll be working in the neighborhood that week. We got to one of the last houses and walked on the porch and I was invited in for a second (which made the people with us flinch, because one of the World Changers' rules is that you NEVER go in a home-owners house! ) But I walked inside and talked to the home-owners. They weren't on the list for a project, but we were just introducing ourselves. They said, "Oh, yeah, you are from World Changers, we remember you from last year. Hey, can you fix OUR roof?" kind of like a joke, but not really. They said, "Oh, this our mom's house. She's really sick right now." She pointed to a bed in the room and there was her mom, lying in bed, really old and frail and sick. One of the family members started to cry. I said, "Okay, I'll tell the World Changers people about your roof - but can we pray for you guys?" They said yes, so we all walk in and see the mom in the bed, and we pray for her. I prayed, "God, please bless these people; put your healing hand on them and stop the pain." The family started to cry, I almost started to cry - it was really an amazing moment for us."

Stay tuned for more God stories. Often, it's the little things that make the biggest difference.

Set Apart

2009-06-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

The theme for World Changers this year is Set Apart and is based on the scriptures and commentary below.

Please be in prayer for the youth of PCC as they learn what it means to be set apart for God.

HOLINESS: SET APART FOR GOD’S GLORY (Isaiah 6:1-8)

When Isaiah went to the temple on this particular day, something happened that changed his life forever. That is exactly what we can expect when we get a glimpse of God’s glory and begin to understand the concept of His holiness. The Biblical word holiness (Hagios) always speaks of character. In the case of God, it refers to absolute
perfection and purity. He is in every way holy. He is perfect and pure in His character and conduct. He is unstained, unblemished, and untainted by sin.

In the case of the followers of Jesus, the concept of being holy refers to our position and the process of becoming like Him. Holiness is not so much about what we do, but rather, who we are. Once a believer understands their status and standing before God, it gives renewed energy and freedom to live one’s life and give one’s life
totally unhindered for God’s glory.

Using I Peter 2:9-12 and Isaiah 6:1-8 as the primary biblical focus, this study introduces the twin concepts of our identity inChrist and our responsibility to Christ.

Each session connects key concepts together and should be approached as integrated lessons that build upon one another. Therefore, a brief general review is necessary each night to ensure that the students are connecting the dots.

A healthy concept of God is mandatory if we are ever going to respond to Him appropriately. The Bible says that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” (Proverbs 1:7).

This study presents the Lord as the “high and lifted up” King of the universe in all His splendor. At the same time, it presents the servants of the King as ordinary sinful people who are cleansed, called, and commissioned for His work in this world.

This process of being setapart is the heartbeat of our study. We are the recipients of God’s extravagant and extraordinary grace. He provides us with a position of honor and invites us into a partnership with Him.

This theme is designed to give a clear, biblical perspective to every student and leader concerning their place in God’s eternal plan. The purpose of God is for every believer to experience the joy of being fully engaged in a lifetime pursuit of His glory.

E-couragrams

2009-06-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

One very important element at World Changers is the Encouragram! This is a note of encouragement and affirmation that students receive from their crewmates, their fellow youth group members, their adult leaders and World Changers staff.

YOU can play an important role by sending your own "e-couragrams" through the World Changers website. Last year, PCC blessed the socks off our youth by receiving TONS of notes from you! Even the WC staff commented "you come from a really encouraging church! We have received more from your church alone than the others combined!"

Let's do it again this year!!

Here's how:

http://www.world-changers.net/
click on the "students" tab
click on the "e-couragrams" link in the left margin
go to the "TN" location
click on "Knoxville"
on this page, follow the link to send your note of encouragement to whichever particpant you would like.

Participants going:
Erik Edwards
Becky Edwards
Andy Heberle
Jackie Heberle
Angie Frame
Angie Sposa
Joe Sposa
Lance Broughman
Craig Pace
Sarah Wingo
Tanner Iglio
Katie Rusch
John Rusch
Marshall Broughman
Jen Hall
Kelsey Hall
Amber Scott
Andrew Basic
Joseph Freeman
Nikkie Oliver
Paul Meyers
Hayley Engles
Travis Wagner
Elijah Schiarelli
Jared Schiarelli
Kayla Riser
Joe LaChance
Morgan Salyer
Kasey Ogle
Matt Turner
Matt Jones
Marc Chewning
Will Kottman
Zaida Kitammi
Sydni Brawley
Shannon Brawley
Ben Wolf
Myra Filliben
Jarrett Henderson
Holden Ramsey
Rachel Revels

World Changers Knoxville!!

2009-06-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

Here we go again!!!

FORTY-ONE (yes, I said FORTY-ONE!!) PCC Youth and Adult leaders

will be leaving for a World Changers project June 20th -27th In Knoxville, TN. I have been told that this is the largest group PCC has ever sent out on mission at once. Way to go, PCC YOUTH!!

You rock BIIIIGGGGG time!

This is the second summer that PCC students will have an opportunity to go on a Senior High/College only trip. World Changers projects are full of hard work, long hours and minimal comforts. We will start our work days at 7:00 am and do not finish until 4:oo pm. We will sleep on the floor of South Doyle High School. Our days begin with breakfast and a morning send-off celebration.

Our days end with worship and church group devotions. During church group devotion time is the only time we will actually be together as a church group. During the day, PCC students will be divided onto teams (with cool names like the "Hammerheads" and the "Mortar Slingers") with other students from other churches.
This blogsite is where you can go to "watch and see" what we are doing in Knoxville. I will try and post everynight....so stay tuned, log on your computer...grab a cup of coffee and watch God's plan unfold in Knoxville, TN!

Prior to leaving on their mission project, the adults and students are required by World Changers to do a pre-project study together and a pre-project mission. Erik Edwards and Andy Heberle have taken on lead roles to get our team ready and they have done a great job!

Our pre-project mission involved the students putting siding on the church house. I have included some pics here for your enjoyment!

Please be in prayer for this group as they deomonstrate God's love to the people of Knoxville!

Cherokee Update Day 1

2008-06-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

"I'd take these kids anywhere. They have been amazing!"

So says Jackie Heberle; she called in tonight with an update on the first days' activities. Our PCC kids are working on various crews on the reservation, with several assigned to either tearing off or putting on roofs. Their pre-project work on Moyer Road came in handy! God is doing amazing things - and it's only Monday! All of the kids have been challenged in various ways, particularly with the first night's teaching, exhorting them to 'leap into a lifestyle that honors God'.

Here's a few brief snapshots:

One young man shared tonight that he never sings in worship at church. But last night, for the first time, he sang to God in worship, and he was moved to tears. Tonight he helped take the offering forward, and felt compelled to kneel at the altar and continue to sing and praise God. He is amazed and thankful.
Another young man is opening up and asking hard, honest questions about God - truly seeking, for the first time.
A young girl conquered her fear of heights and spent eight hours on a roof today. She is praising God for overcoming this fear!
Another girl who is struggling through a difficult challenge shared that God spoke to her in worship to say, "You are not alone in this. I know your future. Trust me."

The PCC kids have been the last to leave their devotional time; they have opened up and shared honestly with God and with one another. One commented, "I've never felt more loved."

They received several E-couragrams that PCC folks have sent and are VERY grateful - and they FEEL our prayers! Please continue to lift up these kids and adults and pray for them - and send them another message. Jackie says that by Wednesday they will begin to feel fatigued, so it's important that we continue to lift them up. Thank you for being the kind of church that truly prays and cares for its youth!

Beth (for Jackie)

Cherokee Info

2008-06-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

If you're here looking for updates on the World Changers trip for our teens, you need to redirect. Unfortunately, the promised wifi connection did not materialize!

HOWEVER, there is still an opportunity to see our kids in action AND to communicate with them via 'e-couragrams'. Navigate to this website and follow the prompts for pictures, blog posts and the e-couragrams. There are already pictures up on the site, and I caught a glimpse of Elijah!

Let's slam our kids with encouragement this week and pray that God reveals himself to them in a powerful, undeniable, life-changing way!

beth (for jackie)

Pre-Project Roof Job

2008-06-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

I wanna be a World Changer!

Yes, in the 105 degree heat, We replaced a roof!! The students worked hard and put in allot of sweat hours! Thank you so much IMPACT team for all your hard work, too! We were well fed by the Grubworms of IMPACT. We had oranges, apples, granola bars, hamburgers, hotdogs, brownies, cookies, chips, drinks, water, freezer pops and watermelon!!!

Jim Wheeler stopped by and led us in a time of devotion just before our meal. His words were powerful and very thought provoking.
We began our day with tool safety instructions by Andy Heberle and prayer.

We ended the day hot, sweaty and dirty but satisified in a good's days work.

Enjoy the pics!

Prayer Guide

2008-06-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

The following is a guide to help you pray specifically for our students and adults while they are in Cherokee. We thank you in advance for all your prayers!

Friday 6-13
Pray for safe travel for Andy Heberle and Lance Broughman as they begin the journey to Cherokee with all our tools and luggage! Pray for their families back home while they are separated.

Saturday 6-14
Pray for safety in travel as we begin our 8-hour journey to Cherokee. Pray for the leaders who will be driving the vans. Pray that they remain alert and diligent. Pray for good conversations and lots of laughter as we travel! Pray that our students will reflect God’s love wherever we stop for food, fuel and breaks!

Sunday 6-15
Pray for students and adults to be open to God this week. Pray that they will be ready and willing to respond to Him as He desires. Pray that each will have the right attitude as they meet others in their crew and participate in team building activities during the day. Pray for them as they worship in a local church.

Monday 6-16
Pray for students and adults to be willing servants as they begin the workweek.
Pray that they will work hard on their construction site. Pray for safety as they work. Pray that they will establish a good relationship with the homeowner of their site.

Tuesday 6-17
Pray for students and adults to look for ways in which they can share their faith in a real and relevant way.

Wednesday 6-18
Pray for stamina and energy levels today. Pray that we will remember that we only have a few more days to demonstrate God’s love through our actions. Pray for some much-needed free time this evening!

Thursday 6-19
Pray that God would plant a burning passion in the hearts of each of our students to adopt an “on-mission” lifestyle. Pray that they would understand that a mission is not just about a project, but a way of life.

Friday 6-20
Pray that the students and adults would finish strong and complete the work that they need to do. Pray that they have had an experience that was life changing for them and the way they view the needs around them.

Saturday 6-21
Pray for safety in travel. Pray that we would choose to serve Christ as a result of our participation in World Changers.

We're Going to Cherokee!

2008-05-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

For two months, PCC Senior High/College Students and adults have been preparing to be on mission this summer in Cherokee NC with an organization called World Changers http://worldchangers.studentz.com/site/c.ejINI6PNKoG/b.309499/

Our preparation has included fundraising in which the students have had opportunity to raise money by selling coookie dough, washing cars and selling Brusters' ice cream.

We have also been meeting to prepare ourselves spiritually..so that we can serve out of an abundance of God's love and grace..not out of our own strength.

In these meetings, we have talked about what it means to LEAP (WC theme this year) into service and in our relationship with God. We have talked about sharing our God Stories with those we meet and how our presence in the Cherokee Community can be a light to the Cherokee tribe. We have shared allot, grown as a team and we are getting really pumped about our trip! The World Changers Organization requires that we do a pre-project study and a pre-project mission so that we will be more prepared once we arrive on site. So, we will be joining the PCC Impact team on June 7th for a roofing project which will help us master some skills and for some...learn the difference between a hammer and a screwdriver!!

Once in Cherokee, we will be joining 375 other students just like us from all over the south east. There will be students from Georgia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Florida (just to name a few). We will be the 3rd largest site this summer. Exciting, eh?

We will be working on the reservation to help repair homes of people that live at or below the poverty level. We will be doing a variety of projects to include roofing, handicap ramps, painting, plumbing, etc.

This is the first summer that PCC students will have an opportunity to go on a Senior High/College only trip. This will provide an opportunity for our students to take their faith and their service to the next level. World Changers projects are full of hard work, long hours and minimal comforts. We will start our work days at 7:00 am and do not finish until 4:oo pm. We will sleep on the floor of Cherokee High School and be fed by the North Carolina Disaster Team mobile feeding kitchen. Our days begin with breakfast and a morning send-off celebration.

This blogsite is where you can go to "watch and see" what we are doing in Cherokee. I will try and post everynight....so stay tuned, log on your computer...grab a cup of coffee and watch God's plan unfold in Cherokee, NC! Watch for our first post beginning June 13th!