There’s always this underlying fear when the summer begins that Week One of Armour Up might fall under the category of a ‘One Hit Wonder.’

Vanilla Ice at LAX nightclub, Las Vegas, America - 13 April 2013

But fortunately that is not the case as evidenced by the success of Week Two last night!  

 Highlights June 10

Seriously, we are in amazement at all God is doing with this ministry.  Thank you for bringing your kids.  Thank you to all of our volunteers who are behind the scenes to make this engine run.  And thank you to Will, Nathan, Camron, Sal, etc. who put together the most incredible programming on the face of the planet for our boys.  

(This is kind of what we want to do each week for those guys, but it might be uncomfortable for us to sit down in our suits for that long.)

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We actually had one mom tell us that their family had planned on going to their lake house yesterday, but that their son begged her to leave today instead so he could go to Armour Up.  Want to talk about encouragement?  It truly is the fuel that keeps us going week after week.  

Back to last night…we had an absolute blast.  Whatever you parents are doing for drop off and pick up is working like a charm so kudos to you.  

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(It IS more comfortable to stand.)

 Will Washington delivered a powerful message about happiness vs. joy.  (If you are reading this on your phone you may not be able to see the video.  Please click here to open in your browser.)  This is a quick two minute synopsis for parents.

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And judging by this captive audience, they thought it rocked too.

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(Totally reminds me of my kids when I tell them to do something.)

We also played lots of games including basketball, wii, shuffleboard, bumper pool, etc.  

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And did a LOT of hangin’ out…

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Speaking of hangin’ out…THIS is Camron.  

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Quite possibly the MASTER of hangin’ out.  

A handful of 7th & 8th graders were fortunate enough to have Camron lead them this past school year in a weekly bible study.  And WE were fortunate enough to convince him to join our Armour Up team this summer.  He has an amazing rapport with these boys and has proven to be exactly what we need to build & maintain relationships.  He loves the Lord AND he’s an Aggie.  So yes, he’s hired. The boys don’t leave him alone.  Ever.

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A few of you have asked how you can help us, so we’ve found a need for you!  Last night we noticed the AU staff dragging a bit after round 2.  We’d love to provide a heavy snack for them each week to get them through the remainder of the night.  These guys show up around 4:15pm and don’t leave until after 9pm on Wednesday nights.  If you’re interested, please go to our sign up genius site and volunteer for a week to bring some FUEL.  A sandwich tray from Jersey Mike’s, a nugget tray from Chick Fil A or even a box of pizza will do.  (This will need to feed approximately 12 guys).  Thank you for offering to help our ministry!

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Please mark your calendars for Friday, June 19th as Armour Up goes to the movies.  We are going to see the upcoming release ‘Inside Out’ at 1:30.  At Northpark, tickets are reserved seating, so please go online asap to get good seats.  Click HERE for link to order tickets.  Please make sure you double check the date and time before you purchase.  June 19th at 1:30 at Northpark AMC.  Wear your AU t-shirt so we know you are with us!!  Hope to see you there!

Lastly, please join us next week for more fun as we ‘Leave it to Sleev-er’ (arm sleeves and leg sleeves).  And feel free to download the Summer Bible Verse Calendar 2015 and Summer ThemeCalendar 2015 in preparation for future weeks.  

And as the future weeks grow hotter, we might even put on some Ice Ice Baby to cool off.

Rap singer Vanilla Ice in 1991. (AP Photo)

Until next week,

The AU TEAM

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9