You can’t make this stuff up.  In reviewing the hundreds of selfies taken at the selfie station last night  in order to kick off this post, I ran across this.

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 Did anyone catch it?  There, in the background.

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Will, what are you DOING with that arm?  I totally thought last week’s pic was just a fluke.  Remember this?

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But, alas, it appears as if this is a ‘thing’.   ARM UP, Washington.

Seriously, last night’s Armour Up was a complete blast.  We keep expecting our numbers to drop due to vacations and camps, but the kids just keep coming.  And it’s awesome.  Every week before we begin, our team prays.  And I love what Nathan always says.  “Whether it’s 3 or 300, let us…be faithful in sharing the gospel, give 110%, etc.”  It absolutely centers me each week because all of us, along with our amazing parent volunteers have agreed that we would do ALL of this over and over again even if we just reached one child.  

And clearly by the photographs you can tell that more than one child is being reached.

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Will delivered an amazing message this week to the first two groups of kids.  If you haven’t listened to one of Will’s messages, we invite you to stay one week and hear how God uses this young man to deliver the word.  He truly has a heart for the Lord and an ability to make messages completely relevant to our children.  Click here for a recap of his message on 7/8 (if you are reading this blog post on your phone, the following video will not play.  Simply click here to view Will’s message).

 

We also heard from HPHS graduate Zach Salter in the last two groups, who was incredible as well.  Thank you, Zach, for taking the time to visit with our kids.

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And the finale of the evening was Camron speaking to the 7th/8th graders.  

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(He’s praying here, so it’s an awkward pic.  But just in case you are wondering, Camron talks with his hands even in prayer.)

I think it’s safe to conclude that your kids are LOVED.  So many of these older guys show up each week because they so desperately want your children to understand God’s love.  Their presence is invaluable and we can’t thank them enough for caring and for discipling our young boys.  Oh, and for doing the whip with them (because let’s be honest – nothing says discipleship like the whip). 

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 Is it just me or do you also think Will is wanting to turn that arm vertical and touch some sky?

For those of you who are out of town or were unable to attend AU…this week’s newsletter can be downloaded here AU Newsletter 7.8.15.

Next week’s verse: “Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up.”  James 4:10

Next week’s theme: Christmas in July

Announcements:

  • HP Under Armour shirts in Navy & Grey are scheduled to arrive by next Wednesday ($30/each).  We also have youth large and youth XL in our vineyard vines knock off shirts in an array of colors.  Only 2 pair Nike customized AU socks remain, and a handful of our drawstring bags.  Come visit us at the AU store at drop off or pick up!

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  • Bubble Soccer Party on 8/5 @ Biggers Gym (details to follow)

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  • Bingo at Presbyterian Village North (8600 Skyline – Healthcare division) on 8/10 from 2:30-4 (email us if you are interested!)

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  • BIBLES – if you’d like to donate Bibles (5 for approximately $100), please let us know.  We are using the NIV Thinline Compact Bibles FYI, which can be found on Amazon.
  • AU Mom’s Night Out is September 10th!  Click here to purchase tickets to hear New York Times Best Selling Author (and dear friend of mine!!), Melanie Shankle (aka Big Mama).  To learn more about Mel, visit her blog.
  • Comedian Tim Hawkins will be coming to Dallas January 30th (Bent Tree Bible Fellowship) and you do NOT want to miss his show!  Click here for tickets (Premium tickets are $35/each and Reserved tickets are $25/each).

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  • Thank you to the following: Will Washington, Nathan Harvey, Camron Price, Ronny Rivas, Sal Rivas, Brandon Baker, Andrew Norris, Guest Speaker & HPHS graduate Zach Salter, HPHS students Jackson Hubbard & Matthew Scott, The Puckett family for providing dinner for the AU staff, PCBC for allowing us use of their facilities each week, Parent volunteers, AU Committee members & many more.

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We look forward to seeing you next Wednesday!  Let’s raise an arm to that.

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