Shifting Gears

"The glory of God is a man fully alive." -Irenaeus

A lady was out hitting all the local garage sales when she came across an old needlepoint picture that read, "Prayer Changes Lives." She bought it, took it home and began to look for just the right place to hang the new picture. Finally, she decided that it went well in the dinning room over the dinning room table.

With great pride she admired her garage sale discovery and could hardly wait to show it to her husband. That evening when her husband arrived home from work, she showed the picture to him, but he made no indication one way or another of his likes or dislikes of the new picture.

The next day as the lady was cleaning the house, she discovered that the new picture was gone. As she continued to clean the house, she discovered the picture behind a bookcase. She thought, "That’s strange," and re-hung the picture in its original location. The next day, to her dismay, she discovers the picture gone again and again discovers it behind the bookcase.

When the husband arrives home, she confronted her husband and asked him if he was displeased with the art of the needlepoint, to which he responded, "No, not at all, it is a great work of art."

She continued, "Is it the place? Do you not like the place it is hung?"

He said, "No, not at all. It is in a great location."

She concluded that it must be the message, and she asked him if it was the message that he didn't like.

He said,, "No, not at all, the message is great."

Finally, she said, "Then what’s the problem?"

He said, "I just don’t like change."

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In my reading this week, I got stuck on a verse in Ezekiel 21:26.

The Lord, through the prophet Ezekiel, is basically telling the government of Judah was is in store for them. He says, "Take off your turban, remove the crown. It will not be as it was, ..."

The phrase, "It will not be as it was" really hit me.

This is a direct hint at the reversal of human conditions because of the intervention of the Lord. One commentary stated, "There shall be an utter change and overturning of the whole existing state of things."

In other words: When God gets involved, change is inevitable.

It got me wondering where, in my life, I am keeping God at arms length for fear of change. Like the man in the story, where am I hiding God's message because I just don't like change?

As we head into another week, I encourage you to spend time with God. Ask him to show you where you're not allowing him to change you. Where are you resisting his presence in your life?

As in all things, continue to lean on your Circle of 5. You can't do this alone fellas'

Blessings.

Rob

Mike is a graduate of the Clergy Development program for the Church of the Nazarene and was Ordained an Elder in 2006. He is also a graduate of the Knox County (TN) Sheriff Office Chaplain Corp Academy, and currently serves as a volunteer police chaplain.

For the past 27 years Mike has been involved in worship ministry. He is passionate about helping others experience Jesus through song.

Mike is a speaker, writer, pastor, and musician. He enjoys spending time with his wonderful wife April and 4 kids in the Northwestern United States. He also enjoys exploring the great outdoors, writing books few people read and speaking to youth.

Mike enjoys teaching the Word of God to all ages, leading worship and mentoring others in doing the same. He is also the owner of the Holien Media Group; an organization dedicated to helping people grow their virtual platform. For more information about Mike check out his website at mikeholien.com.

Know of a brother in need? Shoot me the details and I'll get it out to the guys!

Pastor Cliff and Pastor Wes

Pastor Cliff and Pastor Wes are asking for all available men to pray over Pastor Wes and Pastor Cliff prior to the service. At this time, the location is in Pastor Cliff's office at 9:45 am. If things change, we will let you know.

Man Camp 2023:

Let's lift up Man Camp 2023 and Mike Holien in our prayers in the months leading up to Man Camp 2023. Over the coming months, let's ask for God's hand to be on Mike and the planning team.

Jim Huffman

Back in April, Jim needed surgery for two abscesses in his back. Jim came through surgery and the doctor said that the antibiotics that he has been taking did the trick. During the procedure, they discovered that one of his lungs had an infection in it. At last report, Jim was preparing for PT and OT. Update 5/15/22: I spoke briefly with Yvonne today after the service. She was on her way to see him. I asked if there was anything she needed. She did say she may need help moving stuff into storage. If that time comes, I'll send out a call to help her. Update 5/6/22: Jim's wife, Yvonne, shared the following statement: "Thank you for your continued prayers. Jim has received a diagnosis of dementia. He is now on a third round of two antibiotics that will last four weeks. His surgery site is still open so pray that it will finally heal. His lungs sound like tissue paper so prayers for healing there also. Jim has had a loss of appetite and weight loss. Your prayers have not been in vain because God has heard and has been answering them."

Lyn Benson:

Lyn's bride, Jan, has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and will be coming home Thursday. May 4. Please be in prayer for Lyn and Jan. May God's peace and perfect love be ever present to them. If you have updates on Lyn's situation or know how we can support him, please email: mccrackenrp@gmail.com

Know of a project that needs gettin' done? Let us know and we will get in touch with the right group of men!

Know of a guy that has done something pretty cool and needs to be bragged about? If you do, send me the deets (that's how the cool kids say it) and I'll put it in the next newsletter.

Prosser High School Junior, Zeke Akinbade, stood up for what he believed was right and organized a walk-out in support of the Prosser High School athletic director. Thank you for leading by example and standing up for what you believe!

Check out the article here: https://www.fox41yakima.com/students-organize-walk-out-in-support-of-prosser-high-school-athletic-director/

Maddox and Angel volunteered a few hours of their time to place flags on graves at the Grandview Cemetery. Thank you for volunteering and for paying respect to the men and women who have served in the United States armed forces!

If you're looking for a volunteer opportunity, the Wreaths Across America team will need help taking the flags down. They are meeting at the Grandview Cemetery at 6:00pm on Monday night.

Ryan and Alesha arrived home on May 14 with the newest member of the family, Hana. We look forward to hearing about their journey!

After a superintendent search process that began in January, the Sunnyside School District Board of Directors has offered the position of Superintendent to current Sunnyside High School Principal Ryan Maxwell, pending successful contract negotiations.

Ryan will officially begin his tenure as superintendent on July 1, 2022.

Let's include Ryan in our prayers as he prepares to embark on a new leadership experience. Let's pray that Ryan's relationship with Christ will be evident in all aspects of his work in the Sunnyside School District! Well done Ryan!

SPRIF stands for Spiritual, Physical, Relational, Intellectual, and Financial. SPRIF is a model and a plan for becoming a fully functioning man, and by definition, therefore, a godly one. It is also an outline for mature character, and the basis, therefore, for a parenting plan.

If you have resources to help men invest in their spiritual development, shoot us an email: mccrackenrp@gmail.com. Examples: Bible studies, books, podcasts, sermons, devotionals, etc.

Resources to aid you in your spiritual development:

Cary Kresse has a number of studies by multiple well known theologians covering all aspects needed to grow one's Faith in Jesus Christ. Some are in the Men’s Ministry cabinet RM 116, the rest are in Cary's personal collection at home. Cary says, "They touch all aspects of SPRIF and I encourage they be encountered with the attitude expressed in Jody Carnes song 'Nothing Else'". Check it out by clicking this link: https://youtu.be/DLBvCTV23qw If you are interested in exploring the Men's Ministry library or check out Cary's resources, you can email Cary directly: cary1kse@gmail.com

Where Do We Go From Here?

Starting Wednesday, May 11, Cary Kresse will be facilitating a study with Dr. David Jeremiah. In this study, Dr. Jeremiah sits down with Sheila Walsh to discusses ten phenomena happening in our world today that can be directly tied through biblical prophecy to events that transpire during the Last Days. If you're interested, contact Cary Kresse cary1kse@gmail.com.

https://gvnaz.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/102698960

The Gospel of John w/ Larry Marchant

Register here: https://gvnaz.churchcenter.com/groups/seasonal-classes/the-gospel-of-john

You can access all GVNAZ sermons via Facebook, YouTube, or podcast here: https://gvnaz.org/churchonline

**The GVNAZ podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Google Play, and Podbean.

Keep track of your Bible reading progress by using this app together with your favorite Bible. This visual progress representation will fuel your motivation and make sure you never forget where you left off.

Here are some cool features to this app:

• Mark the chapters you have read
• Easily see which chapters and books are completed
• Partially read books are highlighted to encourage you to continue reading
• Create multiple Bible Trackers for different purposes
• Customize your Trackers with names and colors

• A percentage will show you how much of the Bible you have read
• The Stats page will show you information about number of chapters and books read
• Unlock achievements as you go

• No annoying notifications
• There are no timed plans where you fall behind, which lets you progress at your own pace
• As useful for those who need years to complete the reading, as for those who read every day

The My Bible Tracker app is available on Apple and Android platforms.

S.O.A.P Journal

If you're looking for a way to tackle your Bible reading, you might like the S.O.A.P journal technique. SOAP is a simple method for reading and applying God's word to our lives.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer and involves four simple steps:

• Scripture – Read a short Bible passage out loud and/or write it out.
• Observation – What do you notice about the verses? What do you think the main message is? What verses, words or ideas jump out to you?
• Application – Ask God how he wants you to apply the verse to your own life.
• Prayer – Pray for yourself and/or for others.

The method is suitable for individual and group use. This is my go-to devotional method. I'd be willing to help someone get started if they needed help. mccrackenrp@gmail.com

If you have resources or know of events that men can join to improve their physical health and well-being, shoot us an email: mccrackenrp@gmail.com. Examples: hikes, camping trips, fishing, running, weight lifting, walking, etc.

Resources to help you in your physical development:

Lincoln Grade Hill Climb

Where: Lincoln Grade in Prosser, Washington.

When: Every Tuesday and Thursday @ 6:00AM

Who: Led by Cliff and Wes. Anyone is welcome to join, and there are two different routes, an easy one and a difficult one.

Deck of Cards Workout Routine:

Cliff shared, what he calls, a "Deck of Cards Workout". Here's how it's done:

1. Take a deck of playing cards minus the jokers.
2. Assign an exercise for each suit.
3. Draw a card, then do that number of repetitions of the exercise assigned to that suit.

Things to know:

• Cards 2-10 are face value; jacks are 11; queens are 12; kings are 13; aces are 15.
• When you complete the deck, you will have done 105 reps of each exercise.
• By modifying the exercises assigned to each suit, you can design a beginner’s level workout on up to a truly elite level workout, or you can target one part of the body (ex. an all-legs workout, all-arms workout, all-chest workout, all-abs workout, or total body workout).
• Exercises can be done with weights, resistance bands, or just one’s own bodyweight.
• Sample exercises include push-ups, dips, pull-ups, crunches, sit-ups, v-ups, leg lifts, squats, lunges, scissor kicks, high-knees, jumping jacks, curls, etc.
• If you search “Deck of Cards Workout” on YouTube, you’ll find many variations.

If you have resources to help men build deep, satisfying relationships shoot us an email: mccrackenrp@gmail.com

Young Adult Ministries

What: Young Adult Ministry

Who: Young adults 18+ (single, married, w/ kids, all YA welcome)

When: Tuesdays this Spring + Summer activities

We want to hear from you! Follow us on insta (@gvnazYAM) and take our survey or contact Josh Parrill parrilljoshua@gmail.com.

If you have resources to help men keep their mind sharp, shoot us an email: mccrackenrp@gmail.com. Examples: classes, books, podcasts, projects, hobbies, etc.

As a senior citizen, 60 years of age or older, and a Washington State resident, you are encouraged to take advantage of the Gold Card Program at Yakima Valley College (YVC). A Gold Card allows you to attend state supported classes at a reduced cost. The Gold Card also allows for attendance at ball games and some other college presentations without charge. To qualify for a Gold Card waiver, you must be at least 60 years of age prior to the quarter you are planning to attend.

Gold Card holders are invited to attend designated day or evening state funded classes in which established class size is not exceeded and permission is granted by the instructor. Gold Card holders may enroll on the third day of the quarter or when the class has met at least once, whichever is later. One or two classes may be taken on a space-available basis for $5 plus fees.

Fees include any applicable lab fees, plus a $4.50 per credit combined service fee, a $4.50 per credit technology fee, and a $4.50 per credit ELearning fee. The Gold Card holder is responsible for buying any required class supplies or materials. Gold Card holders do not receive college credit and do not have to be take tests. A grade of “N” (audit) is posted on your transcript. A Gold Card is not valid for “community service” classes or seminars.

A Gold Card may be obtained at the Registration & Records Office located in the Deccio Higher Education Building (#8) or email registration@yvcc.edu. A written request listing first name, last name, address, phone number, date of birth, and photo ID may also be forwarded to:

Yakima Valley College
Information Office: Attention Gold Card
PO Box 22250
Yakima, WA 98907-2520

Note: Gold Card holders are subject to the same parking regulations as all students. Our brother, George Montanaro has used this resource and is willing the help anybody navigate the enrollment process. george.montanaro@yahoo.com

If you have resources for men to being better stewards of the money God puts in their hands, shoot us an email: mccrackenrp@gmail.com. Examples: Classes, strategies, budget tools, contact information, etc.

Get started with EveryDollar in about 10 minutes. Build your first budget, customize categories, track expenses, set up savings funds—and more! EveryDollar has helped millions of people learn to love budgeting by taking the stress out of planning and managing money. You’ll be amazed how much faster you can reach your goals—just by budgeting with EveryDollar. EveryDollar is available on Apple and Android platforms.

• Clear your calendars for May 5, 6, and 7 of 2023 and encourage your friends to do the same.
• Pick one area of the SPRIF formula to work on. In what ways will you work to build your competence in your spiritual life, your physical life, your relationships, your intellect, or your finance?
• Start to build your Circle of 5. Who are the 5 men in your life that will help you and hold you accountable? Call them. Text them. Invite them for coffee. Start the conversation.
• Send us any pray requests, celebrations, and updates regarding your respective groups. You can't do this alone! Prayer requests and updates can be sent to mccrackenrp@gmail.com.
• If you know of other men or churches that would like to be a part of this community, let us know and we will add their contact information to our mailing list. Email contact information to: mccrackenrp@gmail.com

Man Camp 2015