Shawn's April Prayer Letter

“Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?”  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 15:55-57.  This verse has been on my heart throughout the course of this past week.  I believe that Christ wants to remind us that we the church have the power through the Holy Spirit to walk in victory because of the power of Christ’s resurrection.  No one but God Almighty Himself would use death to defeat death itself, Selah.

          The Lord continues to put the message of salvation on my heart as each Monday approaches because lest I forget He desires to be with His children and this to me is the most important part of His kingdom evangelism.  Youth are coming out each week and I am starting to see kids looking for answers.  One boy shared recently in Monday night’s X-treme Hangtime that he believed in God however then he asked the question but why can’t I see Him?  It seemed to easy to go all out and explain how God can be seen in creation, people’s lives etc… But I didn’t because I wanted to try to convey the message of faith to this young boy.  We live by faith not by sight.  2 Corinthians 5:7  And So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. Since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:18  

God is using the unconditional love of His Son to reshape the student’s in their thinking.  There are so many hurts that these youth are troubled by that I would hardly touch the surface but I don’t doubt that God wants to bring them back into His family as one of His own.  Something on the brink of April 29^th-30^th is World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine. We will sleep in cardboard boxes, teach the meaning of fasting, the need of prayer and worship in hopes of drawing closer to Christ and identifying with the homeless around the world.  I hope to use the Western Union County Youth Center for the Famine but I am still in the planning and promoting stages but I will keep you posted on this event as I get more details.  

I would like to close this letter by asking you a question.  Some of you have been with this ministry for nearly 10 years, some 5 and some of you less than that.  How long it’s been is not the issue what I wanted to ask you was have you been blessed by partnering with us as we reach the lives of young people?  I’ve said this before THANK YOU!  Without people and hearts like yours ministry would be nearly impossible to accomplish.  I’ve mentioned briefly of the lack of finances and since then have taken 2 other part time jobs to help support our family and God’s helping us reach our yearly goal.  I’m willing to do whatever it takes to advance God’s kingdom however with working extra hours it takes away time that could be spent with youth and the organization recommends that each staff person raise enough money per month to work primarily in the ministry.  Partners are vital in this ministry and we are faithfully waiting on others to hear Gods’ call and see His vision for the surrounding communities as I feel He’s called me to this particular community.  I am wondering if you would pray with me for this next month and ask God what it is you or perhaps someone else would be able to do to help us reach lost souls by preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  Would you be willing to increase your monthly donation or would you know of a few people that have a passion and heart to do ministry?  I can’t answer this question only you can so please do you very best in praying and listening to what the Lord is saying.  

May 9^th 2011 is our annual Golf Classic for any men out there that own clubs or enjoy competition.  This is a great way to help support the needs of the ministry as well and there’s there seems to be no a better way than spending a day with 3 others while golfing in a foursome.  You will be blessing others and you yourself will be blessed as well.  As I mentioned earlier faith is certainly needed, as we trust for God’s provision let’s do it together as we believe and pray for His kingdom to come here on earth as it is in heaven.  Thanks you for your time and if you any further questions you may contact me on my home phone at 922-3125 or 768-8650 on my cell.  Have a blessed month.

                                                              

                                                                                                       Sincerely, 

                                                                                              Shawn A. Hoffmaster

March 2011 Prayer letter

            “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and to know that You are the Holy One of God.”  John 6:68-69

When I read this verse in John’s gospel Sunday it touched my heart because I often get distracted and misdirected from the TRUTH of Jesus Christ.  My spiritual act of worship required of my daily life is sometimes only an act.  I sense a call for repentance as I have once again sinned by my lack of faith in making my own plan.  Over 2,000 years apart but still today I feel the heart of the Simon Peter when he realized that there was no where else to turn but to Jesus Christ.  I do also realize that Simon Peter was known for his bold words and very seldom followed up any real Spiritual action.  No matter the circumstance in Simon Peter’s life or our own Jesus is still the same, yesterday, today & forever! Hebrews 13:8  He love us unconditionally and prays for us when we are to stubborn, tired or even too good to pray.  This is our God the Lord God Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob and He is worthy to be praised! 

            Looking back over the ministry years that the Lord has entrusted to me I’ve seen a lot.  I’ve seen many sinful souls come to acknowledge their sin and be saved for the very first time.  I’ve watch countless times where students would walk up to the altar and recommit themselves again to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  I’ve welcomed various volunteers to join the ministry and co-lead the youth, seen youth pastors who were dear friends come and go because of one reason or another.  I’ve seen students hunger & thirst for God more than food and water during the 30 hr famine.  Yes God has done great things in the hearts of His children and I am grateful to be a part of all that He continues to do today.  I’m sharing from my heart as become transparent with nothing to hide.

            I am facing a difficult decision in my life currently as I look at our monthly finances in the respect of how will I support my family?  I know and believe that God will carry us through no matter what and that He’ll provide everything that we need.  Please pray for salvation to come to our community in a powerful way like never before!  I believe just what God says in His word “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9 

The Lord Jesus didn’t come for no reason.  Let us remember that He came so that we would have a way out of our sin and the wrath of God through a repentant heart.  This is the good news!  I am continuing to pray for the Lord’s purpose and plan in His ministry to reaching the lost here in our multiple communities.  I struggle with faith in Christ in that I lack finances though so I need prayer so that together we can see God’s hand move mightily in the midst of the storm around us.  Thank you for your continued support in reaching the lost youth through your prayer and financial support.  I appreciate your partnership and am lifting us up in prayer.  Have a blessed month and keep pressing on towards the prize that awaits us.

                                                                                                                                      At His feet,

                                                                                                                            Shawn A. Hoffmaster

February Prayer Letter

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him. I Corinthians 2:9  This verse has really spoken to me lately because I believe I often forget that God is calling me to more than an occupation, a responsibility or even a ministry.  Yes all of these that I have just mentioned are a part of what I do daily for and through Jesus, God & the Holy Spirit but they wouldn’t even exist if I did not have a relationship with Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.  I was reminded recently after reading Experiencing God as a staff assignment, that without my love relationship with the Lord I am going to have a hard time experiencing any great revelation, leading of the Spirit or hearing from God.  

I will admit I am not always certain that I know God’s total direction or where His Spirit is  leading me sometimes even through part of my day. However it doesn’t make me upset at God in fact it draws me closer to Him and makes me aware of my sin or lack of loving Him for who He is, what He’s done and all that He desires to do in my life.  I believe that God is just waiting to pour out more of His Spirit in all of our lives but the truth is unless we’ve been obedient to confess our sins, repent and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior it’s impossible to live by the Spirit of God.  The only way to sense more of God’s Spirit in our lives is to be willing to be 100% obedient to His will and listen carefully to what He’s calling us to do.  May we all hear God’s calling today and may we also be willing to obey His commands.

I wanted to report briefly on Erie’s X-treme Escape in January.  There were about 140 students and adult volunteers in attendance and God’s Spirit move all throughout the weekend. I can’t stress enough how important the power of prayer is for any of these youth events.  As the weekend unfolded our staff shared the gospel message of forgiveness, forgiving yourself, forgiving others and living a life by the Spirit.  Each evening & morning planted a seed of faith in the students  in hope that they would receive Jesus Christ as not only friend but their Lord and personal Savior.  I share the urgency of Christ’s salvation and the message of His love because too many times we have a brush with God cry and walk away even believing we’ve been saved from our own sin.  Please understand that I’m not judging the heart of anyone by saying this but only holding to God’s infallible word in 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”.  If these students are willing to desire a personal relationship with Jesus Christ they need the foundation of their relationship to be the truth.  

I think of God’s greatness and how ever day He continues to bless our family richly.  I think of you my faithful supporters who have been here in the Lord’s ministry nearly 10 years through the thick and thin.  This world has and will continue to see some hard times ahead but be encouraged because the battle is the Lord’s and He is faithful to provide us with everything that we need.  You’ve been faithful not only in financial needs but also to the urgent call of prayer and intersession.  Thank you again for all of your support it is great serving with you and together may we advance the Lord’s kingdom!  The last news that I’d like to share is a praise to Jesus Christ for His great work!  The West End Youth Center has opened it’s doors this past Monday to 7 youth from various areas.  The evening went well as we played football (2 hand touch) and ended with a message on the mouth and taming the tongue.  I was amazed at how honest and open the youth were as they shared their stories and struggles with sin.  Let’s keep praying for salvation. We're meeting  each Monday evening from 5-7pm after school.  I am very excited to see what God’s doing in our community and He deserves all of the glory!  Thanks again.      

                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                           In His Hands ,

                                                                                                                                                     Shawn A. Hoffmaster                                                                                                                                         

My January Prayer Support Letter

For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:5-7  I came across this verse through our families morning devotion & wanted to share it with you.  May Christ’s light shine out of the darkness this New Year as His glory is revealed to us so that we can better witness and share the good news.  May Christ Jesus be truly glorified as we worship Him in Spirit & the truth in 2011!

We are preparing for another Snow Camp on January 7th-9th in Erie Pa and I would appreciate your prayers for the following.  Salvation, new relationships to be built, speakers bring the gospel & travel.  Your prayers whether you realize it or not make all the difference in the Lord’s ministry and Kingdom.  We value you as our prayer and financial support in reaching the youth of our communities and it’s greatly appreciated.  We’re excited and looking forward to an awesome experience this weekend as the Lord meets us with His presence and unconditional love.  Our staff is doing the messages this year and we’ll be focusing on Christ’s love through the crucifixion, His resurrection, His salvation, forgiveness and living by the Holy Spirit.

I have been making some very positive connections with the youth out in the West End as we’ve been talking briefly about God’s word and how it’s protected for eternity.  I came across a powerful testimony where one pastor lost everything including his house in a tragic fire.  When the fire fighters returned from extinguishing this blazing inferno they handed the pastor’s Holy Bible to him and said that they had found it in the bedroom lying on the floor.  The fire had taken every possession that he had once owned but not God’s word because it is protected for all eternity. Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.  I want to encourage you brothers and sisters today that no matter what trials, tribulation or death we face, The Lord God Almighty, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will sustain us and carry us through until He comes.  Read His word to you today and be changed forever!

I believe that he Lord has a lot in store for His children this New Year so hold on to His promises and remember that only God’s word brings life and is eternal.  I pray you have a blessed New Year and may you draw closer, deeper and more intimate in your relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ as you serve Him and His Kingdom.  Have a great month and remember that you may keep updated on our upcoming youth events and camps through our new web blog at xtremekidsandteens.blogspot.com.  Thanks again for your faithfulness in sewing seed into the Lord’s Kingdom!

                                                                              He’s Glorious,  

                                                                        Shawn A. Hoffmaster

December Prayer Support Letter

           At the start of Advent, I’d like to start off December’s letter with a prophecy out of

Isaiah chapter 9:4 & 6.  4You have SHATTERED the yoke that burdens them. The bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.  6For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.  And He will be called WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE.  This verse should ring through all of our hearts as we hear its truth proclaimed to this nation and the entire world!  It’s exciting and truly a blessing to know that Jesus has come to shatter the yoke of slavery and call those whom are His, friends.  May we turn to the author, healer and the perfecter of our faith Jesus Christ and fix our eyes on Him solely throughout this Christmas season and New Year as we let His light shine!

            I want to offer a praise of Thanksgiving for all of you my faithful supporters with the Lord’s ministry.  Your fervent prayers and financial support have blessed our family increasingly.  The Lord is directing us in areas unknown to us but we are certainly willing to go where He leads.  Youth in the West End are being reached and comforted with the gospel of Christ’s saving love.  His Spirit is evident and very near; in meeting kids through out the week I see His hand move even greater than the last.  I’m greatly encouraged in seeing this because I know that the Lord is in totally in control and has a greater plan!  God is more than we notice sometimes.  He’s always there no matter what the situation, no matter the lack of wisdom or even the face of fear.  Praise God for His sovereignty, compassion, great mercy and favor. 

            An upcoming event just around the corner on January 7th-9th is Erie’s Snow Camp AKA X-treme Escape!  The kids usually never miss it because it’s a great opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to them whether they understand His love or deny it.  A lot of youth just need a place to honestly just get away for awhile and meet God by His Holy Spirit in a special way.  The leaders are doing the main speaking and small group topics for the weekend along with small humorous skits so please keep everyone of us in your prayers.  Volunteers are still needed greatly over the course of the year especially to our main winter and spring camps.  If at all interested or if you believe God is calling you into volunteer youth ministry please feel free to give me a call at 922-3125 home or 768-8650 cell.  Also thanks to those of you that called about donating snacks to the youth for evening meetings It’s appreciated. 

            We’re also looking to purchase a 15 passenger van with reasonable mileage for youth transportation so if anyone has a clue where we might be able to find one used please let us know at the phone numbers above.  The West End Center Is the communities greatest outreach as we’ve been given permission along with keys to use not only the gym but also the recreation room upstairs.  We’re meeting now Monday nights again at 4:00pm to 5:30 pm at the WE Youth Center, snacks such as baked goods or store items are always welcomed.  May you be the light of Christ that pierces the darkness as you shine this Christmas season to the lost world that we live in.  Have a meaningful, joyful and blessed Christmas worshiping the Savior Jesus Christ our Lord!

                                                                          In His arms, Shawn A. Hoffmaster

                                                                       

            

November Prayer Support Letter

   Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!  If you are receiving this letter you must know that you are a partner with this ministry.  To those of you who have been partnering with us for the past 9 nine years and to those who have recently obeyed the call of the Lord to give towards His kingdom THANK YOU for all of your financial support and fervent prayers.  It is not only a privilege but an honor to serve in reaching the lost youth of our community with the GOOD NEWS of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I praise the Lord God Almighty for first sending His Son Jesus to die for our sins, and resurrect Him from the grave so that I could live victoriously!  Second I praise God for my wife and family in which I have the opportunity to do ministry with throughout these years.  Fourth I am grateful as I look back at the lives that He and He alone has allowed me to minister to by planting seed and touch by His Holy Spirit.  Lastly I praise Him for the comfort, healing and restoration that He continues to bring to my life by His Holy Spirit in power.

    The Lord is moving here among us in Union County in a great way!  Here’s a few highlights from the West End Youth Ministry.  I’ll start off by saying that Monday nights are a struggle and I am currently revamping the way things have been done in the past month.  As I was praying through this situation I believe that the Lord wants to open the West End Community Center up to multiple ages however this will require a strong hand full of volunteers that are equipt to build relationships.  I have met a few people this past week that are interested in helping volunteer with the youth and this is great news because it’s vital to have in ministry.  Wednesday nights have been going well volunteering with the church’s youth ministry as we’ve seen 48 youth of all ages walk....excuse me, run through the doors of the youth room for a 10 foot banana split sundae.  It went so well that evening that we fed everyone including the bible study meeting upstairs.  We had a few games there for the youth and ended with praise and worship and the gospel of John 3:16.  We wouldn’t have never been able to do what we did without the Lord’s power through much prayer.  Praise God for everything that He’s done!

    There is a hope for Mifflinburg in running a small group/ hang out at the Lutheran parsonage again because it’s so close to the school district where youth travel past daily however with the schedules not lining up so far we’re praying about how to make it best work and what night to have it to be most effective.  Morning devotions called McDevo are still running, 7am at McDonald’s in Mifflinburg before school for mostly 8th-10th grade and we’re praying that through it we’d reach many more students for Christ as we continue to disciple, pray and encourage them for the day ahead of them.  Thursday night’s Genesis Youth program is in the midst of re-planning due to lack of attendance however the local pastors and myself realize that we need to do more promoting than we have been in the past.  Rides to the center have been an issue as well so we’re praying how we might be able to assist them in getting there safely.

   I plan on continuing to run this Genesis program after school once the November dates end with the pastors because I believe it has great potential to minister to these kids that are coming.  Lastly the West End Community center is going very well these past few months of ministry.  I have been attending there almost a year I believe and through the opportunity I’ve been able to meet many new faces and have a chance to share the gospel from time to time.  This past Friday I revealed the origins of halloween and I have to admit I was impressed in how well they listened as I shared the message.  I wasn’t sure of how well the gospel message was received but I do know that it will not return void.

    If any one of you would have an interest in volunteering with us part time or a few days out of the month with our after school programs or if you would like to help supply snacks on a weekly basis we certainly have a great need in this area.  Please bear in mind that we usually have just something small like chips, pretzels, cookies and some sort of drink if available.  Please let me know and I will either get you a volunteer application to you or let you know whereto meet to pick up the snack items and I will gladly do that.  My home phone number is 922-3125 and my cell phone number is 768-8650 if you would like to contact me for anything. It was great to see you all at the banquet on the 19th and I’m looking forward to partnering in ministry together with all of you this upcoming year!  Have a great month and Have a wonderful blessed Thanksgiving!

                                               
                                                                                             In Christ Jesus
                                                                                            Shawn A. Hoiffmaster

October Prayer Support Letter

        I just got back from a memorable experience.  My son Breaden & I along with two other youth from Mifflinburg went to the Brad Stine comedy night at Juniata High School.  It was a BLAST but what was more impressive was that Brad honestly stood for truth and Jesus Christ.  You often hear of comedians that say they are Christian or associate with the Christian name but I honestly believe that Brad walks the talk and near the end of the show he presented the good news of Jesus Christ and what it meant to have a relationship with Him as Lord and Savoir.  I was glad that we had the opportunity to attend this event and it was great to see the unification in churches ministries of Juniata County.  I hope to have this same unity in our churches in hopes that we would share the gospel together effectively regardless of our denomination.

I have news on the X-treme Hang Time and the Genesis after school program in the West End (Laurelton) As some of you may know the Lord had opened up some new doors for me to use the Western Union County Youth Center on Monday nights for youth 7th-12th grade.  I’ve been canvasing Millmont heavily lately and handing out Youth event flyers for all of our youth Activities in the area.  The other great thing that’s recently surfaced in Millmont is the half court basketball court.  There are always youth there so my son and I have been hanging out regularly just shooting hoops, playing knockout and building some new relationships.  The youth have been very open to welcoming me to their turf so I’m praying though that the Lord would reveal His plan for us here in the community of Millmont and Laurelton.

I am excited to see the kids on Friday night at the Youth center because they seem very excited about what we’re doing.  I’ll share a short story that touched my heart this past Friday night as I invited two youth from my community.  I told these two brothers about the Friday night Youth Night and that if they didn’t have a ride there I’d give them one because I really wanted to hang out with them.  Well when Friday came I headed over to their house and their step dad came to the door and said “that they were already there.  Maybe to most that doesn’t mean a whole lot but it blessed me.  I hope and pray that there will be many stories like this where kids become hungry for Christ and God’s word in their lives.  Please understand that none of this would be possible without your prayers, supports and encouraging words.  You are a valuable partner with this ministry and I thank you for everything that you’ve done with us and for us.  Thanks again for being obedient to God’s call.

I want to close by reminding you just how important ministry partners are.  We together can make the difference if we first make a valid effort to reach out.  As I have visited many local businesses throughout Mifflinburg and Lewisburg I’v raised the money needed that enables us to provide a meal and the presentation that will take place on Tuesday, October 19th at Country Cupboard.  Now all that we need to do is find those people to fill the seats at our tables.  You may be a great resource in helping us because you’re supportive towards the ministry whether you’ve been with us  awhile or a first time partner.  As we move into October our banquet is only a few weeks away and through the banquet we have the opportunity to share what Christ has and is continuing to do in the lives of the young people.  The banquet gives us a chance to do this and I’d appreciate anything that you would do to help with getting people to the banquet.  The tables seat 4 couples and this would mean that if each person brought 3 couple besides themselves that would fill one of our tables.  Please pray and ask the Lord who you could bring and you will be blessed by the end of the evening for doing so.  Stay up to date with our current activities at xtremekidsandteens.blogspot.com and keep informed with what’s going on in our community.  My prayer letter will also be posted on the website monthly along with some pictures and videos of the kids that you might enjoy.  Have a great month and be the light of Jesus Christ!

                                                                                      

                                                                                     In Him we can do all things,

                                                                                          Shawn A. Hoffmaster