SPRING 24 FSI MICHIGAN NEWSLETTER
Big news with the wedding of Alec and Emily Papale
Spring Service projects throughout intern Kendra Martino
Summer Vision Trips:
May 7 - 12, Honduras - with Cornerstone University Teacher Education Faculty and Student
July 12-18 Yellowstone Leadership/Discipleship Trip - Whapiti Valley, Wyoming
August 2-8 - Cornerstone University Softball Vision team to Honduras
New Donation/ Fundraising Platform
Gritty Faith Devotional
Summer Teaching Series: Blessed Hope - Understanding the Return of Jesus throughout the Bible and the hope it brings in a crazy world. Video Series/Podcast Coming this SUMMER! Stay Tuned
“We are excited about the Spring and Summer ministry opportunities we are currently in the midst of and gearing up for, and I wanted to share with you all the happenings going on from now through August. We appreciate your support in partnering with us to provide discipleship, leadership, and service opportunities in a variety of ways with young adults and student-athletes.”
Matt and Alissa
The Marriage of Alec and Emily Papale: On March 23, 2024, our dedicated two-year intern, Alec Papale, tied the knot with Emily. Alec and Emily remain committed members of our ministry, contributing in various capacities. They currently reside in Chicago, where Alec will continue the role of part-time financial manager for FSI Michigan. As they embark on this new chapter in their lives, we look forward to witnessing their continued growth and impact within our ministry. We are excited about the valuable contributions they will make in the years ahead. Matt and Alissa had the honor of leading their pre-marital counseling, and Matt officiated the wedding. In the past, Alec got the Pack the House ministry started at Cornerstone and has accompanied Matt on Yellowstone and Honduras team trips while also working to streamline processes in the financials of the ministry. Alec is a 2023 graduate of Cornerstone with a double major in Ministry and Business. Spring Service Projects Update with intern Kendra Martino
Intern Kendra Martino, a junior at Cornerstone, has been diligently working on educating and engaging students in Christ-centered service opportunities this spring. Partnering with local ministries like Base Camp and Degage, Kendra has been actively connecting with campus and nearby high school students and teams to promote service involvement. With FSI’s support, Kendra aims to facilitate the students' connection with service-learning projects. She is focused on establishing relationships with different nonprofits in the area and organizing events to encourage student volunteering. These events are scheduled sporadically throughout the spring season. A significant upcoming event is set for April 13 in collaboration with Base Camp. Students will have the chance to interact with children through games, dinner, soccer, Bible study, and mentoring activities. Stay tuned for more updates on Kendra's impactful projects.
What are Vision Trips? A Different Perspective
At Friendship Sports International, we offer Summer Vision Trips that go beyond the traditional mission trip experience. Our focus is not simply on evangelism or service, but on exploring a fundamental question: How is God at work in this place? This shift in perspective allows us to reflect well on our relationship with God, ourselves, and others, creating new avenues for personal and communal growth. Joining an international vision trip means embarking on a profound journey of transformation. It involves stepping out of the known, navigating through uncertainty, and ultimately discovering a new path forward. Drawing inspiration from Simone Weil's wisdom that beauty and hardship can draw us closer to God, participants engage with the contrasts of beauty and struggle, embracing the complexities of different realities such as wealth disparities and power differentials. Through this process, they unearth unexpected beauty in challenging circumstances and become more attuned to divine messages in fresh and profound ways. Central to our vision trips is the belief that God's presence transcends all circumstances, even amidst the most daunting challenges. By delving into a community's hurt, hope, and heart, we move beyond mere observation to stand as allies alongside the people we encounter. This shared journey allows us to recognize both the pain and resilience within communities, fostering profound personal transformation for all participants involved. If you are seeking a transformative experience that encourages introspection, fosters empathy, and opens pathways for spiritual growth, our Summer Vision Trips provide a unique opportunity for exploration and discovery. We are excited to partner again this year with Cornerstone University Student Leadership, Cornerstone University Athletics, and #EveryLaker, a sports ministry reaching and ministering to Grand Valley State University athletes!
A Retreat to the Mountains:
Mark 6:46—After leaving them, he went up to a mountainside to pray. Our Yellowstone leadership adventures offer an opportunity to engage with others on challenging topics such as discipleship, culture, servant leadership, building culture, casting vision, and more. We hike, fish, sit by the fire, ride horses, and raft, all with daily teachings, quiet time, and group breakouts. Learn more about our Yellowstone Trips (Click Here) or how your team or group can join FSI on a Yellowstone Visit Trip: CLICK HERE
New online giving platform - Donation Goal of $400 per month.
We're thrilled to announce our partnership with our new online donor platform, ZEFFY. The fantastic thing about ZEFFY is (drumroll, please)—NO MORE FEES. That's right, there are no fees to the donor, and there are no fees to us. 100% of your donation goes directly to the ministry. You can choose to give automatically monthly or annually or designate your donation to specific team trips. Check it out on our website; simply click "donate." Your donations are crucial. We're striving to increase our donation base by $400 more per month to meet our goals. Would you consider making a monthly gift of $20, $50, or any amount you're able to contribute? Your support will help Matt grow the ministry, add staff and interns, and develop disciples.
Cultivating Gritty Faith Devotion Below:
In a world brimming with distractions and fleeting desires, "grit" stands as a beacon of resilience and determination. It was a rallying cry for the 2023 Detroit Lions, who turned their season and their franchise around, and their fanbase bought in! Dr. Angela Duckworth, Author of the book, "Grit" defines grit as "the fusion of passion and perseverance for long-term objectives, highlighting that it transcends mere talent or luck." As students navigating the labyrinth of college life, we are often inundated with challenges that test our resolve and commitment. Yet, amidst the chaos, there lies an opportunity to cultivate what I like to call "Gritty Faith" – a steadfast dedication to our spiritual journey with Jesus.
Grit, both in the secular and spiritual realms, is about more than just clinging to a goal; it's about nurturing an unwavering allegiance to something greater than ourselves. In the words of Dr. Chad Ragsdale, "Holy Grit" encompasses "a fervent devotion to our faith in Christ, irrespective of life's trials and tribulations. It is a commitment rooted in resilient trust, propelling us to pursue a deeper relationship with our Savior." To develop this, I turned to the Hebrew book.
The concept of grit and the exhortations in the Book of Hebrews are strikingly similar. Written to embolden believers facing persecution and adversity, Hebrews serves as a timeless manifesto for cultivating resilience in our spiritual journey. In the tumultuous landscape of first-century Jerusalem, where followers of Christ faced ostracization and alienation, the call to endure with unwavering faith resonates profoundly with us today. As we delve into Hebrews' thematic tapestry, two key components emerge as cornerstones for nurturing "Holy Grit."
First, we are beckoned to "Look Up." Hebrews 3:1 urges us to fix our thoughts on Christ, reminding us of our identity as sanctified members of His family. This upward gaze reinforces our sense of belonging and instills a profound awareness of our heavenly calling. Gritty faith, therefore, begins with a transformed perspective—recognizing that our identity and purpose are intrinsically tied to our relationship with Christ.
Moreover, Hebrews 10:24 compels us to "Divert our attention out"—shifting our focus from self-absorption to selfless service. The call to redirect our energies toward others is revolutionary in a culture that lionizes individualism. Gritty faith thrives when we extend our hands in compassion and solidarity, guiding others toward the source of our strength—Jesus Christ.
The journey towards cultivating "Gritty Faith" is neither swift nor effortless. It requires a willingness to embrace discomfort, persevere in the face of adversity, and remain steadfast in our devotion to Christ. Like the early believers traversing the perilous terrain of first-century Judea, we are called to embody resilience and tenacity in our faith journey.
Students, as we navigate the labyrinth of college life, let us aspire to develop "Gritty Faith" – a faith that transcends transient desires and fleeting passions. Let us fix our gaze on Christ, our ultimate source of hope and strength, and let us extend our hands in love and service to those around us. For in the crucible of adversity, our faith is refined, and our resolve is fortified, paving the way for a deeper, more meaningful relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ."
In essence, the journey toward 'Gritty Faith' can be summarized in two simple directives: 'Look up and look out.' By fixing our gaze on Christ and extending our hands in service to others, we fortify our faith and illuminate the path for those around us."
Matt
Ragsdale, C. (2023). Holy Grit (-1st ed.). OCC Press.
Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit (1st ed.). Scribner Books.
Prayer Requests and Upcoming Events:
Please pray for our partners at Damou Mission in Haiti, asking for wisdom and guidance during the country's current turmoil.
Lift up Hands of Grace in Guatemala in prayer as they returned home to the States due to medical issues.
Please pray for our upcoming summer trips. We pray that participants will perceive God's work in these locations and be challenged to deepen their discipleship.
Offer prayers for Maya Harrold, who will assist us on the Honduras trip this summer. Also, pray for Matt as he develops a new teaching series for the season.
Matt and Alissa will be leading a Passover Seder with Couples! Prayer for the opportunity to teach and bless others through the Passover.
Lastly, let's pray that we meet our donation goal, seeking an additional $400 monthly. This will allow us to expand our internship program, support adding Alec Papale to the staff, and create more opportunities for teaching and discipleship.