Agape Angels visit Angel Museum . . .

Last Friday, the 'Agape Angels' visited the Angel Museum in Beloit. This museum is located in one of the city's historic landmarks, a Catholic church, which was slated for demolition. Joyce and Lowell Berg proposed that this building be used for their internationally recognized collection of angels and angel memorabilia, and opened their doors on May 1, 1998. The mission of The Angel Museum is to promote a unique and personal experience that stimulates and enriches the human spirit. We pray that our girls were enriched by this visit; the tour guides were absolutely delightful!

Prayer Requests:

Please continue to pray for all that is taking place at Agape House and School; we are seeing results from all of your prayers! We have a couple of specific girls we would like you to pray for as follows:

~ Pray that one of our girls will seek Christ in every aspect of her life, as she is being drawn to the wrong music, books, etc.

~ Pray that one of our girls will press into God and all that He can do for her, instead of the worldly ways.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12

Praise Reports:

~ One of the parents made the following comment this week: "I am seeing the transformation in her face, her body language, and her attitude."

~ One of our faithful followers received good news from the doctor this week; their cancer is in remission!

~ Renovation Update: We were blessed with someone who worked on the plumbing this week.

~ Building Maintenance: We were blessed with someone who did some exterior priming/painting to touch up the windows. We were also blessed with a crew who installed siding on the front of the building, as well as a few other exterior projects that needed to be done.

Reminder: Make your reservations for our Barn-Load of Fun event. Help us share the miracles God is doing at Agape House by inviting your family and friends to a Barn-Load of Fun! This will be a night of information, testimonies, music, food, dancing and fun (yes, in a barn)! The event takes place on November 7th from 7 to 10 pm at the Seth Hansen farm at W2644 Loveland Road, Elkhorn (between Bowers Road and Hwy. 120). The cost is $10 per person; please call 262-275-6466 or e-mail agape7@pensys.com to make your reservations. Payment will be collected at the door.

Needs and Wish List: Please see previous entries

Peace and Blessings on your week!

Help us share the miracles . . .

~ Help us share what God is doing here at Agape House by inviting your family and friends to Barn-Load of Fun! This will be a night of information, testimonies, food, dancing and fun (yes, in a barn)! The event takes place on November 7th, from 7 to 10 p.m., at the Seth Hansen Farm at W2644 Loveland Road, Elkhorn (between Bowers Road and Hwy. 120). The cost is $10 per person; please call 262-275-6466 or e-mail agape7@pensys.com to make reservations; payment will be collected at the door.


Praise Reports:
~ We received a donation of a pork (a whole pig) from Sorg’s Meat Packing Plant

~ Watching the girls talk to one another is beautiful. Even in conflict the girls are learning to speak the truth in love, expressing themselves, and listening to their classmates. Communication is improving.

~ The girls were so appreciative of the field trip to Royal Oak Farm Orchard. The tour guides were very informative, the wonder of God's creation awesome, the fellowship in sharing all the delights of His handiwork - breathtaking. "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8a

The girls were treated to a hayride around the orchard where they each were able to pick a pumpkin and an apple. In addition, they learned some interesting facts about the orchard. For example, did you know that you can tell how many bees pollinated an apple by counting the number of seeds it has? The girls also enjoyed the Petting Zoo and the Play Area, like little children (see picture above) – what a delight to watch!

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke 18:16-17


Prayer Requests:
~ Pray for new students as the Lord prepares each child for a new school environment, as well as all the teachers, and especially our girls so that they welcome each new student to Agape School.

Wish List:
~ Non-perishable food items for the Home
~ Musical Instruments – Do you have a gently used saxophone for one of our girls that is musically gifted and would like to continue her study of this instrument?


Ways you can Help:
~ One of our students is musically gifted and would love to continue her study of the
saxophone. If anyone has instruments that are no longer being used, please consider donating them to Agape.

~ If you are interested in helping in any way with the renovation project, please let us know. We are still in need of finances for materials, appliances and furniture.

Waiting on God . . .

“Those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” ~ Isaiah 40:31

Renovation Progress – While Phase I, II and III of the renovation work have been completed, the current living quarters for the teen home are less than ideal conditions. The gymnasium is being used for multiple uses, including the dining and living room for the girls. We’ve waited and prayed, wondering what God has planned, and when He plans to move this project forward with the final phase of renovation – the Sanctuary.

I am thrilled to say that our prayers have been answered, and God’s plans are moving forward! Many people have stepped forward and offered their services to get this project done – praise God!

On September 21st, the 1st annual Trifecta took place – a fund raiser for three local Christian ministries, of which Agape House was one of the benefactors. This was when we saw God begin to respond to our prayers. In a time when the economy is at its worst, at the end of the summer after many other golf outings have taken place as fundraisers, this event netted a profit of $13,675 to each of the three organizations! We are very grateful to all who contributed to this success, and would like to especially thank Geneva National for their support, as well as all who were on the committee for the Trifecta.

In the month of October, Agape House has been asked to speak or be present at local churches for their Mission weekends. It started at East Troy Bible Church the 1st weekend, where people who didn’t even know about Agape House came forward to support the work being done here. The next weekend, Pam Patterson was at Calvary Community Church, who has supported us very generously over the years in so many ways. And now we see God moving even more dramatically then ever before. How awesome it is to see the response to God’s calling – we are in awe!

[God] acts on behalf of those who wait for him. ~ Isaiah 64:4


Praise Reports:
~ One of the Mom’s of our students, Agi, volunteers at Agape School one day every week to do whatever we need to have done. In addition to making some fabulous meals for us, she loves to make herself at home in so many delightful ways. This past week, Becky, our house Mom, was surprised when she came to make dinner after Agi had been there, and found the kitchen sparkling clean and fresh - what a blessing!

~ Elkhorn Chemical will be assisting us with streamlining the cleaning of both buildings and providing the majority of our janitorial supplies – another huge blessing!

~ We are so thankful in the school for our ‘Friday Fun Days’ wherein we experience so many non-academic learning opportunities. The girls are working hard to earn these special Fridays and the benefits of our 4-day week is evident in many areas of the girls' education. Here are some of our extraordinary events:

1) In September, we had the pleasure of visiting the home of our ‘Pet Therapy’ teacher, Ava Von Koch, in Lake Geneva. The beautiful scenery, visiting all the horses, dogs and cats, and the wonderful fellowship with Ava, her husband, and Nancy Turner was a cherished time in the country.

2) Last week we were blessed with tickets for the performance ‘Of Mice and Men’ from the Arts4All Program at UW-Whitewater. This was a great learning experience for the girls, and we look forward to continued theatre opportunities.

3) We also had the privilege last week of visiting the David Weinberg Gallery in Chicago. The girls were treated to an exemplary tour of the gallery, enjoyed three photography artists' exhibit with the theme of Social Landscape. The girls and the chaperones enjoyed the tour and the train ride to Chicago.

~ In the Teen Home, Becky had the following praise report:
I am very proud of all the girls as they are truly working through the many challenges they are facing in their lives. It is not an easy task and it can cause much pain. Often times when someone is going through the healing process, it is found that they will lash out to those who are around them the most at that time. However, I see the girls using their coping skills quite well. Praise God - keep up the hard work girls!


Prayer Requests:

~ Please pray for healing for one of our volunteer teachers, Judy Kidder, as she receives a new treatment plan for RA.

~ Please continue to pray for Ava's husband as he battles cancer.

~ Please pray that the girls at Agape will continue to use their coping skills and trust in our Lord for healing.


Wish List:
~ Non-perishable food items for the Home


Ways you can help:
~ One of our students is musically gifted and would love to continue her study of the
saxophone. If anyone has instruments that are no longer being used, please consider donating them to Agape.

~ Please help us share what God is doing here at Agape House by inviting your family and friends to Barn-Load of Fun! This will be a night of information, testimonies, food, dancing and fun (yes, in a barn)! The event takes place on November 7th, from 7 to 10 p.m., at the Seth Hansen Farm at W2644 Loveland Road, Elkhorn (between Bowers Road and Hwy. 120). The cost is $10 per person; please call 262-275-6466 or e-mail agape7@pensys.com to make reservations; payment will be collected at the door.

~ If you are interested in helping in any way with the renovation project, please let us know. We are still in need of finances for materials, appliances and furniture.


“How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.” - 2 Samuel 7:22

Reaping the Harvest . . .

“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

Fall is such a beautiful time of the year where we see the Glory of God’s creation as we prepare for the changing of the seasons. Agape House is keeping busy with a variety of activities this Fall, and it is such a blessing to get out and speak to people who have heard about what God is doing here, or who have never heard of Agape House, but are so glad they know about us now. God is so good, and His timing is always amazing!

JOYS:
We were recently blessed with the good news about one of our past students. She wasn’t at Agape School very long, but we could clearly see the gifts God has blessed her with. She is now at the Challenge Academy, and doing very well!

It is such a joy to get to know our faithful volunteers at Agape House and School, and see their willingness to give and serve here. They take time out of their busy lives to tutor, mentor, prepare and serve meals, clean, assist in the office, help with renovation projects, upgrade our computers, teach extra curricular classes . . . the list goes on and on – what a blessing!

Accelerated Christian Education (A.C.E.) is celebrating 40 years of ministry; and we are so grateful we are able to utilize their curriculum at Agape School. It is an educational program that offers individualized learning, as well as Christian character growth.

CONCERNS:
Please pray for one of our Agape girls who needs a reminder that God loves her right where she is at, and that she can do all things through Christ, and that she does not need to succumb to the beliefs of the secular world. Rather, pray that she will remember that she has been transformed by the renewal of her mind, and that she just needs to stand firm on her beliefs.

Please also pray for all of those who have left Agape; pray that they are willing to walk on water, knowing that Jesus is reaching out to them if they will just take hold of what He offers. “For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness – in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God.] Hebrews 12:11

Upcoming Bible Study – Liz King will be teaching about the new covenant, The Grace Walk Experience (by Steve McVey) beginning Saturday, the 18th of October. If you are interested in participating and would like more details, please contact Jan at (262) 275-6466 or via e-mail at agape7@pensys.com.

How can you help? Do you love working with pictures and putting them together to create memories? We would love to have someone come alongside our girls to oversee the putting together of our year book in a format on the computer that can be sent off to the printers towards the end of the year. We envision someone coming to meet with a group on a monthly basis as they gather together pictures from all that is going on here at Agape House. Please contact Pam or Jan at (262) 275-6466 if God is leading you to share your gifts in this way.

Enjoy this season of reaping, giving praise and glory to God!

God's got His Hand on you . . .

Those are tears of ‘LOVE’ you see on Hailey’s face in the picture above – love for our Lord, as well as the group that surrounded her that day! We gathered together last week at Agape House to pray for Hailey Burger, our first student at Agape School. Hailey was accepted into the YWAM program, and she departed for Florida last Thursday to begin a new journey in life.

Hailey was a pre-mature baby with significant health problems, including a mild case of cerebral palsy. When she came to Agape School, she had been failing in the public school. In fact, they considered her to be a special education student. Once she began the program we offer at Agape School, Hailey began getting A’s and B’s very quickly! God has gifted her with a love for children and people with special needs, and she has always dreamed of being a missionary. Now that she is at YWAM, she can begin the process of actually fulfilling her purpose in Christ!

“With all the lost and lonely people, Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me, Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?” Hailey sang this song, ‘Does Anybody Hear Her By Casting Crowns’ quite often at the different events she took part in at Agape School, and we pray that she continues to search for our Lord and the Hope that he gives us, while reaching out to other lost and lonely people.

Please keep Hailey in your prayers; and we look forward to seeing her come back to visit us at Agape to share what God is doing in her life.


Praise Reports:

- Tina Dillman donated the Scientific Calculator we needed

- Huge praise report for the girls' work at VIP; we went there last Friday to wash wheel chairs for their clients. It was beautiful to watch the girls work tirelessly to help where needed and to also become friends with the people at VIP. I was honored to work with the girls on this project. It was an awesome day and a wonderful memory. Kelly Stech, Teacher

- I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful donations of fresh garden produce. This is something I had prayed so much about! Also, a big thank you for the donation that has allowed me to purchase items from my grocery wish list! I do appreciate everything that is donated to the kitchen for me to use in my meal preparation, but it is also very nice to be able to purchase the things I really “desire” to make our meals a bit “extra special”. Again thank you for the many blessings. Becky Lambiris, House Mom

- Thank you for all of our faithful volunteers!


Prayer Requests:
- Continued prayers for God to become real in each child's life.
- Prayers for their families.
- Pray for healing for Ben Patterson, and Pam’s Mom


Donations Needed:
- Two (2) Laptop Computers – We have been blessed with an expert teacher for a Computer class, which is an answer to prayer. We just need a couple more laptops so more can learn at one time.
- Size 1 sweat pants, slacks and jeans for a student


Wish List:
- Pizza
- Frozen vegetables
- Ricotta cheese
- Italian sausage (mild)
- Frozen Hash browns (cubed)
- 1 % milk, fruit juice

Upcoming Events:
- Barn-Load of Fun – Please help us spread the word about what God is doing at Agape House. This will be a ‘FUN, FALL’ event, and if you know people who are interested in learning more about the Agape House Ministry, please plan on inviting them for an evening of food, music and fun! Flyers are available that you can hand out to people as an invite. Contact Jan at the e-mail address or phone number listed below, or stop by the school (after Tuesday, 10/6) to pick them up. The details are listed below:

When: Saturday, November 7th
Time: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: The Seth Hansen Farm (yes, it’s in a barn!)
W2644 Loveland Road, Elkhorn, WI
(between Bowers Road and Hwy. 120)
Cost: $10 per person
Due to limited seating, RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Please call (262) 275-6466 or e-mail agape7@pensys.com; give your name and number of people who need tickets. Payment will be collected at the door.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support; have a blessed week!