Apple Cider and Brown Bread Walls

This past weekend I got back to the city!! I had an afternoon full of a Young Life training (www.younglife.org), some much needed time with some of my closest friends, 2 nights of sleepovers with college girls, time with two of my most missed kiddos, and painting my future apartment!!

I cannot thank the people who helped me enough. They gave their whole day, and felt it for days more!! (We were very sore!!) Thanks to Rebecca, Jon, and Mom, I now have "Apple Cider" and "Brown Bread" walls.

My apartment will be in the Sunshine (sunshinegospel.org) building. As soon as I finish up on this support, I will be moving up there!! Floors and kitchen still need to be put in but hopefully will be done soon! If you can contribute any way- from construction work to providing some needed appliances, email me at brittneyrost@yahoo.com! Thanks so much for the push to get me in that Apple Cider apartment!

4 Years...

This past weekend I was able to get to the city!! Chicago welcomed me with open arms. One of my favorite and most looked forward to times was spending a night downtown with two beauties.

The two girls I got to see are the first Sunshine kids I met two years ago. On the right is me and my little 9 year old, who grew into the beautiful 13 year old teenage girl in the picture beside. The transformation she has made has been amazing because of the transforming power of Christ.

On the left is my 6 year old who, with all her spunk, is now 10 and the biggest but most loving 10 year old diva ever.

These two girls, sisters, were 6 and 9 when I was introduced to them as their tutor at the library. Four years

and lots of weekend trips to Indiana, girls night outs, fitting room fashion shows, and highs and lows later, these two have grown into beautiful young women. I am so challenged by the questions they ask, the love they give, and they way they challenge me in my walk with Christ! As the holidays come up, they

have been asking for months to come home to

see "Grandma", aka my mom. As a bargain and discipling tool, I told them that if they can memorize the Christmas story, Luke 2:1-21, with me, that they will get a trip to Elkhart. That night I got texts asking about the verse! How exciting for us to do this together and focus on Christ in this season. It's a hard task, even for me as an adult, but I don't doubt that these beauties can do anything!!

As I think about the journey with these girls, I can remember temper tantrums, tears, giving up, lots of smacking of lips, rolling of eyes, even yelling at me. Yet with patience and wisdom given by God, I've ventured down the road with these girls, seen them give their lives to Christ, and observed the role that sanctification has played in their worlds. My little one hasn't snapped at me in at least a year. The oldest one has been an angel, the last time I can remember anything happening was over a year and a half ago and was followed by asking for forgiveness and seeking repentance. To see that in our kids- THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT. I can't think of a better testimony.

Please pray for my girls. Life doesn't get easier as teenage complications come their way. We all can remember the drama and harshness of that period of life. I know these girls love Christ with all their hearts and I love them with all of mine.

Commissioned

This past week was a big one here in Elkhart. Not only was it Missions Conference at my home church, First Baptist Church of Elkhart, IN, but I got commissioned by them to hit my field, the South Side of Chicago!

As I grew up the picture of a missionary that was painted to me was of a person in the jungle, sharing the word with an unreached tribe. It was the couple that moved to Africa to work with orphans. It was maybe even the single woman in Italy. Never did I know that a missionary could be a person within the States. I didn't know that someone could work in a school with unreached kids and be considered a missionary, let a alone be only two hours away in Chicago. I even butted heads with a missions professor at a certain college I graduated from, who persistently discredited my work within the United States and told me that I could never be a "MISSIONARY" in Chicago. I think she looked in the wrong dictionary when she researched that definition which excluded the work of God in inner-city Chicago. The Dictionary I used called it a COMMISSION to me to reach these kids on the South Side that don't know Christ (Mt 28:19-20).

The point here is not for me to vent, though much of that occurs when I see the narrow definitions for reaching people for Christ. This past week at the Missions Conference at First Baptist, I spoke to different groups of people of all different ages. Sunday night was my time with the elementary kids of the church. As I shared my heart, showed a video, and pointed them to God's heart for the city, one little girl seemed to be abnormally interested. She sat at the edge of her chair raising her hands with numerous questions. One of the last questions she asked was, "How long have you been a missionary?" I hesitated for a minute. What many would say is that I am just started. I just got commissioned so I have technically only been a missionary for a few days. However thats not the answer I gave that 9 year old.

See Christ isn't someone we can only share when we're commissioned by a body. I've been a missionary since I first started telling my friends about Christ when I was little. I was a missionary to my public junior high and high school as I led friends to Christ at the lunch table. I was a missionary in college when I would stop and share lunch with a homeless woman. If only we as Christians could grasp this concept. I sit here in Starbucks typing up this blog and I am a missionary to these workers that see me here with my open Bible by my side. We are missionaries wherever we go! We must throw aside the hindering definitions that say we are only a missionary if we raise support and fly to another country. NO! We are all missionaries as we spread the Hope to those around us in this lost world.

One of my favorite Christian rappers puts it best, "There ain't nothin' wrong with you goin' over seas, but there's people on your own street that need to be freed. If you wanna do a mission you don't gotta look hard cuz theres people who need to hear the Truth in your backyard." -Thi'sl

I pray God, may you grant us all hearts and eyes to see the mission field all around us.

An Indiana Autumn but hoping for A Chicago Christmas

I'm still in Indiana. I've loved watching the leaves change and fall to the ground. I've loved driving out into the colorful country to pray and take in the tranquil scenery. I've loved going to the pumpkin patch with family, painting those pumpkins with my nephews, and enjoying pumpkin coffee with my mom. Fall in Indiana has been restful and peaceful. But I'm not settled.

Amidst all of those pumpkin activities I've packed in lots of emails, meetings, training, and creative support raising ideas. As I look back on the past 3 months that I've been here, I first can't believe its gone so fast, but second can't believe how much God has blessed me. I sit here amazed by

my escrow reports and all of your generosity. I am getting so close to going back to the city for good! My numbers are steadily going up and with another month or so, I'm praying that will be enough to get me back to the South Side! For those of you that have given, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! For those of you that are planning on it, get those in!! The faster you respond the faster I will be packing my stuff up for a season of Christmas in Chicago!!

That is my goal!

Help me get there!!

Fall Newsletter

Summer’s Over but The Heat is On

This hot, humid summer didn’t slow us down the least bit on the South Side! Our sunny days at Sunshine were packed with day camps, middle school activity nights, Friday Light peace campaigns, camps, beach days, and energy-filled kids. I hope this letter finds you at the end of a great summer too!

Not only did God show up in our programming, but he also lined up an amazing position for me at Sunshine! I knew I was going on staff, as previous letters have stated, but as our ministry partnered with Young Life (check out younglife.org) the perfect job developed. I will be going on staff as a Sunshine youth outreach missionary and I will focus on the development of our middle school programs and discipleship, and eventually high school also. This partnership will give us many resources and allow us to get our vision in action.

As our ministry moved into the neighborhood three and a half years ago, we narrowed in on the elementary aged children. Now as time has progressed, they have grown up and are needing more advanced programs and follow-up. I stand humbled at this opportunity and I am full of dreams and passion for these kids!

I’m currently in Indiana for the next month or so in order to raise support for my future. Thankfully with the partnership with Young Life I am left raising about 1/3 of my income. About 50% of that has come in at this point, thanks to the partnership of many of you! For that I am eternally grateful!

If you’re still interested in being a part of this ministry, you can do so in two ways:

1. Monthly: Joining the cause by choosing your amount to contribute monthly.

2. Special gifts: Any donation of any sort can be a great blessing to me as I am starting off this new life on the South Side and have numerous needs that need to be filled. (ie. start up funds for moving into an apartment, etc.)

Support Update:

Goal to Raise: 1/3

Amount of Goal Raised to Date: 1/2

To Go: 1/2

Date to Reach Goal: Nov. 1

How to Help:

This support raising time has been a blessing as God has consistently showed His faithfulness. Yet, as my heart is on the South Side, I have been missing the kids and the ministry I have with them. My dreams and visions can’t come into play until I have my monthly income pledged.

So here’s where I am: Between the partnership with Young Life and Sunshine’s contribution, they are covering 2/3 of my income. With the expenses of city-living, this leaves me raising a minimum of $800 a month in support. Currently I am at about 50% of that pledged.

My goal is that in the next month the remainder of this support will come in. The sooner I get back to the South Side and dive in, the better.

Here’s where your generosity comes into play. I need:

-- At least 4 people to pledge at $50 or more a month.

-- At least 6 pledgers at $25 a month.

-- At least 4 pledgers at $15 a month.

This breakdown would leave me able to return to the city! If you feel you can contribute and help me, you can either : 1. Email me back and let me know you would like a hard copy of this newsletter and an enclosed envelope to mail support to Sunshine. 2. Follow these instructions for online giving. We even have a monthly direct debit available for easy-access gifts.

Online giving:

Online gifts are a lot easier. Simply go to http://sunshinegospel.org/ and on the left-hand side click DONATE.

*Then, under General Ministry Support, click DONATIONS TO SUNSHINE GOSPEL MINISTRIES.

*Fill out your personal information first.

*Then, you can choose your amount and if it is a one-time special gift or monthly gift. In order for it to come to me, you must under the FUND column, click MISSIONARY SUPPORT and underneath, type in BRITTNEY ROST.

*If you want to establish your direct debit for your monthly gift, you can choose VIRTUAL CHECK/SAVINGS TRANSACTION. You can continue then to enter your banking information.

I want to thank you all for your generous hearts and your encouragement during this time. I wouldn’t be able to be at this place in my life without you. Your time, donations, and uplifting words have carried me thus far and I look forward to doing this partnership with you!

My Sunshine Journey

I made this video in hopes to give you all a glimpse into what my last for years have been like with Sunshine. From Summer Camps to sleepovers, these kids fill my heart with joy!!! Take a look...

Run as to get the prize!

These past few weeks have flown by, with trips back and forth from Chicago to Elkhart, buckling down on support raising, and training for the half marathon I ran in!

I finished my first official half marathon!! Sunday, September 12th I ran in the Chicago Half Marathon! I'm definitely not going to say it was easy, however I FINISHED and had a lot of fun!! One of my best friends ran a few miles with me, along with my boyfriend who ran 7 miles by my side. I couldn't have done it without them!! Thanks Jon and Kelsey for your support! I realized while I was running and as I reflected on the race how true of an analogy that morning was to the Christian walk. I know we've all heard pastors use this illustration, but it truly was an amazing reminder to me of how intense our "run" is with Christ. We have to stay fueled, we have to push through the pain, we need people beside us and cheering us on, we are going to get "highs" and feel amazing, but they can follow quickly by aching and lows. What matters most is that we CAN finish. We can be strong. We can come out the victors with a medal around our neck.... or maybe a crown :)

13.1 Miles Away

September 12th is coming very soon and that means one thing for me: The Chicago Half-Marathon!! I've been training hard and I feel like I'm almost ready! For this marathon I registered with Sunshine and our partnership allows donations to come to Sunshine. Along with that, everyone that volunteers under our organization forwards additional donations to Sunshine too!! What a great way to raise money for our ministry.

Our coordinator put this info to gether if youre're interested:

There is also still time to sign up to run either the half marathon or the 5K with us, so I have included that information at the end.

If you are interested in VOLUNTEERING: Please use the link below to sign up early (as soon as you read this message) to volunteer so that I can give an accurate estimate of our numbers to the race sponsor AND so that Sunshine gets paid accurately and on time for our volunteers. Thank you!

Feel free to pass this email on and/or print the info in your church bulletins for the next few weeks.

EXPO AND RACE DAY VOLUNTEERING When you click on the link below, pull down to Sunshine on the list of group names to join. The password is Sunshine (case sensitive). Fill in your info and use the notes section to list when you want to work.

The available shifts are Thursday 9/9 12p-4p (only a few spots available--preparing race packets at Navy Pier), Friday 9/10 10a-2:30p or 2-7 p (handing out race packets to runners--Navy Pier), Saturday 9/11 8a-1:30p or 1-6:30p (handing out race packets to runners--Navy Pier), or Sunday 5a-noon at the race course (Museum of Science and Industry).

We need to provide at least 4 volunteers for Sunday morning based on the number of runners we have, so if you can volunteer for Sunday morning, please do! Here is the link: Share this with your volunteers to sign up: http://www.doitsports.com/volunteer/join-protected-group.tcl?event_id=11962 password: Sunshine (case sensitive)

RUNNING: If you want to run either the half marathon or the 5K with us, there is still time to sign up at www.chicagohalfmarathon.com! If you are doing the half marathon, the discount code to use is CHMSGM10. For either race, please enter Sunshine in the charity field AND email me and tell me that you signed up. Please let me know if you have any questions! Emily (847-917-3659)

Summer Is Over, A New Beginning is Coming

TIME FOR A MAJOR UPDATE!! This summer has so quickly flown by so let me tell you all I can in this short blog post...

FIRST OFF: Summer ministry at Sunshine was amazing. From staff, to kids, to logistics of the programs, all went great! Here's a little glimpse into the life of Brittney these past 2 months:
MONDAY and WEDNESAYS were spent preparing for our junior high ministry on Monday and Wednesday nights called SUMMER S.W.A.G.G. (Students Worshipping a Great God). This program was developed this summer as we saw the need for our previously targeted age group of elementary to grow into a new junior high program. Our Monday nights would be outing nights, which consisted of beach games, skating, photo scavenger hunts, and more. Then on Wednesday nights, we would stay at Sunshine and have game rotations, snacks, a message, and small groups. Our kids seemed to love the kick off of middle school night and were eager to ask what we would be having for them this fall!! We sealed off the summer with a trip to Deep River Waterpark. Pray that these kids would stay involved as the fall rolls around!


TUESDAY, THURSDAY, and FRIDAYS were spent with our Summer Blast kids. This is the day camp for elementary students. These kids always make me smile with their hugs, energy, and excitement for the Lord. On Fridays we took them on day trips to places like the beach and the zoo! They always kept us on our toes but were a complete blessing to us!


Friday Nights Lights were continued on Friday evenings this summer. We lit up 2 different corners throughout the summer in order to make darkness flee. From 9 p.m. to midnight hotdogs and chips were served, the name of Christ proclaimed over loudspeakers on the streets, and the violence was curbed for as long as we could help it! Continue to pray for the conversations and seeds that were planted during these events!

One of our main highlights was our week of camp for both elementary and middle school kids. This fell directly in the middle of the summer as we took the kids up to Sunshine Cove for a hot and humid but blessed week! The theme was LOVE. We shared the love of Christ to them along with how we all can better love those around us. The highlight of this week was Wednesday night. Along with the other female summer staff, we decided that our girls needed a GIRLS NIGHT of facials, nails, and pink decorations! This spa night was a huge hit. We had so much fun as we layed with cucumbers on our eyes and freshly painted nails. To seal off the night we broke into cabin groups and had girl talk. The emphasis was to share with our beauties what it means to shine from within and what being a woman of God truly is versus what the world tells us what being a woman means. Amazing conversations took place and many of the girls' eyes were opened to what true beauty is for the first time.

So here I am at the end of the summer!! What now?! God has lined up the greatest opportunity for me to go on staff at Sunshine. My summer position is now over and I am now in Indiana for one month to raise support to go on staff full time! Through a partnership with Young Life (check out http://www.younglife.org/us) I am going to be a Sunshine staff member with the goal of developing first our middle school outreach, and eventually high school outreach. So to avoid confusion, I am in everyway at Sunshine Gospel doing ministry with the same group of kids in the same neighborhood, but partnering with Young Life to help branch their ministry into the inner-city and benefitting off of one anothers resources. What that means for me now is that I need your help both in prayer and financially. In order to start in September, I must have raised enough support to do so. As I am in Elkhart this month, I will be meeting with people in order to get that pledged support. I am asking for your prayers that this financial aspect will come in quickly and also for your prayerful consideration of partnering with gifts. You all have been such a blessing and encouragement thus far, I pray that my service has been blessing reflecting all that you have poured into me! If this is a time that you could help, you can contact me at brittneyrost@yahoo.com, reply to this post, or call my cell at 574-596-3038. Thank you so much for all you do!

Shining His light,
Britt

Summer Kickoff

It's been a long time since my last update, but here I am starting another summer at Sunshine!! For the past two weeks our summer staff has been busy preparing spiritually and logistically for our four main programs this summer: Summer Blast Day Camp for 2nd-5th graders, Summer S.W.A.G.G. activity nights for middle schoolers, Friday Night Lights peace campaigns, and Bridge Builders Missions Groups.

This transition has been crazy. A month ago I walked the stage at Moody, then proceeded to move out of the dorms for the last time, go home for a week, finished up my college job of nannying, and bout 2 weeks ago I moved down to the South Side. Throw in there a lot of goodbyes, support raising, and building of relationships, and its made for some interesting and even trying times. Yet, God has been so great. He has taught me so much through this time in my life- that He is fully in control and He will provide for every little thing that I need. So here I sit, humbled and broken. Yet, I am reminded that God can use us when we are most dependent on Him. He is about to "rock me" and really "mess me up" this summer as some of our staff members would say.

My focus this summer is planning and organizing our 6th-8th grade activity nights on Monday and Wednesday nights. You can be in prayer for us as we start our programming off this Monday, the 21st. I'm also helping plan our Friday Night Lights, which is a part of Chicago Peace Campaign. We've chosen one of our neighborhoods most busy corners- 63rd St. and St. Lawrence- and we will be having music, lights, and food from 9-12 every Friday night for the summer to promote peace and Christ on a corner that is often covered in darkness. Pray for us as we start off this ministry tonight!!

Though this is a very broad and basic update, I will continue to keep you all in the loop for the rest of the summer! Thank you all for your prayers, financial support, and encouragement during this transition!!
Britt