Office Update: Messiah Tour 2010

I am so excited about the upcoming all spring believe 2010 Messiah Tour! No really, I am pumped it is going to be awesome.

Here are my top 5 reasons I am stoked about the Messiah Tour!

1. There is something special about getting into a van with a group people that are crazy enough to dedicate their lives to junior high ministry. It’s always a little crazy, a lot of fun and there is always an excitement in the air to get our feet on the ground and get the “elements” of believe set-up in anticipation for the coming students!

2. The 2010 Tour is going to be AWESOME! Returning artist Eric Timm is going to be doing some stellar artwork that will blow your minds while Hetti Marie and the Foundation Red Band will get you pumped up with their heart pounding, crazy awesome worship! But that’s not all, I am SO excited about the untitled skateboard crew that is going to be joining us this year! It’s gonna be edgy and awesome! I am so ready to laugh until my stomach hurts with the 321 comedy team too!

3. If that wasn’t enough to keep me up at night the new Manga art is so cool! We will even have manga books to you can buy at the believe bookstore…oh yeah, I’ve already read them and you don’t want to miss out!

4. Holy cow the speakers! Scott Rubin, Chad Monahan, Kurt Johnson, Nathan Head, Jason Raitz AND Heather Flies! I got to meet with this group a month ago and it was phenomenal! Not only were they great to just hang out with but they came up with some crazy stuff that will keep you in your seats craving more!

5. Come on, it’s believe….do I really need to say more! I gotta get my heart rate down….It’s going to rock!

Roofing = Mega Loads of Dirt

I had no idea that roofing a house was so...dirty. Now I know how girly that sounds and yes I have seen lots houses being re-roofed. But I had no idea the amount of work that actually went into the task until I went to Know Sweat and saw a team work their tails off, have fun and get mega dirty. Hopefully you will be able to see the picture I attached of the two teenagers that recently attended Know Sweat with their youth group. The entire team was cover in black dirt from head to toe in 100 degree heat! Now that's dedication! It was so encouraging to see this team come together. I'm sure from all different lifestyles and backgrounds, join together and complete something HUGE in just four days. All because they understand the importance of service. I will never forget how dirty they were covered from head to toe but their but spirits shone brightly for an entire neighbor ..all for the glory of God. It's a good day to serve the Lord. Wanna get dirty? Try Know Sweat.

I got to Know Sweat

Last week I got the pleasant adventure of going out with the Know Sweat team that did a week in Joplin, MO. It was an experience like no other...and HOT. 200 junior high and high school students came together from all over the nation to work on houses right in Joplin, MO and those students WORKED hard! Those students painted, racked, mowed, planted, scraped, nailed, cleaned, washed, roofed. 9 different places in the Joplin area were fixed up, worked on and loved on. Now, I won't lie I didn't actually work on any houses but I did get to do was something that definitely opened my eyes to the work and labor that goes into Know Sweat. I rode in one of the trucks from work site to site making sure each house or location had all the materials it needed to get the job done...and those know sweat don't use AC so it was hot ... but very fun. It was awesome to see the work that went into the program and the attention to details on every house. The interns did great and worked so hard. I think it's going to be an awesome summer for Know Sweat. If you want to know more about know sweat check it out at www.ciy.com/knowsweat

So much is happening...

KnowSweat just got on the road to start their summer tour! Check out their dates and locations and keep them in your prayers!

Joplin, MO
Cincinnati, OH
June 15-19

Omaha, NE
Cincinnati, OH
June 22-26

Omaha, NE
Kissimmee, FL
Beckley,WV
June 29-July 3

Milligan, TN
Rockford, IL
July 6-10

Denver, CO
Milligan, TN
St. Louis, MO
July 13-17

Portland, OR
Cincinnati, OH
July 20-24

Cincinnati, OH
Dallas, TX
July 27-31

Dallas, Tx
August 3-7

Also, this just in...believe 2010 tour dates are here!

Anaheim, CA
January 29-30
Hilton Anaheim
777 Convention Way
Anaheim, CA 92802

Tulsa, Ok
February 5-6
Tulsa Convention Center
100 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103

Cincinnati, OH
February 12-13
Bank of Kentucky Center
500 Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, Kentucky 41099

Chicago, IL
February 19-20
N/A

St. Louis, MO
March 5-6
Family Arena
2002 Arena Parkway
St. Charles, MO 63303

Kissimmee, FL
March 12-13
Osceola Heritage Park
1875 Silver Spur Lane
Kissimmee, Florida 34744

Arlington, TX
March 19-20
Arlington Convention Center
1200 Ballpark Way
Arlington, TX 76011

Atlanta, GA
April 9-10
Gwinnett Center
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway
Duluth, Georgia 30097

Anderson, IN1
April 16-17
Anderson University, Reardon Auditorium
1100 East Fifth Street
Anderson, IN 46012

Anderson, IN2
April 17-18
Anderson University, Reardon Auditorium
1100 East Fifth Street
Anderson, IN 46012

Holland, MI
April 23-24
DeVos Fieldhouse
222 Fairbanks Avenue
Holland, MI 49422

Portland, OR
April 30- May 1
Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Portland, OR 97232

it's believe, check it out....

Well as always I haven't blogged in quite a while. So the faithful two people that do read my blog have probably stopped but I will go ahead and give another go at it.

First off, believe is going really well! The team just got home from Cincinnati, OH and we had almost 4,000 in attendance! How awesome is that?!

Learning how to put on a conference for that many churches, adults and junior high students is quite the experience. From working really long days to simply not even knowing what all needs to be done and covered it was overwhelming to say the least. I must say, I could not pick a better team to work with. I complain at times...I'm human. I get fussy and tired and irritated but I wake up every morning and know that I get to work with really incredibly awesome people.

So, let me just take a moment to tell you a little bit about some really awesome people that love the Lord, junior high students and the kingdom of God!

Nichole Palmateer is so rock solid in her faith. I don't think I have ever met a person that is so willing to give everything she has to the Lord without the slightest of hesitations. What I really love about her is that she is so honest! If she has no idea what you are talking about Nichole will never fake it and if she needs help she is able to ask. Her thoughtfulness, intelligence, humor and overall attitude are a shining light on the junior high team!


Chase Allcott is one of a kind. I mean the guy knows everybody and their mother and hardly ever forgets. He literally keeps ALL of us on track. One thing that really sticks out in my mind is that he always says, "I really want you to learn and grow and I will do whatever I need to help you do that." How awesome is that? It is encouraging to work with someone that wants the people around them to grow and is a willing servant of God to be a part of that! Chase pretty much keeps the believe team from going insane!

Josh walker is so sincere and an incredible worker. I mean I have seen his notebook and his "to-do" is longer then some books I had to read in college! It's INSANE. I appreciate him so much because he is always thinking of others before himself. God's word tells us to put the interest of others before our self and Josh is an awesome example of that. His encouragement and effort is an example to all that know him!

(The Tech guys) Seth Ulrich, Brad Rizer, Nathan Allcorn, Daniel Smyth,Tyler Olsen and Chris Russell are unbelievable. What they do and how hard they work is way beyond my thinking. From lighting, to audio, to cameras and big screens my mind goes in circles. I can hardly move a 30x30 with their equipment in it much less actually make it do anything awesome. Props to them on about a thousand different levels. Not only are these guys really good at what they do but they are fun and caring! They are a tremendous part of the believe team and a true blessing!

(Backstage Manager) Amy Girton has the most patience of anyone I have ever met! Working with almost all boys can be extremely exhausting, (sorry guys but it's true...25 guys to three guys is CRAZY!) Amy handles it like a pro. She knows a little something about every something! Her love for people is admirable and a true example. She is GREAT at what she does and works so hard! I am blessed to know her and even more so to work along side her.

Brent (the stunt guy) and his STELLAR wife, Amanda are an example of servant hood, respect, patience and love to everyone that knows them and meets them. They are truly incredible. They are two of the most inspirational people I have ever met. They work so hard at anything they are doing and are always willing to help at any moment. They are real, genuine, deep and true in every way. I can not possibly say enough good things about them. The believe team is blessed to have them be a part of this tour. I know that we will ALL miss them so much as they follow the Will of God on their lives and go to the Philippines to do mission work. I have no doubt that God will continue to use their molded hearts to further His kingdom.

Jared (the illusionist) is probably one of the funniest people I ever met. When he is on stage students and adults are glued to every word he says. His wit, cleverness and talent have taken him far and I know that God will continue to use Him! He stinkin' loves the students and it is so awesome to watch him interact with all the kids! I love it!

Eric Timm (the painter) is such an inspiration and role model for us all. His wisdom and confidence in the Lord is so encouraging. Everyone that is able to watch him work and "do his thing" walk away knowing that He is worshipping the Lord with every moment and giving the glory to God. His heart for this ministry is whole hearted and overflowing!

The Rubyz (co-worship leaders) are stinkin' energetic! They bring such a fun spirit to the stage. Junior high students get to see a real life example of someone their own age stepping out! These three girls love the Lord and their leadership and example to thousands of students is such a blessing. I have no doubt that God will continue to use them in incredible ways!

(The band) Jeremy Weldon, Chris Derstien, Isaac Schade, Doug Price and Michael Miyahara are some of the best guys out there. They get so excited and pumped up to lead worship for junior high students! They give everything they have and then some. Every once of talent and heart is given to the Lord and shines! It has been such a fun experience to get to know each one of these guys and see their hearts and where God is leading them. They work so hard and have such great attitudes. They rock it and give all the glory to God! Michael is also my fiancé! His heart to serve is an overwhelming inspiration to me! His love and devotion to God is an encouragement day in and day out. I am truly blessed beyond words.

Tom Nobis is our financial "care-taker" and such a hard worker. He is always so willing to step in and do whatever needs to be done in order for things to run smoothly. He has been able to travel to several believes and we have been blessed by his presence each time. He works hard and does it with the heart and mind set that God is being served by every movement.

Director (Johnny Scott) pushes me beyond what I think I can do. He expects the best from people and therefore people are pushed to serve the God with all they have. He LOVES junior high students, youth ministers and the kingdom of God with a solid heart, good humor and steady mind. He pushes his team day in and day out to be better, do better and serve God with everything we have. His leadership is God given and I am excited to be a part of it!

This day is not ours, nor will tomorrow be. It is the Lords and I get to be a part of a team that is driven by that very statement. Let nothing we do be for ourselves but so that the Kingdom of God will grow, overflow and shine.

From running lights, to ordering t-shirts, to answering hundreds of e-mails, voicemails and questions, to playing guitar, to singing, to making sure audio works, to making sure the team is healthy, to painting, to whatever job there is to do both seen and unseen let it be for the Glory of the Lord.

And the buzz was ... Jesus

believe is an awesome program to work with. The more I am around this ministry the more I understand how totally awesome junior highers are and the adult leaders/youth ministers that have dedicated their time to be apart of those students lives. There are some pretty rockin' moments at believe from the Rubyz concert and seeing all the kids jump around and get excited...to seeing the worship band lead students into a time of fun celebration and meaningful praise. Seeing kids jump up out of their seats to see Brent the stunt guy do his awesome tricks and watch in awe as Jared the illusionist blows our minds, once again with his crazy tricks. Watching Eric paint and create and use his talents and watch the kids react to that "art" of worship is simply ...awesome. But none of those things are my favorite although they all rank high.

It was a moment that I experienced in Omaha. Standing in the middle of room with 400 students and adult leaders as they broke up into their small groups. This happens on Saturday afternoon and honestly it's a time for the staff at believe to catch up on having some fellowship with each other and trying to get things ready to pack for load out. It's a pretty busy time for us. But something stopped me. I stood in the middle of that room and just began to listen, to observe. Time out: Have you ever been to a great sports game and heard the roar of an amazing crowd. The thunderous sound pumps adrenaline into my veins and makes me so excited! I love listening to a crowd and how about when something really exciting happens and it becomes the single greatest topic to the audience and all "the buzz" throughout the people? Time in: That is what I heard. It was the roar of conversation...and the buzz was Jesus.

I stood there for a second and I heard the voices of students start to open up and talk about what was going on at home, school and with friends. I heard the voices of other students agreeing as they listened to their peers. I heard the voices of the adult leaders as they began to ask more questions and receive more feedback from their students. The topic was Jesus and it was the greatest, most worshipful moment of that weekend for me; to watch those students start to speak up about what was going on in their lives and to seek God in their lives. I got to witness that. What an honor.

I never would have picked this job for myself...ever. I want to write and speak and travel...etc. I made a decision about two years ago that my heart was not prepared for that. If I would have followed and pursued a speaking career for a university or random organization I would have done it because I wanted the glory. I could have...I wanted the attention...I'm good at public speaking...I wanted people to see or hear that. But then I allowed God to take my steps. Proverbs 16:9 says, "We can make our path but the Lord determines our steps." I have begged God to use me...in whatever way He desires and maybe it isn't the way I thought it would be and wanted it to be and perhaps God is giving me the life experience and growth I need. The believe theme for the 2008-2009 tour is "speak" to speak God's words to all those around, to encourage, share and defend. There is probably a lesson in there for me. I got to witness 400 students and adults speak to each other and pray with and for each other and to pray for those that were not with them and it was powerful beyond comprehension. I was called to speak... maybe just in a different way then I ever expected.

"The buzz" was Jesus...and it completely changed my life.

I don't even know how to do this.

I have no idea what to write about or what would interest others. I have wanted to be a faithful "blogger" for some time now and this will be an attempt to help that come true. I don't even know how to do this but I'm willing to try.

Becoming a Christian was not in the cards for me if you would have looked at my life growing up. It wasn't something that people would have ever thought; that the Brown children would be Christians...much less work in the minstry. My parents were raised to think that everything in this life was from man. That working hard and money would give a person everything that they desired. My parents taught me how to put my head down and work hard, to be confident in the work I do and that there would always be someone out there that wanted me to fail so I had to prove them wrong and they taught me that I had to be independent and rely on no one but myself. . .then I met Jesus.

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was my birthday and I was turning nine years old. Somewhere deep inside me I knew that I was empty and there was something that could fill my little heart up but I was unsure where to find it. I knew of a man named Jesus from a sunday school advertisment on Sunday's after "Feed the Children" went off. I remember thinking that Jesus was awesome because He was going around fixing problems and emptiness. So at the young age of seven I began begging my mom to let me go to church and met Jesus. But it wasn't a part of what my parents believed in or supported so the answer was always "no". Two years and the emptiness was still there and so were my questions about going to church. So my mom sucked it up and I got to go to church to meet Jesus on my ninth birthday. I remember being so confused because after I got to church I realized that I couldn't meet Jesus; I couldn't reach out and touch Him like the the woman did to be healed on the t.v. show. Confused, scared and nervous that my dreams of being filled by Jesus were not going to happen I began to ask more and more questions. I started begging to go to church as much as possible and my mom...with a deep sigh and a heavy heart started taking me to church.

I was baptized a few years later with the knowledge that I had encounted Jesus it was different then I thought it would be. It was better. My little heart was filled with this passion to live for Him and I knew that this life wasn't about me. For the first time I felt filled with a purpose. My youth minister came to my house and to talk to my mom and dad...I was junior higher. He wanted me to go to some weekend get-a-way called believe. I wanted to go because the church youth group was going. I had no idea want believe was. My parents kicked and screamed (not literally) but finally came to the conclusion that it would be ok for me to go. It was only a weekend.

I sat in an auditorium with my youth group in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There were two banners on either side of the stage. I still remember exactly what they look like. This was my first youth group trip, my first believe and first time I truly realized and grasped that I wasn't alone. The room was full of kids my age and adults that loved us. I remember, literally screaming to the worship songs because I was so excited to worship. For the first time I knew that I was exactly where I was suppose to be and that even when I went home I was going to be ok because I served a holy, powerful God that loved and cherished my existence. I was no mistake to Him.

I'm 21 now,. Graduated from college with a communication degree. My parents taught me to work hard and I do. I didn't even know that Christ In Youth was in Joplin until my mentor at college literally put me in her car and drove me to the office and said fill out the application to be an intern. A year and half later I'm on staff with believe. The very conference that set my feet on fire to run around like a mad woman for Jesus Christ! I feel overwhelmed, honored and scared to death. I'm a loner, backwards and awkward. I don't like public places and could easily be a hermit if I allowed myself to and yet God said no you are my creation and you can do this. I work with an incredible team of people that I am still getting to know that love God with all thier heart. They love junior highers and have a passion for the ministry that Christ In Youth is committed to.

Blessed beyond belief I sit in this coffee shop with tears streaming down my cheeks but I know that I am exactly were God wants me to be. I would have never thought it or dream it up myself but it feels good. I'm scared of messing up and looking silly....I'm scared of a lot of things....but more then that I am eager and ready to serve to the King.

To anyone that thinks junior highers aren't craving to know thier maker is crazy. I was a junior higher with a crazy family and heart to know why I felt empty but with God I felt filled.

Junior Highers love Jesus too.

believe....here I come. God...thank you...I'm relying on you...here I am; use me.