Westside Coordinators Meeting

Everyone enjoyed hearing from other coordinators how their classes are going. Lots of ideas were exchanged on what works in such a short time. Peg, Shannon, Angela and Lori had great suggestions. We plan to use this format again! Hope you can all come next time...Save the first week in February for the next one.

NEW PREP4Kids Class Emerging

A new PREP4Kids class has formed on the East Side! The Tremont Evangelical Church has marshaled a team to provide a Released-time Bible Class for a neighboring elementary School!
Much work has already been done. The Start date is January 8, 2009. Please be praying for Bonnie Brantly (new Coordinator) as she works with the PREP office and her team. Pray for the students who are signed up to come, and those who are yet to be signed up.

Praise God for new beginnings!

PREP4Kids Fundraising Banquet 2008

If you were unable to attend the PREP4Kids Fundraising Dinner at the DoubleTree Inn in Portland on October 25th, here is a glimpse of the evening. See our post from 10-30 to hear a little more about it.

VIPs Visit PREP4Kids Class

Two "Very Important People" (VIP's) visited the PREP4Kids Oregon City Bible Class this week: Linette Montecalvo, from Sonrise Church is interested in seeing a Released-time Bible class start for the Quatama Elementary School (Hillsboro). Josh Wert, from Tremont Evangelical Church is a parent of a public school student who would like to see a PREP4Kids class available for his daughter.
We thank God for these NEW PEOPLE!!! They bring added depth and enthusiasm to this work.

Dave The Driver: Oregon City PREP4Kids

Dave, the Driver, is an extremely valuable member of the Oregon City PREP4Kids Bible Class. He makes sure the students make it safely from school to the church and back again.
Students are always watching their leaders. This student (left) seems to be trying to get Dave's attention as he waits for everyone to get on board. The time our students have with the faithful Christian helpers and drivers helps create good memories. The "servant's heart" and positive attitudes our helpers demonstrate add credibility to the Bible lesson(s).
Thanks for all you're doing Dave!

Humboldt PREP4Kids Class: Opening Hearts and Minds in North Portland

Donna Gaither (teaching) and Patsy Booze (left foreground) are giving their time and talents to teach students of the Humboldt Elementary School. See how this teacher gets on eye-level with her students when asking questions? She is an expert at giving full attention.

PREP4Kids Fundraising Dinner a Huge Success!

What a Praise-filled evening was had by all who attended the PREP4Kids Fundraising Dinner on October 25 at the Lloyd Center Doubletree Hotel.

God is so good to use all of us to Praise His Name by reaching out to public school students in the Greater Metro Area of Portland. Three hundred and fifty people attended to hear what God is doing in the public schools.

Master of Ceremonies Dennis Hayes kept the program moving along with his delightful comments and introductions! Keynote Speaker Stephen Williams with "Prepare the Way" Ministries was so encouraging as he shared how individuals can make a difference in the public schools across the nation. It is up to us to be involved in any way we can to be "salt and light" to our community through the schools. Music and testimonies kept us involved in the program and helped all of us identify ways we can make a difference.

PREP4Kids is "No Longer the Best Kept Secret"!

Multnomah Bible College Students Join PREP4Kids Bible Class at Clark-Binnsmead

Matt Gillander, from Paradise CA
Alicia Reando, from Fairbanks AK
and
Liz Viles, from Prineville, OR
Have volunteered to Teach, Lead Music, and Help the PREP4Kids class at Clark-Binnsmead!
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These are students from the Multnomah Bible College.
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We love having you working with us!

PREP4KIDS FUNDRAISING DINNER

An exciting evening is planned:
Saturday, October 25, 2008. 6:00 pm
Doubletree Hotel, Lloyd Center
1000 NE Multnomah St., Portland, OR 97212

For too long Christians have said the public schools are a mess and we can't see any way to change them. Stephen Williams, of Prepare the Way Ministries, will be sharing how Christians can make a difference in our public schools.

Dennis Hays, Salem Broadcasting General Manager, will be the Master of Ceremonies.

Special Music by Ron and Epi Casey and Felicia Ward.

Many new friends will be joining us to learn how God is working to grow the ministry of PREP4Kids in the whole metropolitan area. The goal for this year is 10 new schools. Seven new schools have been added so far, with more in the wings. You can help us make a difference in children's lives in more new schools!

Make your reservations today!
Call us at 503-281-7764 or e-mail us at prepoffice@prep4kids.org.

PREP4Kids Cookbook!

Are you enjoying your new PREP4Kids Cookbook? I sure am! Most of my menus for the last two weeks have come from the new PREP4Kids Cookbook.

If you don't have one, you can call the PREP4Kids office, 503-281-7764, and we will get one to you!

They will also be for sale at the PREP4Kids Fundraising Dinner
October 25, 2008
6:00 pm
Doubletree Hotel Lloyd Center
1000 NE Multnomah St., Portland, OR 97212

Make your reservations today!

"SHAPING KIDS HEARTS FOR LIFE"

Shhh! I know a secret. And it’s a GOOD one. Have you ever known a piece of information that you are just bursting to tell to someone, but you know you have to keep a secret? You and your spouse are expecting a baby…you’re getting a promotion but your co-workers aren’t… Well, MY secret is not that kind of secret. THIS secret is one that can be shared. Actually, if you are reading this, I think you already know the secret. All public school children in Oregon can hear the Word of God taught during their school day each week! The PREP4Kids ministry has faithfully made use of this law in Oregon since 1984. However, if you asked an average church-goer in the Portland area what PREP4Kids is, they probably couldn’t tell you. Our PREP staff and volunteers are always finding themselves explaining to acquaintances what this ministry is. And the response is usually something like, “Really? I didn’t know you could do that.”

Well, we can do it! It may be the ‘the Portland area’s best-kept secret.’ But the thing is, we are unwilling to keep it a secret any longer!

On Saturday, October 25, PREP4Kids will be hosting its first-ever fundraising banquet at the Doubletree Inn Lloyd Center, 1000 NE Multnomah, Portland. The purpose of the dinner is to inform a broader base of people that PREP4Kids exists, and to explain how more people can get involved – whether by praying, giving, volunteering or spreading the news themselves. Our 3 goals are to: 1) familiarize 250-300 people with the ministry, 2) raise $35,000 for PREP4Kids, and 3) gain 50 new donors.

PREP4Kids has been in many schools off and on since its beginning in 1984, and has helped shape countless young hearts to know and love the Lord. We currently hold classes in 25 of the 225 schools in the tri-county area. are working with volunteers for 10 more schools this school year.

Help us share the secret that God is at work “Shaping kids hearts for life” thru PREP4Kids!

Pray for God to fill every table at the Dinner.

Sponsor a table to cover the costs for all who attend (or go in with a group!). We would like 5 more Table Sponsors. $400 covers the cost of one table of ten. Contact the PREP4Kids office for more information.

Come, and bring your friends!

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY!
Call the PREP4Kids Office: 503-281-7764 or

e-mail us at prepoffice@prep4kids.org

PREP4Kids is NOT just a city of Portland Ministry!
PREP4Kids is reaching families in elementary schools in
CLACKAMAS, MULTNOMAH, & WASHINGTON Counties!

Parents Have A Responsibility To Teach Their Children God's Word

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 is a mandate for all parents to teach their children God's Word.
When we read Hebrews 4:12 we are reminded how powerful God's Word is.
A young man cleanses his way by paying attention to God's Word: Psalm 119:9.
We want our kids to have the best --So let's give them the pathway of Righteousness! Proverbs 12:28.

Fall Kick-off Brunch

September 6, 2008 is the date!

9:30 - 11:00 AM is the time!

Riverside Golf and Country Club is the place!

Plan to join us for a great time, enjoying together what God is doing in PREP4Kids as we look forward to classes starting in just 6 weeks!

Cookbooks - $10.00, T-shirts - $10.00, and Entertainment Books - $20.00, will all be for sale!

Call 503-281-7764 or e-mail prepoffice@prep4kids.org to make your reservation today!

Please pray for the Clark/Binnsmead PREP4Kids Bible Class. This has been a long-standing and very effective class. Recently, Portland Public Schools has chosen to re-locate students from the Clark Elementary school to the Binnsmead school.
Binnsmead is now 0.8 mi away from its PREP4Kids Classroom.
Our challenge is: How do we get our students to their Bible Class? We need Drivers? We need a closer location? We need God's help adapting to this change. Thank you for praying.

Diane met with the bankers at Pacific Continental Bank today to hammer out the details of getting PREP4Kids ready to accept Credit and Bank-card Donations.

She also took the opportunity to share two of the PREP4Kids cookbooks with her friends at the bank!

Go Diane! You're doing a great job!

Workers Preparing for Harvest

What a wonderful week we've had here at the PREP4Kids office, welcoming close to 90 volunteers through our doors for training! Diane encouraged us from the book of Psalms to see ourselves and the kids we minister to as God sees them....precious in His sight and specially designed for His use. Amy ushered us through this year's curriculum in the book of Acts and even taught us some new songs! We reviewed classroom and safety policies so that the children entrusted to us will be safe and well-taught. Willis debuted our new and improved website, which now has so many helpful tools for parents, volunteers, and people new to PREP4Kids. Diane also shared exciting news about the future of PREP...radio advertising and our first major fundraising banquet. We can now confidently look ahead to the new school year, knowing we have been well-trained to do the work that God has called us to do.

"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:37-38

Coming Events

July 14 - 18, 2008

All Volunteers will be attending a Training Session for one day this week. All classes will be held from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Be sure to bring a sandwich!

It is a great time for getting to know others who are working with classes for other schools. Lots of exciting things are happening that you will want to know about. There are many new ways to share the opportunity with those who may not know about PREP4Kids. Come and learn the part you can play in presenting the Word of God to children who are eager to know about Jesus.

Thank You PREP Volunteers!

Thank you for graciously giving your time and energy to show Christ to Gladstone children!
Our daughter has grown more through PREP than she ever has in Sunday School. We may cover her in prayer and teach her at home, but you teach her at a time when she is ready to learn. We have watched with amazement as she reaches out to her non-Christian friends to invite them to PREP. What a wonderful blessing for her to be learning life-style evangelism in such a natural way. (And her teacher reports that they started with one child attending and now there are 5 just from this one class!)

We all have a part in the harvest and God is the one in charge of how it all fits together. It's so amazing to watch His hand at work in my child's life and those of her friends. Thank you for being willing to serve!

The Anderson Family

Teamwork

One of the neat things about PREP4Kids classes is watching the students bond with each other as they learn about God. Last week at our Dilley class, the kids worked in small groups on review puzzles to stay fresh on previous weeks' memory verses and stories. As they worked together, the kids showed great cooperation and teamwork and "spurred each other on to good deeds." These students will now take the relationships they've formed at PREP back to school, where they'll have an extra support system set in place. The friendships children make at PREP4Kids will stay with them well into the future!

PREP4Kids: Serving Portland for over 20 years.

View Larger Map

The Harold Oliver PREP has a very elaborate
Treasure Chest with a wide variety of gifts.
Students who earn "two punches" --memorize two verses--
get to pick a prize.

Vicky Sings

Susan Prays

PREP Portland Released-time Education Program

Newest Staff Member

Willis Ward has accepted the position of Eastside Area Director. He will visit the PREP4Kids classes meeting on the East side of the Willamette River on a regular basis. His oversight of these classes will help each volunteer to be more connected to the PREP4Kids office and help in reporting needs each class may have, I.e. prayer needs, materials, and questions about procedures, etc.

Willis joins Angela Toyer who has been the Westside Area Coordinator since February 2007.

They are both visiting churches in their respective areas, connecting them with schools where there are no PREP4Kids classes. Our goal is 10 new schools this year. Pray with us as we work toward this goal.

If you know of a church where a class could be held, contact the PREP4Kids office at 503-281-7764 or e-mail us at prepoffice@prep4kids.org

What Would You Do?

Last week, kids from Scholls Heights Elementary learned the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. Did you know Jesus was showing it would be impossible for anyone to love perfectly...loving God with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind? It's only through a relationship with Christ and having His love inside of us that we have the ability to love, especially in difficult circumstances.

Later, students were given several scenarios where kids were teased, stolen from, gossiped about, or otherwise treated unfairly. When asked how they would respond, some were honest and said, "I know the right thing to do, but I wouldn't want to do it!" Most relented when asked, "How would Jesus want you to handle it?"

If someone cut you off in traffic and then later wanted to merge into your lane, would you let them? If a friend deeply betrayed you, would you forgive and love them anyway? Knowing what God wants us to do and using the strength He provides will help all of us to love the way we should. What a great lesson for kids to learn this early in life!

PRESS RELEASE!

Scholls Heights PREP4Kids has a new coordinator.

Bridget Clarke will take over from Laurie Thorschmidt as Coordinator this month. After enrolling her son last school year, she began driving students to and from the class each week. We really look forward to working with Bridget as she shares her passion for released time Bible classes with other parents in the Scholls Heights neighborhood.

We thank Laurie Thorschmidt for a wonderful job of coordinating the volunteers working with this class for several years. However, she is now working full-time and must turn over the responsibility. She will continue taking time from her job each week to drive students to and from PREP4Kids class.

There is a huge need for drivers in this class and many of our westside classes! Could you give one hour a week to help? Call the PREP4Kids office, 503-281-7764, or check out the website for more information: http://www.prep4kids.org/

It's Raining, It's Pouring....

This week, God delivered plenty of "liquid sunshine" to the Portland area, but thankfully the rain doesn't seem to keep any of our PREP kids from coming to class! These kids from John Wetten Elementary in Gladstone happily walk
the 2 blocks from school to their PREP4Kids class at a local church, rain or shine. At some of our other classes, volunteers drive the kids to and from the schools. It's a neat opportunity to bring public school kids to a warm, safe environment where they can learn about God's love for them.



Here's what a few of our students had to say about PREP recently:

"What I have learned about Jesus is fantastic! I like PREP because it is really fun learning about Jesus and learning from the Bible." Elisabeth

"I like PREP because my friends are there..." Sarah

"I like PREP because of the singing, lessons, frog box, quiet seat award, and the teachers. Well, a shorter way to say it is: I LOVE EVERYTHING!" Marenna

By The Numbers...

400 kids currently enrolled in PREP classes in the greater Portland area.

22 schools with PREP4Kids classes.

140 volunteers to make each class happen.

163 schools left to reach in our current districts.

2 full-time equivalent paid staff members to reach them. (1 full-time, 3 part-time)

1 Almighty, Powerful God to accomplish the task.

+1 person (YOU!) to do your part.

$20 per month. How about it? Can you give to help PREP4Kids introduce more children to Jesus?

#2 Coordinator's Meeting

Have you ever wanted to learn the "Ten Commandments" with motions?

Chris and Andrea taught us new motions (they made them up for their class)! It was lots of fun to watch them and just sing along.

The PREP Kids love this song and ask for it all the time. It sure makes it easier to remember all the commandments in order.

We are looking for new volunteers who can work with a school in their neighborhood. It is such a privilege to teach or help in a class during the school day each week. Call the PREP4Kids Office at 503-281-7764 if you are interested in more information. There are thousands of students in the greater Portland area who will come. We just need the volunteers to open the door and invite them in to a church near the school once a week.

#1 Coordinator's Meeting for 2008!

Diane Siever's hosted a "sweet" coordinator's meeting today 1/11/08 at 0930. The office staff passed out Door prizes, offered teaching tools, and critiqued Curriculum.
Two coordinators demonstrated the hand motions to the "Ten Commandments" song from the PREP music CD. This was the high point of the meeting.
Thanks for the great time you-all! --Willis Ward (John Wetten Elementary, Gladstone PREP)