When opportunity knocks..

Fall is coming.. and so are new opportunities

  

Fall,  the season of leaves, pumpkins, school and the long reminder that freezing weather is coming. Apart from school I am excited about one thing. No, its not pumpkin spice everything (I actually not a fan of the flavor, surprise!) I have taken a new responsibility through a ministry that I have been apart of for 6 years called Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF).  

The main goal of this ministry is to reach children with the gospel. 

This is a worldwide, non-profit organization who is currently in 194 countries and last year over 19.2 million kids heard the gospel  last year alone. 

One of many areas of miniseries that I take part of during the summer are called 5-day clubs. Teens from the local area give up their summer to be trained through CYIA (Christian Youth In Action).   What happens in a five day club? For two hours every day for one week, kids around the neighborhood can come play games, hear a missionary story, and sing songs while learning about Jesus Christ. We partner up with a local church and have a host/hostess to provide a location for our club. Kids between the ages of five to fourteen are welcome to attend and so are parents. All the church volunteers and summer missionaries are screened with a thorough background check before the club takes place.  For more information click cefonline.com 5-day-club . 

Me and one of my fellow team members teaching back in 2013

Another ministry that I am involved in is Good News Across America (GNAA) You may of heard about this ministry before if you read a couple of my previous entries. 

GNAA are 5-day clubs taken to a whole new level. Teens and adults from around the USA team up in a chosen city, partner up with a church and do three 5-day clubs. I have a link provided to the GNAA homepage to learn more about it.   www.cefonline.com GNAA   Next year it will be in my very own state, Milwaukee Wisconsin! 

Why do I give up my summers to do ministry work? Good question! So many kids have heard the gospel through this amazing ministry and I am proud to be apart of what God is doing. Through Good News Across America and by doing five day clubs in my own area, I have met so many amazing people and I enjoy working with kids of all ages

" In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that one of these little ones should perish.”

Matthew 18:14

As I mentioned, this winter I will be doing something a little different. I have committed to a part-time internship for Child Evangelism Fellowship of western wisconsin, starting on January 2nd to August 20th. 

What does a intern do? An intern helps mentor summer missionaries, helps with teacher

One of the bigger clubs that has taken place this past summer

training, does office work, special children’s outreaches and many activities and skills a local director would encounter as they serve.

   
That's another thing that I love about CEF. There are so many opportunities that are open that you gain experience from and will be useful in the future. 

After my local internship is finished I am thinking about going down to CEF headquarters located in Warrenton Missouri and intern for Good News Across America and that internship will last for about 12 months. That is my one year plan for now. After this internship who knows what will happen or what opportunities will open up.   

I am looking forward to serve in my internship, to strengthen my relationship with the Lord, to teach me how to mentor teens through summer missions and to help train teachers how to teach the gospel.,
  

For my internship in my local chapter, I have to raise $9,107.00.

Will you partner with me as the year unfolds?

If you feel led to be a part of this ministry by partnering with me financially, please mail your donations to:

CEF of Western Wisconsin

PO Box 742, La Crosse, WI 54602

When sending in support, make a note that it is support for me, Emily Lomprey. 

Prayers are also a big necessity! Thank you for considering partnering with me in this ministry

I also want to give out a big thank you for those who have taken time out of their day to stop by and those who have commented on my blog, and have given me encouragement. Blogging is still a learning process for me and I appreciate all the support! 

Travel Hard!  

  

      

Indianapolis,Indiana! GNAA 2015

Take me back...

It's been almost a full month since Good News Across America that took place in Indianapolis, Indiana and I am aching to go back again.
The ministry work that was accomplished was amazing, and so was the people that I met! This trip was truly my highlight of 2015.

 On wednesday of the first week, we went to the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky. That's right.. THE Creation Museum! When they announced were we were going I was literally jumping off the walls I was so excited! The drive there was around four hours and when we got there it was the best day ever. We got our tickets and started through the museum. All the information! They had this HUGE collection of rocks, fossils, and minerals!
I did geek out. (in case if anyone was wondering) What I found to be the most interesting part of the museum was the emphasis on what really happened when the flood came. Just how destructive it was and how it came to be.

They had this miniature model of the ark on the flood waters and people outside of the ark stranded on the highest peak of a mountain. Even in this little model you saw death and it made me rethink the flood. You almost never hear about the people who died in Sunday school.
We finished going through the whole inside of the museum and we still had 6 hours left. So we went through it a second time and went to explore the big gardens and petting zoo they had behind the building.
It was a fun-packed day for sure! The trip to the museum was fun, but I have to say the friends that I was with made the trip worth it.


  The next big thing that happened was Saturday! On Saturday, me and some other people from my area (Western Wisconsin) went to explore downtown Indy. Before we hit the streets, we kayaked the canals going through the city. It was absolutely amazing! We went out early morning so it wasn't very hot on the water.  
We were on the canals for a good hour, going under bridges and seeing the museums that were alongside it. What I thought was the
coolest thing ever was the apartment buildings! Right up against the canal with a sidewalk in front of it. I'm not a fan of apartments, but I would not hesitate moving into one of those apartments. There was pretty foliage growing down from the flower beds alongside the sidewalk that just flowed down the side of the canal. It reminded me a little of Venice. We even kayaked past some gondolas that were tied up under a bridge.

After kayaking, we went to the mall and hung out there for a little bit, by this time it was very hot and humid outside. After cooling down a bit and hiving lunch we finally explored the streets. First stop, the Soldiers and Sailors  Monument.
 Almost as tall as the Statue of Liberty we decided to hike up to the top, and I am not exaggerating when I say hike. 330 steps, and 32 flights of stairs. It was a great workout and that's what I kept telling myself that as we climbed up. I don't think it worked as motivation.The view was pretty amazing when we got to the top overlooking the city.
It was worth it in the end. A well spent day with fun people.

This year at GNAA was a blast! What God did there and the people he brought onto my life. Particularly two lovely gals that made this the best summer. I hope that we can have many more adventures together!

Travel Hard! 

Finally!

Finally... Out of the House! 

Summer has started and so has me being away from home more often has begun!
For the kick off my parents planned a trip down to see Pikes Peak, IA.

Talk about a beautiful day! The view was just amazing on the overlook.

We then went on this hike down to see Bridal Falls. I was thinking that it was going to be a pretty decent sized waterfall but when we got there.... it was seriously a bunch of water drops. But all in all it was a good trip.

Me at the falls.

But the erosion! When you looked at the bottom of the falls and just how big the erosion was. It makes you wonder.. what happened in the past? Was there a big waterfall? Was it recent?
Life makes you wonder at all it's marvels. Even in a little trip with your family, taking pictures of rocks, and wishing you wore shorts.

I did also enjoy the trails! You were on a walkway attached to the side of a steep hill. I loved it! fell like you are walking on air when you look over the edge. When I saw all the erosion and rocks, I regretted not bringing my field book along to jot down notes.

I am very thankful to have the family that I have. My parents who have pushed me to make a difference in this world, to peruse my dreams, and to embrace life at it's fullest.

Watch out world, here I come! 

Guys! I almost forgot!  It's finally June! You know what that means? CYIA camp! Otherwise known as Christian Youth in Action under Child Evangelism Fellowship (to learn more about this amazing ministry click here) I will be leaving this weekend for two weeks! So close! 

Until then, travel hard! 

    

They say patience is a virtue....

"If traveling was free, you would never see me again."

Winter has come and now is finally leaving in dear ole wisconsin. Here I am still watching it leave with this same desire in my heart.

Back to real life is cold water being splashed in my face. Nothing has changed in the long winter months, picking up more hours at a part-time job, and trying to squeeze school in there somewhere. This is the result of not writing for a long while. 

The last few months of school has been hard, despite the fact that I still have one more year of high school ahead of me. In many ways school just feels like chains around my feet preventing me from living life to the fullest while I'm young. But then there is the times when I remind myself that no, I do not know everything (yet) so just get it done. 

After a long day of school I thought about this. So I set myself a goal to, in a way, reward myself for graduating and surviving high school. After graduation, to go on a USA road trip. I'm not thinking just a week or two... this is like a full blown 3-4 month trip. Camping the west and sight-seeing the east.

Yes, I know its going to be pricey but that won't fade this goal. But then the next question is do I go alone or with friends? I have read other people's opinion about it, most have said that traveling alone helps you dramatically to become more independent. I thought about it and I do agree don't get me wrong, but I'm just a plain people person. Wouldn't memories be more memorable when you share them with people who are very close to you? I guess that is my greatest fear, doing it alone physically. And by that, I mean that God will always be there with me in Spirit, its just the physical loneliness. What do you think? I have one more year... just one! I pray that it goes by fast and that this dream goal will come true. That reminds me of a very uplifting verse that I found that has encouraged me to keep going with full force is;

Romans 8:18 "The pain that you've feeling, can't compare to the joy that's coming."   

Patience is a virtue they say. In that case I might be low on the virtue part for now.  

Why Travel?

Why Should you Travel?

This question had me thinking for a while, why do people want to venture out from home? Leaving that comfortable bed? 

To be sure traveling isn't for everyone, and then there are people who are like me and have to see every single place there is! 

My guess at why? I believe that God does place a want to travel in a persons heart for a purpose. If he places a desire to go overseas in you, there's a reason! He knows your future, He has it all planed!  Sometimes God calls you to do something or go somewhere that you or people around you deem "ridiculous". 

God knows you, He knows your purpose, He knows what you excel at and what you need work on. He can amaze you at what he will do. 

~With all this said, A desire to travel may be God's way of directing you towards service.~ 

    

But what if serving isn't what you feel God is calling you to? God makes everyone unique, he 
may of placed that desire in you to make you! 
In either case, I think that if anyone has a chance to get out you should take it! Who knows what this life will bring? Even for just one trip. :)
Another reason why I think traveling is a bonus, is the people you get to meet and see. Even with my trip to Portland and Denver I met so many amazing people and still keep in contact with them. I hope traveling has at least a small part in your plans! 
Travel Hard! 

A new year, a same desire...

2014 is over... what next? 

 Can you believe it!? Today is the last day of 2014! 

This year has gone by with many memories made. Even though I want to go back to some, I am excited and ready to see what lies ahead! One plan that I know is going to happen is 2015's mission destination for CEF will be in Indianapolis, Indiana! It may not be the mountainous west, but still a place I never been too! 

 That will be in July of 2015, so keep a eye out for that! 

What is the first thing that you think of when someones says "travel"? 
You may think of car rides, airplanes, camping, hiking, and all sorts of stuff. What first comes to my mind is seeing what God has blessed this earth with. How he constructed the sky (like the Northern Lights), how rivers flow and help sustain life, etc. 
But to me being a budding geologist, I also see destruction. "In what ways?" you may ask. Me being a Christian, I believe in a world wide flood. I also believe that to be the cause of landscapes such as the Grand Canyon for example, was the cause of the aftermath of this catastrophic event. 
When I look at the mountains, valleys, and landscapes its always a consent reminder.But is also a consent reminder how God, even though we still don't always obey Him, blesses us with the beauty of nature! 

You may be struggling with a certain question that may go somewhat like this- "God, where do you want  me to go next?" This has most definitely been a common question for me!  

After each missions trip or hearing about other places in the world, I always ask myself that question, "God, what next?"  

Isaiah 58:11 

"The Lord will guide you."  

But again, how do you know when He is guiding you? Well, step one is to wrap yourself in His word. When you look at the armor of God, one of the parts is the belt of Truth! To read it, think about it, and most importantly pray! When you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. He tells us He will make known the plans He has for you! 

 "In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall Direct your paths."

Proverbs 3:6

Another element that I think is important is trusting Him with your life. His plan may be way different than what you planned. To put your trust in Him to take the lead and guide you is the big step to knowing His plan. 

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

Jeremiah 33:3

This year will be an amazing year for you, and for me. When you look out your window and wonder"What next?", when you feel like you are trapped at home or in one place remember what Philippians 4:6 says;

" Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  

I am very curious to see what plans God has in store for me in 2015. I thank God for the many places I have seen and wonderful people that I have met along the way. For those who know me I do say this a lot, but isn't it absolutely wonderful knowing that God has everything planed out for me. He is the ultimate multitask-er! Like I mentioned before, a new year a same desire. I hope that desire will never fade in my lifetime.  Have an AMAZING start to 2015 and travel hard!       

Portland , OR! 2014

Portland, Oregon

Portland Oregon had taken place in July 2014 this year. I absolutely loved this state! 

I was captivated by it even before I got off the plane when we flew over Mount Hood. 

Mount Hood from a birds eye view

     During the first week the weather was very odd considering what the "normal" Oregon weather should look like (yes, I did my research!). Normal weather would be like wearing sweatshirt and shorts weather. But the first week was very hot and humid (which made me miss Colorado even more!). But the second week we got a break. For the big trip they had a little cruise boat trip planned up and down the Colombian river.

 I really enjoyed this part! To get there we took the public metro system, and man! Was that a blast! The cruise we went on was about three hours and afterwards went through downtown Portland. 

When you look at Portland (or when I did at least) you see a very cultural city. SO many different people in one area at once! Russian, Ukrainian, Mexican, Hungarian, and so many others! The vibe I got from it was a very "hippe", or "free spirit" vibe. But really it was its own kind of city in good ways and in bad ways. Other locations we visited were "Cartlandia" or "Cartopia", Powell's book store, Seaside beach, and Multnomah falls. 

Multnomah Falls

 This was my favorite destination that we went to!One, the rocks! This area was made up of mostly Basalt rocks, and a few others that I can't remember on the top of my head. 

The very top from the ground

  This is when we experienced "true" Oregon weather. Within a few minutes on getting there a steady drizzle began. But nerveless, me and my group of friends made a very steep trek of 1.1 miles up to the very top. Yeah, that might not sound like very far for any athletic person. :) The walk was worth it! by that time it was a steady rain and we were completely soaked!        

As you can see from the video I'm NOT the person to call when you need something recorded! :) Plus I couldn't remember what the Falls name was or how to pronounce it either, I was too busy enjoying myself than trying to remember a name truth be told!Plus! Thanks to my wonderful wiping off the lens skills the blur was just too perfect. 

We had fun anyways! When we finally reached the top I was amazed with the beautiful scenery!Despite the rain we stayed a long time on the top of the falls, and took our time going back down. 

Me at the base of the falls 

On top of the Falls we saw Washington State 

Washington State

Basalt rocks 

Me and this rock was made for each other! *note the heart shaped puddle!

Sea Side Beach! 

the beach path

When we first got to the beach you could instantly smell the salty breeze. I was very excited to finally see the Pacific Ocean!  I even made sure I had a ziploc bag for some sand. Yes, I'm that type of girl. :)  If I was making the decisions that day we would of stayed there all day, that is how much I loved it! When the grassy area stopped, there it was! A blue line was stretched out with clouds overhead and literally it felt like a mile long beach before you actually got to the ocean itself. At that point we bundled up our bags and sprinted off towards it! Somewhere in the middle we stopped very briefly to drop our stuff and finished the raced towards the waves.  Talk about windy! There was lots of people who were flying there kites on the beach. My hair was all nice and straight before hand but after 5 minuets it was a curly mess. 

the Pacific Ocean! 

 But we had so much fun! The sand believe it or not was almost like cement when you got closer to the water. When I started to go into the ocean about to my ankles, the tide seemed to pull me back out to sea with it. You couldn't stand still when you stood in the water for very long! A couple of my friends decided to go out to almost their necks and rode the waves back to the shoreline. I, however wasn't that brave! Plus I had only one pair of cloths with me. But I found multiple sand dollars, and a few washed up jellyfishes. 

the race began! 

We played volleyball and had a wonderful time splashing in the waves for hours. On one side we saw the waves of the Pacific ocean, and the other side we saw the bluffs and mountains covered in pine trees. I am really hoping that someday in the future I will be able to go back and see more of this beautiful state! 

the beautiful waves

I was indeed on the look out for any interesting rocks and shells. :) I did get a very nice tan from that day too. So that was another added plus for the day! I can't wait for the day to go and re-visit this amazing state!