Sunday, November 01, 2009
Spring / Summer News 2009
The Chronicles of Bansania
The Newsletter of the Bansens serving with
Youth With A Mission
in
Spring / Summer 2009 ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ Vol. III, Issue 2
Hello and greetings to all of our friends and families!
We trust that you are all doing well and are growing in God’s grace. This summer God has been teaching us more about how to live a balanced life, as we submit ourselves to following and knowing Him.
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’…and to live self controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:11-13.
We are discovering that God is a God of balance. He doesn’t lead us into one extreme or another. Often it’s easy to pour ourselves out, giving our all in our service to the Lord. Yet there is the risk of being too busy, and therein can lie the enemy’s trap. In Ministry, and in Life, there are busy seasons and there are times when it is healthy to withdraw and just “be” His, waiting on the Lord..
A recent song from Lincoln Brewster reminds us that “strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord!” It must be the waiting upon Him that is the key to finding His strength and that balance. God desires to be worshipped in every aspect of our lives; in the working, in the playing, in the waiting, in the running, in the quiet, and in the busy times. The bottom line is that He wants us all to wait on Him and to trust Him in every way. We pray that this will be a season of God’s grace poured out upon you as well, no matter how hectic life seems. God is not surprised by life’s circumstances! Rest in His grace… He brings us the strength and perspective that we need when we wait upon Him.
Shawn’s Year in Administration
Last August Shawn was put into the Administration Office as Personnel and Assistant to the base director, after serving as the Maintenance supervisor for a year. As many of you know, Shawn (by his own admission) is not a details kind of guy. But our base director really wanted someone in the personnel office with a pastor’s heart. (And that he has!) This was a stretching and growing time for him as he learned how to use all the applications of Microsoft. J Fortunately he has had a wonderful and capable assistant who helped keep him up on the administrative details of the office.
Mostly, however, he enjoyed coming alongside different staff members as they serve at YWAM-Chico, and being a catalyst for their growth in the Lord.
Like all good things, however, this season has come
to an end. Early in July, Shawn returned to lead the Maintenace Department. His first task was to rewire and lead the guys to finish renovating a house for a new staff family – “Back in the saddle again!” :) This is in addition to still leading worship, and overseeing the sound department here.
X-Ten Extreme Leadership Training Adventures
This summer Shawn once again took thirteen young people into the mountains of northern 
(If you are interested in more information about this awesome summer discipleship program for 15-18 year olds, check it out at www.ywamchico.com ...Copy into your browser -- this is not a link..)
Ginger’s Jr-Sr High Class at ICS
In addition to continuing with her responsibilities as the Lead Teacher at the
During the year, Ginger watched “her girls” each grow spiritually as well as academically. As she shepparded them through some struggles with their identity, she’s found herself recognizing more how to function in her own identity in Christ. Praise God for His presence, always teaching us as we grow!
One of Ginger’s favorite activities with ‘her girls’ was their weekly prayer and “intercession”
times. This was a time in which we each spent 15-20 minutes waiting on the Lord and asking Him to reveal His heart for a particular person, then praying those things over that person. The girls would get scriptures, words of encouragement, and even visions and pictures. It was fun to see God work through the hearts of these wonderful young women!
During the Summer, while moms have no “official” work duties, Ginger has enjoyed just being Mom, while also taking turns watching other kids during Kitchen duties, Hotel Turn-Around, etc. (Ok, and she’s also looking a little at new students for ICS...J …She’s back to teaching K-2nd grades again this fall!)
Kids Korner
Hannah finished 4th grade and turned 10 years old in August. She’s growing into quite the young lady. A fellow staff member here has started teaching BALLET to some of the girls, and Hannah is in her element with dancing again. Her teacher has danced for years, and had worked with YWAM-Brazil’s Kings Kids. She’s teaching the girls discipline in practice and directing their focus towards worship of the Lord as they dance. Hannah loves it!
Elijah completed his 1st grade year with 2 less baby teeth! He turned 7 in May, and has become quite the speedster on his bike. He is loving the summer – There are frogs and lizards to catch, a creek to explore, light-saber fights to be had with friends in the yard… Best of all, there are 3 new boys on staff, who are just as eager for battles!
1500 Teens Experience God at Summer Camps!
For over 30 years, the Springs of Living Water has hosted Kids’ and Youth camps during the summer. Now hosted by YWAM-Chico, our facility is a prime location for outdoor activities and character building experiences. Although YWAM no longer leads the camps, we continue serving in the same spirit of evangelism and discipleship, by working ‘behind the scenes’ as camp hosts, making the Springs’ camps flow smoothly. This is a great season for “plowing the ground” serving and interceding for the hundreds of Campers, their counselors and camp leaders. Summer Camp is a time where many young campers’ hearts are connected to God for the first time!
Now that the summer is over, please pray for the 1500+ campers whose lives were touched by God this summer, that their hearts will continue to seek and receive from the loving God they encountered while they were here.
Also keep the staff at YWAM-Chico in prayer as we now switch gears and prepare for the fall Discipleship Training Schools to begin. We desire God’s anointing to serve with His love.
The Support Report
The Support Report
We want to first say thank you to those of you who have supported us in ministry faithfully over the past 3 years. Your gifts are greatly appreciated!
As we begin our third year with YWAM-Chico, we, like many others, are feeling the effects of a struggling economy. As the cost of living is increasing, our monthly support that covered the basic essentials is no longer enough. Please keep us in your prayers as we seek to increase our support base.
All YWAM Missionaries must raise their own financial support through individual friends and contacts. We are seeking an additional 10-15 ministry partners, who would be willing to send $20-50 per month to help fund our ministry. This $500 increase would help us to cover our monthly essential expenses, as well as set aside funds for those periodic major expenses like auto maintenance, health, dental and eye care. We also need to make a trip soon to visit our supporters and family in the
In closing, we pray God’s hand be upon each of you friends and family. May His hand direct your paths, and may He bless you with His love and presence. Many hugs and love to you all!!
In His love,
ShawnGingerHannahElijah
