Chapel at Manheim Christian Day School ~ by Alicia Kanode

A group of us from Firestarters returned to Manheim Christian Day this morning to lead a chapel for the middle school students. Jen spoke to the kids from Isaiah 43:18-19 – “Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it?...” (HCSB). She talked about how we get into routines and shared that routines are often good, but that there also comes a time when they need to change. She encouraged the kids to look for the “new things” that God is doing in their lives and to be open to what He wants to teach them at church, as they read their Bible, etc.

After she shared, Jen led the students who wanted to participate in a prayer, asking God to show them what new things He was doing in their lives. She then invited them to share some of the things that God was doing. Although they were hesitant to speak up at first, a few of them did share and it was really neat to hear the things God is teaching each of them!

Firestarters at HDC ~ by Alicia Kanode

Firestarters had the privilege of returning to Harrisburg Discipleship Center to share about prophetic ministry. Different FS staff members shared personal stories of how God has used us to minister prophetically. We so often think of “prophetic ministry” as just words, but it can be so much bigger than that! Examples ranged from prophetic worship to dreams and even art! Diane also shared briefly from 1 Corinthians 14.

Austin and Lauren then led in a time of prophetic worship, after which, we broke up into groups with the staff and participants from HDC. Each group got to “practice” prophesying over each other, as we took time to listen to what God was saying to us for each person and then shared it with the individual. It was so encouraging to see God giving scriptures, pictures and words to each student! I especially enjoyed the times when two different people would receive the same word or picture for a friend, as it confirmed to them that God was actually speaking to them! We had a lot of fun and look forward to going back!

Firestarters at HDC ~ by Alicia Kanode

We enjoyed another amazing night ministering at the Harrisburg Discipleship Center (HDC)! We had the privilege to meet with the YES (Youth Evangelism Service) teams on their last night of training before they left for their outreach locations.

We started with a time of worship led by Austin and Lauren. During worship, Jen invited anyone to share Scripture, pictures or words that they felt the Lord was speaking to them. This was a very powerful time as students and staff members alike shared pictures and concepts that God was putting on their hearts. One girl spoke and sang in tongues and invited others to share if God gave them an interpretation. Through that time, God brought a message about coming to Him on multiple levels – for forgiveness, in worship, etc.

The group then split into their outreach teams – the Kenya team, Honduras team and HDC staff team. The EMM (Eastern Mennonite Missions) Discipleship Ministries staff joined with Firestarters staff to pray and prophesy over each team. It was so neat to see the flow of unity in this partnership as we ministered to and with the YES team members and HDC staff. God spoke to and encouraged each team as He poured His love and truth into their hearts. We can’t wait to hear the stories and testimonies from their outreaches!

Youth Retreat in Lititz, PA ~ by Joanie Nissley

On this evening, some of us took part in a local youth retreat. The theme of their retreat was: "Craving for God". Sean shared on 'mining' for treasures that God has for them; that God wants them to search for it. He encouraged them to listen to what God is saying and that He speaks to us in a variety of ways: through dreams, in our minds and hearts, through other people, and through the Bible, just to name a few.

After some fun 'sword' drills, we had a time of ministry where we prayed for youth about hearing the voice of God and spoke His destiny and purposes over them. We were impressed with how open the youth were, coming from all walks of life. They were definitely hungry for more of God! Some experienced breakthrough during the prayer time, and we believe the others will experience that as well. One girl had trouble hearing in one of her ears, and as she received prayer, the pain went away! Another girl who had previously been suicidal (we had met her in a previous meeting and ministered to her a couple of months ago) was now ministering to others, full of life and the Holy Spirit! The guys there were really encouraged by how they were hearing God's voice - in pictures and words that were confirming. It was a great evening!