small world, huh.

When I was in Thailand a couple months ago, I got to do something really cool. I visited a home for orphans with HIV/AIDS called the Agape Home. The kids there had mothers with AIDS who passed it on to them through child birth. When their mothers died, the families of these children were either too poor to take care of them or didn't want them. In Thailand, most people don't understand AIDS and think they can catch it like the common cold. So, they don't want to keep these little kids.

Here's where we come in....

There are some really cool, strong Thai families that want to keep the children in their family who have HIV/AIDS. But, taking care of someone with AIDS is really expensive, especially for a poor Thai family. So, our church gives money to the Agape Home and they make it possible for these kids to stay at home!

I visited homes where children didn't have to go to an orphanage because people from our church in little Hudson, Ohio gave money to help them! It's amazing. I even visited a home that we built so this family didn't have to live outdoors in a shack.

What a wonderful thing to be a part of! We have SOOO much and we are all rich in the world's eyes. We should always be looking for ways to give and bring a little more justice to a broken world.

Click here to learn more about this part of the Agape home, called Project Lek.

Caption Contest

It's been a while since our last caption contest! So go ahead and have a blast, but remember to be appropriate.

Happy Snow Day Everyone!

If you are bored today, check out last year's snow day video...it will bring you much joy!

SNOW DAY VIDEO

What do you like to do on your snow day?

BY THE WAY, THERE WILL BE NO LEDGE MEETING TONIGHT!

Only the beginning...

CONGRATS TO TEAM ARUBA!

I know that some of you would love to have Edge games last for 3 months or maybe even your whole life, but all good things come to an end. However, there is good news. Its really only the beginning of sharing Christ with your friends. So many of you brought friends to the games and this was their first experience at church and their first time hearing about Christ. What an amazing thing! Don't let it end here. Your friends need to keep coming so they can experience the love of Christ for themselves. So, even though the Edge Games are over for this year, its only the beginning of what God is doing with your friends.

Edge Games Week 3

Here are the videos shown at week 3 of the Edge:

09 Edge Games Week 2 Highlight from edgehcc on Vimeo.


The Adventures of Harry and Larry Episode 3 from edgehcc on Vimeo.

Who wants it?

Tonight is it...everyone is competing for all the marbles. This is where dreams are made. Kids at HCC start dreaming about winning the Edge Game Torch at a very early age. The time is now. Who wants it? Who wants their name etched in the Edge Games torch?!? So invite some last minute friends (10,000 points for every new friend brought tonight) and get ready because it's anyone's game.

[that was very dramatic, wasn't it?]

Watch the first highlight video HERE to get yourself pumped!

Leader of the Month

As you may know, each month, we have been choosing a leader of the month to highlight on the blog. Our leaders are so important to Edge because they are the ones who invest their time into the lives of the students. They are here because they love Jesus and love middle school students. I am so grateful to them and I know many of you are very grateful for them in your lives as well!

THIS MONTH, we are highlighting Mr. Doug Hartline! Doug has been around Edge for a couple years now. Doug is the kind of guy who helps out anywhere he is needed. He has given so much time and energy this ministry and to the guys in his group. SO this month, we want to thank him. Doug can also be seen during the month of January if Fiji yellow.

Check Doug's picture and profile out HERE. As well as all the other leader...

Week 3 is coming

There is something distinct about week 3 of the edge games. Each year, crazy things happen on week 3....i mean crazy! Teams come from behind, teams fall, whole schools arrive for one team, etc. You just never know what will happen on week 3...

Remember, the points go up on week 3. We have decided to give 4,000 points for each person that is present on your team for week 3. We also are going to give 10,000 points for every brand new person that comes on week 3. So there are a lot of points at stake. A LOT!

Also, the games will all be worth more points. So listen, no one is secure, no one can coast. Everyone must step up their game if they want to take the torch!

WEEK 3, IT'S ON!

i dream of a genie...

It's a classic question, but I always like turning it over in my mind: If you could be granted any wish, what would you wish for? The only rule: No wishing for more wishes!

I've decided that if my wish had to be purely selfish, I would wish for an amazing memory...but not a perfect memory, mind you. I would only want to remember things that are helpful because there are lots of things in my life I'm happy to forget. Anyways, I'd never forget a name and I'd probably be awesome at Trivial Pursuit. : )

If you had only one wish, what would it be?

Week 2 Video Wrap-UP

Here's the Highlight video of Week 1 and the continuing adventures of Harry and Larry:

Edge Games V 09 Week 1 from edgehcc on Vimeo.


The Adventures of Harry and Larry Episode 2 from edgehcc on Vimeo.

EDGE GAMES ARE STILL ON TONIGHT!

I know that most schools are canceled today due to the extremely cold temperatures, but The Edge Games is STILL ON! Since no one has to walk to the Edge games or be outside for any period of time, we are good to go. What better place to be on a frigid night that having the time of your life at the Edge Games! See you tonight

Beyond the Glory

Week 2 is upon us and I hope you are pumped! Its going to be great!

Remember that its not about the games, its about what is beyond the glory of the games. If you have friends that need to hear about Christ, bring them! You never know what God might do.

Enjoy some pictures from week 1 (thanks to Bob Zeller)!

Harry and Larry!

In case you missed it, or just wanted to see it again, here's the first installment of the Adventures of Harry and Larry!


The Adventures of Harry & Larry Episode 1 from edgehcc on Vimeo.

the curious case of a third grader.

Last week, I revisited one of my favorite childhood movies: Hook. It's the story of Peter Pan if he grew up and I just love it. I really do. You should watch it, but with very low expectations so that you won't be disappointed. (Trust me, this strategy works.)

I've always loved stories with a little magic involved...Matilda, Lord of the Rings, The Wizard of Oz. I could go on and on. But, there is another reason I love Hook. You see, I've always related to Peter Pan because I, too, have never wanted to grow up. I distinctly remember that feeling from childhood and I still feel it. I wanted to be in third grade forever.

If you could stay any age for the rest of your life, how old would you want to be?

The Edge Games is STILL ON!

Some of you may have questions about the edge games since it is snowing outside, but the games are STILL ON! I was just out on the roads and they are not bad right now...therefore, we are still on. The majority of the snow is supposed to come over night.

BE CAREFUL ON THE ROADS!

The Edge Games Preview

Tomorrow is the first night of the edge games. I hope you are continuing to invite your friends this week. Remember to tell them what team they are on and what color to wear so that they come ready to go. If you are in a small group, you are already assigned to a team. If you don't know what team that is, please contact your small group leader. If you are not in a small group, you are free to pick any team you would like. There is only one rule...

NO SWITCHING TEAMS!

If you really want to get pumped for the games, check out last year's VIDEO here.

Let the Games begin...

Christmas is over, school is back in session, it's cold outside, it's Monday...but have no fear, the Edge Games are here. Starting this Friday night, the Edge Games are back for the fifth time in its storied existence. Enjoy some classic games mixed with some brand new ones. Your mission at school this week is to get as many of your friends as you can to show up. If their parent's have questions, send them to the website for information. Get ready, cause it's going to be the best Edge Games yet!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! 2009 brings a lot of hope for all of us. There are great things in store for everyone. Isn't it cool that God has already ordained 2009 for you and I? For Jillian and I, we will become parents in 2009 which is really exciting. What are you looking forward to about 2009?

One great thing that makes the new year great is the coming of the Edge Games...it comes every year around this time. I hope you are pumped about the games and have started spreading the word to your friends.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Edge Games V

The Edge Games V

Fridays, January 9, 16, and 23

7-9 PM

General Information For Parents

• No pre-sign up is needed for this event. Medical and release forms are not necessary because students at no time will be permitted to leave the property.

• Students can be dropped off at the front of the church (Rte. 303 side) at 7:00 p.m. Pickup is at 9:00 PM at the same location.

• Students will be supervised by adults at all times without exception. (We expect 500 students, and as a result we will have plenty of adult supervision throughout the night) Furthermore, all voluntary supervision will be required to check in to receive a special nametag to ensure that they are a part of the supervision team.

• There is no charge for this event.

• Students should come dressed to be active that night as we will be playing team games. Students do not have to be athletic to participate.

• Students will be put into different teams, and each team will be supervised by a team of adult coaches.

• All students are expected to comply with the rules set forth by our Edge staff and adult leaders. The adult leaders have the right to send students home if they do not comply.

For any questions about anything concerning The Edge Games event, please contact us.

Jillian Stouffer

330-650-9533, ext. 320

Jillian.stouffer@hudsonchapel.org

Merry Christmas Caption Contest

Give me those captions! All of you are on break...so you should have some time to come up with some great ones. Enjoy.