CABLE

A publication of

GEMS Girls’ Clubs EXECUTIVE BOARDShirley Batts – Portage, Michigan

Cheryl Boer – Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Cori Dykhouse – Port Lambton, Ontario

Susan Kepley – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Glennys Kuperus – Hudsonville, Michigan

Lia Leenstra – Byron Center, Michigan

Debra Liccar – Crete, Illinois

Henrietta Reinders – Rockwood, Ontario

Amy Schaaf – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Irene Vanderlaan – Indianapolis, Indiana

Mary Jo Vis – Riverside, California

GEMS Girls’ ClubssSTAFFExecutive Director – Jan Boone

Training Manager – Lenae Bulthuis

Customer Relations Specialist – Michele DeHaan

Managing Editor – Kelli Ponstein

International Ministries

Development Coordinator – Emily Thomas

Conference Coordinator – Alecia VanHulzen

Publications & Web Coordinator – Amy White

Executive Secretary – Gert Wolfert

Graphic & Web Designer – Nicole Zaagman

Bed bugs! Yes. That’s what they were. Bed bugs in my bed! Traveling for GEMS has always been an exciting and rewarding experience; however, bed bugs changed my perspective!

After my night’s sleep, I woke up to spy the tiny dark things crawling on my pillow. It can’t be, I thought. But it was! I dressed quickly, heading to the front desk to give a full report on my discovery. Was I agitated when I reported my findings? No. Honestly— I was not agitated. Expressive, yes—but not agitated! The clerk at the desk was only mildly sympathetic to my discovery and said he would report the “incident” to his manager. Nothing more.

Incident? I thought as I walked back to the room. This is not an incident. This is…this is…I couldn’t find the word to describe what it was exactly, but it was a lot more than an incident. I was sure of that!

Approximately three weeks later I received a letter from the hotel chain apologizing for any inconvenience the “incident” (there was that word again!) may have caused me. As a way of better serving me, they were offering a full refund on the

cost of my night’s lodging. The letter was signed by the hotel manager.

Admittedly I felt somewhat better about the whole thing and mentally retracted my vow to NEVER stay in

that hotel chain again.

I recently read about a gentleman who experienced the very same “incident” at a hotel. He also received a letter from the hotel manager offering apologies. However, this gentleman’s letter contained something in addition to what was with my letter. Inside the envelope with the letter was a sticky note that read, “Send him the bug letter.”

Continued on page 2...

summer 2011 | the Counselors’ Newsletter

REFLECTIONS

If you would prefer to receive an electronic copy of Cable, send a note to

cable@gemsgc.org to be added to our email list. Be sure to

include your name in the body of the email!

To honor God by being responsible stewards of His creation, Cable is printed on post-consumer recycled paper and uses vegetable-based inks.

Sa

ve a tree!

2

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Canada Post Publication Sales Agreement #41124116, return undeliverable copies to Cable c/o GEMS Girls’ Clubs, PO Box 39, Norwich, ON N0J1P0

Summer—a time of relaxing, recharging, and just being—for a while. For many it is also a time of change. Does this affect you in GEMS? Maybe your club is changing in size, location, or leadership. Change can be challenging, but it can bring exciting opportunities too.

Be sure to Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

This is wise.

The GEMS ministry has been going through changes as well. As the Lord has led, the ministry has enthusiastically followed in faith.

As the ministry grows and changes, so too does the need for ministry staff. In God’s wisdom, the GEMS Executive Board is recognizing the need for adding staff, someone to assume the role of the Director of North American Operations. By adding this position, we will be able to continue growing and expanding our programs and ministry in North America while at the same time growing internationally—reaching girls everywhere. Adding this position will allow the Executive Director, Jan, to continue in her role, but with an emphasis on special projects, partnership development, firmly establishing the international ministry, and moving forward the mission focus of GEMS in Zambia.

This is exciting! The GEB has prayed over all this and will continue to do so. We are amazed and excited about all the new opportunities God continues to bring GEMS and we eagerly commit to the Lord whatever we do, trusting that He will establish our plans.

To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His. Job 12:13

Growing together,

GEMS Board President

The bug letter. A form letter. It’s the standard reply. It’s what we do regardless of how offended or hurt (or traumatized!) someone might be.

The whole thing made me think. I wonder if there are things in how I relate to others that are my “standard reply.” Is what I send to God in my prayers nothing more that a form letter—my standard prayer? Is the way I express love for God’s people simply a standard reply—just what I have to show to seem respectable?

Giving the standard reply is definitely easier. But it is not the life God asks us to live.

Last year’s theme on overcoming apathy and our coming year’s theme on getting wisdom are connected. We won’t much care about getting wisdom if we don’t deeply care about honoring God by giving Him our very best! I challenge all of us in GEMS to go beyond just sending the bug letter with how we live our lives—to give God our very best in all we do. Go beyond the gold, dear women of faith, and teach your girls to do likewise!

Executive Director

3

2012 BOARD NOMINEESThe women who serve on the GEMS Executive Board are crucial in leading the overall ministry. Each year, counselors elect new GEB members to help shape the future of GEMS. There are two spots opening on the board for 2012. Every club will receive a ballot (mailed to Club Coordinators in August), and should cast a vote for two of the nominees. Please read the following qualifications and, as a club, prayerfully consider your choices.

Debbie Liccar attends Crete Reformed Church in Illinois where she has served as the Club Coordinator for the past 15 years. “God has laid a passion on my heart for young girls across the world…I want to answer God’s call in letting girls all around the world share in the understanding that God the Father has a plan and a purpose for them through His Son, Jesus Christ.”

Glennys Kuperus attends Hillcrest CRC in Hudsonville, Michigan. She has been involved with GEMS for 19 years as a counselor, Club Coordinator, board member, and regular volunteer at the Service Center. “I believe that I have wisdom and experience to help empower the younger people on our board and staff. I am excited about the prospect of helping to set the vision. I pray that GEMS will be a positive, life-changing influence in the lives of girls—here in North America and around the world.”

Cindy Visser attends South Olive CRC in Zeeland, Michigan. For the past 21 years Cindy has served GEMS as a Club Coordinator, counselor, Local Conference Committee member, Leadership Trainer, and member of various committees and boards. “I just love GEMS, and to me it is really awesome that God called us to go global. I love the Titus 2 part of the ministry—that it enables counselors to meet girls where they’re at. The material is all so relevant and I’d like to help encourage people and promote and grow the training opportunities to encourage women to be the best leaders they can be.”

Joyce Prince attends Living Word Church in Lansing, Illinois. She has been the Co-Club Coordinator for her club since 2008. “Many reasons run through my mind as to why I would be willing to serve on the GEB, but a heart of gratitude is most prominent. The Apostle Peter’s exhortation that we are a chosen people, called out of darkness into His wonderful light, to declare His praises, propels me to so declare God’s goodness to those who follow, this next generation of GEMS, to hunger and thirst for righteousness and thus be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians. 3:19).

4

CLUB NEWSNEW WebsiteIf you haven’t visited www.gemsgc.org lately, you should! Check out our updated website with an all-new look and then come back often to get the latest news and updates from the ministry.

Prayer JournalsDon’t miss the brand new Prayer Journals available this season. There is one for girls and one specifically for women that journey through The Lord’s Prayer. These are an invaluable resource you won’t want to miss!

Club CoordinatorsBe sure to inform the Service Center if someone new will be taking over for you next season. We will need the name and contact information of the new Club Coordinator to ensure she gets all the information she needs for the upcoming season.

Also, Club Coordinators—don’t forget to update your counselor lists as soon as possible! You can do both these things quickly and easily online.

Hand ‘n HandHand ‘n Hand, GEMS micro-financing program that unites women and girls in Zambia with clubs across North America, will be back again this fall! Handcrafted goods from clubs in Zambia can be sold in October with shipments received by Christmas. The proceeds help Zambian clubs become self-sustaining while supporting the growth of the local clubs in the United States and Canada.

This year additional timeframes for selling will also be available. More information on the program will be one the website and mailed to Club Coordinators in August.

THE BEAUTY OF BELIEVING

This past April nearly 1,000 girls, moms, counselors, and mentors gathered at Central Baptist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for a Beauty of Believing Tour and in May over 500 gathered for an event in Hawthorn, New Jersey.

Since 2009, GEMS has partnered with FaithGirlz (a part of ZonderKidz—the children’s group of Christian publisher, Zondervan) to sponsor these events designed for moms and their tween girls.

At each event Author Nancy Rue spent time talking to girls about their bodies, their world, and their faith—dialoguing about things that matter to them while helping

girls see the true beauty of believing! In addition to whole group sessions on girl politics, the rumor tumor, and being the authentic you, Nancy held a candid Q&A for moms while praise and worship leaders, Colleen and Grace, led girls in a fun, interactive time of singing.

“It was a high-energy event with a lot of giggles and smiles seen and heard by both moms and daughters,” reported Area Coordinator, Alison Vander Haar. “We heard a ton of comments from moms about how informative the event was…they were provided with a ton of resources for how to encourage their daughter in the years to come. One mom told me that she spends so much time carting her daughter around to sporting events and she felt like it was very important to take this opportunity to spend some time together in her spiritual formation as well.”

One of the main goals of the Beauty of Believing tour is to open dialogue between moms and their daughters. And girls love it, too! With crafts, prizes, refreshments, and engaging worship—it was a great day for everyone who attended!

Check out the GEMS website for more information and to see if a Beauty of Believing Tour may be coming to your area sometime this fall!

5

GEMS International

5

The Call to Zambia Building the LibraryAs you read each word on this page, stop and think about how drastically different your life would be if you couldn’t. What would change if you couldn’t read? How would your life look if you couldn’t study God’s Word on your own, write a note to a friend, send an email, scan the paper, get lost in a good book, make sense of road signs, or understand important documents?

Phase three of The Esther School in Chongwe, Zambia includes the construction of the library. Not only will children learn the skills they need like reading and writing at the school, but when it’s complete, the library will offer them a world of knowledge and resources they would not otherwise have access to—a world of books, stories, words, and ideas.

But the library will be more than that, too. Beyond serving the children at the school, the library will function as a community center for the surrounding village. It will be a place where relationships are formed and developed as people from the community are equipped with various resources and tools and the first PTO (parent-teacher organization) is formed.

Another Chapter This June, a work team of 16 men and women travelled to Zambia to help with the school. They put their skills to use on the construction team as well as holding a pre-school program in Chongwe with a group of children using ideas from our Kingdom Kids curriculum.

Write Your Part

With each new element of the school, the excitement for its opening in 2012 builds. As The Esther School continues to be a main component of GEMS overall mission or outreach focus in Zambia, how will you and your club get involved in the coming season? How will you inspire your girls to invest in the lives of the children in Chongwe who need their help? What will your contribution be?

For more information about The Esther School or to see pictures and read updates from the recent work team, check out the GEMS website – www.gemsgc.org.

Since 2005 God has been using GEMS to reach women and girls in Zambia. But the requests for curriculum in other areas of the world have been both persistent and urgent. And as the ministry prayerfully considered ways to expand our vision and reach girls everywhere, God brought a new staff person to GEMS to drive the idea forward. Since September Emily Thomas has been working as GEMS International Ministries Development Specialist.

Emily has spent the past several months revising the curriculum written for our Zambian clubs to meet the needs of developing and underprivileged communities around the world.

GEMS International, the newest facet of the overall GEMS ministry, will speak into the lives of girls who have limited educational opportunities and fewer financial resources. Our hope is that the curriculum that has been developed will spread Christ’s grace and truth even further and bring women and girls around the world into a living, dynamic relationship with Him.

Check out the GEMS website (www.gemsgc.org) for more information on this exciting new venture for GEMS. We invite you to join us as we continue to seek God’s direction and timing on His latest addition to the ministry!

6

CLUB Ideas“[But] once they started and saw people’s reaction to this kindness with no strings attached they got into it and were very excited! It was truly amazing to see the girls and their moms thinking about how to most impact people!”

The creativity of the groups was boundless. One group purchased $5 pizzas and walked around downtown offering slices to homeless people. Another group put together grocery baskets with everything needed for a spaghetti dinner, added fresh flowers, and then drove around the neighborhood praying God would show them who to give the food to. Candy was passed out at the mall, toys were gifted at the children’s hospital, and flowers were handed out at a nursing home.

“The girls couldn’t wait to get up and share their stories,” said counselor Michelle Gulker. “They saw many smiles and even some tears, and they were able to put into practice what we’ve been learning all year which is to live passionately for Jesus Christ! What an amazing night; I definitely would encourage other clubs to do this activity.”

By the end of the evening the impact of the event was obvious. “The fact that I could see my daughter serving and so excited about it is priceless, added Lisa. “The smiles were beaming on all of their faces.”

Seemingly minor acts of justice were able to bring complete strangers immense joy. “A lot of really meaningful thought and talk afterwards made us want to talk more and think of more ideas and have more time to go out and then share more,” Renee concluded. “The fire was really fed and the flames were high!”

Crazy Hair Kits

Each GEMS season we present clubs with multiple ways to get involved with our mission work in Zambia. This past year we suggested you and your girls put together Hair Care/Creation Care kits to send to our active clubs throughout the Lusaka area to enhance their badge work.

As they compiled 62 of these kits, girls from Sarnia, Ontario took their counselors up on another fun challenge. The club had a Crazy Hair Contest complete with prizes for the wildest hair. The night ended with games, cupcakes, and punch.

Not only were the girls inspired to help others, they got very creative with their hairdos according to Club Coordinator, Diana Rekman. “Thank you,” she added, “for challenging us to look beyond our own corner of the world and see what we can do for others!”

Random Acts of Kindness

A life of PASSION is a life that takes action. To help their girls cement what they had learned throughout the year, counselors from Ivanrest CRC in Grandville, Michigan hosted a Random Act of Kindness night for their GEMS and their moms at the end of the season.

Adapting the idea from a friend, Lisa VanderVeen said this event was a huge hit with everyone involved. “Putting the idea of serving into action made it go past just an idea that was in their head to placing this wonderful feeling into their heart,” she said, “God is good!”

Each GEM was given $5 and moms were asked to bring $5 to add as well. Then, after opening devotions, over 100 moms and daughters were broken into groups and sent out to do random acts of kindness in the community—reporting back to the church after one hour.

Some groups were given specific people or groups to reach out to including shut-ins and families with sick children.Others were given free reign to come up with their own ideas. “I think at first the people were all very nervous about going out of their comfort zone,” reported counselor Renee Lanning.

One of the winners of the Crazy Hair Contest.

Mothers and daughters sharing with each other after completing their random acts of kindness.

7

Friday nights in the Bronx may never be the same.

Noting a need to bring Christ-centered mentorship to the girls there, Michele Santos recently started a GEMS Club in a public school auditorium. She specifically hopes to reach girls in a certain section of public housing.

“We decided to become a GEMS Club [because it] is a fun and scripturally-sound program for girls,” Michele said. “It is relationship-based and relationship-building in nature; that’s something that is really lacking in our community where the majority of the girls come from low-income, single parent households. These girls are at high risk of perpetuating the cycle of poverty and fatherlessness.”

Not only does the Bronx exceed the national average in the rate of teen pregnancies, but New York also remains an epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic with youth, the poor, and minorities increasingly—and unevenly—affected by the disease.

“The burden of our hearts is to see the lives of girls and young women changed by Jesus,” Michele said. “The only way we can counter the culture is to empower girls by letting them know that they can have a close personal relationship with [Him].

To make this a reality, though, Michele’s club needs help. They plan to use the Adopt-a-Club fund to help with the some of the initial costs for curriculum.

The Adopt-a-Club fund was created so clubs experiencing a time of financial blessing could partner with clubs in a time of need. The assistance gives girls access to GEMS curriculum and materials they may otherwise not be able to afford.

r Visa r MasterCardExpiration date: /

Card Number Name on account Address on account

Name Address City State/Province Zip/Postal Code

I would like to donate $to the Adopt-a-Club fund to help GEMS Clubs across North America who are struggling to provide materials for their girls.

Please MAIL TO :GEMS Girls’ Clubs • PO Box 7259

Grand Rapids, MI • 49510

GET Inspired, GET Involved, OFFER Help

MORE than a MagazineSomething for EveryoneWhen you look at the girls in your club, what do you see? A group of young women with faithful families, well versed in the Bible and seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus? Girls from your community who look perplexed when you mention the New Testament, the Holy Spirit, or even prayer?

Or maybe it’s some combination of these extremes.

No matter the composition of your club, the greatest gift you can offer your girls is a growing understanding of God’s Word. Badges, devotionals, crafts, singing, and creative movement develop their gifts and talents and are a crucial part of GEMS curriculum—molding them into the women God created them to be. But guiding them through an intentional investigation of Scripture is essential for setting them up for a lifetime of growing closer to Christ.

That’s exactly what the Bible lessons in SHINE brightly and Sparkle Magazines are all about.

SHINE contains three theme-related Bible lessons (each issue of Sparkle contains one for your youngest GEMS) that challenge girls to investigate God’s Word. Written to relate to girls who are new to the Bible while simultaneously challenging those who have grown up in the church—these Bible lessons are a critical component to any GEMS Club. Plus, girls love all the extra articles, interviews, and stories that challenge them to become an activist for Christ.

You’re not AloneAs a counselor, you also have access to Connections, an annual publication that gives you countless counselor helps for the Bible lessons in both SHINE and Sparkle. You get everything from opening activity suggestions and teaching tips to additional questions, discussion starters, and helpful answers that will allow you to guide girls through each study.

If you’re not utilizing this crucial resource, consider discussing how to incorporate the Bible lessons into the coming season! Visit www.gemsgc.org to renew, revise, or begin a subscription for your club today!

Will your club consider partnering with Michele or others that need help? Please fill out the form and send your contributions to the Service Center!

7

8

Girls

Everywhere

Meeting the

Savior

Dynamic Youth Ministries

P.O. Box 7259 Grand Rapid, MI 49510

P.O. Box 39 Norwich, ON N0J 1P0

PLEASE RECYCLE

GEMS ANNUAL GOLF CLASSICThanks again to our Sponsors!As GEMS continues to challenge young girls to live passionate lives that embody justice, mercy, and humility—we continue to rely on willing contributors to the ministry! GEMS would like to extend a special thanks to the sponsors and golfers who made the 15th Annual Golf Classic possible.

Event SponsorsDe Jong Enterprises, Inc.Michael J. Liccar & CompanyR & M ConstructionMyles and Glennys KuperusRichard and Judy EppingaJohn & Linda Van SingelAlan and Terri Kaiser

Hole SponsorDeurloo FarmsStroo Funeral HomeBest Way Disposal Ajacs Die Sales Corp.WDS Construction, IncJason & Shelley KuipersHarry & Henrietta ReindersBob & Barb MiedemaJohn & Margaret VanderPloeg

Tee SponsorZuidema InteriorsRed Arrow DairySuperior Seafoods CoHavit SuppliesA&B RentalsFountain Hill Counseling CenterMarino Insurance Services, LLCKevin & Amy SchaafGerald & Suzanne VanWieren

Lunch SponsorCustom Design Components, Inc

Cart SponsorsEenhoorn, LLCPrecise Machining, IncGerrit & Cori DykhouseDale & Jan Boone

ContributorsKenneth & Joan FeyenDavid & Linda FinkDon & Barb BellingerRalph & Irene DrostRobert & Linda WestrateRichard & Mary VlietstraBruce & Patty GorterScott & Cheryl BrillJeff & Charla MelbyBrad & Cheryl BoerDavid & Shirley BattsDavid & Judy HopkinsSimon FeddemaWilliam & Grace LamberinkDuane & Marge WestrateNathan & Cassandra ReindersPetra ArendsBluewater Orthopaedic & Sports SupplyWallaceburg Bookbinding & MFG. CO

Steven D. Lyzenga DDSGrand OldsmobileAll Star PrintingLewis PaperIdeal PrintingTop DistributingWise PhotographyRycenga Building CenterOn The Border Graphics UnlimitedRuss’Fields FabricsCalvin BookstoreCornerstone UniversityLudwicksCindy’s Hair CareMeijerBD’s Mongolian BarbequeCascade RoadhouseJanie’s CookiesBrann’s Steakhouse & Grille

Pilgrim’s Run Golf ClubMines Golf CourseWatermark PropertiesMaple Hill Golf CourseBroadmoor Country ClubIronwood Golf CoursePines Golf CourseGleneagle Golf ClubLochenHeath Golf Club

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE

PAID GRAND RAPIDS, MI

PERMIT #931

GREEN TRUTHIf you’re hungry and heading to the refrigerator, take a few seconds to decide what

you want before you open the door. You can save between $30 and $60 each year by

keeping the door shut while you think about what you want—not to mention saving

energy and resources!