Write His Answer

My seven-year-old granddaughter was here today. We had a long talk about how she disobeyed her mother at the pool yesterday, screamed no, and stuck out her tongue. And we talked about last week when she said, “I don’t like having a brother. I hate him.” As a punishment her mother told her she had to write “I will be nice” 100 times. Of course, Laura didn’t, and mom gave up arguing with her. Well today, I decided that this was one of those battles (and yes, I pick them carefully) that needed to be won. To make a long story short, I gave Laura the choice of writing “I will obey and say kind words” only 50 times IF it was readable and IF she didn’t moan and groan through the process. Giving her a choice must have been the key for she did it without her usual theatrics of “I can’t. It will take forever!”

Why am I taking time to tell this story? Certainly NOT because I think I’m a model grandmom or all-wise. I grieve over the seeds of rebellion that are already growing in my granddaughter and can’t help wonder what her teen years will be like if Jesus tarries. And then I received the email below from Donna Partow, an author who has served on the faculty of both conferences several times and who I deeply respect.  The statistics Donna shared about American teens deepen my concern for my grandkids and for all of America’s youngsters. And then there’s the burden I carry for children at home and abroad who are abused, homeless, hungry . . .

It’s because of these concerns that I direct the Greater Philly and Colorado Christian Writers Conferences. I truly believe Father can use our writing to make a difference.

I want to encourage you to read Donna’s email below; to respond with your prayers and, if possible, a gift to her daughter’s exciting ministry; and not to miss the opportunity of coming to this year’s conference. The price increases after July 15. If financially you don’t see how you can afford the conference, please contact me. I’ll work with you and God will make a way. He specializes in the impossible! If the date conflicts with something you can’t change, would you consider a donation to our scholarship fund to help someone else come? No amount is too small.

May God bless you and encourage you to “write His answer.”

In Him – Marlene

From Donna Partow

Are you ready to be shocked?
Here are some national statistics about American teenagers:

1 in 3 have been drunk in the past month
1 in 4 will use illegal drugs
8000 contract an STD every day
1 million are pregnant
750,000 get abortions each year
1 in 10 have been raped
9 out of 10 have seen pornography online
1 of 2 are no longer virgins
40% have inflicted self-injury
1 in 5 have contemplated suicide
Over 1,500 kill themselves each year
53% believe Jesus sinned
83% believe truth is relative
What part will you play in reaching this profoundly lost generation?

My beautiful Taraneh is dancing through a marvelous door of opportunity.  She will combine her love of dance and her passion for evangelism through the ministry of Youth Quake Live.  She needs to raise $500 in support and a team of prayer warriors.  Below is the information you will need to prayerfully consider supporting her.  (If you are unable to donate financially, your prayers are just as powerful in the battle for today’s youth!)

And from Donna’s daughter, Taraneh

I want to tell you about a great organization that I have committed myself to this year, called YouthQuake Live (YQL).  The purpose of YouthQuake Live is to provide life-changing youth entertainment that unflinchingly confronts issues releveant to today’s teenagers, and inspires young people to lead a revolution of righteousness and boldly fulfill their God-given destiny.

YQL is a live variety show with hilarious skits, live music, dance performances, giveaways, and a life-changing message.  Some have compared it to a spiritual version of Saturday Night Live for teenagers.  The shows are free to the community and are held on the first Friday of the month during the school year.  YQL started in 1995 with a small cast of 12 teens and an audience of 40 people.  Today, we have a cast over over 150 teenagers who have performed in front of crowds as large as 3000 people.  In addition, fifty different churches from many denominations are represented in our cast.

We know that God has placed YouthQuake Live in an unique position to reach teenagers in Florida with an effective and relevant presentation of the gospel.  In order to do this, we are looking for support to bring us into the next level of ministry.  Some of our goals include new forms of advertising to bring in teens who don’t usually go to church.

My goal is to raise at least $500 for YQL.  Would you consider giving a monthly donation or a one-time gift to this life-changing organization?  All gifts are tax-deductible, and you will receive a receipt for your gift.  You can donate using PayPal at www.youthquakelive.com   Simply click the “Support” tab, then click on the “Give” page.  When you are redirected to paypal, please be sure to click “Add special instructions to the seller” and note “Donation for Taraneh Partow” in the box provided.

Thank you for supporting YQL as we reach this generation with the Good News!

God bless,
Taraneh Partow
Donna Partow Ministries
P.O. Box 2092
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004