Dear Friends,
November is here and we at JoyShop Ministries are very excited to share with you all that God has done this past year in providing the necessary resources to begin our huge dream project: Getting our workshop, “Seeking God First” into an affordable DVD series.
From the very first JoyShop I held at my home church in January of 2005, people were asking for it in DVD form. A year later, I had our church tape my workshop using poor quality DVDs that I had purchased at BJ’s! They were a hit except for one small problem . . . halfway through, the DVD would stop working and we were getting “nice” complaint calls. That is when I personally made the decision that I would not tape the workshop again until the ministry could afford to tape it professionally and of top quality.
Back in those days, my workshop was only two hours long. However, after many requests for more teaching, I slowly added to the workshop – and it is now close to five hours long! This type of a workshop can easily be made into a “series” that would be great in a church, Sunday school class, small group or retreat setting. The time has finally come to record the workshop! The taping will take place on Nov. 15-16 in the main ball room at the Lancaster Cork Factory Hotel.
Although we are extremely confident of the Lord’s leading and provisions, we have a responsibility to work hard and bring our best to this exciting opportunity. One way we are doing this is by hiring Shane and Kelle Ortiz, of Soteria Productions, based in Atlanta, Georgia. They have won more than 19 awards since 2002 and have clients such as Family Life Ministries, Grammy winning artists Third Day, Christian comedian Anita Renfroe, fast food’s premiere chicken provider, Chick-Fil-A and many other reputable organizations. Stephen Ostrander, a professional independent director in the world of film and video, will also be part of this team. He has won three Emmy awards for his work and most recently worked on the new film, “Courageous,” coming out soon from Sherwood Productions, the company that produced “Fireproof.” Not only are these people gifted with communicating powerful messages to their audiences but, more importantly, they love the Lord Jesus, and they thrive on anything that is going to reach more people with the gospel message of God’s love. I believe God has brought us together to produce the best possible product to reach the masses.
Using people of this caliber requires significant funds. We are looking to raise a total of $80,000 in order to give our best to God and His purposes. Your gift of $10, $25 or more is greatly needed and appreciated as we trust God to have all funds in hand by the end of November. Your gifts will affirm that we at JoyShop Ministries are correctly hearing God’s call for completion of a DVD.
Sometimes I ask God, “Is this project really worth spending this kind of money on the simple message you have compelled me to share?” As I have wrestled with Him on this because of my desire to be a good steward of any money this ministry receives, He continues to affirm the direction He is leading us. Sometimes it comes through the mail by an unexplainable significant contribution to the ministry. Other times it comes through personal notes received from young girls such as this one:


“Your message was very powerful and your story touched my heart . . . I was fighting back tears as I re-lived my own situation . . . . I, too, am 17 and have just gone through a pregnancy, but unlike you I took the easy way out and chose abortion. The procedure I chose was called a medical abortion, which is an alternative to a surgical procedure. In this way you can take a pill which causes the uterus to contract and expel the fetus. Around midnight after taking the pills I climbed out of bed and ran to the bathroom where I delivered my 8 week old fetus on the floor. Seeing my baby lying there, I screamed for my mother. I cried all night along after realizing what I had done. My heart was broken but my mother told me to pray, pray, pray. I did, and I felt God speak to me telling me that he forgave me and everything will heal over time. I now understand I cannot let my fears or the enemy speak over my life. Your testimony tonight offered more strength and help to me. Thank you for sharing.”
Other times it comes through a Facebook message like this one from a male who attended a JoyShop at the invitation of another student:
“Thank you for speaking at LMH this past Sunday night! It was very cool to hear your stories and it made me look back over my life again. This past week I've actually been getting up early in order to read the Bible and talk with God. I've tried it before but never could do it. So thanks for being the one who "pushed me over the edge." I'm so glad I came … Thanks again!
Friends, I just turned 54, and honestly, I don’t know how much longer I have to share this message. I am one person who can physically only do so much. Our message is foundational in meeting the need of a starving Church which no longer prioritizes daily time in God’s Word. Charles Stanley once said, “If you don’t have time for prayer and Bible Study, Satan is winning the war.” I need your help to get JoyShop’s message out to battle against Satan’s strategies of defeat in the lives of believers everywhere!!!
Time is running out; the Lord’s return is nearer every day and until He returns, He requires each of us to be faithful and multiply the “talents” He has given us!
May each of us be faithful with those talents! And may we hear on His return, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the JOY of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23) Will you personally join me in this battle by contributing to this DVD project and affirm God’s call for us. The need as noted is great, but we believe God will provide through you. Thank you.
Serving together,
Anita
Anita Keagy
Founder, JoyShop Ministries

June Newsletter

Newsletter June 2010
Note from Anita
“’If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.’” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” John 7:37-39

If you are like me, most of you just skimmed over the above verse, not letting the content sink into your heart. I want to ask you to take a moment, close your eyes, and ask God’s precious Spirit to minister to your heart as you read the life-giving words of Jesus again.
A prerequisite to having the Spirit of God in our lives is a fundamental belief in Jesus. None of us can even say “Jesus is Lord” apart from God’s Spirit living within us. (I Corinthians 12:3) But having the Spirit of God within does not always mean that I am experiencing the fullness of His Spirit. So often I cry out to God, even beg, ‘Lord Jesus, fill me with Your Spirit,’ as if it is some supernatural phenomenon that is going to overtake me miraculously and I will now be a super duper Christian who always walks around pleasing God and never failing Him. Subconsciously I am looking for an “experience.” In other words, it’s all about me. But a few weeks ago, I was reading a sermon by A.W. Tozer, and this statement jumped off the page: “Many, many have failed to note Peter’s Pentecostal emphasis: The important thing in God’s plan was the fact that Jesus had been exulted in heaven, and that His glorification there had been the signal for the coming of the Holy Spirit . . . . the Spirit does not have to be begged – He comes when the Savior is honored and exalted!”
Being filled with God’s Spirit is not about me and what I may or may not experience. But more importantly, it is a heart whose greatest desire is to honor and exalt Jesus in all that one does and says. Together may our heart’s cry be, “Oh God, more than anything else, I desire for my life and my words to honor and exult Jesus. He is worthy of all glory! May each morning that I arise bring words of adoration and praise to my Savior.”

These past months, the Lord has allowed JoyShop Ministries the privilege of serving him in numerous settings. The JoyShop Team feels very blessed in that we are often able to see fruit from our ministry almost immediately.
Comments from recent retreats:
“I am leaving feeling re-energized and re-dedicated to my quiet time every day.”

”This has been most helpful for me to realize that I need to make God a priority.”

“I have not been consistent in seeking God first on a daily basis, but I am accepting the challenge of seeking Him first!”

“This was my first retreat! It was very inspiring and gave me a more clear direction as to how to read the Bible and get to know God. Thank you.”

“I have completed the 21-Day Challenge study this past year and continue to use those study principles in my reading. Thank you for these tools.”

“You have taught me a new way of looking at spending time with God on a daily basis. Thank you for coming into my life at this time.”

“I am anxious to put this info to use when doing my devotions.”

“I know the importance of a daily quiet time . . . in fact, I routinely teach it to other women. However, my own quiet times have fallen prey to my busy life. Thanks for the “kick in the pants” . . .

One pastor’s response to his congregation after the ministry’s challenge of seeking God first on a daily basis truly reflects my heart’s desire for everyone:
“I have had several good conversations about how great it was . . . to be challenged . . . to have a quiet time with God in the morning each day . . . this was a huge challenge and one that is not easily carried out without some accountability. I am writing to each of you to encourage you to not miss those meetings with the Lord each morning. For me the decision needs to be made before I go to bed so that my opportunity (alarm) clock wakes me up at the right time; otherwise, I would miss the meeting and need to get right to the agenda for the day . . . . let us encourage one another in this area that so easily gets attacked and crowded out by the agenda we have in our heads and calendars. If you are married, hold each other accountable by talking about your meeting with the Lord. If we all get serious about having a meeting with the Lord each day, we will see our marriages, families, neighbors, church and even this region transformed by the power of the living God.”
Amen and Amen!!!! Preach it, Brother Joe!

Prayer for the ministry:
Exciting days are ahead for the ministry and I praise the Lord for the many provisions and open doors he is giving us.
Please pray for:
--The working out of all the details in taping the JoyShop professionally in November including distribution of the DVD series.
--Kelle Ortiz, of Soteria Productions, who not only will be apart of the team who will be taping JoyShop in November but who has stepped out in faith and obedience to begin screenwriting for the film, “The File,” based on my book. She feels very passionate about the story and would like to help get it out to reach more people. We don’t know what God has planned or even if the screenplay will become a film but we are trusting that God’s will and purposes will be accomplished whatever the outcome. Particularly pray for her on Wednesdays. That’s the day she has set aside each week to work on this huge vision.
--Most importantly, please continue to pray that our hearts will remain hungry for a deeper intimacy with Jesus and that together we will continue to prioritize this most important relationship so that our lives will bring praise and honor to Jesus Christ.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR JULY 18. JOYSHOP MINISTRIES IS HOSTING AN ALL U CAN EAT ICE-CREAM SOCIAL AT MY HOME ON 2045 PROSPECT RD. WASHINGTON BORO, PA, AT 6:30. I WILL BE GIVING AN UPDATE ON THE MINISTRY AND SHANE AND KELLE ORTIZ, FROM ATLANTA, GA., WILL SHARE THEIR ROLE IN HELPING JOYSHOP MINISTRIES’ MESSAGE SPREAD THROUGH MEDIA. WE WILL SPEND SOME TIME IN PRAYER FOR THE FUTURE OF THE MINISTRY AND THEN HAVE SOME FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP!

March Update

April Newsletter 2010

“If you were to spend a month feeding on the precious promises of God, you would not be going about with your heads hanging down like bulrushes, complaining how poor you are; but you would lift up your heads with confidence, and proclaim the riches of His grace because you could not help it.” D. L. Moody

Note from Anita

Last night as I crawled in bed exhausted from the difficult challenges of my day, I stared at my alarm clock and told God, “I just can’t get up as early as I would like to tomorrow morning to spend time with you!” I knew that I had to leave my house by 7:00 a.m. in order to get to Millerstown for an all day JoyShop. Normally I like to allow at the very least one hour with the Lord before leaving for a speaking engagement. Of course, one has to allow additional time for make-up, hair repair and dress. I was emotionally drained and just didn’t have it in me. So I added the usual request to my statement, “Lord, if I need extra time with you in the morning then you will just have to wake me up. I can’t bring myself to set the alarm any earlier.”

It never fails, He wakes me every time! By 4:45 a.m., my eyes were wide open and I thanked the Lord for waking me and giving me the extra time to prepare for ministry. As I left my house this morning, I praised the Lord for His faithfulness in spite of my own weakness. His Word energizes me and I can step out to faithfully speak His Word, knowing that it will not be in vain. One of my favorite promises is from Isaiah 55:10-11, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

There is so much to share with you that I hardly know where to begin. God has been so faithful and continues to confirm the call He has placed on this ministry. The simplest way to testify to God’s generosity is just to share the many things for which I am thankful.

As many of you know, I sent out a letter the end of December expressing our need to raise $50,000 in order to professionally tape JoyShop in a live setting. We have received more than $19,000 thus far and we are praising the Lord for this sign of confirmation. In February, Paul and I had the opportunity to travel to Atlanta, Georgia, to meet with Shane and Kelle Ortiz of Soteria Productions. God led me to this couple two years ago and we had been in discussion about the possibility of working together. You can tell by our picture that we had a great meeting. Our goal is for them to come to Lancaster in November to tape at Manor Church. Please continue to pray for JoyShop Ministries as we step out in faith and trust God to carry this project to completion.

In January our DVD promo for JoyShop Ministries was completed. After many hours of taping, interviewing, and editing, Shire Interactive was able to condense it all in to a two- and-a-half minute promotional. We needed this in order to provide material to hosting churches and schools to encourage better attendance at our events. We are hoping to add it to our website in the near future.

God opened an unexpected door to speak at Sarasota Christian School while Paul and I were vacationing in Florida with friends. Yes, I was supposed to be on vacation, but it is nearly impossible for me to turn down an opportunity to share with teens. The unexpected bonus was having my daughter, Twila, and her husband, Daniel, along with two of my grandchildren attend the chapel service where I was speaking. It was history in the making. She had never heard me speak “live” and it was awesome to be able to introduce her to the student body when I was done speaking! Later on in the evening I talked with the woman who had given me the invitation to speak at the school. She told me that one of the teachers bought my book and decided to read it aloud to her class. She had read four chapters to her class that afternoon! Several students shared with me the impact the story had on them. The ministry provided the students with our teen journal packet that consists of a journal, pocket testament, and highlighter. They were invited to take the 21 Day Challenge so that their relationship with Jesus would grow deeper. There is no doubt in my mind that lives were impacted due to God’s grace. Praise His Name!

Another unexpected blessing was meeting a woman in Florida who happened to attend a Christmas tea where I had spoken three years earlier in Lancaster County. She told me that she has been seeking God first ever since and it has changed her life. Her husband who was standing beside her confirmed it!!!

I thank God for the four women retreats we were able to be a part of from January through March. One comment I received through email made my heart soar: “Thanks so much for sharing your JoyShop with us. I know a lot of ladies are taking your challenge very seriously. A good friend of mine and her husband now get up every morning together for individual quiet time …”

Two women who had attended a retreat a year ago recently sent me an email saying that, as a result of that weekend, they have been seeking God first daily. Their hearts are on fire to share the message with others and God opened the door for them to speak at a women’s retreat in Hershey. Two women who attended that retreat wanted to take the message back to the women who could not attend. I am so thankful to God for multiplying the message through others. I pray it just keeps spreading: SEEK GOD FIRST!

Thank you for your partnership through prayer and finances. This ministry could not continue without your support. We are the body of Christ appointed to serve one another in unity and love. Each of you has blessed me and I pray that God will bless you abundantly as you seek Him. We are in a battle and the enemy will do what he can to keep us from spending time alone with Jesus. Do not give him an inch!

Blessings,

Anita

How to Pray for JoyShop:

 Please continue to pray for protection over my mind and my family as being in ministry continually puts us in the line of fire.
 Continue to pray for the Board as we make plans for professionally taping JoyShop and all the work that comes with that. We want to be wise stewards of our finances.
 Pray that the Lord will grant the ministry favor as we look to a well-known Christian organization to help us plan ahead in making our materials marketable.
 Pray for the next JoyShop event that will be held at Grace Church at Willow Valley. This is a women’s only event and will be the last JoyShop in Lancaster County until July, when I will be at Rawlinsville Campmeeting.

Messiah College

JoyShop Newsletter November 2009

‘The church of Christ and the spiritual life of thousands of its members suffers from the root disease! It is none other than the neglect of secret communion with God … it explains the weakness of the Christian life. No wonder we can’t resist the world. No wonder we fail to bring forth fruit abundantly. Nothing can change this except restoring the quiet time with the Lord in the life of the believer.”

Note from Anita

Since January of 2005, I have devoted my time to this very thing – encouraging believers to continue or restore their daily time alone with God. My challenge is that we not only recommit to this much-needed discipline but that we prioritize it in our day … make it first! If any given church would make this discipline a major focus it would revolutionize our churches like nothing else!

Recently I had the privilege to take the message of JoyShop to a group of dedicated pastors and their wives in a retreat setting. I felt genuinely blessed by these humble servants of God. After being in ministry for four years, I understand in a small way how easy it is to burn out for God. Henry Nouwen once said, “Nothing conflicts with love of Christ like service for Christ.” People in ministry can get carried away with all their self-imposed work and before you know it, daily quiet time for intimacy with Jesus gets set aside! Many of these precious pastors and wives shared with me that they had been in desperate need for this workshop and thanked me for the encouragement to guard their time alone with God.

A few mentioned as one pastor did, “I needed the words about the importance of recovering the early morning watch with God. I had become easy going about this discipline.” Another pastor mentioned that the workshop was “challenging and renewing—a much needed spiritual boast!” I felt very blessed to be able to serve the body of Christ in this way. Even though I come home very exhausted, extreme JOY fills my heart at the Lord’s graciousness in producing fruit for the Kingdom.

Students from Messiah College invited JoyShop Ministries to come on campus as an alternative chapel on Nov. 4, 11, & 18. I am doing a two-hour session each Wednesday night and it will count as an alternate chapel for any students who choose to attend. If you know students who attend Messiah College, please encourage them to attend. On the 11th I will also be speaking before the workshop at a dinner for women sponsored by Student’s Ministries. The above picture is a snap shot of some of the students that attended on Nov. 4.

As the ministry continues to grow, so does our need for prayer partners. Often in my travels, a pastor or layperson will mention to me that I need to be building a strong prayer support for the ministry. In my mind, I had always felt that I didn’t want to ask others to pray for me because I felt that God would lay it on people’s hearts and they would just volunteer. To be sure, that has happened in the past, but the ministry team feels that we need to be more diligent in seeking prayer partners. If you would be interested in receiving prayer requests for the ministry as needs occur and are willing to pray for future events, please contact prayer@joyshop.org and your name will be added to our prayer team.

Blessings,
Anita

How to Pray for JoyShop:

 We have taken our first steps to begin production of a promotional DVD that can be sent ahead to future speaking engagements. Please pray for Shire Interactive as they work to pull this together. Our prayer is that God will use this in a strong way to move others to attend the workshop who might not have otherwise considered attending.
 Continue to pray that God will lead us to the place and timing for professionally taping a full JoyShop in a DVD format. He has put this in my heart so I know it will come to pass. This will take a tremendous amount of financing, but I am trusting God to meet those needs. I get excited thinking about how many more lives can be impacted through this form of media.
 Pray for upcoming events on December 3, when I will be speaking at Bible Baptist School in Shiremanstown, and on December 9 when I will be speaking at Kraybill Mennonite School.



Testimonies of JOY: Here are some encouraging words from people who recently attended a JoyShop:

“Obviously I was meant to be here this weekend to hear this message and stop making excuses that I don’t have time to spend with God. There hasn’t been a lot of joy in my life the past few years and I know the reason why. Thank you for giving me hope.”

“Today for the first time in almost 70 years, I started to journal, making notes of what I had read and how I felt God was speaking to me. I am excited to be able to continue, God willing. Pray for discipline to change my routine.”

“Awesome message! It was something I really needed to hear. I am so excited to begin the 21 Day Challenge! I can’t wait to know God more intimately. I feel that this is what has been lacking in my relationship with Him and I didn’t know how to fix it. How crazy when the answer is so simple—seek Him. Wow! How silly that I couldn’t figure that out. Thanks for sharing your message. I can’t wait to see how God is going to work in my life.”

And from a pastor: “Even though this has been my second JoyShop, it was a tremendous blessing. The message never gets old.”


Q & A:

Question: My mind always wanders when I pray … what can I do about that?

Answer: This is a problem that most of us struggle with. Keeping our minds focused on God during our prayer time takes practice and discipline. Prayer is two-fold: talking to God and listening to God. Have you ever noticed when you are having a conversation with someone, it is always easier to talk than to really listen? The same holds true with our conversations with God. It is so easy to talk and tell God what we are thinking or needing. But when it is time to be quiet and try to listen to what God might want to say to us, our mind begins to wander all over the place.

Here are a few suggestions that may help you:
 Simply acknowledge before God that you have a difficult time staying focused and ask Him to help you.
 When your mind begins to wander, tell yourself that you will think about that later and bring your mind back to being still and centered on God’s presence with you.
 Keep a pencil and paper by your side to write down anything that comes to your mind that you are afraid you will forget about.
 If someone or some situation comes to your mind, pray for that person or the situation.
 Write your prayers in a journal. Writing really helps you to focus.


I love reading prayers that others have written. For some reason, having a written prayer in front of me helps to keep me focused. A personal favorite is “Valley of Vision,” a book of prayers written by the Puritans of long ago. I also find it very helpful to keep my Bible open to the passage that I was reading and pray back to God the verses that spoke to me.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Anita

The first weekend in October I had the privilege to take JoyShop to women in N.J. My daughter Carrie went along with me as a volunteer. (She is the one in the picture with me!) There were 50-60 women in attendence and the location was at Keswick America. We had a great weekend and I experienced great joy over being able to serve these women. Friday night was a bon-fire with smores to feast on, a highlight for me! The next morning as I was praying with the leadership team my mind kept wondering to those yummy smores which was a distraction. I wasn't sure how to get them out of my mind but God came to the rescue and said, "You should be thinking about "smore" of me instead of "smore" of chocolate. I almost started laughing. Now I find myself praying to God that I want "smore" of Him!

A few testimonies from the weekend:

"Thank you for pointing out how I need to read God's letter to me every day, same time and place. I've decided to take the 21 Day Challenge. Your message changed my view on being consistent with reading God's Word."

“Awesome message! It was something I really needed to hear. I am so excited to begin the 21 DC I can’t wait to know God more intimately. I feel that this is what has been lacking in my relationship with Him and I didn’t know how to fix it. How crazy when the answer is so simple—seek Him. Wow! How silly that I couldn’t figure that out. Thanks for sharing your message. I can’t wait to see how God is going to work in my life.”

“Today for the 1st time in almost 70 years I started to journal, making notes of what I had read and how I felt God was speaking to me. I am excited to be able to continue God willing. Pray for discipline to change my routine.”

“About 2-3 months ago I was struggling with morning devotions or any at all though I had done them for years. My closeness and purpose seemed to leave. I was told “Make me first in your life” several times. It was one of those nudging that wouldn’t go away. I am taking the challenge. I will listen now!”

“Obviously I was meant to be here this weekend to hear this message and stop making excuses that I don’t have time to spend with God. There hasn’t been a lot of joy in my life the past few years and I know the reason why. Thank you for giving me hope.”

“Thank you for being so persistent in guiding me to spend time daily with Christ. I know it was what I was missing in my life.”

“I really feel like you were speaking to me by the Holy Spirit. I feel challenged and hungry to seek God first everyday which I’m not very good at doing now … I have felt for a long time that even though I’ve been a Christian for a long time that something has been missing and I always have a feeling of unrest. I think seeking Him first is the answer.”

Praise God for ministering to these women and for their desire to know Him more intimately!

Please keep me in your prayers as I leave on Sunday for a pastor's and wives retreat. I will be doing a portion of JoyShop on Monday. I have three sessions and will have to eliminate something in my workshop. Pray that I will be able to discern which part to leave out. It's so hard for me to leave any of it out!

Ministry progress:
We have hired a local company to help us make a promotional dvd that can be sent out ahead of time to the places that have booked JoyShop. We are hoping that this investment will help drive more people to attend the event.

I still have a dream to have the workshop filmed in a 6 session format that could be used in Sunday School classes, small groups and retreat settings. Please pray for the Lord's timing on this. My timing was last year....but I am willing to wait for His best plan. He's always right!!!!

If you know anyone that attends Messiah College please spread the word to them that JoyShop is coming to their campus on November 4,11.18. I will be doing the workshop over 3 Wednesday nights. It will be at the Frey building, Room 110, from 7-9 p.m.

My husband, Paul, is still in a cast after breaking his ankle/leg while on vacation. He can not put any weight on it yet, so his lifestyle has changed dramatically. He has been using his time wisely, reading good books and watching Phillies and football:-)

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Stay in the Word my friend. Growing close to Christ takes effort and time. But the benefits far outweigh any small sacrifice you might make.

In Him, Anita K

September Ministry Update

Ministry Update September 2009
John 17:3
“Now this is eternal life that we may know Thee, the Only True God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.”

Recently I had an unexpected visitor at my front door. A friend of our family who I don’t see very often wanted to drop off some materials for our boys. As we got caught up on our lives and were sharing some of our personal struggles, she shared with me that she was not feeling God’s joy in her life right now. With tears in her eyes she expressed her discouragement. She also mentioned that when she looked at others who appeared to have the joy of the Lord it made her feel worse. I really appreciated her honesty as she shared she had attended a JoyShop years ago and she felt like I must feel God’s joy all the time even in difficulties. She wondered what was wrong with her. God did not seem to be answering her prayers. Where was this joy?

Who of us cannot say we have felt like that? The difficult realities that life brings us, makes it very hard to feel God’s presence, much less His joy. This past year I have had the “opportunity” to discover first hand how to walk in God’s joy in the midst of fears, trials, and doubts. Oswald Chambers states it best, “The only true joy is based on a personal relationship to God.” Why is it we tend to think joy is based on feelings rather that a relationship? Contrary to what people might think who see me in action during a JoyShop, I do not walk around daily “feeling” joyful! The joy I experience in my life comes from knowing who God is in my trials and walking in obedience to His Word regardless of how I feel or how things look.

If you get a chance this week do a short study on joy using the gospel of John. Read the following verses and the context in which you find these verses:
John 3:29, John 15: 11, John 16: 20-24, John 17:13
As you read these verses answer this question: What is the basis for joy according to Jesus?
I would love to share the answers but it will help you more if you find it yourself! But the bottom line is this: Jesus wants us to have His full and complete joy and it is based on our relationship to Him and not our present reality.

Ministry Update:
You will soon be receiving electronically the JoyShop Ministries Newsletter. After much thought, I have made the decision to combine the ministry update with the newsletter to simplify my load. So look for it sometime this month. It will give a report from my time at Roxbury Camp meeting in August and also tell you about upcoming opportunities for the ministry.

I praise God for the way He continues to use the ministry to encourage others. Recently a mother of a college student called to tell me that she was helping her daughter pack for college. Her daughter was having a hard time weeding out the books she could take because there wasn’t enough room to take everything she wanted. To the mother’s joy, her daughter made sure that her JoyShop binder went along with her to college! Praise God!! May the Lord use this young adult to impact her campus!

We also received an email from a pastor. A man from his congregation had given him a copy of my book and suggested he read it! After reading it he felt the Lord prompting him to invite me to share at his church on a Sunday morning. The ministry continues to rely on God to open the doors where He wants us to serve so I praise His Name for being faithful.

September and February are months I try really hard to block off vacation time from the ministry. Of course here I am writing an update … but I did want to share about the newsletter that will be replacing the ministry update as well as to ask you to pray for JoyShop Ministries Board of Directors and the meeting we will have on September 29. We are looking forward to all that God will do in 2010 and sincerely desire His direction as we make plans for the future. We are in a transition time as terms are expiring for existing board members and having the need to find replacements. Several members have been with me from the beginning so it is scary to say goodbye to them. I will miss them but I thank God for lending them to me for a period of time and helping us to lay a strong foundation for the ministry. We are looking to update the website as well so that will bring some exciting changes!

My deep thanks and appreciation for each of you who continue to support this ministry in various ways. It gives me the encouragement to keep moving forward with the strength that God provides. YOU ARE A BLESSING TO ME!

Walking in His JOY,
Anita

FYI: The above picture is of me and my friends on our husbands motorcycles as we toured through Novia Scotia and PEI last month. Can you tell which one is my sister?

Ministry Update July 23, 2009

Ministry Update July 23, 2009

John 16:33
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

This morning in my quiet time with Jesus, I was thinking about the word peace. My heart felt troubled about some circumstances and I needed peace. I began to look up verses in John that mention peace. Jesus first mentions peace in John 14:27 when he says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you … do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.” Why is it hard to feel peace in the midst of trouble? How does one experience mental calm and tranquility in the midst of troubling circumstances? Why is it that we even think we should be exempt from trouble?

As I pondered the above verses I was reminded the Christ came into this world and died for my sins so that I could know eternal peace here and now as well for all eternity. I may have troubles here on this earth but I have hope! The apostle Paul got it right when he spoke these words in Romans 15:13, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus is our peace, joy and hope in the midst of our troubles. Praise his Name!!!

I can’t believe it’s been two months since I sent my last update but I decided to give myself a little break over the summer. None the less JoyShop Ministries is still bearing fruit over these summer months and I am going to share some of the encouraging responses we recently received.

Through Facebook:
"Hello! I don’t know if you remember me, but you came to my school in the fall last year, 2008. I just wanted to let you know that you really inspired me with the 21 day challenge!
Since the retreat in the fall, I decided that I would read my Bible, cover to cover. I have been reading two chapters from the Bible each day. I really appreciate you for helping me realize that I needed more time with God. Thank you so very much!

From the Pocket Testament League:
“I love the gospel of John, it is my favorite book in the whole Bible … Your 21 day challenge gave me new insights to think about. Thank you.”

“I ACHIEVED THE 21 DAY CHALLENGE. I MEDITATED ON THE VERSES AND USED THEM IN MY DAILY WORKING HOURS AND HARDSHIP TIMES. I ENJOYED THE 21 DAY CHALLENGE. IT GIVES ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO TESTIFY TO OTHERS ABOUT DOING SOMETHING FOR 21 DAYS FOR CHRIST”

“As a Pastor it has been a great tool that I can now ad to my other teachings. I have a very similar one that I prepared years ago. But now It’s time for a change and I will be using your 21 Day Challenge on the next months Bible class with the new converts. I Pastor a Spanish Church, therefore my task now is to translate the challenge into Spanish so that I could be able to use it to prepare the new converts.”

Women’s Retreat participant:
“Way back on April of this year you came to speak at our Women's Retreat. It was a spiritual life-changing experience. God had me in a place of desiring more and searching for a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him. Your testimony and sharing the principles of seeking God, being consistent, and getting up early to meet with Him catapulted my spiritual walk. I am passionate about rising early (even on Sundays) and meeting with my Savior. Digging into God's love letter to me is transforming my relationship with Him. I have a new mission field…the grocery store…and everywhere I go. I find myself unable to restrain the joy of the Lord and share your key principles that I learned.”

This young woman and her friend ended up hosting an event at their church to share what the Lord has taught them as a result of Seeking God First and doing the 21 Day Challenge. Over 100 women attended! Praise the Lord for spreading the message through these women.

From my time at Lydia Center
“I just wanted you to know that one of our ladies received Christ the weekend you visited us. She said your presentation really touched her and moved her towards Christ.”

The past two Wednesday evenings I have spoken to the teen girls that were attending Black Rock Retreat. One response I received through Facebook:

"Hi, I just wanted to say that I was at Black Rock last week and I loved to hear about your story! And there were some things that really hit me and I loved your analogy about talking to God everyday to get to know him. Thanks!!"

I continue to thank the Lord for opening the doors where He has prepared hearts to hear the message.

Please keep me in your prayers as I take JoyShop to Roxbury Holiness Campmeeting the week of August 1-9. I will be holding four daily sessions from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. They will be doing an audio taping of each session. Pray that the Holy Spirit will speak through me in such a way that those who listen by audio will be inspired to Seek God First!

Thursday night, July 30, 7:00 p.m. JoyShop Ministries will be hosting a praise, prayer, and soft serve ice-cream event at my home. I will be sharing a brief update of the ministry with a focus on prayer for future speaking events. Hope to see ya!


In His service,
Anita