Recent Letter

The following is a recent letter that went out to everyone going on the trip. Please make sure parents and students read this.
Also, please send out a support letter to your family and friends. There is an example in the column on the right.


Dominican Republic Trip Fundraising

I first want to remind all of you that the most up to date information can be found on our blog (www.faithhsm.blogspot.com). This is the best way to find out current info about the trip.

Fundraising…
Unfortunately, only a few of the students took advantage of our poinsettia fundraiser and were able to raise some funds. Our Lucia fundraiser just a month ago was a great success, and we raised about $3100 for the students who participated. Our church board has agreed to support each student with $200 towards their trip cost, unless you are able to do with out it due to fundraising, or your own funds.

We have a few fund raising opportunities coming up that you need to be aware of and be a part of if you want to raise money for this trip.

• Can Drive (ongoing)- We will have a spot at church where anyone can drop off their cans and bottles specifically for our trip to recycle and use towards the trip. Each student will need to take a turn at helping to recycle the cans in order to receive funds. Starts Feb. 1st!

• Chili Sale (Feb15th-16th)- With Ken Wasmer’s guidance, we will give samples of chili and take pre-orders for chili. Then a few people will help Friday night to prepare the chili. Saturday will require many to scoop the chili into containers and get them ready for Sunday’s pick up.
o Friday night-6PM -6 adults (before parent meeting)
o Saturday -1PM- as many students as possible
o Yes, I know it’s the same weekend as the training, but it’s the only time that Ken can do, so I hope you can make it. It’s a whole DR weekend!
o Please shoot me an email letting me know if you can help on either the 15th or 16th.

• Little Ceasar’s Pizza Sale- (ongoing)- This is a simple fundraiser where you sell pizza kits to as many people as you can. Please aim at people outside the church as much as you can. See Theresa Menko for more info, or email her at theresemenko@sbcglobal.net

• Talent Show- (Mar 14 or April 4th) This will take every student helping out with their talents either by performing, or serving in some capacity. Parents will also help by preparing deserts for sale during the show. Please see Linda Kennedy for more info.


DON”T FORGET ABOUT THE PARENT QUESTION AND ANSWER DESSERT WITH TAMMI BIGGS ON FEBRUARY 15TH OR THE MANDATORY MEETING FOR STUDENTS ON FEBRAURY 16TH @ 9AM -1PM! Both will be in the fellowship hall at church.

Meet Your Leaders!

Name, rank, serial number, job, etc
Christin McFadyen, B, 1220 (hehehehe), Administration and Marketing for Covenant Retirement Communities Corporate Office

How long you've been tight with Jesus-Why?
Jesus and me? Yea, we go way back. :) I accepted Christ at a young age (8 or so?), though it's a constant journey of growth. I find his grace amazing and his forgiveness overwhelming. His provision is always there, even in the toughest of times. Jesus is passionate for his children and for helping people to know him, and that's what I want to be like -I want to be passionate for Jesus.

Favorite way to spend your free time?
Hanging out with my husband, Jon, watching movies or our favorite TV shows on DVD, spending time catching up with friends, and most currently reading Harry Potter!

Why in the world would you lead students on a mission trip to the DR?
I love going on missions trips and really want to be able to help out. I miss our youth group at FCC a lot since Jon and I relocated to Chicago, so it'll be super fabulous to spend time with them again. Also, I lived in the DR teaching during college and I'm really excited at the possibility of going back to the island - it's a beautiful country. While living in the DR, I learned that the country has an interesting mix of religion (the country is predominantly Catholic, but with other religions throughout the country such as Voodoo) and I'm excited to see how God is working there.


Name, rank, serial number etc…
Jon McFadyen (pic above), - super awesome, 0123456789, seminary student, "Hi"

How long have you been tight with Jesus? Why?
15 years and 3 years.- Accepted Christ at 12 years old and renewed my walk at 25. Because there is no other way to live.

Favorite way to spend your free time?
Movies, bike riding, anything that I can do with my bride

Why in the world would you lead students on a mission trip to the DR?
I can't think of anything that I would rather do with those students. They are an awesome group of students and following God's direction with them is one of the best experiences I can think of. And, I get to go to the DR.


Name, rank, serial number etc…
Barbara Coslow, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Nurse Practitioner

How long you’ve been tight with Jesus…Why?
Jesus has always been a part of my life, but I accepted Christ as my Savior at the age of 8. He is always my strength and help.

Favorite way to spend your free time?
Favorite way to spend free time: Hanging out with family & friends, watersports, reading, needlework, cooking

Why in the world would you lead students on a mission trip to the DR?
My family has always been supportive of missions even when I was a young child, & I've participated in Mission Trips with FCC in the past. Also, I recognize the youth as being a vital part of the church and am looking for opportunities to support them. In addition I feel God has given me the gifts to serve others wherever He leads me.


Name, rank, serial number etc…
Tim Gotberg, Building Manager @ Faith Covenant Church, High/Middle school youth leader
How long you’ve been tight with Jesus…Why?
I've have a relationship with Christ since I was in elementary school. I originally accepted Him as Lord and Savior at a summer bible camp. Christ has made all the difference in the world to me and He can do the same for you. I can think of no better way to give back to the one who has given me everything than to honor God with my own life.
Favorite way to spend your free time?
Long walks on the beach, and trying to school on Justin on the golf course.

Why in the world would you lead students on a mission trip to the DR?
Why wouldn't I want to spend a week with student's in the DR. These types of trips are life changing and so life giving that it would be wrong for me not to go. I was afforded the same kinds of opportunities when I was in High School, so I want to be a part of affording these student's with a similar opportunity. Giving back just a piece of what was given to me gives me great pleasure and humbles me to the core.



Name, rank, serial number etc…
Elizabeth Ann Cummings, Child of God, Wife, Mother of two (19 & 21), As young as my tongue and older than my teeth…, HISgal, School Psychologist in Troy

How long you’ve been tight with Jesus…Why?
I claimed Christ as my Savior when I was 11 years old but didn’t recognize His claim on me until I was 16. What I mean is, I wanted a change in destination for eternity when I was 11 – but not a change in me, or my life, until I was 16. (And that was only a few…well okay, quite a few years ago) Finally, I got the point that God wanted a relationship with me that I didn’t have to wait for – I didn’t have to die to be close to Him – it started now, every day – every moment if I am interested!

Favorite way to spend your free time?
The truth? I watch way too much T.V. – but I love to read – science fiction/myth, legal thrillers/mysteries. (My favorite authors – John Grisham, Frank Peretti) I am newly introduced to Ted Dekker and David Baldacci. I also like to work out at the gym and I love sports – tennis, volleyball and softball – and I love to watch basketball. I can’t shoot a basket to save my life so I live vicariously through those who can.

Why in the world would you lead students on a mission trip to the DR?
I have a missions background and truly want to get involved with God at work – all over the world. My own experiences in foreign countries (Switzerland and Africa) have profoundly impacted my life. I get high on seeing God touch the lives of others and love to be a part of that, in whatever capacity He calls me. Participating in God working in the lives of our kids, when they are away from home and more dependent and sensitive to His leading….I can’t wait. Seeing God use our kids to touch the lives of others – this time in the Dominican Republic…Wow! Now that’s abundant life!



Name, rank, serial number etc…
Justin Saxton, JP5, wannabe lowrider

How long you’ve been tight with Jesus…Why?
Initially in middle school sometime, then I wrestled with God through high school, and started to give him more and more control. Why? My life is better when He is in charge. More enjoyable, more fun, more meaningful, and just plain more…

Favorite way to spend your free time?
Lately, rebuilding an old motorcycle(pre-twins therapy), playing with Jake/ Addie in the snow, losing to Melis in any game we play.

Why in the world would you lead students on a mission trip to the DR?
I am lucky enough to say its part of my job! (Thanks God.) I think our students will get a better sense of God at work through them and around them, once they are outside their comfortable surroundings.

Heads Up!

Remember, remember the 16th of February! 9AM -1PM Mandatory Training for all students and leaders going. There will be a question and answer session for parents with Tammi on the 15th @ 8PM. Also, watch your mailbox this week for important info about fundraising! Don't forget to email or call me if you have any questions.