News Flash

OUR EVENING’S SCHEDULE: 5:30-6:30 pm: Free skating!
Limited number of rental skates available or BYOS (Bring Your Own Skates)
7:35 pm: Hockey Game begins 9:45 pm: Free Concert & Surprise Give-aways!

The Springfield Falcons hockey team, with help from Larry White, will host the Lion’s Den Youth Outreach Center for a third great year as a key part of their Church Night event. Prizes and gifts will be given away as part of the festivities—be sure to stop by our booth and say “Hi!” You won’t want to miss this fun & exciting evening!

Other evening highlights will include: special presentations before the game,
a prayer station which will operate throughout the night, and a surprise band!

Put Church Night on your calendar today. Come make some new memories! All tickets purchased through the Lion’s Den will support our work of “providing a user-friendly place for teens to encounter Christ.”

Please purchase your tickets through the Lion’s Den! For each $10 ticket we sell, $1 is donated directly to the Lion’s Den Youth Outreach Center.

HOW CAN I GET TICKETS? Contact any of these individuals to buy tickets
directly or arrange to have them mailed to you:
Church in the Acres: contact Nancy Hand.
Christ Presbyterian: contact Erin: 413 896-2980.
Homeschooling: contact Sharon Fortier:
Bethany: contact Dorrie

Past LD intern- serves the Lord!

Her sermon had listeners on their knees, weeping for God's healing in their lives. Holly Thoelen, a 21-year-old student at Nyack College, prays before she preaches to her peers at the campus gymnasium

Holly Thoelen, a 21-year-old student at Nyack College, prays before she preaches to her peers at the campus gymnasium

They asked to be restored from sexual, physical and emotional abuses. They asked to no longer feel hopeless and abandoned. They asked because she asked them to ask.

But the young woman preaching to the crowd of Nyack College students during their regular - and oftentimes tedious - chapel services yesterday morning was no renowned pastor but a peer.

She was simply 21-year-old Holly Thoelen from Enfield, Conn., a senior at Nyack College, working toward a degree in youth ministry.

"He wants to help," she said, "but he doesn't just want to help you deal with it. He wants to heal you.

"Don't let this year go by without receiving what God wants for you - plans to prosper you, not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future," she said, referring to a quotation from the book of Jeremiah in the Bible.

Thoelen was one of a handful of student preachers chosen by her peers to speak this week during the college's required chapel services, held three times a week.

Before she took to the pulpit, the second-degree Kempo black belt bounced on her heels, looking more like she was preparing for a sparring match than a sermon.

This was her first time preaching to such a large crowd, she said. There were about 150 students in Nyack's gymnasium yesterday, where it holds its services.

Thoelen's friend, 18-year-old Joelle Wolters, who is expected to preach at tomorrow's service, introduced Thoelen. She had complete confidence in her friend's abilities.

"She is one of my favorite speakers, bar none, and God has used her over and over again with the words she has spoken," she said to the students.

And on a lighter note, she added: "This morning she's going to preach to you, and if you don't like what she has to say, you can talk to her second-degree black belt."

In her message, Thoelen told the story of Tamar from the Second Book of Samuel. Tamar was raped by her brother, Amnon, who claimed to love her, and was then told to remain silent about the crime, she said. It was two years before another brother avenged the crime by killing Amnon, she said.

For others, she continued, "the abuse wasn't sexual; it was physical and emotional, and you carry those scars on your body and on your hearts."

Thoelen's words seemed to resonate with her peers, who wept with her. Later, after they prayed and sang, students lined up to hug and thank Thoelen.

"A lot of what she said just hit home," said Suzanne Jones, a 20-year-old junior at Nyack. "I had a friend in high school who pretty much told me I wasn't good enough."

Natalia Gaviria, an 18-year-old freshman, and her friend Belinda Lin, a 19-year-old freshman, had tear-stained faces but were smiling.

"It's just amazing how people have so many problems and they're just keeping them inside and hiding them," Gaviria said. "The truth is that God is our only solution and he's the only one who can help us surpass that."

Kelvin Walker, the campus pastor at Nyack College, praised Thoelen like a proud father would.

"She was phenomenal," he said. "We find students always respond to their peers, but this was beyond just responding to a peer.

"She really tapped into what God's message was for the community today," he said. "And you just see that in the response."

Bob Mortimer's Returns

This week he has a full schedule and let me say we really want to see you!! So do WIT (whatever It Takes) to find the time to come out and support his efforts on our behalf in the Greater Springfield Area

Friday 7:30 pm;10:30 pm: Bob Speaks during a post-game concert at the Mass Mutual Center. The Band Unity will be on the Ice and the Lion's Den Youth Outreach Center will honor their Business and Ministry Partnerships of the Year.

Monday 7:15-7:45 pm: Bob will be meeting with members of the homeless population in Springfield and sharing a message of hope

Tuesday 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Amherst College - Friedmann Room, Keefe Campus Center

Lion’s Den Appreciation Dinner

The Dinner was a great success. Some 75 friends gather together and we enjoyed a great time of fellowship, reminiscing and prayer. Just a few images from a great night

When: Friday, January 19 Time: 6-7:30pm
Place: Holy Cross Parish at 221 Plumtree Road
Who: Anyone who’s assisted in any way with the Lion’s Den Youth Outreach Center...Ever

Every year, many people pray, participate, plan, and engage in the work of the LD Youth Outreach Center. We’d like to start off 2007 by saying thank you. With the help of our friends from the Just Faith community at Holy Cross, we’ll have an awesome time of fellowship, food and fun together. Would you consider carving out some time for this special event.

You can RSVP by January 10th one of two ways – via e-mail or calling 413-896-2980 and leaving a message with Erin Quinney

Bob Mortimer

Bob arrived at Bradley Airport late Monday night! His evening began as he was greeted by some LD teens and friends that were part of the welcoming committee! Bob's first stop was West Columbus Ave. As we visited a homeless friend- Amy. We promised her earlier in the night that we would bring a friend by to meet her but that she should not stare at him because he would be missing both legs and one arm. I think she thought we were joking... It was great to bring keep our word and introduce her to Bob.

When we arrived at her place for the evening (the park Bench) there was a bit of a stir that had happened. two other homeless men had come by and there had been a fight between them. The mix of paranoia, drugs, alcohol and personality really make for a lethal concoction. Amy was holding a pipe and was very agitated, the men were sitting but ready to fight at any moment. We "talked" through the situation and eventually felt it was safe to leave- the drama of the night was over! Bob Mortimer was on duty just about 30 min after arriving in Western Mass!

We arrived at Marcus M. Kiley Middle School. I attended Kiley for one year in my youth (7th grade), but I had not been in the building since then! Bob spoke in 3 different assemblies to the entire student body. It was great to meet up with many friends from the past that we have met in different arenas - not we see them wearing their educational hat! The classes were great and Joe Wilson joined us as the "opening number" and as the teens came into the auditorium we had fun with Joe and his alto sax. The principle was very happy with the work that was done and she extended an invitation for Bob to return anytime! Bob spent one on one time meeting teens after the assembly. It was great to be able to connect teens and teachers to the Lion's Den and to meet many Lion's Den teens there. It is a faith strengthening thing when someone that you trust and know is up front sharing important truths with your friends at school. Bob clearly gave a message of hope and encouragement to the Kiley student body!

We took a few hours off in the afternoon to help our friend Clair Mendoza with her housing. She is still at the Howard Johnson's on Boston Rd in Springfield and we paid for her stay through this Thursday. As you read, if you are interested in assisting with her stay. You can call Howard J's directly and sponsor her a night or two. we now have a flat rate, weekends and weekdays of 58.85 for Claire. because we are on the verge of seeing her in an apartment, we only want to prepay for a few nights at a time. Claire is in room 133. You can actually assist over the phone by credit card as long as you have access to a fax machine to also fax to them a letter of authorization. The phone is 413-783-2111 and the fax there is 413-783-7750. After that was done, we all received sad news. Joe Wilson's grand father went home to be with the Lord. We would ask that you remember Joe an his family at this time.

With a few hours off- rest was a welcomed friend! The evening was extremely exciting! Bob met with students from Springfield College, Western New England College and American International College for a special evening together. The gathering took place at Western New England College in the Bear's Den, a gathering place. Over 30 students from the 3 campuses gather for food, prayer and fellowship. Then Bob shared on the topics of relationships (even after 20 years of marriage, it was worth taking notes!!) We praise the Lord for Bob's willingness to keep late hours with us! The gathering started after 9PM and we did not let Bob go until about 11:30PM!!

Today (Wednesday) started later than usual. We headed out about noon- going west to Westfield. Bob spoke at the Community Christian School Chapel service. Children ad adults alike enjoyed his direct message and then there was a vibrant Q & A time.

Following the Chapel service, Bob was a guest for the Cornerstone Research Room radio show. It was a POWERFUL taping and we are excited to hear what God does when that show airs on Nov. 20th. After the taping , Bob visited with teens and students in their rooms at the school. It was a great time!

Our next stop was jail. Bob spoke as part of the Howard Street Jail in Springfield. The gym was full as Bob began to share his testimony. There was an electricity in the are and group was truly ready for Bob's message. They gave Bob a standing ovation at the end and many shouted out "Thank you for coming to us" It was a victory of Biblical proportions!

We concluded our night heading to Stony Brook Correctional Facility (Ludlow Jail), to join the Resident Encounter Christ- Reunion. It was great to be with the REC team. It had been since the long weekend program that we were together. Then once inside, we received a warm welcome from the inmates. We spent time in worship together then Bob brought the word of God with power. Many men prayed to receive Christ and we will rejoice with the angels in heaven!

The Report starts early in the AM! Bob began the morning (6AM) at a Men's Bible Study. The men we really excited to hear the Words that God laid on his heart. The Men's group has been meeting for almost 30 years and God has used them to encourage, train and assist men in their walk with the Lord.

We left the Men's Bible Study and headed for Springfield College. Bob was the guest speaker at an Adaptive P.E. class. The students at the 9AM class perked up and learned much from Bob as he shared his story from the Springfield College Motto "Spirit, Body and Mind." Bob shared from all three perspectives with them.

Then he met with students at the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Huddle. Many of the students had been with Bob before and they enjoyed hearing what God has placed on his heart. Bob spent time after the lunch was over talking and praying with students

It was a race for time after leaving Springfield College to get to Putnam High School in time for their 1:30 Assembly. (We arrived at 1:27PM!) Bob dawned the Putnam Blue and Yellow Sweater ( right off the back of the Assistant Principal) and then went to work! There were about 450 9th graders in this assembly and they were really challenged by Bob's message. At the end of the session some were crying, some were laughing, many want to meet Bob and all were formally introduced to the Lion's Den. Putnam is always a good visit and we are encouraged by the staff and administration there.

Bob's last stop for the night was at Mission Center New Jerusalem's Youth service (ONE WAY). It was a powerful night of challenge and decision. Bob was a great addition to their already incredible night! While Bob was serving in Chicopee, there was other ministry happening in Springfield! Gina Dyson, Erin Quinney, Jim Weick, Pam Winters and the Students from Springfield College were running a great night of Laser Tag at as Part of a College - out of the class experience for Lion's Den Youth. The 16 youth from the Den had an awesome time and can't wait for the next experience. Great thanks to students of Springfield College - making a difference in the community. Back at the home front (Church in the Acres) the youth staff and myself were having a great night of ministry with the teens there! We thank God for every opportunity for Ministry.

Friday started out with Bob and I heading over to Bay Path College in Longmeadow. Jessica LaPointe, a student and volunteer with other regional ministry activities took us for a tour. Several students connected with us during that time, either through the Lion's Den, college ministry connection or church ministry. We even connected with a student who said, "I don't know you - but I know your Mom!" What was great. After touring we had lunch with the students at Bay Path. BP's undergraduate program is an all female program, So Bob and I were wondering if we would be fish out of water (the only guys) but the Ladies we gracious and we felt welcomed as usual. There were lots of visitors on campus as they conducted a " get to know BayPath" day and we learned a lot about this great school. During lunch we sat with several students involved in different activities on and off campus. It was great to hear them share about their Faith and what their plans are for the future. They enjoyed hearing about Bob's life and why he was in the greater Springfield area. Then we met with the Director of Campus Life & the Director of Student Activities and talked about ways we can connect in the future. We had a great time and the staff at Bay Path are excited to meet their students needs in every aspect of their lives.

Our next stop was STCC (Springfield Technical Community College) We went there and posted additional posters for the Monday presentations that Bob will be conducting there. Joe Wilson produced a PSA (public Service announcement ) for this event. If you have not heard it yet, it is attached to this email (turn up your speakers first)

We took an hour to regroup, then headed to the Appreciation Dinner for Mission Center New Jerusalem. It was a great night out and Bob and I got to reconnect with other good friends Like Pastor Harry Knights, Mike Boober and Pastor George Thompson. It was a great night in the MCNJ new Ware House Facility and Bob and I shared with the group all that their ministry has meant to us.

Bob's next stop will be tomorrow (Sunday) at church in the Acres. See the address below. If you don't have somewhere to be tomorrow, join us either at 9:45 or 11:45AM and hear Bob's amazing story. You won't be disappointed.

Sunday AM was a great day! Bob Mortimer started his day by speaking at the Church in the Acres in Springfield. Bob started off by participating in a children's moment where he sung the "one arm blues". Children are great because of their honesty. They told Bob their thoughts about his missing arm and ironically struggled to even notice that he had missing legs!

Bob spoke at 2 services in the morning, ironically the SAME Sunday morning in November, 26 years ago Bob made a serious decision in his life that fulfilled the need to close the spiritual and emotional hole in is life! (If you want to know what that decision was- you can reach him and ask him yourself at Bob@Bobmortimer.org .

It was a great morning and about a dozen attendees were moved to action upon hearing Bob's life story!

The afternoon was restful and then back to work. Bob met with students in the Marsh Memorial Chapel on the campus of Springfield College. The students were participating in 2nd Sunday- a monthly worship service held on the 2nd Sunday of each month at Springfield College.

Students from FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), SC's Weekly Bible study and guests gathered. Music was provided by Samson Lazarus from India and our student of the week was Nate Harris. What an awesome end to a great weekend and a super start for the week!

Your final report will be posted later today as Bob will be at Springfield Technical Community College this AM and then on Springfield College for the last time this trip before heading to Bradley Airport and heading West!

Thank you all for your support of the work happening in the greater Springfield area!

Bob started his final day in the Bay State early Monday AM at Springfield Technical Community College. He spoke at two sessions @ STCC. The Community College is the only Technical Community College in our region and the 170 + attendees to

Bob's Sessions were from every age group and walk of life. Both students and professors laughed and cried with Bob. We were privileged to have Ira Rubenzahl, the College President as well as members of his staff attend Bob's inspiring talk. Between the sessions Bob had and opportunity to speak with professors and students. He was well received by all.

His final stop before heading home was to an Adaptive Phys Ed class at Springfield College. Bob gave these future PE teachers good advice about helping those that will need adaptive services and may be in their classes in the future. Students tried out Bob's wheel chair, asked questions about what gave him the strength to go on and discussed prosthetics. Ironically (Providentially) he spoke in this class on the very day and the very hour when they were scheduled to talk about amputees!

We cannot thank Bob & Darla Mortimer enough for their ministry in New England and among our college communities. We can see that there are many areas of assistance that Bob and his work can offer our halls of higher education.

Once Bob was safe at Bradley Airport the next stop was to pick up 2 great loads of food for the Lion's Den! 2 different groups filled our big van with food! From Chili to toilet paper! We praise God for the assistance and we know that the Lion's Den ministry exists on blessings of the Lord which are given by YOUR hands!

With 8 volunteers on site, the night was encouraging. Teens talked, played pool, ping pong and used the weight room. As the night went on, the teens emptied equipment from the weight room (as we prepare for carpet laying and painting upcoming in a few days). The big discussion among the teens was how much fun they had at Laser Tag last week on Springfield College Campus. Many years ago, Mr. Bubar, a professor at Word of Life Bible Institute told us "Always give teens the time of their life and EARN the right to be heard by them"

The Study time was gender specific last night at the Lion's Den. The guys met in the weight room and listened to the testimony of one of the volunteers and how God helped him overcome life difficulties, the ladies met in the pool room and had a time of praying and sharing together.

While the studies we going on, we invited youth leadership staff from Church in the Acres and Mission Center New Jerusalem to meet and do their weekly debrief time at the Lion's Den. They prayed for students in their ministry programs by name and looked at ways to Biblically lead in their ministry worlds.

The night continued with a "mission's trip" of sorts to down town Springfield. A van load of ministry friends from different worlds gathered downtown, prayed and then went out for one of the most challenging trips to the homeless yet.

Stop one was with police officers as they helped a homeless man receive medical care. It was surprising and amazing to see how much the officers knew about the homeless people they serve. As the man was loaded into an ambulance, I gave one officer my business card. As he looked at it he said "wait, I know who you are- you and others are helping Claire aren't you?" WOW? That is a small world, they had been on the seen a week ago when Claire was trying to find a ride from down town after having her bus pass revoked (Claire says she was cursed at by a bus driver (you're a ______ bum) and thrown off a bus, She tried to find help and when she could not, she reverted to the place that her mental illness seems to have her trapped- childhood and did what any child would do- she through a temper tantrum- including hitting the bus driver with her cane. side note: please pray, without a bus pass- our ability to help Claire becomes increasingly difficult). - He was not only person to know Claire that night. We later met an outreach worker and he said "CLAIRE- of COURSE I know her!! He laughed then said, "Claire is good people!" She is just one of those people that immediately invokes a response.

Our next stop was under the I 291/91 merge. under the roadway there is a group of shopping carts surrounded by cardboard surrounded by blankets. Some of us stood outside the fenced area and called out "DAVE! (we learned his name from some of our travel team) WE HAVE FOOD FOR YOU". Just then we looked over to the gate about 20 yards away and 4 members of the travel team were already inside the fence! The rest of us followed. As we approached I could smell urine. Behind the shopping carts, the blankets and the card board was Dave. A man in his mid to late 50's. We prayed for him, brought him food and liquids. It was not a cold night, so it was not dangerous (temperature wise) for him to be outside, but we are talking about sleeping/living under the highway (which was only about 9-12 feet above us). Dave said he had a daughter (29 years old) was "out" at the moment and the reason she was not there was scarier than him sleeping under the highway. It was quiet in the van after we left Dave.

The next stop was back to our friend Amy. She sleeps on a bench not far from the Basket Ball Hall of Fame. Amy has been alone lately because her bench mates have been getting into de-tox and finding housing so we normally check on Amy a few times a night when we go out. This was our 2nd stop to her world. There was another man there sleeping on a nearby bench. We talked with him. His name is Larry. We asked him if he knew about the Warming Place Shelter, He said "No, will you take me there?" This is when it is BEST to have a team of people when you are traveling! We said "YES we will!" We did not know if there was room, we didn't know if he would even go in, once we arrived- then what would happen? We put him in the "shot gun" seat (Front Passenger Seat) As he sat down he said "I thank you for helping me, you don't even know who I am" Then he quoted Hebrews 13:1-3 (please find a Bible and look it up). He quoted lots of scripture in the 3/4 mile ride to the shelter- all word perfect. He said at one time he was a student at Oral Roberts University. As we were getting Larry checked in, one of our team members offered him a Bible (He had a new Testament, but not a complete Bible and wanted one. The one he received was gold leafed, leather bound, compact and fairly new. Larry said "I want to pray a blessing over the person who gave him the Bible" As they stepped out of the van, he (the homeless man) laid hands on the volunteer and prayed over him! Wow! What a night. We went back to our cars and headed home, not before we ran into one younger homeless woman siting/living under an overpass. we offered her some food and her reply was "God Bless you" - the internal thought going on with us was "He already has- and we thank God for the physical blessings we have all received and the blessing of meeting these special people who are all around us.

3rd Annual WALK FOR YOUTH

The Walk-a-thon was a great success. People attended from many different churches and organizations, and we had a chance to be a real witness to the community. As SOZO played, we walked the park with wonderful t-shirts provided by Cheryl Longo.

City Light Ministry, Mission Center New Jerusalem, and the Lion’s Den all benefited from this event. Many people have asked, “Can I still donate toward the Walk for Youth?” and the answer is absolutely YES!. You can donate simply by using the online donation tool located on our homepage, and in the memo line just put the word “walk".

Aslan's Pride Outreach Event in Westfield

June 10th the place to be is Darthmouth St. In Westfield (4 min. from Exit 3 of the Mass Pike). There will be a children's outreach event that will include: Games food and fun! Bring your kids by and check things out. Motorcycle riders from the Lion's Den will be in attendance and the chldren leadership team from Mission Center New Jerusalem! Write info@lionsdenoutreach.org for more details.

Springfield Falcons Church Night - Friday March 10, 2006

Lion’s Den Youth Outreach Benefit Night!
Proceeds from each ticket sold for 10.00 will support the outreach efforts of the Lion’s Den Youth Outreach Center.

Evening events:
5PM-6PM: Free Public Skate (bring your own)

7:30: Game begins

Half Time: Lion’s Den Youth Outreach Presentation Post Game Concert : Siloam (one of the Christmas Concert bands from 2005 ) will minister to the audience. Hear them at www.siloamband.com

Giveaways...There will be door prizes and fun games on the ice as well as a short presentation by the Lion's Den

Speakers notes from 4C's conference at Mt.. Monadnock Bible Conference Nov. 4-5, 2005

Let it Rain!

We gathered just after 5AM. It was raining pretty good by this point. With 5 days of rain behind us and no forseen end to the water, we made the first executive decision: No Tent for the 4th annual block party. We prayed together then started moving the furniture and making space! The teens packed into the LD like sardines and the enjoyed one of the LD favorite past times: eating! We were blessed to have a strong showing from Law enforcement, on and off duty:(caring for teens is a continual- on duty assignment!) Springfield Police, West Springfield Police, State Trooper Forensics Unit, Springfield DEA an NE DEA. Bobby Bishop brought morality and music together, with his off the hook Hip Hop style! He hung out until well after his 2PM. Pastor Greg shared a bit of his life story and challenged the teens to not just think about themselves, but to pray for their children's children" We cannot thank you all enough for your prayers and loving kindness. May God continue to meet your needs as you serve Him. Thank you for giving to the Lord!

June Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge of the N.E. Field Division, spoke at the block party about the need to stay drug free. She shared that the hardest thing about her vocation was knowing that her collegues were often in harms way.

Jesus Focused Youth Ministry team

October 3-5, 9 adults and little Austin Quinney Ventured out to Jaffery, NH to join the Jesus Focused Youth Ministry team. The forum was a two and one half day intensive look at how we do ministry. The question really was a simple one: is Christ at the Center of who we are and what we do? If not, how do we fix that? Our group represented 9 individuals, 7 different churches 6 different denominational flavors and one very centered person: Jesus Christ! We have all been on the "battle field of ministry before and it was very exciting to pray, relax and brain storm together. The forum was designed to allow us to go another place in ministry experience. Unlike training that simply leads you to another program, JFYM Forum was designed to give each person a frame work or skeleton by which one could build on. We are anxiously looking forward to Spring of 2006 when we will see, Lord willing, another forum which will be experienced by more Western MA warriors!

The TnT Drama Team performs Oct. 11th at Springfield College's Marsh Memorial Chapel

Laughs, fun & Worship! Join us for a real body, Mind and Spirit Experience!! Admission $35.00 -or- FREE Admission with a Good Attitude and some School Spirit! Event starts at 8pm.

Ride for Youth to benefit The Lion's Den Outreach Center of Indian Orchard, Ma

Saturday October 8th 9am-noon. For more information click here or contact Erin at 413-896-2980

Sportslife International, St. Peter's Episcopal and The Lion's Den are hosting a Walk-for-Youth

Lion's Den Youth Center Inc. 2005 Calendar The 2005 Calendars will be out in a few weeks. There will be 1,500-2,000 calendars distributed for a suggested donation of $8.00 each.

There are 11 months still available as well as the front and back cover available.

The monthly pages will be available for $100.00 per page, and each month can hold up to 4 sponsorships.

Each page will have a picture related to the Lion's Den as well as information about Lion's Den activities going on so people can pray and plan accordingly.

The sponsorship area will be a business card size space and you'll have flexibility to fill it as you wish (pictures, graphics, etc.).

The sponsorship spaces will be given on a first come first serve basis. We'd love to have a sponsorship place from you!

You may also want to reserve your calendar(s) ahead of time. There will be a limit to the production this year. If you'd like to have some reserved for your group, They will be sold for $8.00 each, 2 for $15.00 and blocks purchases of 10 calendars or more for $5.00 each.

You can reserve yours by sending us an e-mail at dysong2@aol.com. Drop us a line today to reserve your spot!

Gregory Dyson
Executive Director
Lion's Den Youth Outreach Center Inc.
P.O. Box 51142
40 Front St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
413-543-4444

Last Friday The Lion's Den was invited to conduct a "Look Up" Assembly for 350 9th graders at Putnam High School in Springfield.

We wanted to encourage the freshmen to think about all the choices they will be able to make over the next few years and to consider taking the "high road". There is some much for them to look forward to! The day began by getting some assistance from R.A.I.D. (Reconnaissance And Interdiction Detachment of the Army National Guard.) They landed an OH58 Helicopter on the front lawn of the school at 8:30 AM. We asked them to come and speak about the need to make right choices. Their job is to help track down people making wrong choices in the area of drug use. One of the things they shared about was in order to get a good paying fun job like flying a helicopter, having a clean record relating to drugs is a prerequisite.

We also had Mr. Darin Reisler from the Community Anti Drug Coalition (William Bennet's Office). He brought a pair of "drunk glasses" and then we picked volunteers to do simple tasks like walk a straight line and catch a football with these glasses on. The students were laughing, when they observed how these glasses simulated the effects of having substances in ones body that would leave a person out of control. Darin talked about the not so funny reality of bad choices and he also brought material to distribute warning of the effects of drugs and alcohol on teenagers.

The assembly was kicked off with a show stopping performance from TNT (Trustin And Testifyin') Puppet Troop. Marilene Allen (from Bethany Assembly) and her team, many of whom are home schooled, truly wowed the crowd with a quality act that was encouraging, funny and thought provoking. A few of the numbers they used as they ministered included full size body puppets strapped to puppeteers. Each puppet is worked by two people simultaneously. Under the black light all you see is the puppets and they did an awesome job.

Most of the seats that you see to the right of the isle were filled on Friday. There were many teens in the audience who regularly attend the Lion's Den. It was our pleasure to use them as assistants during the assembly. One of these youngsters joined me at the Microphone and "rapped" about the Lion's Den and the effect it has had on his life! We also brought with us a visitor from Ghana, West Africa. He shared about growing up and attempting suicide using drugs. He will be sharing his entire testimony on WACE AM730, Monday January 3rd from 12-12:30PM. Because of the Humvee, Helicopter and the Lion's Den Bus (Leviathan) parked out front, passers by who had a connection the Lion's Den called my cell phone inquiring what was going on at the school! We encouraged them to pray for the youngsters at Putnam and around the city who are faced with tough choices every day.

At the end of the assembly, a young man came up to me and said " I met you 4 years ago at the Luis Palau Festival, I came forward that day for prayer and counseling". This was amazing, because the work that I was doing during the Luis Palau Festivals did not allow me the privilege of counseling many people during the actual Festival. However, I remember this young man, who came forward on May 18, 2001 for prayer. Friday he shared "I am going to church and I have been clean (off drugs) for a long time!"

The day ended as we met teens at the lunch room and then out in front of the school .It was great to see youth that we work with from the Lion's Den, other inner city ministries, and churches over the past few years. It was also encouraging to see adults who quietly worked behind the scenes to make these joint efforts possible.

Channel 40 news covered the event and the interviewed teens who said "we'll consider what is being shared with us". When I spoke with one young lady after the assembly and asked her what she thought this was all about, she said, "you all came to show us how much you love us".

May God help us as we do just that. Many of you were praying and we are so thankful for that!