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Tell the Greatest Story

Do you ever think about what comes out of your mouth? Our words have a lot of power. They can hurt other people or show them our love and kindness. They can also tell stories. Did you know that the greatest story you can tell is the story of what God has done in your life? Do you know that you are loved unconditionally by the God of the universe? If so, do you find opportunities to share this great hope with others? God wants us to share his love and the story of why we follow him with everyone we meet. We can do by the way we live and the way we act, but we can also use our mouths to tell people about the hope that we have. This issue of The Hopper is full of encouragement for ways to share your faith - the story of your experience with God. And, of course, there's fun stuff, too. So read on!

What's Happening at SpringHill Michigan

3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders - tell your church youth leader about SpringHill's Fall Retreats! At SpringHill Michigan we'll be meeting at the Hill for two Juniors retreats: November 17-19 and December 1-3. Shout it out with KC & the Gloworms, go crazy with out-of-this-world activities, and get lots of time to grow with God and as a group. It'll be your group's greatest event of the year and your best chance to get back to SpringHill before 2007!

Sharing Something Amazing

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. -1 John 1:3

Have you ever seen something so incredible you couldn't wait to tell someone about it? Imagine a giant meteor shower that filled the nighttime sky with streaming, twinkling lights. If you saw this magical display, would you keep it to yourself? Or would you run and try to find someone to show or tell?

When we follow Jesus, we are part of something really amazing. We are forever connected to the God of the universe. The God who made every star in the sky loves us and lives in us. Why would we keep this incredible truth to ourselves?

Share some questions and answers with your parents: Do you have a relationship with Jesus? If so, why? What have you experienced in this relationship? What can you tell friends about Jesus?

SpringHill Counselors Talk to The Hopper

If you were at Copper Country this summer, you may probably remember Sproket, who was area director Andrew Hayes. A junior and history major at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana, Andrew talks to The Hopper about his relationship with Jesus and how he shares his faith with others.

The Hopper: Why do you have a relationship with Jesus?
Andrew: Because Jesus has made it clear to me that he wants to have a relationship with me! Plus, when I compare what it feels like to know and serve God versus what it feels like to put myself first, there is no comparison. One leads to emptiness and loneliness and one leads to joy.
The Hopper: How do you share Jesus in your daily life?
Andrew: Mostly, I try to share his love with people. No matter how many good things you do and say, it's only the Holy Spirit who changes hearts. If people see God in you, that is most effective, I think.
The Hopper: Do you find it easy or difficult to talk about Jesus? What helps you?
Andrew: I used to think it was difficult until I realized that I just had to stick with God and he'd bring people into my life who really wanted to hear. God puts the hunger in a person's heart; I'm just responsible to share my story.

Hey, Storybrook campers! Counselor Christine Washington, a second year college student at Hope College in Michigan, talked to The Hopper, too. Here's what she said about following Jesus.

The Hopper: Why do you have a relationship with Jesus?
Christine: I grew up in the church because my dad is a pastor. As I grew up, though, I found God for myself and I have to say that he is the best thing that has ever happened for me. Following Jesus gives me purpose in life and helps me know why I'm here.
The Hopper: How do you share Jesus in your daily life?
Christine: I talk about experiences. For example, I tell people what I did all summer at SpringHill. This opens conversations about how real God is in my life. I also talk to people about prayer, which I think is so important.
The Hopper: Do you find it easy or difficult to talk about Jesus? What helps you?
Christine: I find it more difficult if I know a person really well. I often try to show that I follow Jesus through the way I live my life. I find that reading my Bible helps a lot. When I am having a hard time knowing what to say to someone, God will talk to me by directing me to just what I need in his Word.

SpringHill Stunts

If you're up for a challenge and a way to stump your friends, we'll be giving you a new stunt to pull off each issue of The Hopper. One month we'll give you the challenge and the next month we'll show you how to conquer it! Are you ready? Here's the first SpringHill Stunt (w atch the video to see what to do or read the directions below):

1. Get a rope or long piece of thick string and hold it with both hands.

2. Without removing either hand from the rope (even for a second), tie an overhand knot in the rope.

Look for the solution in next month's issue of The Hopper. Good luck!