Spring 2015, Vol. 2, No. 1

a publication of The Bridge of Storm Lake

DivineDivineDivine The EverydayThe EverydayThe Everyday

We are committed to valuing individuals, nurturing

relationships, and witnessing the transforming power of

Jesus Christ.

The Everyday Divine Spring 2015, Vol. 2, No. 1 Published four times a year by The Bridge of Storm Lake

SUBSCRIBE Subscriptions are free of charge to addresses in the United States. Contact The Bridge to subscribe.

DONATIONS For information on how you can support the ministry of The Bridge, call (712) 213-0195 or visit thebridgeofstormlake.com

CONTACT 205 Flindt Drive, Suite 1 Storm Lake, IA 50588 (712)213-0195 thebridgeofstormlake.com Blog: frontporchinspired.com

The Bridge of The Bridge of

Storm Lake Storm Lake

is a ministry of Christ For the City

International www.cfci.org

2 The Bridge of Storm Lake

8 | For I was hungry & you

gave me food

14 | Youth news

CONTENTSCONTENTS Spring 2015, Vol. 2, No. 1

4 | The truth about The

Bridge

11 | Ways to stay updated

6 | From the steeples to the

streets

10 | Intercultural training

12 | New faces at The

Bridge

13 | Neighborhood centers

update

The Everyday Divine, Spring 2015 3

W e ended our 2014 theme of Christ Alone, Cornerstone in a different place than we ever

anticipated. After an exceptionally stressful season, we knew changes needed to happen. Anne and I were given a sabbatical from October-December, one that provided much needed time to process the whirlwind of ministry that had happened over the past 5 years. We recognized that The Bridge ministry had grown tremendously in just 5 years—and that the momentum had become a force of its own, one that often demanded much of us. It took some serious brakes to refocus. While it certainly was a season of pruning, it was one that we recognized was vital. By the end of 2014, we could see how God had brought the ministry to depend solely on Christ Alone, Cornerstone.

A New Theme for 2015 When 2015 began, we had few answers for our next

steps. Thus, the vision and theme for 2015 became Walking by Faith. We believed the ministry needed to look

differently going forward, but we didn’t know what that meant

exactly. Thus began 2015 based on the verse, “we walk by faith, not by sight” in

2 Cor. 5:7. Praying for a Team

Our primary prayer in this season has been for more full-time, committed leaders to join this ministry team; as we realized the work here necessitated a team, not just a couple. Anne wrote about this on our blog, a few of us set alarms on our phones to remember to pray each day to the Lord of the harvest, and we’ve prayed consistently over this need during our weekly meetings. And, God began to answer this prayer. First, Hannah Zimmerman committed to serving here for 1.5 years as a full-time missionary following her college graduation. Hannah committed to this on faith, and we are extremely grateful for her willingness to step into this adventure with us! God’s also provided two new interns seeking experience in accounting and finances (pg. 12), two year-round AmeriCorps positions, and a team of 8 summer AmeriCorps positions. We praise God for how He provides for His work in His time.

Developing a Training Center Through much prayer, time, and many meetings within The Bridge Leadership Council, we began to sense God’s leading in a specific direction; in His mercy, He

has been so clear with His leading, answers to prayers, and unity on the Leadership Team. We are excited to be able to share with you the vision we believe God’s put into our hearts: We will be creating a local nonprofit under the name of The Bridge of Storm Lake. This will allow us to launch a sustainable business model and training center for ministry. The focus of this business and training center will be based in agriculture and in construction projects. This model will allow us to train young people and adults in practical skills as well as living out their faith in Jesus in their work and everyday living. Our vision is to see this generation empowered with practical skills, mentoring, and connections necessary to make God-honoring life-decisions and to contribute positively to a community. As always, The Bridge desires to give people the opportunity to know about Jesus Christ through relationships with Christian people. We pray that this new business and ministry training center will be used by God to equip His people with necessary skills and talents in order that they may be sent out as His disciples to this community, this nation, or around the world. Finally, The Bridge will also be engaged in training people for intercultural ministry in partnership with Global Frontiers Missions. Lord willing, we plan to launch our first class in September. There are more details about this on page 10.

Answered Prayers God continues to affirm His will through answered prayers. The Real Life Church is allowing us to utilize the land directly behind Seneca Center for the garden project and training center. God has provided people for the necessary positions. Peter Mulgae will take one of the AmeriCorps positions and is committing to serve here for the next two years (pg. 12). There are a couple more interested individuals who will be interviewed for the second position. And, we’ve already been able to make a list of young people interested in serving on the 2015 Summer Team through AmeriCorps as well. Finally, we have received grant funding from the local Regional Soil and Water Conversation District to begin the garden project.

Would you like to be involved? In order to launch this, we anticipate a significant need for funding and partners. If you are interested in join-ing this work as we take these steps of faith together, please get in contact with us!

Jay Dahlhauser, DirectorJay Dahlhauser, DirectorJay Dahlhauser, Director Vision for The Bridge in 2015Vision for The Bridge in 2015

4 The Bridge of Storm Lake

The truth about The Bridge The truth about The Bridge The truth about The Bridge & what it means to me& what it means to me& what it means to me

By Hannah Zimmerman

When I first heard about The Bridge, I wanted nothing to do with it. Maybe it was the hipster in me, but since it seemed popular among my peers at the time, I shied away from it. God slowly worked in my heart through my friends and professors at Buena Vista

University to give the organization a chance. They pushed me to see what it was all about before judging it. So I did…and hated it…but I gave it another chance for about a month, and this is when God really started moving. I interned at The Bridge for January term, working in the office, helping

The Everyday Divine, Spring 2015 5 4 The Bridge of Storm Lake

with the middle school girls’ Bible study and Food Distribution. I connected with Jay and Jill and had a great experience learning a lot about myself and ministry in the process. I continued to volunteer with The Bridge through the semester and Jay finally talked me into being a VISTA on the Summer Team.

This summer is when I really recognized the community here. We met every morning for prayer and devotions. We sent encouraging notes to each other. We hung out after work. We sat around and had real and deep life talks. We ate meals together and played loads of basketball. We laughed, cried, danced, and celebrated together. You may not think that this is a big deal but it all happened within ten weeks. We were able to build such great relationships with each other and develop this sense of community because that’s what The Bridge

does. They invest in people’s lives and it turns into something more beautiful than you could have foreseen.

So, when I look at The Bridge, I see a community, but I also see my friends, mentors, and now colleagues. They are people who I am comfortable with. Friends I can trust and confide in. Leaders who will challenge me. Believers with compassion shining through them. And I see a bunch of great people with a lot of love in them.

The Bridge is more than just a

cool nonprofit in the midst of

Storm Lake. An office building.

A place that hands out food. Or

people to play with kids at an

afterschool program. It’s a

community. A support group. A

gathering of believers. Of

friends who love each other

and love God more. And I’m so

thankful to be a part of it. ■

The truth about The Bridge The truth about The Bridge The truth about The Bridge & what it means to me& what it means to me& what it means to me

6 The Bridge of Storm Lake

By Anne Dahlhauser

We started life at Seneca Center with hearts full of passion and the best of intentions. Life here is one of the most beautiful things that has happened to Jay and me and to our kids. It’s the most right thing in our messed up world, I suppose.

Yet, I guess it doesn't look that way - not from the outside. Because, we get pity-looks. We get comments centered around how “difficult it must be” – this type of living.

But, no friends, it’s not this that is difficult.

We are most at home, most comfortable, here – drinking sugary tea, eating now-familiar dishes, being part of a village-like life dropped into small-town Iowa.

In fact, sometimes I sit on my porch swing, and I watch the kids running barefoot, with spices lingering heavy in the air, and I am the most at peace, here.

But the real challenge? The tension that pulls us thin? It's what happens when we must leave our street and navigate our other world - the North American church world. And, we must, because we live here, and it’s inevitable.

I must leave my house, the one that doubles as a youth center, and try to wrap my mind around how the kids whose bare feet were just parked under my table will ever be welcomed in the local churches' youth

groups. But, please, not just to be tolerated – but to belong.

I must leave my kitchen, the one that receives those okra and lamb and rice and such dishes, and try to wrap my mind around how these ladies would ever experience Christ in the church women's culture of lovely events and conferences and retreats with matching napkins.

I must leave my driveway, the place where the boys shoot baskets like their NBA heroes and the men yell about politics in South Sudan – and try to wrap my mind around how any of these guys will come to reconcile their identity in Christ, much less in their culture, if it depends even in part on the discipleship efforts of the local churches.

If I could just stay put on my street, stay in my neighborhood – life would make sense. Or, if I could just stay put under my steeple, in my church world – life would make sense.

But, I can’t make sense of this North American Christianity when it butts up against the real world of our life.

I can’t understand the programs and the pew-sitting and the show-making that foster greater and greater belonging for the already belonging – while the outcasts remain cast out.

And, I suppose, sometimes I’m tired of fighting to engage the church world. It is how it is. Maybe integration is but a dream.

The Everyday Divine, Spring 2015 7

Maybe barges can't change their course. Maybe some churches are best just serving the population they most resemble – white, educated, wealthy, coffee-drinking folks.

But, maybe not. Maybe it’s not too much to ask? Because, I still believe in church – believe that real community can happen because of the Cross, and a local church actually can reflect the local population, crossing all kinds of barriers.

But, it doesn’t happen with programs. It doesn’t happen by paying a professional religious leader with a string of letters behind his name and expecting him (or the local missionary couple) to bring in the different skin tones and make sense of it all. It doesn’t happen by buying a building, putting up a sign with the word “CHURCH” and having a grand opening weekend. It doesn't happen just because there is money available in an account or a vacant spot on the denomination's map of its churches.

Church happens when the Gospel is freed from how it’s always been and lit up on the streets.

Church happens when people dig deep in the mud of messy lives, culture, relationships, tragedies and victories. Because, church sprouts from relationships and living, with authenticity and depth - but it can't be programmed or controlled or launched into existence.

Real church must be cultivated in sacrifice, on the ground-level, working life together alongside people with dirt under our nails and God-purpose beating invisible in our hearts.

And, it happens when average people are willing to lay aside their comfortable culture in respect of the all-inclusive Gospel culture. It happens when everyday people are brought up as disciples who follow Christ to the outcasts and the broken and the unloved. It happens when we stop - intentionally, if necessary, stop - associating exclusively with “our own” and start seeing everyone as human, friends, part of God’s family. It happens when a passion for God's glory among the nations divinely surpasses

the passion for comfort and familiar and control.

So, you ask how we could ever survive the dozens of kids, ridiculously muddy front lawn, or steady knocking at our door?

It's doable. There's purpose in it. There's a sense of calling and abundant, lavish Grace from His hands for the people in our world, those close to His heart.

But the real heaviness comes as we stand in the midst of these two worlds -

For, there is the Church, in all her beauty, theological knowledge, stability, and prosperity -yet absorbed in her own matters. Far too long has she shied away from the streets, from the neighborhoods, from the halls of businesses, schools, and jails.

But, may she be given ears to hear and feet to go, for there is a far greater purpose to which she is called. A calling that trumpets hope to the nations and salvation to the souls, those leaning in for a word of this Good News she's carrying.

It's time for the Church to take her place & take her ground-from steeples to the streets.

Will we move beyond ourselves? Will we step out of our world and into another's?

Church, are we eager to see the Gospel lit up on the streets? Are we obsessed with the idea? Consumed enough to sacrifice our gain for the sake of His glory?

Oh Jesus, Immanuel, the One who came and dwelled among us. Teach us how to dwell among, how to go to, how to let go of our independence and self-focus. Help us to cultivate relationships and highly esteem the beautiful, messy, desperate stories-in-skin living all around us. Make us passionate about whatever is on Your heart - whatever the cost. Help us be Your church, active and alive. And, may we never forget the real tragic case is in our own hearts – not the one on the street – for it’s us, the broken and the outcasts, that You came to pull nearer. May this truth echo in our

everydays. Amen. ■

8 The Bridge of Storm Lake

By Jill Engelmann

Over five years ago, observant BVU students noticed a need to feed hungry kids after school—thus this ministry began. It soon outgrew Jay and Anne's kitchen and needed a permanent home. We are so thankful for the Storm Lake United Methodist Church for allowing The Bridge food ministry to be based in their kitchens.

Under the guidance of Donna Musel, assisted by Jill Engelmann, this ministry continues to meet the need of many hungry area families. We usually serve around 300 individuals weekly. The food, which is left over from area buffets, is donated generously by the following: Sodexo (Buena Vista University), BVRMC, Tyson, Methodist Manor, Pizza Hut, Pizza Ranch, Grand Central Coffee Station, and the Storm Lake Bakery. Browns Shoes also donates much needed bags for carrying out the food each week.

Each afternoon, volunteers pick up the food from our food partners and then pack the food at the United Methodist Church. Every Monday is Food Distribution, in which individuals are welcome to come for the bags of food frozen throughout the week.

In addition, an area congregation comes each Monday night during the food distribution time to pray and visit with people as they wait. The pastor also shares a short message based on the Bible verse of the week. This type of connection with area churches has been one of the leadership’s goals in order to facilitate relationships and fellowship; we are so thankful for how the Lord has provided, reminding us that this is His work and how He cares deeply for His children.

Our first church partner, Hope EFC, began by collecting canned food one Sunday each month, and then came to help distribute the food the third Monday of every month. Since then, each Monday was adopted by a local church; Summit Church in Alta, committed to the first Monday, Grace Lutheran Hispanic Church took the second Monday, and Bethel Baptist of Newell now serves the fourth Monday. These partnerships have been such an encouragement to us, and it is a joy to work alongside these dear brothers and sisters. Praise the Lord!

AREAS OF NEED: We always need volunteers to pack food. (We especially need extra volunteers when the university students are on break.)

Also, one of our biggest expenses is gallon ziplock bags; we go through many bags each week! Thus, we have a need for individuals/churches/organizations to collect gallon ziplock bags and/or canned goods.

Please consider how the Lord might use you to bless others through this food ministry. If you would like to join our volunteer team or help the ministry by collecting bags and/or canned goods, please contact Jill Engelmann at jill@thebridgeofstormlake.com ■

For I was hungry &For I was hungry &For I was hungry & you gave me foodyou gave me foodyou gave me food

The Everyday Divine, Spring 2015 9

you gave me foodyou gave me foodyou gave me food

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink,

I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me,

I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.

Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?

And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?

And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to

one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” Matthew 25:35-40

Intercultural Ministry Training

through The Bridge & Global Frontier Missions

This training is designed to equip you with tools to help you grow spiritually, to share your faith with people from all backgrounds, to effectively minister cross-culturally, and to make disciples of the nations that are living close to you (locally) as well as people at the ends of the earth (globally).

Students may choose the intended level of study: Certificate (non-degree) Associate, Bachelor, or Master of Ministry in Intercultural Studies degree

Covenant Theological Seminary awards 30 hours of Bible credits (15 hours for masters level students) for completing the 20 modules of GFM’s online missionary training school and another 30 hours of ministry practicum (15 hours for masters level students) for completing 15 hours of local ministry in an intercultural context, which can be done through The Bridge.

Contact The Bridge for more information! The first group of students will begin September 2015.The first group of students will begin September 2015.The first group of students will begin September 2015.

10 The Bridge of Storm Lake

The Everyday Divine, Spring 2015 11

Want to stay updatedWant to stay updatedWant to stay updated with The Bridge?with The Bridge?with The Bridge?

The Bridge site // TheBridgeofStormLake.comThe Bridge site // TheBridgeofStormLake.comThe Bridge site // TheBridgeofStormLake.com

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Info about: activities // news updates // ways to pray // getting involved // donating

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Posts & pictures about: living on mission // inspiration // education // conversations

Ministry blog // FrontPorchInspired.comMinistry blog // FrontPorchInspired.comMinistry blog // FrontPorchInspired.com

12 The Bridge of Storm Lake

We are thankful to the Lord for how Hannah has responded to His leading and decided to stay in Storm Lake to serve at The Bridge following her BVU graduation. Hannah was part of our Summer Team last year and has consistently proven herself to be dedicated and capable. She is currently volunteering 8 hours/week in the office, and she will begin her full-time service in June. Hannah has committed to serving 1.5 years at The Bridge as a short-term Christ For the City International missionary. Hannah’s main role will be to use her gifts of communication and organization as The Bridge’s Administrative Assistant, and she will be working with various ministry activities outside the office as well.

Introducing… new faces at The Bridge

The Bridge has gratefully received two new interns for the Spring semester through Iowa Central Community College—Chau Nguyen and Lynn Tran. These ladies are working in the accounting and finance area of The Bridge office. They are getting a lot of practice in managing records, data entry, and producing budgets, and we so appreciate all their work!

We are happy to introduce Peter as our first year-round AmeriCorps member serving at The Bridge. Peter has committed to two years of service, and he will begin his service in June. His role will be The Bridge’s Project Coordinator, working in the new garden project at the Training Center.

Peter and his family have been deeply involved with The Bridge ministry over the years; he has served on our Summer Team, volunteered regularly, attended Bible studies, and been a great role model and resource for us all.

The Bridge is seeking an individual who will serve full-time as an AmeriCorps year-round VISTA in the role of Volunteer Coordinator. The service period is June 2015–June 2016. This person will be recruiting and training volunteers as well as coordinating those involved in The Bridge Training Center. A cost of living stipend and an educational award are provided by AmeriCorps. Contact jay@thebridgeofstormlake.com if you’re interested.

The Everyday Divine, Spring 2015 13

Neighborhood Centers Neighborhood Centers Neighborhood Centers UPDATEUPDATEUPDATE

By Jay & Anne

Winter is always a welcomed calm from all the activities around here during the warmer months! We have enjoyed being snowed in with just our kids on a couple occasions and have loved the slower pace. Volunteers from BVU came through the end of the fall semester, helping with home-work, reading books, playing games, and doing crafts with the kids. As we look ahead to spring and summer, we will be spending more time on youth projects and in the garden with these families. We are so excited that we will be able to use the land directly behind Seneca Center for this new gardening endeavor! Even with all the chaos and craziness, we love where God has us; the daily living here gives us many opportunities to build relationships with the adults and families,

and we are so blessed to do life here.

By Bob & Natalie

The cold weather has kept area kids at home for the most part, but that has allowed us to settle into our new surroundings and life with two children! We have been able to open our home each week for two youth nights—on Tuesdays about twenty junior high girls come for a meal and Bible study, and on Wednesdays a group of about twenty 4th-10th grade boys come for a meal and Bible study. We are looking forward to the warmer weather and the end of human hibernation so we can be more of a presence in the neighborhood. We hope to see a plethora of kids playing on our new lawn (praying the lawn survives)! We are looking forward to building relation-ships with kids who will one day be lead-ers. We also hope to get to know more of the adults, to build relationships we hope lead to true friendships, and to shine

God's love and hope in this neighborhood!

Tulip CenterTulip CenterTulip Center

Seneca CenterSeneca CenterSeneca Center

The Sons of Honor boys are planning a camping trip on the Buffalo National River in Arkansas on Easter weekend. Jay, a team of adults, and 4

high school youth will be leading the group.

In order to go on the trip, the boys are responsible for planning all aspects of the experience. There are small groups for Food, Supplies & Camp Set Up, Worship & Activities, and Schedule & Finance, led by adults. In describing the motivation for the planning process, Jay said he, “wants the boys to take ownership of the trip and have an opportunity to

work as a team.”

In addition to the preparation necessary for the trip, the boys are learning how to fund the trip. They will be hosting a tip night at Pizza Ranch in Storm Lake on Wednesday, March 18th—please come out and support their efforts! Ten percent of sales as well as all tips

will go towards the trip.

The boys are also willing to do other odd jobs for people in order to raise money for the trip. Please contact Jay to discuss possibilities. As

with the team planning, Jay said, “the purpose in having the boys raise their own money for the trip is to instill a strong sense of responsibility for the trip and just good work ethic overall. This trip is a big deal to the boys and something they are

coming together to work for.”

No dates have been set yet for a summer Sons of Honor camp. After this trip, the boys will be responsible for planning for the summer camp as well and inviting their friends. In keeping with The Bridge philosophy on working with youth, Jay said, “we want to give the boys opportunities to be leaders and to develop their potential. They have a lot to contribute, rather than The Bridge just providing activities for them. They are a great group of kids—with a lot

of energy!”

14 The Bridge of Storm Lake

Boys’ Camping Trip to Arkansas: an opportunity for team work & taking responsibility

Youth NewsYouth NewsYouth News

Sons of Honor will be

hosting Tip Night at

Pizza Ranch in Storm

Lake on Wed, March 18.

Hope to see you there!

The Everyday Divine, Spring 2015 15

The girls’ summer camps will

be held July 13-17. Watch our

website for more details!

The Bridge Festival in the Park will be held on Friday evening, July 17th as a celebration of what the girls learned and completed during camp week. The public is welcome to come and enjoy the

music, food, and displays!

In general, BridgeKIDS are the elementary-aged kids living around the neighborhood centers. However, as families move around, the circle of those involved just widens and so does our bus route! Recently, these kids have had some great outings—an on-going partnership with BVU in which the kids go to campus to learn about science as well as a Christmas party hosted by Goodwill. This winter, the kids are attending a kids’ church program each week at Summit Church in Alta. Apart from the special outings, there is always an open door at the centers for kids and other activities, like after-school help from BVU volunteers. During the winter, there is less activity overall—but we are looking towards spring and another

great summer for these kids with the help of the 2015 Summer Youth Team!

Summer Camps for Girls!Summer Camps for Girls!

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