Hey!

I just wanted to share a little bit of testimony with ya'all, and also get some input from some of my Brothers and Sisters in Christ!

Last week, I got back from the Campus Crusade for Christ Impact Movement National Conference, Impact 04! It was awesome; I was so blessed! I had been down in the dumps, and really had no direction. For the longest time I had Ministry in the back of my head, and have had a passion, and just ability to work with youth. Because of this conference, I have really renewed my spirit, and have a new Boldness in Christ.

I really feel called to some sort of Youth Ministry, and I plan on going to Seminary for a Masters in Christian Education after I finish my Bachelor's in Exercise Science here at the wonderful University of Nebraska at Omaha!

I really don't know what exactly, maybe a Youth Minster at a Church, working with Child Evangelism Fellowship, Campus Crusade, or if God provides, even speaking at conferences like the one I just attended would be awesome! I really just want to minister and help other people, and I've been told by many people that they see me working with young people. I have been a volunteer at my local YMCA working with their Y Teen Leaders program, helping them organize community service and fun activities.

I guess I just wanted to tell people how Christ is working in my life! I was so shy and timid before this conference, having been hurt by some relationships in my past, but I have a good amount of Jesus Joy now, and God Given Boldness! PRAISE HIM!

To keep my fire going, I have been in the Word and Praying and Studying more than I have in a long time, if ever, and I love it! I find myself smiling all the time! I know hard times come too, and I pray and study to build up that Shield of Faith, and keep my sword, the Word, in my daily life. =)

Nicole! Your music has always been a Joy for me, and I always thank God for giving me a wonderful Sister like you! Going to the conference and feeling the love of all of these Brothers and Sisters in Christ really strengthened me, and I knew He wanted me there. I am growing day by day, and I already feel much deeper meaning in the Christian Music I listen to, like yours which I listen to quite often.

If anybody has any comments, or suggestions, any words of wisdom for someone who wants to be in Ministry in general, or specifically Youth Ministry, holla back! I know there are some wise Brothers and Sisters here, and I know that Nicole has touched many a young person, and really has a heart for them.

Oh, and Nicole!? You just had your Birthday? So did I! Mine was a bit before yours, I turned 20 on the 28th of December, while I was at the Impact Conference! They were having an Open Mic Night after the official stuff got over for the day, and they asked if it was anyone's Birthday, and they had the crowd, over a hundred people, sing me Happy Birthday, and gave me a free CD from the HER Project, a Female Christian Hip-Hop Compilation of six artists.

Thanks for taking the time to read this! I know it got kind of long, but a lot of exciting things are happening in my life, and I want to let everyone know what He has done for me!

Run to Win! 1 Cor. 9:24
Todd