Sonlight Power is a non-profit organization that installs solar-based power systems in schools and other facilities in developing countries. It began when founder Allen Rainey combined his passion of going on mission trips with his desire to provide affordable solar energy to developing countries into one mission for Christ. Sonlight Power will complete five trips this summer:

• June 5-12: Trip to Honduras, installing 3 power systems in the town of Choluteca.
• June 12-21: Trip to Olancho, Honduras, installing in 2 schools and a medical facility.
• June 12-21: Trip to San Marcos, Honduras, installing systems in three schools. Luke Fey described his experiences on the trip: “A boy who was probably about thirteen years old approached us, and didn’t say anything, but stared at a soccer ball we had brought.. We noticed, so Dan picked it up and tossed it to him, sort of casually, like it wasn’t a big deal or anything...But then I saw the look on that boy’s face... I’ve decided that the look on his face right then at receiving that soccer ball... is the look we will all have on our faces the day we see Jesus.” (taken from the EBeacon Newsletter).
• July 11-18: A team went to Haiti to install systems in three schools.
• July 25-August 1: Trip to Namasigue, Honduras, working with a group from the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin, PA, installing systems in two or three schools.

Typically on the trips, part of the team will install the systems while the others entertain the school children with games and teach them about Jesus. After completion, the teachers are given the games and school supplies to keep for instructional use and the children receive gifts. Generally, the villagers are very grateful for the installations and often show their appreciation by throwing parties in the teams’ honor. Please continue to pray for the teams as they engage in this physically and spiritually demanding work.

At the camp, I was only in charge of seven kids, but it felt like twenty. I had four other counselors working with me, but we still had trouble containing their energy Each day was a test of how far they could push the limit of my tolerance, as they were always running off, drawing on each other, etc., even when we spoke to them in Hungarian.

I had thought that by the end of the week I would be glad to see them leave, but I never realized how much they touched my heart. As I hugged the kids goodbye on the last day, I was surprised that I ended up crying with them. One child named Bence didn't want to leave the camp at all, so I held him for about five minutes with both of crying our eyes out. I gave him the one thing of mine that I could - my name tag. Though he had plenty of crafts to remember the camp by, it felt right to give him a part of me as well. I had never expected to be this broken up over leaving.

I can now see how much each of them meant to me. We may never see the kids or the local teens who worked with us ever again. One of the kids told their pastor that they wanted another camp. He said that there would be a camp next year to which the kid replied, "But not this camp!" His feelings were definitely shared by many. Never before have I been touched in the way I was by those kids. I will always remember their names: Lehel, Bence, Gergo, Eli, Misu, Oszama, and Nabil.

“It's about His heart, His purpose, His plan. Let's make history together in Jesus’ name.”

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard Fr. George note that while most of us will not be called to foreign mission work we all have missionary opportunities in our families, friendships, and communities. And that makes it so appropriate that this summer our parish supported mission work right in our own backyard… Well, parish center, anyway.

IMPACT College Hill, a joint effort launched by CityCURE in partnership with Christ’s Community in College Hill and the College Hill churches, operated every July weekday from 11am to 3pm in its ministry to about 90 area youth (ages 5-18). The daily program included three components: sports, arts & crafts, and chapel (hosted at College Hill Presbyterian Church’s sanctuary), as well as a free breakfast and lunch. As part of CityCURE, the program’s core purpose is to foster the youths’ personal relationship with Jesus through creative, relationship-focused programs.

Ron Whitt, the staff member of CityCURE who supervises this program, noted, “I believe in relationships. Keep it simple.” Whitt and his team of college interns, whom he described as “very consistent, very dedicated”, seem perfectly attuned to the fact that most kids just want a place to hang out where they can be themselves and be respected. With that in place, youth can open their minds and hearts to the Good News.

IMPACT’s impact doesn’t stop with this July program; Whitt runs various programs for teens throughout the year and is expanding the audience to include children as well. The ministry efforts of Whitt and his team are perfect examples of backyard mission work. What backyard mission work has God planned for you?

Thirty students and four interns will leave for Resident Camp on Sunday, July 26. The camp is being held at King’s Domain near Lebanon, Ohio, and our own interns will be serving as counselors in many of the rustic cabins. At camp, the children will participate in games, archery, swimming, skits, crafts, high adventure activities, and a Bible study. One camper, Josh Venga (12), says that he is excited to go to camp for the opportunity to “swim and make friends.” Indeed, the campers will make friends as they will be joined by kids from the Groesbeck United Methodist Church. They will return to CHPC on Friday, July 31.

Additionally, thirteen second and third graders will come to King’s Domain for the annual 2/3 overnight from July 30-31. We ask that you keep all of the campers and counselors in your prayers during their time of fun and friendship this week. Pray that the campers will either come to know Christ for the first time or take steps to experience a more vibrant Christian walk. Please also pray for the safety of the campers, counselors, and the King’s Domain staff as they encounter Christ in a whole new way! If you would like to send a letter to one of the campers, contact Doreen Hendley at ext. 119.

Wednesday: Jazz Night
August 5

Hosted by P. Anne Everson-Price and the Young Jazz Messengers. A cookout for dinner and dancing the night away with jazz music.

Thursday: Fitness Night
August 6

Hosted by Ron Whitt of Teen Impact and Richard Sharoer of the College Hill Recreation Center. The evening will include a 3–on–3 Basketball Tournament, cornhole, and, for the first time ever, a talent show. The talent show is open to anyone, so start practicing those routines and get ready to show off your skills! Montgomery Community Church will cook dinner this evening.

Sunday: Community Worship Service in the parking lot at 10 a.m. We will praise God for the week of fun that we had together,and then enjoy a concert by Aretha Chapman, Kaleidoscope Worship Leader at 12 noon with a picnic lunch. This will be in place of our 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services.

Every Night: The "As I See It" contest will provide youth from Winton Hills Elementary and Aiken High School with an opportunity to tell their stories by documenting their lives on camera. The photos will be judged in the Atrium, a winner will be chosen, and his or her work will on sale. Half of the proceeds will go towards continued funding of the project, and the other half to the winner for future endeavors.

Galen-Bailey, caricature artist, will also be joining us. Get your picture sketched!

We still need volunteers to make all of this happen!
There will be a Volunteer Meeting on Mon., Aug. 3, 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room.
Think about how you would like to contribute, fill out a volunteer card, and turn it into Chris Miller or Tom Seith.