Yellowstone Christian Innovator News

August 2008 Ministry Update

2008-09-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

AUGUST 2008 - MINISTRY ACTIVITY

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35

August 2008 As we interact with fellow Christ-followers, it is more than just kindness or care. It is one of the most tangible ways we can show our love and devotion for the Savior. Many of our body of believers forget that we have a “watching world” that is looking at how we treat one another, whether it’s with love or with disgrace. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

COMMUNITY: This month, has been filled with activity from both communities of Big Sky and Yellowstone Nat’l Park. I conducted the wedding ceremonies of Richard & Margo Holper at Soldiers Memorial Chapel (August 2^nd); for John & Whitney Kors (August 15^th) in Missoula, Montana; and for Allen & Anne Greer of North Carolina (August 18^th) at the top of Andesite Mountain in Big Sky. I have been slowly trying to transition to life back in Big Sky by attending the softball games that our church team is involved in the resort softball league. Our team is at 9 wins/4 losses (much better than previous first year). It has been a great ministry opportunity! Next, I’ve been attending the Thursday night Bible Study that is led by the 20’s ministry of the church. Fire Department’s Tuesday trainings and sleeper shifts continue to keep me busy to fill up my entire week of community involvement. My absolute BIGGEST thrill was leading one of our seasonal family’s 25 yr. old son- Brock Jr. to pray and receive Christ! I have been talking with Brock Jr. for several months and he asked me this winter to consider baptizing him. I actually was discipling him (long distance), he being in Nashville. I had another visit with him in the Spring, while in Tennessee. It was at our follow-up visit to discuss a book that I had given for him to read that Brock Jr. shared his desire to accept Christ! I was thrilled to be a part of this decision and to also perform his baptism and sharing in the Lord’s Supper afterwards on August 10^th at Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone, MT. YELLOWSTONE INNOVATORS: Our “official” summer ministry came to an end on August 2-4. I was able to coordinate the Aug. 2^nd wedding in Big Sky and return to West Yellowstone for our Missionary Debriefing. Our Innovator Appreciation Sunday was held on August 3^rd and the airport departures on August 4^th. Throughout the summer, the Bible studies were well attended at all the 5 locations in Yellowstone: Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon Village, Lake Yellowstone, Grant Village and Old Faithful. Our biggest thrill was the professions of faith that were a “team effort” of both our Innovators, “A Christian Ministry in Nat’l Parks and Campus Crusade.” We had an all total of 22 young people to Pray and Receive CHRIST!! Most of these were happening during the last week of ministry in Yellowstone. God is good, all the time out here! Our “Ministry Parents” are – Ed & Brenda Geiger; Jean & Liz Page; and Ellwood & JoAnn Marsh (sister/brother-in-law of Geiger’s) of Pulaski, TN. We have a full team of 20 Innovators, 1 Semester Missionary, and 3 sets of Missionary Parents. This summer’s dates are May 22 - August 3^rd, a full 10 weeks! Check our SUMMER CALENDAR at http://www.yellowstoneinnovators.com

SEMESTER MISSIONS: Jordan Graham has completed his term as Semester Missionary on August 4^th and returned south to probably attend a SBC seminary. I have not heard from him since he left and wondering if he has fallen off the earth! He plans to return each summer to Yellowstone and serve this ministry while in seminary. I hope that God will allow this to happen as well. It’s been a blessing to have Jordan here and I would work and minister with him at any point and time!

Tell us a story of how God changed someone’s life or made it better because of what you do.

Sending out Missionaries: We had another 17 young people to pray and receive Christ over this past month with 8 of those related to Innovators. There are countless numbers of people who come in contact with or is being challenged in their faith because of the Innovators being in Yellowstone. As well, our efforts are complimented with two other ministries in Yellowstone: Campus Crusaders at Old Faithful and “A Christian Ministry in the Nat’l Parks” at all of the locations. I am more than honored and privileged to be a part of something that will go beyond this Nat’l Park borders. It is going out to the WORLD because of the many international young people who are also a part of our ministries efforts as well!

Describe what specific ways NAMB/State Convention can assist you.

CONCERNS OR NEEDS AT THIS TIME

As Yellowstone Christian Innovators continues to grow in it’s effectives, the ministry at FBC, West Yellowstone is as well. Space in this tiny church (built in the 70’s) is becoming a concern. Pray for the operational financial support to continue with this ministry in Yellowstone & Big Sky in the midst of the rising costs on the economy. Our summer’s budget is well over $4,000 for this summer already. Continue to pray with us about the future of Yellowstone Christian Innovators along with FBC, West Yellowstone! There is an empty lot that is next to the church, that was once a bank and then a pharmacy that is for sale (we hear now it’s down to $275,000). It would be nice to dream of one day owning this property to build a Yellowstone Ministry Center next to and part of the church in West Yellowstone. Your constant prayers specifically for the safety, health, emotional and spiritual direction of each person involved with these ministry efforts.

How have you connected with your community this month? What plans do you have for community connection?

NEXT MONTH'S PLANNED ACTIVITY

For September 2008, I will be teaching my 19^th season of coaching Swimming at Ophir (Big Sky) School on Monday/Fridays Sept. 8^th – 29^th. I will try to attend one day of the Christian Ministries in Nat’l Parks meeting at Old Faithful on Sept. 11^th. I will also attend Treasure State Bapt. Assoc. meeting in Three Forks on Sept. 21^st. I will complete my required Fire Dept. trainings and “on call” shifts.

SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS

My prayer is for the spiritual/personal maturity of the young people who were a part of the Yellowstone Christian Innovator team and also for the young adults whose lives were changed because of Christ and the efforts of the Yellowstone Innovators. Our evaluations regarding the personal life of some of our team members was very, very tough and called us to a matter of prayer and impending follow-up & counseling.

July 2008 Update

2008-09-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

JULY 2008

COMMUNITY: I was reminded today in my devotion when Jesus said of the Holy Spirit: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” The Spirit desires to use us in sharing the gospel so other can experience that second birth! And so, this is what we experienced this month here in Yellowstone. You prayed and we prayed for salvation and God received the glory when 5 young people from various international countries prayed to receive Christ at Old Faithful!

This month, I conducted a memorial service for a “homestead” couple of Big Sky. Ken & Ladora McBride had been a part of the Big Sky community when there was no “community” and only a lot of open country. They lived life up to 95 years old and died within a couple of months of each other and I was humbled that I was able to present the gospel at their memorial service on July 5th. I conducted the wedding ceremony for a Ski Patroller couple, Jason & Lenya VanderWeit on July 9/10^th. On July 11^th, we conducted our 4^th Innovator/Park Employee/Picnic Fellowship at Lake Yellowstone with approx. 65 in attendance and I also had a surprise visit from my former HMB resort supervisor/mentor- Bill & Teena Lee on July 13^th at Old Faithful. We had a productive church meeting at Big Sky Christian Fellowship in Big Sky with a presentation of the Treasure State Assoc., MTSBC and the SBC by Steve Fowler on July 14^th. On July 18/19^th conducted the wedding of fellow Big Sky Firefighter, Bart & Mara Mitchell. On July 20^th, I was able to pray the Pre-race Prayer for the Nissan Xterra Triathlon race in Bozeman (4^th consecutive year) at Hylite Reservoir. On July 21-24^th, I participated in Black Church Week and was the Missionary representative & speaker for NAMB. This was my first time at Ridgecrest, EVER! I grew up going to Glorieta, NM for several events. We conducted our final Innovator/Park Employee picnic fellowship at Grant Village on July 25^th with approx. 75 in attendance and our final Innovator weekend on July 27-28^th at Cliff Lake near West Yellowstone. YELLOWSTONE INNOVATORS: The Bible studies were well attended at all the 5 locations in Yellowstone: Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon Village, Lake Yellowstone, Grant Village and Old Faithful. We had 2 Innovator/Park Employee Picnic Fellowships both at Lake Yellowstone (11^th) with 65 attending and Grant Village on Juy 25^th with 75 attending. We conducted our Midsummer Retreat on June 29-30^th in the Beartooth Mountains and it was a fantastic time of fellowship and spiritual rejuvenation! We also treated the Innovators to their last time of recreation together as a team at Cliff & Wade Lakes near West Yellowstone, MT. Our biggest thrill was the professions of faith that were a “team effort” of both our Innovators and Campus Crusade at Old Faithful. God is good, all the time out here! Our “Ministry Parents” are – Ed & Brenda Geiger; Jean & Liz Page; and Ellwood & JoAnn Marsh (sister/brother-in-law of Geiger’s) of Pulaski, TN. We have a full team of 20 Innovators, 1 Semester Missionary, and 3 sets of Missionary Parents. This summer’s dates are May 22 - August 3^rd, a full 10 weeks! Check our SUMMER CALENDAR at http://www.yellowstoneinnovators.com

SEMESTER MISSIONS: Jordan Graham is continuing to serve as our Semester Missionary and doing an excellent job of helping to supervise and nurture each of these 20 student missionaries. There is a LOT of driving involved with this ministry. The gas prices have not been kind to us, but we continue to travel quite a lot to visit the Bible studies, conduct the Park employee picnics, listen to the concerns, be available to counsel the Innovators or go on day hikes and overnight backpack trips. It’s a LOT of work for any number of people and I am grateful and blest to have someone like Jordan. It has made a tremendous difference to have someone who is passionate and caring for this ministry and has been where these young missionaries are today as a Yellowstone Christian Innovator. Jordan will be completing his term as Semester Missionary on August 4^th and will be returning south to attend seminary, probably at a SBC seminary. He plans to return each summer to Yellowstone and serve this ministry while in seminary. I hope that God will allow this to happen as well. It’s been a blessing to have Jordan here!

Tell us a story of how God changed someone’s life or made it better because of what you do.

Serving as Missionaries: We had 5 young people to pray and receive Christ over this past month! There are countless numbers of people who come in contact with or is being challenged in their faith because of the Innovators being in Yellowstone. As well, our efforts are complimented with two other ministries in Yellowstone: Campus Crusaders at Old Faithful and “A Christian Ministry in the Nat’l Parks” at all of the locations. I am more than honored and privileged to be a part of something that will go beyond this Nat’l Park borders. It is going out to the WORLD because of the many international young people who are also a part of our ministries efforts as well! This July 31^st of 2008 marks my 18^th year of ministry here in Montana and Yellowstone Nat’l Park.

Describe what specific ways NAMB/State Convention can assist you.

CONCERNS OR NEEDS AT THIS TIME

How have you connected with your community this month? What plans do you have for community connection?

NEXT MONTH'S PLANNED ACTIVITY

For August 2008, we will be concluding summer ministry on Monday, August 4^th and will have Missionary debriefing on Aug. 2-3^rd. I will conduct 2 weddings: August 2 and August 15^th. I am speaking to a church group on Aug. 5^th in West Yellowstone. I will also be conducting (Aug. 10^th) the baptism of a young man, Brock Short, Jr. (25), whose parents are a part of our church in Big Sky. I will complete my required Fire Dept. trainings and “on call” shifts. Will also have a scheduled trip in Yellowstone on Aug. 22-24^th and also attend the MTSBC staff retreat in Billings on Aug. 25-27^th.

SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS

Pray for salvation of those “seekers” in Yellowstone Nat’l Park and the ministry with our young adults in Big Sky! For the hearts of our young adults who served the Lord as Yellowstone Innovators this summer; for our Ministry Parents’ health and safety as they continue to help us conclude this summer ministry, keep this group fed, nurtured and healthy as they prepare to return home and to college.

Summer Weather in Yellowstone "Kicks In"

2008-06-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

JUNE 2008 - MINISTRY ACTIVITY

“What does the Lord your God require of you, but…to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” – Deuteronomy 10:12

June 2008 COMMUNITY: The ministries in southwest Montana continue to press forward as the summer weather finally “kicks in” and warmth is on the rise. The ministry in Yellowstone has had a good start with Bible studies and Personal Evangelism as the Innovators get “dialed-in” to their Nat’l Park surroundings! The Big Sky Christian Fellowship sent our first Missions team of 10 to Haiti for door-to-door evangelism, music concerts and eventually planting a new church (June 6-16)! I was invited to speak at the National WMU Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, IN on June 8-9^th; and the SBC and NAMB Exhibits on June 10-11. It was great to share what God is doing to the many pastors and friends who have been praying for this ministry. It was overwhelming to say the least. As soon as I returned, I was busy with conducting a Red Cross First-Aid/CPR class with a local guest ranch in Big Sky (12^th) and then I was back in West Yellowstone to travel to Mammoth Hot Springs for our first summer ministry picnic on June 13^th. The remainder of June has been focused on Innovator ministries and conducting a local Big Sky wedding on June 27-28^th. YELLOWSTONE INNOVATORS: The Bible studies have all been established and being conducted at 5 locations in Yellowstone: Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon Village, Lake Yellowstone, Grant Village and Old Faithful. We had our first Innovator/Park Employee Picnic Fellowship at Mammoth on June 13^th with approx. 65 in attendance. On June 20^th, we were at Old Faithful with approx. 55 in attendance (rain played a part in hampering others to attend). On June 27^th, we will be at Canyon Village and then will be in our Midsummer Retreat on June 29-30^th in the Beartooth Mountains. In the context of Sending/Serving as Missionaries: Our current “Ministry Parents” are – Ed & Brenda Geiger and Jean & Liz Page for their return for Summer of 2008, Yea! We have added a 3^rd set of Ministry Parents (sister/brother-in-law) of Geiger’s: Ellwood & JoAnn Marsh of Pulaski, TN. We have a full team of 20 Innovators, 1 Semester Missionary, and 3 sets of Missionary Parents. This summer’s dates are May 22 - August 3^rd, a full 10 weeks! Check our SUMMER CALENDAR at http://www.yellowstoneinnovators.com

Tell us a story of how God changed someone’s life or made it better because of what you do.

Serving as Missionaries: Every Sunday, we have a gathering at the church after morning worship. We have a chance to both share in a potluck meal (which our Missionary Parents lovingly prepare) and we have each location share what God is doing and has done in the life of each Innovator missionary. You would not believe the countless numbers of people who come in contact with or is being challenged in their faith because of the Innovators being in Yellowstone. As well, our efforts are complimented with two other ministries in Yellowstone: Campus Crusaders at Old Faithful and “A Christian Ministry in the Nat’l Parks” at all of the locations. I am more than honored and privileged to be a part of something that will go beyond this Nat’l Park borders. It is going out to the WORLD because of the many international young people who are also a part of our ministries efforts as well!

Describe what specific ways NAMB/State Convention can assist you.

CONCERNS OR NEEDS AT THIS TIME

As Yellowstone Christian Innovators continues to grow in it’s effectives, the ministry at FBC, West Yellowstone is as well. Space in this tiny church (built in the 70’s) is becoming a concern. Pray for the operational financial support to continue with this ministry in Yellowstone & Big Sky in the midst of the rising costs on the economy. Continue to pray with us about the future of Yellowstone Christian Innovators along with FBC, West Yellowstone! There is an empty lot that is next to the church, that was once a bank and then a pharmacy that is for sale (we hear now it’s down to $350,000). It would be nice to dream of one day owning this property to build a Yellowstone Ministry Center next to and part of the church in West Yellowstone. Your constant prayers specifically for the safety, health, emotional and spiritual direction of each person involved with these ministry efforts.

How have you connected with your community this month? What plans do you have for community connection?

NEXT MONTH'S PLANNED ACTIVITY

For ending June and into July 2008, I will conduct one wedding for a former Firefighter on June 28^th. I will complete my required Fire Dept. trainings and “on call” nights (July 1, 8, and 15^th). We will also conduct our Midsummer Innovator Staff retreat by the end of the month on June 29-30^th. Conducting a Memorial Service on July 5^th for early homestead family (Ken & Ladora McBride). Innovator/Park employee picnic at Lake Yellowstone on July 11^th. Performing a wedding for a ski patrol couple (Jason & Lenya) on July 9-10; and a Big Sky Firefighter (Bart & Mara) on July 18-19^th. Performing a pre-race prayer for the Nissan Xterra Triathlon race on July 20^th and participating in the Black Church week at Ridgecrest, NC on July 21-24^th and Innovator Park Employee picnic at Grant Village on July 25^th.

SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS

Pray for salvation of those “seekers” in Yellowstone Nat’l Park! For the hearts of our young adults who are serving as Yellowstone Innovators this summer; for our Ministry Parents’ health and safety as they work very hard to keep this group fed, nurtured and healthy. Pray for my sanity in trying to manage a home in Big Sky as I continue to direct/supervise ministry in Yellowstone & at Big Sky. Continue to pray for Adam, that he would continue to be surrounded by followers of Christ, that he would also find a fellowship of believers in Washington state where stationed with the army medics and preparing for Iraq.

BRAD LARTIGUE
Resort Minister
Big Sky, Montana
Yellowstone National Park

bradlartigue@yellowstone.net

Various Pics of Summer 2008

2008-06-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

Summer 2008 continues!

2008-06-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Faithful Friends of Yellowstone Christian Innovators:

It's June 17th and hard to believe that we are into the 4th week of the 2008 summer ministry in Yellowstone Nat'l Park! Much has happened with these past few weeks since my last update. The Bible Studies at each location have begun and many are finding these both challenging and rewarding part of the summer.

Please continue to pray for God's leading with each location of Innovators as they "study to show themselves approved unto God, a workman that is not ashamed, rightly imparting the word of truth." It's a tough task to ask a group of young people from the ages of 18-25 to be mature enough to take on such a monumental task. Believe me when I say that none of them will return home the same person as they came!

Side NOTE: As you have a chance to explore this blog, you'll see some photos that I uploaded into a slideshow. If you click on the slideshow, I think it will take you to the site called Picasaweb, where you can view larger sizes of these photos.

During the first week that the Innovators were here, we had a 5-day Missionary Orientation that consisted of group Devotions, sharing Testimonies by the Madison river, eating great meals prepared by our Missionary Parents, hiking in Yellowstone, Praise & worship, Park Ranger talk, "How to study the Bible" seminar, Missionary logistics, great fellowship, visit to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, an Innovator Tour-on day w/picnic & Memorial service, Missionary covenant signing, Missionary commissioning and we end everything on the Innovator job-checkin day with Xanterra Parks & Resorts. It's a fun week that is jam packed with lots!

The 2nd week is usually the first week that the Innovators are getting accustomed to their new surrounds, job and ministry locations in Yellowstone. Our main location focus of ministry has been at Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon Village, Lake Village, Grant Village and Old Faithful. We try to assign 4 students per location (2 men/2 women). This works very well for accountability, team work and many other reasons. During the 2nd and 3rd week, the Innovators will quickly learn about the employees whom they are working with, living in the employee dorms, hiking in Yellowstone, the employee recreation intramural, and starting their small groups/Bible studies and the list goes on & on.

Their have already been several different activities that have taken place, including the Bible studies, a Park employee/Innovator Picnic at Mammoth Hot Springs and many overnight backpack trips. This summer, our usual backpacking schedule has been hampered a LOT because of a continuation of snowfall all the way into the first week of June. It's been a little disheartening to continue to see snow and hike in it. We (I) am ready for the heat of summer to turn on.

In closing for now, I want to THANK all of you who have contributed to the financial support of this ministry because we could not be doing all of this without your support. I hope to get this blog out to all of you who have and continue to support this ministry with your prayers and with your financial giving. There are a lot of "changed lives" for Christ because we have this awesome missionary force of young people who are willing to "share" their summer on the mission field of Yellowstone Nat'l Park. What better place could you find to share the love of Jesus with a "broken & hurting" world of people!

2008 Innovators Arrive!

2008-05-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

"We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works." - Ephesians 2:10

As we continued to do small and great things to prepare for Summer ministry, the weather here in Southwest Montana continues to look like Winter! Ministry opportunities through our church in Big Sky, in West Yellowstone, and Yellowstone Nat’l Park continues to “spring” into action even though the weather does not seem to warm up. Even after returning from my trip to the south, I was able to cross-country ski in Yellowstone Nat’l Park a few times. There is still enough snow on the ski slopes that our Innovator summer missionaries could also be skiing on the slopes at their arrival in late May. In the area of being an extension of our church and sharing Christ, I was able to meet twice with 2 young couples who love the Lord and requested that I perform their wedding ceremony. I officiated a wedding at Big Sky Chapel on May 10^th and also at the Lazy B Ranch on May 17^th. I also attended 3 Fire Department-related trainings, was “on call” for 3 other nights and will also be attending the monthly meeting of the Gallatin County Association of Chaplain’s on May 30^th. Our Big Sky Christian Fellowship church is gearing up for its first Mission Trip endeavor to Haiti (June 6-17) and their has been lots of preparations for this to happen. The remainder of May has been devoted to the arrival of the Yellowstone Christian Innovator ministry staff. YELLOWSTONE INNOVATORS: In the context of Sending/Serving as Missionaries: We have commitments from our current “Ministry Parents” – Ed & Brenda Geiger and Jean & Liz Page for their return for Summer of 2008, Yea! We have added a 3^rd set of Ministry Parents (sister/brother-in-law) of Geiger’s: Ellwood & JoAnn Marsh of Pulaski, TN. We have a full team of 20 Innovators, 1 Semester Missionary, and 3 sets of Missionary Parents. This summer’s dates are May 22 - August 3^rd, a full 10 weeks! We had an incredible 5-day Missionary Orientation after the May 22^nd arrival of the Innovators: Testimony sharing, Park Ranger talk, Grizzly Discovery Center, Bible Study Seminar, Sunday School, Comissioning Service, Potlucks, Memorial Service/Tour of Yellowstone and completing with Job check-in day on May 27^th. This later half of May has been intense for me! Check our SUMMER CALENDAR at http://www.yellowstoneinnovators.com

SEMESTER MISSIONS: Jordan Graham was on a Semester Missionary “break” with NAMB for about 3 weeks with his family in Mississippi. During the remainder of this month he was helpful with putting together the Yellowstone Innovator folders and orientation information. He was also helpful during the Missionary Orientation to help coordinate the transportation and arrival of all the Missionary staff. Jordan led in Bible studies, prayer time and overall supervision of the Innovators after their arrival. It has made a tremendous difference to have someone who is passionate and caring for this ministry and has been where these young missionaries are today as a Yellowstone Christian Innovator.

We Need More Innovators for 2007

2007-03-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that we currently have 14 Innovators appointed for Summer of 2007. We need MORE students to apply (at least 6 more) to make a full team of 20! Never had this problem in many years. Usually there's a waiting list.

So, anyone who wants an adventure of a "lifetime" please contact Brad at bradlartigue@yellowstone.net or 406.995.2451