Ottawa-Glandorf High School
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In November, I had the rare opportunity to attend a concert! Ottawa-Glandorf is close to Joel's home town of Van Wert, OH, so we were able to get free babysitters for the night (Joel's parents!). And the drive over was very short. I loved being a 'spectator' and just taking it all in. Joel and Ryan have really honed their concert performance and they do an awesome job. The kids really have a blast and love Ryan's music! They also listened closely to the gospel presentation. I was encouraged and blessed to have this opportunity!
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| The Concert at Ottowa-Glandorf |
Wisconsin
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Several Months ago, Ryan and Joel began planning a trip to Wisconsin Rapids, WI to do three straight days of assemblies and outreaches. They were able to schedule and confirm all the school assemblies but the guys began hitting some major roadblocks when they tried to schedule the outreach concerts. The first high school principal that Ryan approached about hosting a concert said no and then proceeded to contact all the other schools and encourage them to say no as well. As the trip approached, it looked like the whole thing might fall through. Ryan found a way to secure venues for a couple concerts but they came together so last minute. So, when the guys headed off for the long trip, they were a little pessimistic about the chances of successful outreaches. To their surprise, students came out in force to both outreaches and packed out both venues. The second concert drew nearly 400 students! Joel told me that the students were very attentive during the Gospel. Praise God for continuing to show us that He makes things happen - not us.
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| Concert at Assumption HS in Wisconsin Rapids, WI |
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| Concert at Nekoosa HS in Wisconsin Rapids, WI |
Message From Joel
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Teammates,
We are so excited about my new book, “Seven Lies Almost Every Teen Believes” that - get this - we are GIVING AWAY a copy to every student who attends one of our outreach concerts from now on. We expect to distribute between about 10,000 books this school year alone!
The book was carefully crafted to present a solid biblical worldview in plain “teen speak” to unchurched students. Since late August we have given away about 5,000 books and the feedback has been incredible. A Christian teacher who volunteered at an outreach had this to say the day after the event:
“One of my seniors, who I am pretty sure is not a Christian, told me today that he started looking at your book before bedtime and couldn't stop reading. He said he read more pages than he can ever remember reading outside of school. Other students made similar comments.”We wish we could mail a copy to everyone who receives the Pentons' Progress but that would take more money than we have. So here is what we are doing: we will send a book to anyone who makes an online donation to our ministry this month at www.tinyurl.com/give2fca No gift is too small (or too large) and all donations are tax deductible.
As a recap, to GET YOUR COPY OF THE NEW BOOK, here's what you do:
1. Make a donation at www.tinyurl.com/give2fca (make sure to select Joel Penton in the drop down menu).
2. Receive your copy of "Seven Lies" (we get your address when you make your donation).
3. That's all!
Thanks so much for all your support!
God bless,
Joel
