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GEMS Girls’ ClubsEXECUTIVE BOARDShirley Batts – Portage, Michigan

Cheryl Boer – Chandler, Arizona

Linda Hermen – Beecher, Illinois

Judy Kapteyn – Sarnia, Ontario

Mary Klingenberg – Mount Hope, Ontario

Debra Liccar – Crete, Illinois

Pat Scott – Jacksonville, Florida

Amy VandenBerg – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Mary Jo Vis – Riverside, California

Cindy Visser – Zeeland, Michigan

GEMS Girls’ Clubs STAFFDirector of International Ministries – Jan Boone

Training Manager – Lenae Bulthuis

O� ce Manager – Michele DeHaan

Managing Editor – Kelli Gilmore

Graphic & Web Designer – Lisa Hunter

Customer Relations – Hannah Noorman

Conference Coordinator – Alecia VanHulzen

Senior Editor – Amy White

president’s letter

sharing news and light with friends of gems

Dear Friends,

Transition. It’s a word we’ve used often the last couple of years. Miriam Webster Dictionary de� nes the word transition as a change from one state or condition to another. It’s a de� nition that � ts the changes that have occurred in the GEMS ministry the last couple of years. As we think about this de� nition, it’s good to remember that the focus of GEMS, helping bring girls into a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ, has not changed.

Another way to describe this entire ministry is as a walk—a walk with God as our Guide. God has been leading and guiding each step of GEMS from the beginning, and He will continue to do just that as we trust Him.

For the last eight months, GEMS has been without an Executive Director. God has been leading us through this time with a beautiful team of women on sta� who have taken on extra assignments to make sure that the ministry of GEMS continues to provide excellent service to every club without interruption. They have done an amazing job of trusting God with their time and talents, and we are very grateful for each one of them.

During that time many of you joined the search team in praying for God’s direction for a new Executive Director. He has answered those prayers, and we are excited to introduce to you the woman He has chosen, Kristine Palosaari. Kristine is an energetic, positive woman whose faith in Jesus carries her through life on a daily basis. She is a strong communicator, has a heart for meeting the needs of women and girls, and her gift of encouragement brings out the best in those around her. Her past work experiences provide her with a variety of skills that prepare her well for leadership in the GEMS Girls’ Clubs ministry.

Together, we prayerfully look forward to what God is going to do in the lives of girls and the women who mentor them. Serving Him together,

Mary Jo VisGEMS Executive Board President

Mary Jo VisGEMS Executive Board President

Mary Jo VisMary Jo Vis

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Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

Fall can mean a lot of things. Returning from vacation. Heading back to school. The start of weekly obligations that require running from one thing to the next. But as we all go from here to there, we have an assignment. We have a message to share.

This season, women and girls will be learning how to Bring the Message! of God’s love and grace through their words and actions. Because while most of us are quick to recommend our favorite restaurant, we are slow to share the best news ever: that God loves us deeply and sent His Son to rescue us from our sins.

It’s a message worth sharing!

We can speak it. We can live it. We can tell people about Jesus and His love. We can show them with every aspect of our lives why following God is the best choice we’ve ever made. And that’s exactly what we’re going to be learning how to do this GEMS season.

Show Them HowNearly 650 women gathered at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan this past July to receive leadership training for their roles as GEMS counselors. They learned about the new theme, received tips to use in club, were trained on various curriculum, and had plenty of time to worship, share ideas, and have a lot of fun!

We believe that equipping women to lead, guide, and direct is one of the best ways we can achieve our mission of bringing girls everywhere into a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus. Leadership training is crucial for what we achieve as a ministry, but its impact is far-reaching. It changes the women’s lives, too. Here’s what counselor Lori Stakenas-Schneider from Ludington, Michigan had to say about her time at Conference:

“I completely didn’t expect the experience I had! I laughed, I cried, and I met amazing new people.

“The workshops were helpful and full of great new ideas. I also loved talking with other counselors and coordinators about what has/hasn’t worked in their clubs.

“However, my favorite part was the speakers. I literally felt like my soul was

gently removed, cleansed, and returned whole and new. I didn’t even realize it needed it. It was a very humbling

experience! Just this week I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Although this is a life-altering diagnosis, it is not life ending. Throughout this whole process of diagnosis, I held close to [a verse from Conference] and it, as well as God, calmed me. I believe God gives us things for a reason, and I honestly believe God gave me the ability to go

to this Conference because I needed the soul cleaning and verse before this new journey!”

Plan for Pennsylvania!Encourage the GEMS counselors in your life to start planning for next year’s Conference! We will be at Messiah College in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania July 9-12.

get connected! camp

send me!

CONFERENCE

GEMSLEADERSHIP TRAINING

LOCAL WORKSHOPS

GEMSLEADERSHIP TRAINING

SPRING SEMINAR

GEMSLEADERSHIP TRAINING

Summer camp can be silly and fun and unforgettable. Summer camp with 170 GEMS girls is all of that and much more!

In August, girls came from across the US and Canada to Cran-Hill Ranch in Rodney, Michigan for Get Connected! Camp—GEMS summer camp for early teen girls. Girls connected with new friends, with mentors, and—most importantly—with God.

Camp is always an amazing time, and the fun girls have is only part of the incredible experience. They overcome fears, conquer new challenges, and learn God’s truth: that they are valued,

loved, and made with a purpose. Here’s what one grateful mom said about her daughters’ experiences:

“When my oldest daughter came home from her � rst Get Connected! experience two years ago, I was overjoyed with the amount of faith building, self-esteem building, and just pure fun and joy this camp provided. Now, having her attend for the second time she is doubly blessed and is asking how to apply to be a CIT and eventually a leader so she can help other girls have the same amazing experiences.

“I was nervous about having my

“i literally felt like my soul was gently removed, cleansed, and returned whole and new. i didn’t even realize it needed it. it was a very humbling experience!”

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This school for orphaned and under-resource children in Zambia, Africa continues to be the mission focus of GEMS. We are excited that God has � lled each of the sta� positions at the school for the upcoming year, and we encourage you to visit estherschool.org where you will � nd links to each of the North American sta� ’s blogs. Stay up-to-date on the ways God is working in all of their lives as well as in the lives of all those they serve in Zambia!

We also invite you to join us as we begin the search for sta� for next year. Two teachers will be needed as well as a school administrator. Please direct anyone who may be interested to estherschool.org for details.

A handful of student sponsors are still needed for the new preschool class this fall. If you are looking for a way God can use you to make a di� erence, please consider this opportunity! For $50/month ($600 annually) you can provide a student with a life-changing Christian education. Visit the website for more information and to become a sponsor!

You may also want to � nd a GEM in your church or community who is collecting dimes and help her cause! This season, our SHINE brightly (GEMS Magazine for girls in grades 4-6) readers are being challenged to participate in a Dime Drive. All of the spare change they collect will help stock the music room at the school. Check out this video to learn more!

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

THE ESTHER SCHOOLBuilding a community of faithful and skillful servant leaders

the esther school

Brent & Kathy MiedemaAdministrator of Site Development and Finance (Michigan)

Jean SellesGrade 2 Teacher (Montana)

Heather MiedemaMusic Teacher/Home-school Coordinator (Michigan)

Rachel VanGentKindergarten Teacher(California)

Dana KrolStudent Sponsorship Coordinator (Michigan)

CeCe WaldenPreschool Teacher(Indiana)

Lisa BrearlyGrade 1 Teacher; winter and spring (Michigan)

David & Jillian DraayerAdministrator/ Grade 1 Teacher; fall only (Michigan)

younger daughter go this year, but it was an amazing experience for her as well. She felt safe, loved, and cared for. She talks nonstop about the chapel

time—especially the messages and worship songs, the people who helped her through times of fear and anxiety, and the presence of God at this camp. She is so proud to have done things she didn’t think she could ever do. I can’t put into words how much this means to me…What a wonderful blessing this camp was to her (and in turn to me)! Praise God!”

It’s because of your support that events like camp continue to be possible. If you’d like to know how you can get involved, check out the back page and stay tuned for more information on our next GEMS Open, coming in May 2015. This annual golf outing is one of the primary ways we fund Get Connected! Camp.

In MemoryFor the past several years, Wendy Deurloo served as the director of Get Connected! Camp as well as a passionate advocate for all things GEMS. She served on training teams in both North America and Zambia and was dedicated to her local club—tirelessly pursuing girls in order to tell them about God’s amazing love for them. Shortly before camp, Wendy went home to be with Jesus. And while her presence was deeply, deeply missed—her legacy was felt in profound ways throughout the week. Her love and faith will continue to resound throughout the GEMS ministry for years to come.

Wendy Deurloo

“she talks nonstop about the chapel time—especially the messages and worship songs, the people who helped her through times of fear and anxiety, and the presence of god at this camp.”

gems 18th annual golf open

A little (or a lot of ) rain didn’t stop our dedicated golfers this past May as teams gathered for the GEMS Open at Boulder Creek Golf Club. Thank you again to our many sponsors and golfers who made this event—and who consistently make this ministry—possible!

EVENT SPONSORSDe Jong Enterprises, Inc. R&M ConstructionMichael J. Liccar & CompanyCaveman Pallets, LLCSovereign Order of Saint JohnMall City ContainersRichard and Judy EppingaJohn and Linda VanSingelMyles and Glennys KuperusCheryl BoerDan and Pat ScottJe� and Mary KlingenbergEudell and Mary Jo Vis

CART SPONSORSStroo Funeral Home, Inc.Dale and Jan BooneLeon and Louise KoopsVisser Farms

HOLE SPONSORSFRSTeam by Paris CleanersL&M Costa, Inc. Hendriksma FarmsDeppe Mold and Tooling

Foster Swift Collins and SmithWitte TravelBest Way DisposalFair Oaks DairyShipPacStroo Funeral Home, Inc.

TEE SPONSORSWoodwork Specialties Co. Dykhouse Construction, Inc.Naber TaxidermyGerald VanWieren, MDTreystarJanie’s Cookie Co. VanDenBerge Pest ControlVanDam and Krusinga Contractors, Inc. Red Arrow DairyContinental Linen Bryan and Madina ScottGwen WymanShannon ScottDavid and Shirley BattsHavit Supplies, Inc.

CONTRIBUTORSLiz YadonTim and Denise SeiseIris BurtonMike and Viola RomanSherolde DenmarkGerrit and Cori DykhouseAndrea Je� ersonJacki CarnealTim and Deborah SparksBob Flak

Michael and Debbie LiccarHarold and Cynthia RedekerKen SchenkJoanie SmidsBill and Marguerite SchenkGVL ExcavatingField’s FabricsHolwerda-Snoap Sporting GoodsCelebration Cinema RivertownKregel Publishing HouseGraphics UnlimitedCustom PrintersLudwicks BakeryTop DistributingWise PhotographyJohn Ball ZooPioneer ConstructionVeenbaas ConstructionOn The BorderCalvin CollegeTee-2-GreenDetroit Red WingsAll Star PrintingCindy’s Hair CareLewis PaperMaple Hill Golf CoursePilgrim’s Run Golf ClubGleneagle Golf ClubMoors Golf ClubIronwood Golf CourseCrestview Golf ClubDiamond Springs Golf ClubBay Meadows Family GolfRita Girl’s