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GEMS Girls ClubsEXECUTIVE BOARDShirley Batts Portage, Michigan

Cheryl Boer Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Cori Dykhouse Port Lambton, Ontario

Lia Leenstra Byron Center, Michigan

Debra Liccar Crete, Illinois

Henrietta Reinders Rockwood, Ontario

Amy VandenBerg Grand Rapids, Michigan

Irene Vanderlaan Indianapolis, Indiana

Mary Jo Vis Riverside, California

Cindy Visser Zeeland, Michigan

GEMS Girls Clubs STAFFDirector of Urban Ministries Renee Bacon

Executive Director Jan Boone

Training Manager Lenae Bulthuis

Customer Relations Specialist Michele DeHaan

Managing Editor Kelli Ponstein

Conference Coordinator Alecia VanHulzen

Senior Editor/Publications & Web Coordinator Amy White

Executive Secretary Gert Wolfert

Graphic & Web Designer Nicole Zaagman

Ive often referred to my work at GEMS as my assignment, the task God has for me. And because Ive loved it so much, Ive always thought of it as what I get to do rather than what I have to do. Ive known that when my assignment is nished, Id know itGod would make that clear. And that is exactly what He has done.

For the last 17 years Ive had the rich privilege of serving as the Executive Director of GEMS. And it has been my great joy to do so. Ive loved getting to be a part of such a wonderful sisterhood of women who love and serve God with their whole hearts. But soon my service at GEMS will be complete, and I will, like Zachariah in the verse above, return home.

For the last two years, my living arrang-ements have been more challenging following a job change for my husband and our relocation to a community 95 minutes from the GEMS o ce. This has meant living apart for at least half of every week. While our daughters are grown and it is just Dale and me at home, God used the death of my father-in-law this year to show me my next assignment: to return home.

While it is di cult to leave something you love so much, it is far more rewarding to be obedient to what God asks you to do. There is peace and joy in the decision and in the thoughts of the future.

Because God has SO faithfully guided and directed this ministry throughout the last 54 years, I am ever-so-con dent He will continue to do that in the future.

The Executive Board has put together a highly capable search committee that is actively searching at this time. And God WILL direct just the right person to help lead the ministry into the future. An exciting future does indeed await GEMS!

My o cial retirement date is not until March 1 of 2013, so until that time, Ill

continue trying to give my best to this ministry I so love. After that time, I will continue with GEMS part-time, helping guide and develop our international ministry.

GEMS Girls Clubs has continued to grow over the years. We have more clubs and reach more girls than ever before in our history in North America and around the

world. God has guided and led us into many new endeavors that impact girls lives for all eternity. His Spirit has indeed directed our steps. But always, at the heart of every whisper from God to follow Him, was His deep desire to use the GEMS ministry to help bring more and more girls into a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. His deep desire is likewise our greatest desire and the on-going mission of the ministry.

To all of you who have so faithfully supported the GEMS ministry over the years with your prayers and nancial gifts, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I treasure each and every one of you. And I ask you to continue to pray with us as we ask the Lord to bring a new leader to help guide and direct the ministry into the future. And to God be the glory!

Jan Boone, Executive Director

continue trying to give my best to this ministry I so love. After that time, I will continue with GEMS part-time, helping guide and develop our international ministry.

GEMS Girls Clubs has continued to grow over the years. We have more clubs and reach more girls

directors letter

Jan Boone, Executive Director

sharing news and light with friends of gems

When his time of service was completed, he returned home. Luke 1:23

rally for a cause GEMS from Northern Alberta gathered for an area-wide event this past May to engage and inspire their girls while also rallying behind a cause. We had 210 GEMS and 50 counselors from 17 di erent churches in our area attend the rally, explained counselor Sandra Vanderveen. We started with praising God through singingwe raised the rafters with our voices!

In addition to a time of praise and worship, GEMS and their counselors were able to hear a speaker who talked with them about the wisdom of staying active. She also o ered practical ways girls could live their lives for Jesus.

After lunch we worked on crafts and fun activities, Sandra continued. But amidst the fun, girls were also challenged to reach out and help. We raised money for The Esther School by collecting a donation from the attendees. We raised $1,300 that we happily put toward tables for The Esther School!

This is one of countless examples of GEMS around North America joining forces and raising their voices in defense of orphans and widows in their distress (James 1:27).

think right: win the fight!

Finally, brothers (sisters), whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirableif anything is excellent or praiseworthythink about such things. Philippians 4:8

If were not equipped to stop them, negative thoughts can in ltrate our lives. We might tell ourselves, Im just not good enough. We may start to think, Im not smart enough. Or we will perhaps silently whisper lies like, I always

mess everything up. But these thoughts run contrary to the God-honoring things Scripture calls us to think about!

We can even try to convince ourselves its not a big dealtheyre just our thoughts, after allbut the truth is God designed our minds to be our control centers: Our thoughts direct our words, our words impact our actions, and our actions dictate who we become. Thats certainly a big deal!

A battle is taking place in each of our minds as Gods Spirit ghts to overcome our negative thoughtsthoughts that are fueled by our sinful nature, the world around us, and Satans attacks.

Because what we think about determines who we become, the ght between the Spirit and our enemies is literally a ght for our lives! Each year GEMS Clubs around North America focus on an Annual Theme. Throughout the coming GEMS season girls and their counselors will explore what it means to Think Right and Win the Fight by focusing on the think-about list God gives us in Philippians 4:8. Girls will learn to focus on life-giving thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

Come to Vancouver!

Next July, Conference will be taking place at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver! Planning is already well under way as we seek to continue to challenge and encourage women in their important role as mentors to girls.

Check out the GEMS website for more information (www.gemsgc.org) on next years event, and encouarage the counselors in your church or area to attend!

Gathered TogetherI feel very equipped, trained, motivated, and encouraged. I enjoyed the variety of activities presented throughout the week from the workshops to the entertainment, the worship, and the GREAT speakers. Thank you!

I found the Lord whispering to me throughout the weekend; what a delight!

In July, over 640 women gathered at Wheaton College in Chicago, Illinois to learn and grow together at GEMS Annual Counselors Leadership Conference. They received a think-right battle plan as they learned about the new theme and experienced fun and engaging ways to make this seasons focus come alive for their girls.

In addition to unveiling the new theme, Conference is an amazing time for women to connect, share ideas, and be equipped in their personal lives as well as their work with GEMS. Attendees were inspired by speakers, challenged by breakout workshops, and blessed by times of worship together.

beyond a clubEach month, September through May, GEMS publishes a magazine for girls in grades 4-6. SHINE brightly not only contains the theme-related Bible lessons that are used in clubs, but it o ers girls activities, stories, and inspiration to help them grow their relationship with God.

Since SHINE brightly is available to anyone wishing to subscribe, it continues to be an amazing outreach tool to help GEMS ful ll its name to help girls everywhere meet their Savior. We recently received a letter from one of our subscribers from Minnesota, sharing how she was motivated by an article in SHINE.

As soon as I read about The Esther School in Zambia, I really wanted to help! she writes. I started to ll an empty jar on my desk with pennies, and the pile just kept growing! Ive collected $12just enough for a Bible!

But, she didnt stop there. After sending in her donation that will a ord a girl in a GEMS Club in Zambia her own Bible, she started to spread the word. I even told my friends. We all accepted the challenge from SHINE to live o $2 each day. It was super hard. I hope this will help. Ive started yet another collection to buy a brick for the school!

If you know a girl who could bene t from the fun and inspiring contents of SHINE brightly ($13.95 US, $18.70 CN) or Sparkle, a magazine for younger girls, ($10.70 US, $13.95 CN), contact the GEMS Service Center today!2

counselor training

a ord a girl in a GEMS Club in Zambia her own Bible, she started a ord a girl in a GEMS Club in Zambia her own Bible, she started a ord a girl in a GEMS Club in Zambia her own Bible, she started a ord a girl in a GEMS Club in Zambia her own Bible, she started a ord a girl in a GEMS Club in Zambia her own Bible, she started to spread the word. I even told my friends. We

we walkTheres no such thing as just a girl!

Coming to cities around Canada and the US, the We Walk Tour is a special mother-daughter event designed to deepen girls knowledge of their God-given value. Based on the themes from the new book series published by GEMS, The Micah Road Mysteries, author and speaker, Sara Lynne Hilton, will help girls understand that in Gods hands even the smallest o erings can be life-giving.

With worship, separate breakout sessions for moms/mentors (led by Renee Bacon and Lenae Bulthuis) and girls, and a service project, this is one event you wont want to miss. Visit the GEMS website for more details and to see when the tour is coming to a city near you!

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hand n hand Hand n Handa micro- nancing program uniting women and girls in Zambia with clubs across North Americawill once again be taking place in GEMS Clubs this year. Recognizing that the sobering needs in their own communities were not unique, a group of counselors in Zambia organized a weekly

gathering to pray for di erent regions of the world. Inspired by their sel ess commitment, Hand n Hand will re ect their e orts this season. A Praying Around the World 18-month calendar will be paired with gourmet cookie mixes and sold by girls in the US and Canada. The proceeds will be used to help Zambian clubs become self-sustaining while also supporting the local clubs.

Each North American club that participates will decide when to host this fundraiser, so if youre interested in placing an order contact your local Club Coordinator for details!

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THE ESTHER SCHOOL STUDENT SPONSORSHIP REGISTRATION FORM

Sponsor Name: __________________________________________________________________________Address: ________________________________________________________________________________City: __________________________ State/Province: ____________Zip/Postal Code: ______________

Email: ______________________________________ Phone: (___________)_________________________Payment will be made: Payment will be in the form of: monthly @ $50 per month check made out to GEMS Girls Clubs annually @ $600 with ES Student Sponsorship in the memo line Visa Mastercard Discover Card #: ______________________________________________ Expiration date: ______________________________________ Name on CC if different than name above: ______________________________________________________

Send check or credit card information to:GEMS Girls ClubsPO Box 7259 Grand Rapids, MI 49510

Name on CC if different than name above: Name on CC if different than name above:

the esther schoolSponsor a Student

A Christian education at The Esther School in Chongwe, Zambia will set students apart. Unlike many in this region of Africa, they will be equipped to overcome the poverty of their country and make a lasting impact on their community.

But, they cant do it alone. We still need sponsors for some of our students. For $600/year you and your family or business can ensure the students at The Esther School have everything they need to be successful. Your contribution will give a student a backpack, all the supplies he/she needs for the entire year, a breakfast snack, a healthy lunch every day, a uniform, and shoes for attending school. Your commitment is for one year, but many sponsors have already indicated a desire to follow their student through all 12 grades!

Once you sign up to sponsor a student, you will receive updates on him/her via mail and email. Learn more on the GEMS website (www.gemsgc.org) and sign up to sponsor a student today or, use the form below!

Meet our Missionaries

While youre on the GEMS website, be sure to check out the blogs of both families currently serving as the administrators

for The Esther School. The DeKam and Roelofs families moved to

Chongwe in July, followed by

Jean Selles and Rachel VanGent

the rst two North American teachers at the schoolin August! You can easily stay up-to-date on their lives and experiences in Zambia by following their blogs.

the US, the We Walk Tour is a special mother-

While youre on the GEMS website, be sure While youre on the GEMS website, be sure While youre on the GEMS website, be sure to check out the blogs of both families to check out the blogs of both families to check out the blogs of both families to check out the blogs of both families currently serving as the administrators currently serving as the administrators currently serving as the administrators currently serving as the administrators currently serving as the administrators

moved to Chongwe in July, followed by

Jean Selles and Rachel VanGent

As GEMS continues to challenge young girls to live passionate lives that embody jus-tice, mercy, and humilitywe continue to rely on willing contributors to the ministry! GEMS would like to extend a special thanks to the sponsors and golfers who made the 15th GEMS Open possible. While helping with overall ministry costs, the GEMS Open speci cally covers the costs of Get Connected! Camp.

Thanks again to these businesses and individuals:

Tee SponsorsZuidema InteriorsRed Arrow DairySuperior Seafoods CoHavit SuppliesA&B RentalsFountain Hill Counseling CenterMarino Insurance Services, LLCKevin & Amy SchaafGerald & Suzanne VanWieren

ContributorsKenneth & Joan FeyenDavid & Linda FinkDon & Barb BellingerRalph & Irene Drost

thanks again!

Event SponsorsDe Jong Enterprises, Inc.Michael J. Liccar & CompanyR & M ConstructionMyles & Glennys KuperusRichard & Judy EppingaJohn & Linda Van SingelAlan & Terri Kaiser

Lunch SponsorsCustom Design Components, Inc

Cart SponsorsEenhoorn, LLCPrecise Machining, IncGerrit & Cori DykhouseDale & Jan Boone

Hole SponsorsDeurloo FarmsStroo Funeral HomeBest Way DisposalAjacs Die Sales Corp.WDS Construction, IncJason & Shelley KuipersHarry & Henrietta ReindersBob & Barb MiedemaJohn & Margaret VanderPloeg

In August, over 170 girls gathered at Cran-Hill Ranch in Rodney, Michigan for Get Connected! CampGEMS summer camp for early teen girls.

During the week, campers learned what it means to connect. They connected with each other, their college-aged counselors, andmost importantlywith God. Each morning started with a new theme or, as we call them, a new critical life truth. We spent time talking about things that matter to girlsthings that are of paramount importance in their lives. They discussed things theyve been struggling with, wondering about, and things theyve maybe never really thought about.

And they also had a lot of fun! From silly camp songs like Let Me See Your Boogaloo to a ash mob, river tubing, horseback riding, archery, and swimmingtheres never a dull moment at camp!

In fact, year after year, Get Connected! Camp proves to be the perfect setting to get girls away from the noise of their everyday routines in order to speak truth into their lives.

get connected! camp

Contributors . . . continued Robert & Linda WestrateRichard & Mary VlietstraBruce & Patty GorterScott & Cheryl BrillJe & Charla MelbyBrad & Cheryl BoerDavid & Shirley BattsDavid & Judy HopkinsSimon FeddemaWilliam & Grace LamberinkDuane & Marge WestrateNathan & Cassandra ReindersPetra ArendsBluewater Orthopaedic & Sports SupplyWallaceburg Bookbinding & MFG. COSteven D. Lyzenga DDSGrand BuickAll Star PrintingLewis PaperIdeal PrintingTop DistributingWise PhotographyRycenga Building CenterOn The BorderGraphics UnlimitedRussFields FabricsCalvin BookstoreCornerstone UniversityLudwicksCindys Hair CareMeijerBDs Mongolian BarbequeCascade RoadhouseJanies CookiesBranns Steakhouse & GrillePilgrims Run Golf ClubMines Golf CourseWatermark PropertiesMaple Hill Golf CourseBroadmoor Country ClubIronwood Golf CoursePines Golf CourseGleneagle Golf ClubLochenHeath 4

. . . continued

discussed things theyve been struggling with, wondering about, and things theyve maybe never