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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
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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
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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
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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