Local Youth Group Overcomes Hunger With Love

submitted by Mallory Bitterman, EHS Senior

  Making a difference doesn't have to involve traveling all around the world, just ask the First United Methodist's Youth Group.   Inspired by  1 John 3:18 which says, "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth," the teens will take action.  The youth group, Stonewall  Ministries, will be doing an event called "Thirty Hour Famine".  Through World Vision, they will be fasting for thirty hours and raising funds to help starving children throughout the world. 
   The students came up with a group goal of $4,500, with some individuals setting personal goals as high as $1,000.  Approximately twenty senior high youth have committed to raising at least thirty dollars each.  Thirty dollars feeds one child for one month, dividing down to about a dollar every day for one
month.  Every day as many as
11,000 kids die from hunger and related causes.  Many starve and the ones who are lucky enough to survive are extremely malnourished. 
   The youth have a good start on fundraising, and will end this fundraiser Feb 24-25 by having a lock-in at their church where they will fast for thirty hours to get a feel for what they are helping prevent. 
   If you would like to help Stonewall Ministries reach their goal, you may make a check out to World Vision and drop it off at the Greentown First United Methodist Church office, 124 S. Green Street, Greentown, or mail to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 196, Greentown, IN 46936.  Donations are tax deductible.  Anything is greatly appreciated.  Together, what can we do to make a difference?
   Questions can be directed to Mark Slusher, 860-8538.

Buddy Bag Update

submitted by Cheyrl B., Eastern Buddy Bag Volunteer

   I want to bring our neighbors of Greentown up to date about the Buddy Bag program that is in its third year at Eastern School system.  There have been some changes in the program with the numbers of children that you currently help with your donations.  We presently pack 65 bags for your children as of January 1, 2012.
   For each child the cost is still $120.00 which is tax exempt.  Donations can be made in the amount that God directs your heart no amount will go unused. This provides enough food for each child to eat 7 meals through the weekend for 10 months of school.  If you would like to participate please send your donations to Kokomo Urban Outreach 1701 S. Locke St. Kokomo, Indiana 46902.  Please mark your donations for Eastern Buddy Bag program.
   Your kindness has been so overwhelming. Your donations have been

A Good Night's Sleep

By Chaplain (MAJ) Jeffrey L. Brooks

   I'd like to start this time by asking you a couple questions if I may.  "How are you doing these days when it comes to getting a good night's sleep?"  "Have you been resting well lately?"  "Do you ever feel like you are running on empty?"
    In the Book of Matthew the Lord said this, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and over-burdened, and I will give you rest! Put on my yoke and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-30, J.B. Phillips Bible).
    Over the past couple of years I've learned a lot about the importance of the quality of sleep that we get.  There is a relationship between the quality of the rest we get and the quality of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.  The "quality" of our sleep seems to be as important as the "quantity" of the sleep we get.
    I'd like to challenge you to make sure that you get the rest that you need - the kind of rest that refreshes, revives and rejuvenates. One way to do this is by simply making "quality-rest" a priority in our lives - something that we schedule, focus on and plan for.
    1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust" (Psalm 91:1-2).
    Chaplain Brooks is a 1978 graduate of Eastern High School.  He is the son of Willard (deceased) and Susan Brooks of Kokomo.  Jeff is the chaplain at Tobyhanna Army Depot in Pennsylvania

Providing Pep at Ballgame

   Some EHS alumni joined the Eastern Pep Band during the boys basketball game February 4.  In top photo are: Justin Colwell, EHS Senior and Kelsey Russell, EHS Junior.  In middle photo is Kyle Kimmel, EHS Senior.  In bottom photo are Samantha Schmid, EHS ‘08; Shayne Clark, EHS Sophomore; and Joe Connolly, band parent.