A m o r M i n i s t r i e s Q u a r t e r ly N e w s l e t t e r

Matters
of the
Heart
Summer 2010 Edition

In This Issue:
Volunteerism: Group On the Beyond
Fostering a Giving Leader Horizon the Field
Spirit at Home Corner Being the Church Ripple Effects
Curriculum
Page 2 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6
 Family Volunteerism:
Fostering a Giving Spirit at Home
With President Obama’s introduction of the “United We who is not otherwise involved in an extracurricular activity
Serve” initiative, Americans across the nation have been can fill their time with volunteer service and reap benefits
propelled en masse to volunteer. In 2008 alone, 61.8 similar to those enjoyed by children in sports or involved in
million Americans contributed 8 billion hours of volunteer the arts. Children who have not had the opportunity to see
service, according to the Corporation for National and much diversity can discover needs that are different from
Community Service. That is 26.4 percent of the adult their own. Seeing those needs and realizing that they can
population in the United States. help builds self-esteem and gives them a
sense of duty. By giving up their personal
The affects of volunteerism, however, “A life that is lived time or sharing material items with the
impacts everyone that is involved. While needy, children learn the value of sacrifice
volunteer service is tangibly seen and felt
for service can be
and the importance of others.
by those who are being served, it offers a rewarding one.”
great benefits to the volunteer as well. The Families that volunteer side by side for
reasons for volunteering may vary, and can the fulfillment of their shared faith and
include resume building, a sense of duty, and the simple family values will broaden their child’s life experience and
joy of experiencing the human impact of the volunteer’s expose them to the world around them. It can be the start
work. The positive feeling that comes from the giving of of a lifetime habit of community service.
oneself to help another has been called the helper’s high.
But it is more than just a feeling. Researchers are finding Getting a child involved may seem like a daunting task, but
that volunteering can have positive physical affects on it is easiest to get the child excited in small ways. Start by
even the youngest of volunteers, and can provide life- sharing your own enthusiasm. Take your child shopping
changing benefits throughout their lives. to pick out toys for a sick child or have them make a craft
for someone in a nursing home. Encourage your child to
Studies indicate that volunteering can positively effect a look around and identify opportunities to serve the world
child’s emotional and intellectual advancement. A child around them.

If a child learns to appreciate volunteering when they

are young, it may lead to more benefits as a teen. The
Education Development Center (EDC) believes that
volunteer service, and the curriculum to support it, can
help teenagers from falling into what could be considered
risky behaviors, such as violence, drug use, or sexual
activity. In addition, many high schools require community
service because it bolsters a college application. Colleges
and organizations offer scholarships to students who have
demonstrated a giving spirit and community awareness.

If a teen uses their gifts and talents to volunteer, they are

more likely to enjoy it while the community served reaps the
benefit of their work. A study done at New York University
showed that in most cases, students who volunteered
while in high school and continued to do so in college did
so because they felt empathy for others and believed in
giving back. Teens who solely volunteered while in high
school stated that they did so to help college applications.
In spite of students’ attitude toward “required” volunteer
service, the number of young volunteers (ages 16-24)
rose between 2007 and 2008 from to 20.8 to 21.9 percent.

2 Matters of the Heart Summer 2010

 Letter from the Founder

Young adults have shown an increase in the belief

that it is important, perhaps even essential, to help
other people in need.
Dear Friends of Amor,
A habit of volunteer service not only helps the
Now that Scott and I are in
development of the child and the young adult, but
our 50’s, we reflect on the
yields significant benefits later in life. A recent study
past more often and discuss
indicates that those who volunteer have greater
functionality, lower rates of depression and lower how we want to spend our
mortality rates than those who do not volunteer. future. We have a “bucket
Volunteers are believed to have healthier social list,” although, I often think we both need to be realistic
physiological factors, such as a greater sense of about a couple of things on it! For example, some of
purpose and enhanced social networks, which can the things on our list are no longer feasible as it would
help a person deal with stress and reduce diseases require our bodies to do things we physically aren’t
that can be caused or worsened by stress. able to do anymore.

There are many different ways a family can leave its Sociologists who study Baby Boomers, have found that
mark in your community and abroad. According to the one consistently stated regret of this age group is
the National Center for Charitable Statistics, there
that they wished they had given back more—that they
were over 1.4 million non-profit organizations in the
had volunteered regularly. Just the other day, Scott and
U.S. in 2006, making it possible for virtually anyone to
I were mulling over this thought and while doing so,
find a place that would value their skill set and benefit
we recognized that if our lives ended today, we would
from their volunteer work.
be confident in having lived life to the fullest. We have
Perhaps even more importantly, is the biblical had so many incredible experiences and have served
concept that God uniquely blesses people with gifts God to the very best of our ability. I feel certain that we
and skills, which we are to use to worship Him. As both can say that we have no real regrets.
Christians, our salvation is not based on works, but
as James says in his epistle, we can show our faith We hope you feel the same way. Remember, the
through our works. difference you make in the life of others will make a
difference in your own!
This concept of service is at the very essence of what
Amor Ministries is and why it provides family and
In Christ,
individual opportunities to influence the world for
Christ. Because just as James said, “What good is it,
my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not
have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or
sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and Gayla Cooper Congdon
one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed
Founder and Chief Spiritual Officer
and filled,” without giving them the things needed
for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself,
if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will
Would you like to hear more from the
say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your
Founders? Visit www.amor.org to receive
faith apart from your works, and I will show you my
Amor’s monthly eNews from Gayla or the
faith by my works”... James 2:14-24
Simply Scott blog to hear from Scott.

www.amor.org 3
 Group Leader Corner

Introducing: Children and

Youth Ministry Curriculum
Energize: Where no leader stands alone!
We recognize that you are under significant time
pressures and need easy access to high-quality resources.
That’s why, Amor has partnered with Urban Saints, a U.K.
based ministry that reaches out to young people with the
good news of Christ, to provide church leaders with an
incredible resource…
Created to assist church leaders, Energize is a children’s
and youth curriculum for church leaders teaching ages
5 through 19! As the official Urban Saints distribution
partner for Energize, Amor can now offer the resource
to you!
The fully customizable teaching materials allow you to
explore current events, movies and more importantly,
relevant biblical topics. Designed to encourage a
child’s growth over time, Energize helps kids learn the
foundations of their faith (ages 5-10 years) and promotes
exploration of worldviews, current affairs, and a greater
understanding of God (ages 11-19 years).
Energize is available to you for only $50 a month!
To learn more about Energize or to subscribe, visit
www.amor.org/energize.
P.S. You can try out Energize for free!
Go to www.amor.org/energize,
on the homepage is a section
to “Try Energize”, follow that
link to check out some of the
resources for free.

30th Anniversary Celebration Tour!

Mark your calendars and save October 3 and 23 for Amor’s 30th Anniversary
Celebration Tour! Come celebrate Amor’s history and reunite with fellow Amor
Mission Trip participants at the Celebration Events. Learn more by visiting
www.amor.org/30years or check out the Calendar section on the back.

4 Matters of the Heart Summer 2010

 On the Horizon

Being the Church:

Making a difference through disaster relief
When the earthquake in Haiti hit, people were shocked by the devastation. And the world sat stunned before
their televisions when news of Chile’s 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit the airways. Volunteer workers, aid, and
relief were immediately dispatched to these hard hit regions, and rightly so. Why then, has Mexico’s earthquake
in Mexicali been virtually ignored?
Perhaps it was because they are our continental neighbors or maybe because the destruction appeared less
catastrophic. Whatever the reason, we implore you to not overlook the needs of the people of Mexicali,
Mexico.
Recently, Pastors on Amor’s Mexico Ministry Planning Board in Baja California commissioned five Pastors
to investigate the damage in Mexicali. What they discovered is that though many families have survived
the quake, they have been displaced from their homes and are lacking necessary provisions such as clean,
purified water.
According to Pastor Florentino Gallardo, one of the five Pastors charged with surveying the land, “The earthquake
caused natural underground hot springs to spring up which created sink holes that sank many homes, cars, and
roads. These particular families are waiting to be relocated to another community…In the meantime, these
families don’t have homes, food, water, and basic necessities.”
After reporting back their findings, the Baja Ministry Planning Board pledged $1,300 from their own communities
to assist the Mexicali families in need. By redirecting their Amor Project Hope: Hunger No More food bank
support, these Pastors have chosen to “love their neighbors”. Please consider doing the same! With your
support, Amor can replenish their food banks and aid the people of Mexicali. Here’s how you can help:
• Donate $15 – Gifts to the Mexicali Relief
Fund will be used to purchase canned foods,
bottled water, diapers, and water filters. Each
will be packaged in a basket and handed out to
families.
• Donate $100 – Gifts to Project Hope: Clean
Water for Life will be used to purchase water
filters for families in need of clean, drinking
water in Mexicali, relieving them of the cost of
drinking water.
Be the Church and make a difference. The world
is watching. Pastor Florentino reported back
saying, “One gentleman said to us that, ‘The
government has done nothing to help us.’ The
only ones who have helped them have been
those in the Church.”
To learn more about how you can help make a Be the Church and make a difference. The world is
watching. Pastor Florentino reported back saying, “One
difference and love our neighbors, please visit gentleman said to us that, ‘the government has done
www.amor.org/give/mexicalirelief or contact nothing to help us.’ The only ones who have helped
Melissa Salazar, Director of Ministry Relations at them have been those in the Church.”
619.662.1200 extension 129.

www.amor.org 5
 Beyond the Field
Ripple Effects
After coming on her first Amor
Mission Trip during her freshman year
of high school, Vanessa Frechette was
forever changed. So much so, in fact,
that in spite of childhood dreams of
one day becoming a horse trainer, a
zoologist, or even perhaps a lawyer,
Frechette instead chose to spend her
college summer as an Amor Nexus
Intern. During this period, she gained
first-hand knowledge of what life was
like in a foreign country, experienced
an alien culture, and got to know
Vanessa celebrates with Sonny as he graduates
from grammar school.
6 Matters of the Heart Summer 2010
new people. More importantly, she
learned the value of serving others
and came to realize that she wanted
to serve Christ by affecting that same
change in others.
And so began her decision to work
with Solidarity, a community of Christ-
followers intent on going deeper
with Jesus. To do this, they provide
opportunities for the global Church to
engage individuals and love on them.
They see themselves as an expression
of the Church learning together what
it means to be the Church.
Sound interesting? Amor certainly
thinks so! This is Vanessa’s story of
how the Amor Mission Trip and the
Nexus Internship transformed her life,
leading her to the equally inspiring
work of Solidarity:
“My summer as a Nexus helped me to
fall even more in love with the Latino
culture and helped me to realize that
working and living in that culture
was what God wanted for me. It was
also just so amazing to be a part of
God’s work and how it transformed
Vanessa relaxes while mentoring a young girl.
my life. I came out of that experience
a changed person, knowing that I
wanted to continue to play some role
in what God is doing in this world and
continue to allow that to change me
into the person God desires me to be.
That’s what led me to Solidarity. I have
three positions within Solidarity. I run
the “After School Program”, which
provides tutoring, mentoring, and
recreational activities for elementary
students in our neighborhood. I also
run “Solid House Girls”, which is a
mentoring program for young girls
aimed at helping them to understand
the life that God would have for them.
I also handle the inside sales for Solid
T, our t-shirt screen-printing business
that brings in revenue to help support
our programs.
Over the years as a volunteer in the
“After School Program” and then
as the director, I’ve gotten to know
three brothers named Sonny, Cisco,
and Mando. I’ve spent many hours
helping these boys with homework
and just hanging out with them. When

Take Us Out
To the Ball Game!
September 6, 2010
Padres vs. Dodgers
Amor is hosting a night at the ballpark
and we want you to join us! The rivalry
will be in good fun, so whether you’re
cheering for the Dodgers or San Diego’s
own Padres, come celebrate Amor’s 30th
Anniversary with a home run. A portion
of ticket sales will directly benefit Amor’s
programs. Visit www.amor.org/30years
to purchase tickets and learn more about
the tailgate party before the game.
I moved into the neighborhood, I ended up living
right next door to these boys and their family, and
over the last couple years, I’ve had the opportunity
to get to know this family better and have become
good friends with them.
I’ve had the chance to share in many special
moments with them, including baseball games,
graduations, and band concerts. I’ve also been
there with them through the more difficult times,
like when the boys lost their father. The relationship
I have with this family started out as simple tutoring
but it’s grown into a beautiful friendship. We are on
a journey through life together. I hope that Christ
has been working in this family through me, but I
know that I have been changed and have learned
more about Christ through the time that I have
spent with them.”
Just as a single stone dropped in water has a ripple
effect that is lasting and far-reaching, so too does a
single mission trip. May Vanessa Frechette’s story
inspire you to live beyond your limits for Christ!
Like Frechette, you never know who or what God
may teach you...
If you have a story about how the Amor Mission Trip
has transformed your life, your career, or your family,
we want to hear more! Submit your stories and hear
others by visiting www.amor.org/myamorstory.
Calling all Amorites!
Join fellow Amorites as we reunite together during Amor’s X Project.
Enjoy three days of laughter, stucco, camping, tears, and Spanish…all
the things that first drew you to Amor! Don’t worry about coming on
your own, the X Project will pair you up with fellow Amorites to serve
together and reminisce about the good ole’ days.
In case you were wondering, an Amorite is a former intern, team
member, or mission trip participant. In other words, YOU!
1-Day Trip: October 9
3-Day Trips: August 13-15 September 3-5*
*Special reunion activities planned!
Register online at www.amor.org/trips/xproject or contact Mission
Services at 619.662.1200 extension 6. Visit www.amor.org/30years
for more information about reunion activities.
Build in the U.S.
Amor is now building in our own backyard!
Plan your Amor Mission Trip to the San Carlos
Apache Reservation in Arizona and make
an impact just like in Mexico. As always,
Amor participants will build a culturally and
economically appropriate home for the region.
So, join us as we expand our building project to
include plumbing, electricity, and more! Learn more about the need,
culture, and community of this Native American Reservation by visiting
us online at www.amor.org/trips/locations/sancarlos.
Register at www.amor.org/registration or contact Mission Services at
619.662.1200 extension 121.
Building One
Family at a Time
With Puerto Peñasco now open year round, you
can make a difference to the people of Sonora!
Plan your next Amor Mission Trip to Puerto
Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, located just
off the Sea of Cortes and south of Arizona. To
register, visit www.amor.org/registration or contact Mission Services at
619.662.1200 extension 135.
A Bogey, a Birdie,
and a Bo Derrick…
Bridlewood Golf Club
October 18, 2010
8 a.m.
$115 Single Player
$400 Foursome
…If you know these terms, then you’ll be glad to learn that there’s still time
to join the Amor Ministries’ Dallas Golf Tournament held in conjunction
with Amor’s 30th Anniversary Celebration events! And even if you don’t
know the slang, come try out the sport and learn the terminology while
you’re at it. After all, it’s in support of a worthy cause! Register online and
read more about sponsorship opportunities at www.amor.org/golf.
www.amor.org 7
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619.662.1200
www.amor.org

We Welcome Your Feedback

If you have story suggestions or photos
to contribute, please email our editor at
ministryresources@amor.org or submit at
www.amor.org/MyAmorStory

Calendar of Events
San Carlos Apache
30th Anniversary Celebration Tour Reservation Mission Trips
San Carlos, AZ
Celebration Dinners:
Serving Year-Round
Los Angeles, CA – October 3, 2010
Register online at www.amor.org/register or contact
Bay Area, CA – October 23, 2010
Mission Services at 619.662.1200 extension 121 for
Celebration Events: more information.
The Founders have been traveling the U.S. and
Canada to celebrate with Amor’s supporting
Puerto Peñasco Mission Trips
Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico
churches and communities. Upcoming events
Serving Year-Round
include:
• Denver, CO - August 29, 2010 Register online at www.amor.org/register or contact
• Las Vegas, NV - Date TBA Mission Services at 619.662.1200 extension 135 for
• Chicago, IL - Date TBA more information.
• Phoenix, AZ - Date TBA
Reunion Mission Trip
• Dallas, TX – October 18, 2010
Tijuana, Mexico
Golf Tournament – Bridlewood Golf Club
3-Day Trip: September 3-5
Register: www.amor.org/30years/golf
*Special reunion activities planned for former interns,
• San Diego, CA
team members, and mission trip participants!
Padres Night - Padres vs. Dodgers
Spread the word! Gather all of your Amor Mission Trip
September 6, 2010 (Labor Day)
friends and Amor will plan it all! Register online at www.
Tickets: www.amor.org/30years
amor.org/trips/xproject or contact Mission Services at
For more details, visit www.amor.org/30years. 619.662.1200 extension 6.