Meeting Recap – November 2022

Nearly 100 people filled the room at Christ Presbyterian Church for an evening of inspiration, connections, and meaning. Thank you to all who joined us, including 29 first time guests!

In case you missed it, here is a quick recap of the evening and a way to connect even further.

MUSICAL GUEST

Heart of the City Band, led by Dan & Sandy Adler, set the tone for the evening and brought their mission of Biblical unity and diversity to life, playing three powerful songs. Their set ended with “We Can Do Together,” capturing perfectly the spirit of their own mission and that of Amplify.

GUEST SPEAKER

Mauri Friestleben, Principal of North High School and our speaker for the evening, brought passion and conviction to a message that deeply resonated with those in the room. Friestleben posed the question, “How do you remain hopeful in hopeless times?”

She shared the heartbreaking hopelessness she sees in students and parents, remarking, “I am leading the blackest high school in Minnesota, in a city that was the epicenter of unrest related to racial injustice. How do I give black kids a sense of hope? Sometimes the more we learn and know, the more hopeless we can become.”  

Friestleben answered her own question as she put on her teacher hat and gave our partners three insights she has been learning from the book of Daniel:

1. Daniel did not get caught up with the convictions of Babylon.
   “Babylon was rough and Daniel did not ask to be there, but not one time do you hear lamenting. If Daniel could still stand in his convictions in Babylon, I can do the same for my students in Minneapolis.”
2. Daniel did not condemn Babylon.
   “Daniel didn’t condemn the Babylonians even though he had suffered. He remained humble, obedient, and submissive to God. Don’t get caught in a Babylonian mindset.”
3. Never be a Nebuchadnezzar.
   “I started at North High School in 2019 and since that time we have doubled our graduation rates. It would be easy to get in the spirit of Nebuchadnezzar and say, ‘Look what I’ve done.’ Always know if you have enough fruit, it is never you, but always God. God gives us opportunities to be humble and give him all the glory and honor and power. It is our responsibility to do so.” 

Friestleben closed with the reminder that we are not alone in this work. “We have the Holy Spirit who can be the comforter and counselor we need. These times can be hopeless to others, but they should be hopeful for us.”

MINISTRY FLASHBACK 

Kimberly Rynders, founder and Executive Director of Tandem, shared a video update thanking Amplify partners for the support, prayers, and mentoring she has received. “One of the most powerful resources I’ve had in my 16 years serving at Tandem has been my deep relationship with Amplify Mission Network.”

PRESENTING MINISTRIES

Dan Adler, founder of Heart of the City Ministries, talked about the calling in his life to bring a message and experience of Biblical unity and diversity to the church. He shared a glimpse of the rich history of Heart of the City and the newly acquired Music Factory, inviting Amplify’s network to help him increase opportunities to bring the message and experience of Biblical unity and diversity to more people. 

Prince Cole, founder of Disability Motivational Network, shared heartbreaking facts and stories of the rejection and challenges children living with disabilities in Liberia face. Cole shared a compelling vision to help all youth with disabilities in Liberia find stability, education, and independence in their lives. He asked business leaders in the room to help identify pathways for new and expanded revenue so they can serve more youth.