September Update

I've been in denial that summer has officially ended and that the fall has begun. August was crazy busy with a lot of exciting events that we believe God really continued a work in our youths lives. We took 18 of our youth to Cypress Hills for 4 days at the beginning of August. For me this was an amazing few days of really connecting in a new way with several of our youth. I had opportunities to be transparent with them which was stretching but so good to watch how that really opened their hearts to be transparent with me in return. God drew us together in unity in ways we never expected and it was such a refreshing week for all of us.

The following week was super busy with preparations for our first annual 'Old School Party'. Joe's Place has been around since 1993 and by God's grace we were able to throw a party for close to 100 of the old Joe's Place youth (who are no longer youth). This was a great night of youth reconnecting with Joe and other staff. I got the privilege to organize a team of our present youth and leaders to take care of the children of these grown up youth. We are hoping this will be a yearly event that we host in hope to continue to stay connected with these people and remind them of the grace and love of Christ.

I went to Montana for labour day weekend to visit some old college friends. It was so fun to be with them all again and see how God has grown us in the past 5 years. September started with a rush when I came back from my mini holiday. It was exciting to plan preperations to orientating and training our fall volunteers from Briercrest. We were unsure how we were going to recruit new volunteers as our partnership with Briercrest has changed this year. However God is faithful and has raised up about 40 new volunteers to be apart of our team at Joe's Place. It has been so exciting getting to know them slowly. I am so excited for what the Lord has instore for us this year as so many new things are on the rise.

Starting this week we are beginning our drama team. On Saturday evenings an art club has begun. My Friday night girls group is evolving into a new dynamic. Adrienne (my friend who I partnered with in this ministry) has moved to Saskatoon and therefore that in itself has changed the dynamics of our group as we really balanced each other out well. (These pictures in this update are of our girls group on our last night all together). We have new girls who have joined our group and we have begun a new dvd seriese based on the book 'Captivating' by John and Stasi Eldredge. THis is a very powerful book that helps women of all ages rediscover who they were created to be and the freedom that is in Christ.

WOuld you please consider comitting to praying weekly for our girls group? The majority of the girls in our group our very new beleivers and I truly believe God has great things instore for them this year through this series. Please pray that their hearts would be soft and open to God's truth that they will hear each week. Pray that we will grow together in unity and love for each other. And plaese pray against all distractions that would keep them from hearing and applying God's words for them.

I'm so excited for this fall and where God will take us from here. Thank you for being apart of praying for me and the youth here in Moose Jaw.

I would lastly like to ask for your continual prayer and support as I continue to raise my financial support. God has been faithful in raising up 65% ($12,000) of my monthly support. I am still in need of raising the final 35% ($800 per month). If you would like more information on how you could be apart of this aspect of my ministry I'd love to talk to you on the phone or by email.

God has been faithful in providing me an amazing place to live this year as I am living with one of the girls from my Friday small group abd ny quadmate, Lauren, whom I lived with last year just moved in also this past week. We live in a great neighbourhood and have an amazing house that is great for having friends and youth over. My new contact information is as follows.

Leanne Plouffe

1303 Athabasca St W

Moose Jaw SK

S6H 6C8

306-692-2198 (home)

306-693-5637(Joe's Place)

Well, I would love to hear what the fall has instore for many of you. Feel free to drop me a line or a call anytime.

Love and miss you all lots

Leanne