DIRT Update

Youth Camp Meets the World!

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:01:00 GMT

32 Camps in 10 Years!
I am writing this newsletter from a rustic cabin hidden in the mountains of North Georgia (thank you Jake). The other morning when I woke up, it was 33 degrees and that was inside the cabin! Today, as I thought about what I need to share this month, I took some time to look back through my yearly calendars, and I realized something amazing. I have been blessed to lead 32 camps since 2001. That is an average of 3 camps per year! Wow... I think I’m tired.

Camps are People Laboring with Love 
When it comes to creating great camp experiences, as soon as one ends, planning for the next one has already begun. To do things right, it takes a lot of time and energy from a whole lot of folks.
I praise God for the many people who have invested countless hours into the 32 camps we have hosted. There are blessings awaiting them in heaven for sure.

Time for a Sabbatical
A little over a month ago I went to our DIRT Crew Board of Directors and suggested that we take a much needed break. I am so thankful that they agreed to remove this year’s Summer DIRT Camp from the calendar. The Bible speaks clearly about the fact that all things need rest. We are told to keep a sabbath day of rest. Farmers are instructed to give their land a rest from producing crops every seven years. This seventh year of rest in known as a sabbatical. Even regarding the duties of camps, I believe a sabbatical rest is in order. For our camps, we are already three years overdue!

 There Will Be A Summer Camp 
Even though we are not hosting camp, students still need a summer camp experience. So, in place of this year’s DIRT Camp, we are planning to be guests at another great youth camp. This will allow us to be participants rather than planners. I am really looking forward to just being a camper and enjoying quality time with students.

The camp we are attending is called “SIFAT” (Servants In Faith And Technology - http://sifat.org).
I have taken two groups to SIFAT in the past, and it is an amazing experience. The camp focuses on the needs of third world countries and is an active lab for developing technologies to meet those needs. Students will learn by experience as they actually live in a simulated third world village. If you would like to attend, contact me right away, and I will provide all the details for you to join us.

You’re All Invited to a Dinner!

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 01:57:00 GMT

God has done great things over the last 10+ years and the time is long overdue for all our DIRT Crew partners and friends to come together and celebrate! This will be a wonderful evening of fellowship and rejoicing so please plan to join us because it will not be the same without you!

DIRT Crew Celebration Dinner
Date: Saturday, April 16, 2011
Time: Starting at 4 p.m.
Place: First Baptist Acworth

We want you to feel the excitement of DIRT Crew as you enjoy the talents and hear the stories of our students. You will be introduced to our DIRT Crew ministry leaders and enjoy a presentation of gratitude to our faithful supporters. Then we will all share in a wonderful time of fellowship over dinner as we celebrate God’s blessings together.

This Event is R.S.V.P. Only (so that we may be good stewards of God's resources.)
There are three ways to R.S.V.P. and the deadline is Saturday, April 2, 2011.

1. Register Online: A very fast and easy process.

2. Register by Email: Click here to tell us you are attending.

3. Register by Phone: Call Barry Dollar at 678-773-6102.

Bring a Friend - You may R.S.V.P. for yourself and those who will be attending with you.

 PRAYER REQUESTS: Thank you for remembering us in your prayers! 

Thursday, March 17 - I am speaking to the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at Young Harris College. 
Saturday, March 19 - We have a “Mystery Mission” planned for FBA students. 
Tuesday, March 29 - I am preaching the youth night of revival at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. 
Summer DIRT Camp planning is in full swing and we need some very specific prayers answered.

I can’t wait to see you!

New Year - New DIRT Crew!

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 01:50:00 GMT

A New Chapter is the DIRT Crew Story
For me there is no better way to start a new year than with a new DIRT Crew. Pastor David Joyner recently asked me to come and help build a God honoring youth ministry at First Baptist Acworth. So I shared with him the vision of the DIRT Crew because I believe this is how you build a great youth ministry. A ministry that will impact the lives of students and the life of the church!

Just Start Where God Puts You
I actually got involved the last Sunday in November teaching the youth Sunday School class because they needed someone to come and help out. Once I showed up, I just kept coming and teaching. Even with only three or four students showing up, I knew God was up to something good. Each week I would tell them to just watch and see what God might do.

It was not long before a young man named Mark visited. Mark is a gifted musician who has a desire to serve. The next Saturday he spent the whole day setting up our sound system. Now Mark has already led the music in two Wednesday night youth meetings. One of the students told me that she was not convinced when I would say, “Just watch, people are going to start coming.” But seeing Mark was the evidence she needed to believe that something good just might be about to happen.

Our First Mystery Mission Project
When working with students I like to do what I call “Mystery Missions”. We meet on a Saturday morning, go and do a mission project, eat lunch together and then do something fun to end the day. There are several reasons I like this format. First, it is the “Mystery”. The students want to know what we are going to do. They are afraid they might miss out on something so they show up!

Second, I like the first several projects to be for people in the church. For example, yesterday we worked in the yard of a church member who recently lost her husband. She must have shared our mission visit with her Sunday School class and friends at church this morning. Many came to me before and after church expressing appreciation for what we accomplished. So we earn some respect from the church family which helps to create a positive support system for the ministry. All the compliments were encouraging but the best part was hearing those six students (pictured above) tell me how much they enjoyed doing a good deed for someone in need. That is music to my ears!

I love Youth Ministry!

Winter DIRT Camp was Supernatural!

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:47:00 GMT

If you want to hear an amazing story call me and I’ll tell you about DIRT Camp. Especially our worship service on Friday where seven students received Christ! Both leaders and students said they have never experienced anything like it.  Our theme was “Supernatural” which is the perfect expression for this camp. God was in our midst and it was supernatural... 

7 salvations, 11 rededications & 20 other decisions! 

496 Man-hours Served on Mission Projects! 
These projects included painting the house of an elderly lady, raking yards for shut-ins, serving at four nursing homes, moving a thrift store and the projects described below. 

$419 Donated to Third World Needs! 
Students earned $1 coins each day in competitions. On the last day we gave students the option to purchase items for third world families out of a Samaritian’s Purse catalog or they could buy candy with their coins. Only $4 was spent on candy! Now listen to this: We only gave out $282 worth of coins. The additional $141 came out of the pockets of our students and leaders! 

36 Parachutes Made to Drop Hope in Columbia! 
This project targets the Farc Rebels who kidnap students and force them to be gorilla fighters. Often suicide becomes their only escape. The parachutes drop Bibles, radios and hope! 

Operation Beanie Babies was a Success! 
67 beanie babies and 53 pounds of candy were collected to be given to children in the middle east by our soldiers in hopes of winning their hearts. Students also created 66 cards to encourage our troops.

God is Awesome!

We Will Touch the World at Winter DIRT Camp!

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:44:00 GMT

We are so excited about the opportunities we will have at Winter DIRT Camp to touch lives around the world. You can help share the love by participating in one of the following ways...

1. OPERATION BEANIE BABIES
Students are being asked to collect Beanie Babies and hard candies to be sent to the Middle East. Soldiers give these items to the children they meet as a way of building bridges and winning hearts. Students will also be making cards and pictures, and writing letters to encourage our soldiers.

You can help by collecting Beanie Babies and hard candies.
You can help by creating a card or writing a letter to a solider.

2. SAMARITAN’S PURSE GIFTS OF HOPE 
As students compete in team challenges they will be awarded coins worth one dollar each. At the end of the week everyone will be given a Christmas catalog with gifts to purchase and send to a needy person or family in a third world country. Gifts such as baby food, livestock, seeds and tools for growing crops, school supplies and much more. 

You can help by making a donation of dollars to give in exchange for the toy coins.
You can order your own catalog from www.samaritanspurse.org and provide gifts.

3. PARACHUTES FOR COLUMBIA
We will be making parachutes for the sake of dropping bibles and radios in the war torn jungles of Columbia. Along with the parachutes we need to include $3 each to purchase solar powered radios, Spanish Bibles and other materials to be attached to each parachute.

You can donate to help purchase the sewing materials needed for the parachutes.
You can make parachutes in your home and add them to our shipment.
You can donate the $3 per parachute to purchase the radios, Bibles and tracts.

This Christmas season count your blessings and then share them with those in need!

Merry Christmas!

God's Best Subject Is Math!

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 22:06:00 GMT

10 + 10 + 10 = Praise!
I am sending this update on the 10th day of the 10th month of the 10th year of the DIRT Crew. Last night I spent some time looking at many of my personal records from the past ten years and all I can say is Praise God! He has been so faithful and we have been so blessed to watch the Lord at work.

10 x 10 + 1 = One Hundred and One 
101 is the number of precious souls that have been saved, an average of 10 salvation decisions each year! But that does not really tell the story. For example, in 2005 we only saw one person accept Christ as their personal Savior. I can remember the discouragement that year and my wondering if our ministry was missing the mark. Honestly, I thought about quitting more than once. Now if I would have quit right then, we would have missed out on the next year where 22 people accepted Christ!

2 x 10 = Sum Unknown
Over the last 10 years the Lord has blessed with many opportunities to mentor young men on their spiritual journeys. As I thought about this, I quickly jotted down 20 names that I have enjoyed a mentoring relationship with and who are actively serving in ministry. That’s the “2x10”. Two guys a year for the last 10 years. The “Sum Unknown” is the multiplication of their ministry impact! Some were already serving in youth ministry while others were introduced to youth ministry through the DIRT Crew. (please understand I am not taking credit. I’m just giving God glory for all He has done!)

10 x 10 = Tens of Thousands 
The other big number worthy of praise to God are the tens of thousands of man hours of missions and ministry. We do not have an exact number because it’s been too big to track. Over 10 years we have had many youth groups directly involved in DIRT Crew missions and ministry projects. In addition we have served thousands of hours through our camps and retreats. What a blessing to know that every hour represents lives touched and hearts changed through serving or being served.

The Number We Should Care About Most
The number I most care about is the next one! The next soul saved! The next life changed! Whether you participate through GIVING or GOING. pray that God will keep on doing what He is doing.
To God be the Glory!

My Sweet Girl All Grown Up...

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 22:44:00 GMT

I can Hardly Believe it!
On Saturday, October 2nd, I walked my precious daughter down the aisle and gave her away to marry. She was a beautiful bride and it was a wonderful wedding. She married a young man named Isaiah Hunter in whom I have the greatest confidence. Just like Susan and I, they met at church and I believe with all my heart that they will have a very blessed life together.

Where Did All the Time Go?
Looking through our pictures I was watching my little girl grow up all over again as the memories flooded my heart. It is hard to even sit and write this now. I have often said the hardest part about having a child is that I miss every single Melissa that I have ever known. I miss Melissa the toddler who was stubborn and independent. I miss the first grader who let me tie a string around her loose tooth and a door knob and then slam the door!

Our Special Relationship
I have always been the special man in her life. We have had our dates and dinners. Our first real date together I gave her a special necklace to express my love to her. The last date we went on, just a few weeks ago, I gave her another necklace and earrings, this time to acknowledge another man’s love for her.

Her Teen Years Were Meaningful
I chose the pictures above to reflect her DIRT Crew years. Melissa was in the very first DIRT Crew in 2001. In DIRT Crew she learned to spend time with God every day. She gained an appreciation for loving and serving people. She learned how to lead (I often called her the “Little General”). I am proud of my daughter who has blossomed into a Godly young lady. I like to think our DIRT Crew philosophy had some impact in that. Of course it did not hurt that she has two amazing parents! (smile)

Please pray that God would allow us to continue loving and leading students. My prayer is for every student to find the best of life through Jesus Christ!

Living In the Supernatural

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 22:07:00 GMT

Winter DIRT Camp Will Be “SUPERNATURAL”
In just a little over 3 months we will be in South Georgia for the best Winter DIRT Camp ever. This year’s theme is “Supernatural” because “Living for Christ does not come natural!” It is not natural to resist worldly desires. It is not natural to love others more than ourselves. It is not natural to courageously live the Christian life in a world that rejects Christ. It is not natural for students to give up four days of their winter break to go on a mission trip. It is the Supernatural power of Christ that compels us to live the supernatural life.

Pray for Winter DIRT Camp - Pray for our attendance to grow, because the more that attend, the more lives that will be changed. Pray for ministry opportunities that allow us to touch lives in the community. Pray for our leadership team as they plan every detail of the camp. Pray for the financial support to come in so our ministry can continue. Pray for the SUPERNATURAL power of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide every moment, and for precious souls to be saved.

Please Spread the Word - Invite churches and students to join us for camp. The Georgia Baptist Conference Center in Norman Park can easily host over 300 students. Imagine how awesome that would be! Help us get the word out. Think of who you know that is connected to students and let them know that they can learn all about our camp here > http://dirtcrew.org/wintercamp.htm

Pack-a-Thon for Haiti - Last Saturday the Northwest Dirt Crew and Eastwood Dirt Crew teamed up to serve at the Atlanta Pack-a-Thon sponsored by Feed the Hunger and Feed my Starving Children. This team of students and adults packed over 30,000 bags of food that will be sent to Haiti. Did you get that? 30,000 bags of food! That is enough food to feed 81 starving children 1 meal a day for a year! I praise the Lord for the leadership of Bryan Fox and Brian Lee in accomplishing such a amazing task.  Watch the Pack-a-Thon Video: go to http://dirtcrew.tv > Random Vids > Atlanta Pack-a-Thon

DIRT Crew University

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:39:00 GMT

“DIRT Crew University” That has a nice ring to it!
The picture above has special meaning to me because it is one of the first of its kind. This was a weekend reunion of college students who served at DIRT Camp this summer. They wanted to get back together before school and work fills their time again. On this particular morning we hiked up one side of Kennesaw Mountain and down the other. Sitting on the rocks right there we opened God’s Word and talked about the fact that Faith is a journey.

Now why is that so special? Because its a new place on the journey, the next level, DIRT Crew college students. They represent the first generation who have come up through the ranks of this ministry and now they are leaders of the ministry! I am praying that this will be the first of many generations of students who will grow to become great Christian influencers in this world.

There is one great story from this outing that I want to share. As I lead the Bible study I noticed a fellow hiker had stopped to listen. Later as we came down the mountain and I was approaching the end of the trail this same man in passing asked me about our group. He spoke of how impressed he was with the students and the Word that was shared. He even gave twenty dollars on the spot to go toward lunch. I am happy to say this is not uncommon. Everywhere we go people stop us and ask about our amazing group of students. I am so thankful the DIRT Crew stands out in a good way.

Last month I shared my heart’s prayer for the DIRT Crew. I want to ask you again to pray with us the prayer of Jabez for our ministry together... [1 Chronicles 4:10]

“Oh that thou wouldest bless [us] indeed, and enlarge [our] coast, and that thine hand
might be with [us], and that thou wouldest keep [us] from evil, that it may not grieve me!”

We are already planning our Winter DIRT Camp. This is hard work that demands commitment and sacrifice from our college and adult leaders; a volunteer force that either work or go to school full time. So why do we keep doing it? Because EVERY TIME at EVERY CAMP souls are saved and lives are forever changed. Please pray for Winter DIRT Camp and pray for the DIRT Crew!

The DIRT Crew Journey continues...

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 20:29:00 GMT

As I write this DIRT Update, there are students in Atlanta at the “Four Corners” (one of our witnessing spots) handing out Big Money tracts. This morning they were serving a widow by working in her home and yard. Last week a different group went out in their area. Next week, somewhere, it is very likely another group of students will engage the world with the love of Christ. This is “US” living out our DIRT Crew creed to “Love God, Love People and Share Christ”.

Over the past ten years I have watched God grow the DIRT Crew from one youth group of twelve students to many students in multiple youth groups and locations. This ten year longevity has proven that the style of ministry God gave us is not only life changing but long lasting. We have college students who grew up in the DIRT Crew now serving in the DIRT Crew.

So have we arrived? Not hardly. But I do feel we have laid a great foundation to build on. When I see the impact of our ministry on the lives of students, I am inspired to want more. My heart’s prayer for the DIRT Crew is the prayer of Jabez... [1 Chronicles 4:10]

“Oh that thou wouldest bless [us] indeed, and enlarge [our] coast, and that thine hand
might be with [us], and that thou wouldest keep [us] from evil, that it may not grieve me!”

It is my desire to encourage more youth leaders to embrace the DIRT Crew style of ministry. I want to share all that we have learned, created and developed. I want to warn of the pitfalls and mistakes to avoid. I want to help those who have a passion for students and a burden for the world.

To see God “enlarge our coast”, we need your prayers. Pray that God would guide our journey into new places. Pray the He would open new avenues of ministry. Pray that our ministry reach would stretch beyond anything we could imagine. Pray for our leaders to have personal purity, spiritual strength and the continued commitment to the labor and sacrifice of ministry. I simply ask that every time God brings us to mind that you would send up a prayer. We are so blessed that you care.

DIRT Camp Was Absolutely Awesome!

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 23:05:00 GMT

With our new location at Sequoyah Caverns and 98 participants, DIRT Camp could not have been anything less than “The Best DIRT Camp Ever”. Students loved the worship time in the caverns’ “Ball Room” where lives were changed every night. We experienced 6 salvations, 31 rededications, and 29 other spiritual decisions!

Each morning the students went out and got their hands dirty while racking up over 550 volunteer-hours of community service. They served at assisted living and nursing homes, remodeled an elderly man’s bathroom, cut fire wood, did yard work, cleaned-up people’s property, cool sealed roofs and anything else we ask them to do. Each day two teams went to downtown Chattanooga to respectfully share their faith through conversations and tracting. Many students said this was one of the highlights of camp!

As a new twist this year, we let the students choose their adventures. We offered Caving, Skeet Shooting, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Disk Golf, Ultimate Frisbee, Swimming, Mountain Hiking and of course the famous Mud Bowl! We also had exciting games, food challenges and the “Mayonnaise Skit” (you just had to be there!). Soon we will have a camp video available that can be viewed on our web site. The video will include the “Mayonnaise Skit”.

As always, camp was not without it’s challenges. Many students stayed in tents this year and we had some storms that drove us into a local community center one night. We picked-up a few bumps and bruises and by the end of camp we were all worn out, but without all that it would not be camp.

For all of you who have prayed and all who have given donations to sponsor students and underwrite this camp, there are no words to express our gratitude. Because of your partnership in this ministry many students and adults have been touched spiritually. You are the heroes of DIRT Camp. You may not have been there physically, but I carried you in my heart every moment of camp...

THANK YOU!

Spring Break Missions!

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:17:00 GMT

The Mission Metroplex
For the fourth year in a row, Brian Lee has headed up a spring break mission trip. Brian is a DIRT Crew board member and youth pastor at Eastwood Baptist in Marietta, Georgia. This year Brian took his team of leaders and students to Arlington, Texas. Every morning to early afternoon they served the Mission Metroplex which consists of multiple ministry outlets including food, furniture and clothing warehouses and a medical clinic. In the afternoons they presented the “Rainbow Express” backyard Bible club at a local apartment community. During the week five children prayed to received Christ! Congratulations to Brian and his team for a mission well done.

The Liquid Highway
Another DIRT Crew board member, Chuck Carver, took his Venture Crew canoeing down the Santa Fe River in High Springs Florida. Four of the ten students are in the Juvenile Justice System. Here is a wonderful glimpse of the trip shared by Chuck in his update...

“We saw springs along the river some of which were producing twenty to thirty million gallons of water per day and so clear you could see all the way to the bottom. At the end of the day I could not pass up the opportunity to talk about “Living Water”. During this trip we were able to build relationships with all the students and we look forward to camping and other activities with them in the future and more opportunities to share Jesus Christ. Please pray for the four guys in Juvenile Justice: Ty, Matthew, Brandon, and Jose. I hope that during this trip down the liquid highway that seeds took root in their hearts that would grow up into salvation.”

Brian and Chuck also serve as two of the primary leaders at DIRT Camp and I and so thankful to serve beside them. Speaking of DIRT Camp, I need you to keep praying because it is less than a month away! Pray for souls to be saved and lives to be forever changed. I can’t wait to see what God might do in answering our prayers and honoring your generous financial gifts.

2010 Summer DIRT Camp Will be EPIC

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:18:00 GMT

When talking about DIRT Camp, every year we say, “This is going to be the best DIRT Camp ever!” and that statement alway proves to be true. Well, this year just saying, “best camp ever” is not big or grand enough to describe DIRT Camp 2010. This year’s camp is going to be EPIC in proportion compared to anything we have done in the past. That is why we are calling it “EPIC Adventure”.

Everyone involved senses something awesome shaping up that can only be described as “GOD-sized”. For example, I already have 17 young adults (college students and young professionals) who have applied to be our team leaders this year. Also, it is very likely that our attendance could double from last year. Wow! I am more excited about this year’s DIRT Camp than ever because more students means more lives being touched by Christ. I am most excited because I know there will be some students that will give their lives to Christ at camp. Praise God!

For the first time ever, I am going to reveal some of our big “Secrets” for this year’s camp. As many of you know we like to keep our camp plans a secret because we love the element of surprise. Although, this year I just can’t keep quiet about it so here goes:

Sequoyah Caverns - We are renting the entire property of Sequoyah Caverns! This property has a complete camp ground with bath houses, swimming pool, hiking trails, fishing ponds, and of course the caverns. By renting this property we will be able to offer an option to those who are interested in tent camping. Students can bring their own tents or they can bunk in one of the two large event tents we will have setup with cots.

Worship in the Cave - Now here is the best part of having the Sequoyah property. All of our worship gatherings will be inside the caverns! Have you ever heard singing in a cave? It’s like singing in the bathroom, everyone sounds good. I believe this is going to be an amazing experience and likely the only camp in America having worship services inside a cave.

More Activities - This year we are going to have almost twice as many activities for students to enjoy. Everything from swimming to extreme adventures of which I will keep secret for now (got to save something for the element of surprise).

More Missions - With twice as many students, that means twice as many missions. More serving in the community with the love of Christ. More lives touched, more good things accomplished, more students experiencing the blessings of service.

Now, Are You Excited About DIRT Camp?
I hope you are so excited about this year’s DIRT Camp that you will make a commitment to do your part:

We Need People to Pray
First and most important, we need people everywhere praying. This really is a God size event that is bigger than all of us. This is our Jordan to cross and we have already stepped into the water. We are trusting God to carry us amazingly through this EPIC adventure. Pray for the safety and protection of everyone attending the camp. Pray for our strength because this will be a physically and emotionally challenging week for both students and leaders. Pray for souls to be saved and lives to be forever changed.

We Need People to Give
Second, we need people to give financially. By faith we have committed more resources to camp than ever before. I know God can cover the cost easily through His people. That is how God pays for every ministry He leads. So I would ask you to consider what would be your part? Is it as one of our prayer warriors? Is it to be one of our financial champions? Please participate however you can. By your participation you can rejoice in the celebration once this camp has proven to be a “GOD-sized” success!

Click here for Camp registration information

Heroes, Supercross & Missions!

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:33:00 GMT

WHAT WOULD SUPERCROSS BE WITHOUT DIRT?
Bryan Fox, youth pastor at Northwest Church in Acworth, Georgia, organized one awesome event. He teamed up with the Village Church and Eastwood Baptist to take over 100 students to the Supercross in Atlanta. Everyone enjoyed a night of racing, but they also did some planned witnessing while they were there. Here is a portion of Bryan’s email recapping the event...

“We ended up with 127 in attendance. At least 110 of them were students. This event was a little different in that we did as much evangelism to those we brought along as we did to those we were witnessing too. Our students did a great job of utilizing this event to invite their friends. This meant that there were a ton of unsaved people in our group and it gave the saved students some great opportunities to set the example for their friends.

It was great for the students from the different Churches to be able to interact and get to build some friendships that I hope will grow into long term relationships. We need to keep having these multi-group events. It stretches the kids, expands their sphere of friends, and gives them opportunities to meet other great Christian students from the area. Just think, some day a group of these students may decide to join together and start another church in one of their neighborhoods. You never know what may become of these multi-group events and the interactions of the students. -- Bryan”

DIRT CREW HEROES RESCUE A WOMAN BEING ATTACKED!
At this year's Winter DIRT Camp our theme was “Heart of a Hero”. Little did we know that Howard Brown (one of the attending youth pastors) and his wife Paige would find themselves being real life heroes in a daring rescue! As they left their church Monday night (March 1) they came upon a man attacking and stabbing a woman in the street. Before Howard could stop the van Paige jumped out and shoved the man off the woman. Howard chased him down and held him until the police arrived. Please pray for the victim’s recovery and thank the Lord that He protected Howard and Paige! Atlanta's 11 Alive News covered the story. You can read the story and watch the video of the news report on their web site. Click here...

SPRING BREAK MISSION TRIP TO TEXAS
Please be in prayer for Brian Lee as he is putting together his annual spring break mission trip. After several trips out of country (Mexico, Haiti and Honduras), this year Brian is taking students to Arlington, Texas. The mission team is a much younger group this year, therefore Brian wisely chose to stay in the states. Please be in pray asking God to orchestrate every detail of the mission and to provide all the funds that are needed. Students are hard at work raising funds for the cost of the trip. You could be instrumental in the ultimate success of the mission trip by sponsoring a student or just making a donation to be used as needed. If you would like to help simply make you check payable to “DIRT Crew” with “Texas Trip” in the memo line.

NOTE: 100% of the funds donated will go directly toward the costs of the trip. All donations to DIRT Crew Student Ministries are tax deductible. Statements are provided annually for tax preparation.

Mail Donations to:
Barry Dollar
DIRT Crew Student Ministries
3010 Wren Circle
Kennesaw, GA 30144

WE HAVE REACHED A MILESTONE!

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:34:00 GMT

It was February 1, 2001 that I took the staff position at Eastwood Baptist Church, which began my ministry to students. Within the first couple of months, and after much prayer, the Lord impressed upon my heart the ministry of the D.I.R.T. Crew. “Disciples In Real Times” is what D.I.R.T. stands for, and our message to students is this: If you want to be a real time disciple, you have to “Come get your hands dirty!” Over the last nine years we have watched many students accept the challenge, and together we have seen countless lives changed.

My greatest joy of ministry has been the opportunity to serve students. I simply love being able to lead young people into genuine walk with Christ. Now I’m getting to see students who have grown up through the ministry come back to lead in the ministry. This summer, our DIRT Camp will be lead by many DIRT Crew alumni who are now in college. I remember back in 2001 it was just me and Elmer. How far God has brought us!

Each year has be so unique and so full of blessings. I remember the first camp in June of 2001. We did not yet have the dream of DIRT Camp. We called our first camp, “Survivors”. We had 16 students attend. It was funny because it took more adults (23) to make that camp happen than the number of students who attended. Even in the small beginning we had the philosophy of service. Each day we went out into the community and got our hands dirty. I remember six students were saved, including the life guard we hired!

To everyone that I have had the privilege to travel this road with, I want to say thank you for being so faithful to the Lord. I have had the blessing of serving alongside so many wonderful folks. Together we have seen souls saved, lives reclaimed and hearts touched. You have given, you have prayed and you have served. This has been our ministry together, and it has been awesome!

We now begin the 10th year. Let’s see what God has planned for us next...