“Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

We believe that we have been called to use the gifts God has given us to reach unbelievers for Him and to encourage, and build up His Church.

love Bugs

I'm teaching life science in my middle school class this year.  I alternate between this and physical science every other year, and on the 'on' year for life science I always set up a 50 gallon terrarium and several other, small tanks for the variety of insects, crayfish, snakes and frogs the students bring in throughout the autumn months. So it was no surprise a week or two ago when we found a praying mantis on our school grounds and the kids insisted we bring him inside. Because this was a pretty special find, we kept him in a separate bug tank just for him.

several days later, a student found a female praying mantis on our soccer field.  We grabbed another container to put her in, then gave her a grasshopper in case she was hungry.  She was definitely hungry.  She took no time to decapitate the grasshopper and begin ravenously eating it.  After ten minutes, it was time to return to our classroom, and she was still enjoying her lunch.  When we got inside we decided to add the male we already had to her container and see what would happen.  

As soon as they were in the same tank, the male approached her like teenage boys approach the new girl at youth group.  The fact that she was still eating the corpse of the grasshopper like an ear of corn should have been his first clue, but the heart wants what it wants.  After she finally dropped the last couple of 'drumsticks' from her meal, they immediately started mating in their tank.  They had just met ten minutes prior; it was like spring break right in my middle school classroom.  And make no mistake, my 12 and 13 year old charges in my class were enthralled!

While we were making these scientific observations, I decided to research something I had heard but was unsure it was true.  Do female praying mantises devour the males after mating?  I learned, and informed my students, that 35% of the time the female entirely consumes the male after breeding.  But he was a guy mantis, so I'm sure he thought of it as 65% chance of her NOT sucking the very life out of him, which like totally makes it worth it, dude! 

Anyway, we waited to see what would happen, but they didn't stop their mating.  We went back to our class work, and at 2:30 dismissal, an hour and a half after meeting, the mantises were still going at it!  When I left for the day at 3:00; STILL!  It made me think of those commercials of how, if you still going after four hours get emergency help.  Should I watch them for more time and possibly take them to the vet?  No, I had to get my daughter to the dance studio for her ballet class.  I left the two love bugs alone in the classroom and I'd see how things were going the next morning.

when I arrived to work the next day, I immediately went to check on the new class couple.  It was then I concluded that our male was one of the unfortunate  35%.  There was nothing left of him except his head, a few wings and one leg.

  When the students arrived, we examined the remains.  And when  we looked at the head under a magnifying glass, I swear he was still smiling!

 

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A Few Testimonies

The presentation was fun and encouraging... The gospel message was clear and encouraging. I purchased your book and just finished it. Your scope is broad and again encouraging. May God continue to bless your ministry. I will encourage others to read your book. -Parishioner of a local church

"Hey, I  wanted to say that was a great message in chapel today! It touched something:) thanks for doing it!" -High School Student  

"We are so grateful that you brought your amazing ministry back to our church this year... The Gospel message you bring applies to all!  It is such a positive, valuable work that you do."  -Coordinator of Christian Ed. UCC Church

"There's no questioning it. This is powerful stuff. It's extremely touching at times, never less than entertaining, and I see a lot of sincere love for Jesus in you guys."  -Dwight Lilies, song writer

The Lord has given you a wonderful window through which to present the Gospel!   - Field Director of Alliance Missions to Paraguay

"What a wonderful ministry to both children and adults.  In past years it has been a struggle to arrange programing that would hold the attention of all ages, but also challenge each heart with God's gift of Salvation.  Thank you for sharing your ministry."  -Sunday School Sup't.

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