Menno Notes-OctoberNovember 2008

In the fall of 2001, Andy moved to Stormer Lake (outside Red Lake) for a 2-1/2 year term of service. His first Sunday at Red Lake Mennonite Church was a commissioning service for Amanda to a one-year term of service in China. The Fretz (Amanda’s) family were always reaching out to young people. In fact, they moved to Red Lake from Harrisonburg, VA, when Amanda was four to help with the Popular Hill Boarding School. They began inviting Andy to their home for Sunday lunches. They soon began hinting about their other daughter that he should meet! It was a good year for Andy as he learned to know and love the Fretz family and the natives of Ontario, Canada. The land and people won a place in his heart.

After their marriage in July 2004, Andy and Amanda moved here and have poured their hearts into the youth at PMC. But the northland has a grip on Andy’s heart and he has felt a strong leading of God to work once again with the First Nations people of Canada and Red Lake Mennonite Church. Amanda confesses this was not an easy decision for her and it has taken two years for her to submit to God’s call on their lives. She says, “this may sound strange since Red Lake was my home, but God has had to change my heart.” Now they are waiting on God to open the final door. In order to get visas, Andy has to have a serious job offer. Once the paperwork is submitted it will take between 24 hours to 3 weeks to receive the visas. At this point Andy has applied for numerous appealing jobs but nothing has materialized.

Being youth leaders has been a great joy and challenge for Andy and Amanda. As I talked with them, I could sense a great passion for mentoring and equipping the youth for missions and service. The first year they worked on unity. They noticed a lot of clicks within the youth group which led to division and lack of mutual respect for one another. They invited a couple from Red Lake to come and minister one weekend and God broke through and tore down walls in a miraculous way. The retreat was a time of healing as the youth learned to talk and work together in unity. It was the catalyst to how good the youth group functions today. Another area they have worked hard on is mentoring the youth in leading worship and music. The youth group is also structured with officers so that the youth learn to take ownership and leadership. It is important to raise up the next generation of church leaders.

At this point they don’t know what the future holds but see this next stage in life as a stepping stone to fulfillment of a bigger, longer term “dream”. Amanda says, “You can make plans but God can change them.”

A challenge they would like to leave with the youth: “Your wildest hopes and dreams cannot compare to the fabulous plans God has for your life.”

By Pat Hertzler

The Youth Respond

to Andy and Amanda’s Leadership

Prayer of blessing and appreciation over their term of service with the youth.

I appreciate Andy and Amanda…..

· For their perseverance and positive attitude as they have led us youth. I admire that greatly. Thank you, Andy and Amanda. God will bless your lives wherever you are. Dawn Landis

· For their genuine care, the sacrifices they've made, and the love they've shown us. I am so thankful for their dedication- even bringing Justin when he was just a little baby! I also appreciate the time they've put into praying for us and teaching us. Kayley Kennell

· As they have always been there for me when I need them most. They have helped me when I was down and when I was on the wrong path they helped to guide me back. I will miss them and Justin a lot. Love y’all lots. Rebecca Benson

· Thank you so much for all the work you did for the youth group. You will be missed. May God bless your family. Leah Schaefer

· Because of the youth mission trip they took us on to Ohio and the trip we took to Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center. Both of these trips taught me a lot and I will always remember them. Rick Benson