1. NEW! PARENTING CONFERENCE — Saturday, April 22, 9:00 am — 2:30 pm
Only two weeks away! Join us at the first annual H.I.M. Parenting Conference, "Parenting by Design, Not by Default." We would never build a house without a well-thought-out design, nor should we build our families without such a design. A good architect and set of plans are critical to the construction of both houses and homes. Psalm 127:1 states: “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”

Spend a day together with other parents focusing on God’s plan and being taught His standards. Paul and Virginia will lead us in examining twelve parenting principles that are critical in raising responsible children according to God’s design: Plan, Think Prototype, Participate, Protect, Be Proactive, Develop Passions, Project Positively, Parenting is a Process, Prioritize Your Marriage, Be a Presence, Play, and Pray

The cost is $20 per person, which include lunch and all materials. Register online or if you prefer, go here to print out a registration flyer to fill out and send in by U.S. mail.

We've printed several thousand of these flyers and would be delighted to drop some in the mail to you if you’re willing to distribute them—they’re the perfect size to insert into bulletins. Let us know how many you can use, and we'll have them in the mail to you the same day.

Questions? Email info@HIMweb.org or call 781-275-6473. Hope to see you there!

2. FAMILY FOCUS NIGHT — May 6, 7:30 pm
The final Family Focus Night of the season will be held at Lexington Christian Academy on Saturday evening, May 6. It may seem like a long way off, but it's only one month away and that month will whoo- oosh by! Why not put it on your calendar now? The topic of the evening is an important one for every parent: "Helping Our Children Choose to 'Walk in the Truth' " How do we encourage our children in their own faith journey? 3 John 4 states: “I have no greater joy than to know my children are walking in the truth.” How can we as parents create an atmosphere most conducive to our children choosing to follow Christ? How can we help them embrace their own faith and not simply mimic ours?

There'll be plenty of Paul Friesen's famous chocolate chip cookies, and Lent will be over, so if you gave up sweets this year, you can indulge! Your RSVP would be very helpful (though not required): just call 781-275-6473 or email Paul@HIMweb.org — oh, and there is no charge for this evening. See the Family Focus Nights brochure for more information and directions to LCA. Hope to see you there!

3. ENGAGEMENT MATTERS WEEKEND — Saturday and Sunday, April 8-9
There is still room (but not much time!) for another couple or two to join Paul and Virginia this weekend at Engagement Matters. This is the last such weekend planned for the season, so pick up the phone and let us know you have a friend or niece or nephew or son or daughter to send. Our best advertisers are those who have attended in the past and then send their engaged or pre-engaged friends, many times covering their costs as well. That's a pretty good measure of their enthusiasm! As Paul and Virginia say, marriage is the second most important decision of life. Register Online or call us at 781-275-6473.

4. TRUE LOVE WAITS (FAMILY EDITION) MINISTERS TO MANY
A week ago last Saturday at Grace Community Church in Chelmsford, over 200 people, both teens and parents, gathered to learn about God's design for sexual purity. "Sex is great! It's worth the wait!" was the first line of a dynamic rap written and performed by Paul Friesen that brought the house down in one of the first sessions that day. Benjamin Watson of the Patriots was there with his wife Kirsten to encourage teens to remain pure, as were Kate Wylie (wife of Olympic champion Paul Wylie), NFL player Grant Williams and his wife Emily, and Brian and Heather Dietz of Grace Chapel. Jim and Sue Martis headed up the lunch and snacks team and served great food to all.

Read some of the responses sent in afterwards:
"[We were] so glad to be there and grateful to hear testimonies that were open, honest, and yet clearly revealed God's design. No 'candy-coating,' except for the prizes :-) "
"The conference was fantastic, well run and extremely effective in sharing both the specific messages and hope of the gospel of Jesus."
"Hi Mr. and Mrs. Friesen, Thank you for the fun Saturday. I learned a lot of valuable information that not only can I use, but I can also tell my friends. I really liked the rap song you did :o) The four rules you told were good too. I hope that I will be able to attend the conference again next year. Thanks!! "

5. PAUL AND VIRGINIA, STUDENTS AT LARGE
On March 27, Paul and Virginia successfully defended their respective theses, one at a time, and afterwards each heard "Congratulations, Dr. Friesen," from their professors. Virginia writes, "It was definitely a high point in our lives to have reached this milestone. We are very, very thankful. A special thanks to those of you who prayed us through and supported us in many ways over the past 2.5 years. It feels very good to be done. Well, almost. :) Paul still has a little course work to finish up, but that should not be an obstacle. :) However, until the fat lady sings, keep praying. Graduation will be May 6 and we'll be 'hooded' up here in Hamilton."

Praise God!! What a blessing to many the Friesens have been and continue to be. We are grateful that He has granted them the time and concentration and resources to study and acquire new knowledge, all of which to better serve.

And may He bless you and your family as well.

Comments, suggestions or letters can be sent to:
Barbara Steele, Editor
email: barbara@HIMweb.org

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Home Improvement Ministries
209 Burlington Road, Suite 105
Bedford, MA 01730
781-275-6473

www.HIMweb.org