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by Eliya Criniere Over the past year, I have been contemplating my future after graduation, carefully crafting what I believed to be the perfect plan. However, I soon realized that my plans did not align with what God had in store for me. But as I surrendered my will to Him, the Lord led me in a different direction that I never could have imagined. Recently, I was accepted into the Onething Internship program at the International House of Prayer University, and I am convinced that this is where God wants me to be. I am choosing to put Him first in my life, even though it may be challenging. Having experienced God's faithfulness time and time again, I am confident that I can trust Him to lead me on this new path. The internship was named after this verse which is very fitting for me in this season. "One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple." - Psalms 27:4 The acceptance into the Onething Internship program at IHOPU has been a significant milestone for me. It has reinforced my conviction that God has a specific calling for my life and has paved the way for me to pursue this path with confidence. Last year, I discussed the idea of applying for the internship with my parents, and they were very open to it. I asked my dad about it repeatedly, as I felt it was something I truly needed to do. We prayed together on numerous occasions, and it was encouraging to see my dad bring everything before God, no matter how big or small. Watching him devote himself to God made me reflect on my own life and evaluate how much of myself I was giving to God. While my dad believed that I did not need an internship to grow closer to God, I felt that it was what God was calling me to do. The Onething Internship is a six-month program designed for young adults to seek the Lord together within a like-minded community. The core element of this internship is the prayer room, where interns can spend time in prayer, worship, and meditation. Additionally, interns attend classes, serve in various roles around the missions base, participate in small groups, and receive discipleship. The internship is designed to help interns grow in their confidence in God's love for them as they delve deeper into His Word and prayer. In my opinion, it is crucial to have a deep life of prayer, as it is like a lifeline. Without it, we cannot survive. Prayer helps us to connect with God, seek His guidance, and grow in our relationship with Him. The Onething Internship provides a unique opportunity to devote myself entirely to God, to seek Him with all my heart, and to experience His love and grace in a way that is difficult to achieve in day-to-day life. I am excited about what God has in store for me during this program. I believe that the Onething Internship is going to be an exceptional opportunity for me to grow in my faith, deepen my prayer life, and gain a sense of purpose and belonging within a community of like-minded individuals. I am eager to experience His love and grace in new and profound ways. As I prepare to begin this journey, I am reminded of the words from scripture: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 I trust that God will guide me through this season of my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to grow closer to Him through the Onething Internship. I believe that the Onething Internship will be a transformative experience that will equip me to serve God in all aspects of my life. I am excited to see what God has in store for me during this program and look forward to growing in my faith, deepening my prayer life, and building lifelong relationships with my fellow interns. So far, I have saved half of the internship tuition - I still need to raise about $3,000. If you would like to help me pay the rest of my tuition, you can send money directly to my Paypal using the link below. Blessings.

One last push to get the exterior projects done - Ryan Corrigan Check out the new page dedicated to the project Megan has been absolutely stunned by the ongoing efforts by the community to do an extreme home makeover for the family. Their home has always needed a lot of work, and Charlie always dreamed about making their home a great place to raise their growing family, but they never had the funds to make it a reality. But now, his dreams are coming true because of the generosity of the community. Many of these projects were made possible because of donations from people like you. Thank you so much! Over twenty companies have contributed to the project! Currently, we are sprinting to finish the outdoor projects - all we need is $2,500 to install the privacy fence and $6,500 for a shed, and the outdoor transformation will be complete!!! So far, we don't have any companies or donors for this, but we are trusting that God will provide. So far, Megan has not had to use any of her own money to do any of this! Incredible - and let's keep that going! Here is an updated list of everything that has been done. A brand-new roof was installed (https://www.nationsroofingandsolar.com/) Her old driveway and two back patios, and two retaining walls were removed (https://www.trubluellc.com/) Old shake shingle siding was torn off by people from Grace Point Church (https://gpchurch.us/) A massive dumpster for demolition was donated (https://www.kcdumpster.com/), Garage doors were removed, and the exterior wall was finished with windows (to finish the garage into a living space) (https://www.bizapedia.com/mo/owb-carpentry-llc.html) Twenty-six windows and two sliding glass doors were donated and delivered within one week (normal lead time was 6-8 weeks) (https://www.coronetwindow.com) Windows and new sliding glass doors were installed (https://www.bizapedia.com/mo/owb-carpentry-llc.html) A lot of electrical work was done to add floodlights around the house (https://purelightelectric.com/) , (https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/gj-electric-inc) A Ring doorbell system was donated and installed A porta-potty was donated for the construction workers Brand-new vinyl siding was installed (https://maverickexteriorskc.com/) Backyard lower patio with pave stones and a band new retaining wall was installed (https://hopkinshardscapes.com/) , (https://www.keystonehardscapes.com/) A massive amount of overgrown shrubs and an old fence were torn out of the backyard. (https://www.trubluellc.com/) The front yard was graded and prepared for a new circle driveway (https://www.trubluellc.com/) , (https://trifecta-contracting.com/) A massive concrete circle driveway was installed (https://trifecta-contracting.com/) , (https://quicksilverrmx.com), A mini-split HVAC system was donated for the garage conversion into a living space. ( https://www.lennox.com/, ) A brand new furnace and AC unit for the home were donated and installed. (https://tmi-stl.com/) The bathrooms have been remodeled. (https://www.thinkbordner.com) ( https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/56d6cb14f384a201005fd07c ) There was a sewer line repair (and a scheduled replacement) (https://allens-electric-hvac.business.site/) A company donated a really high-quality concrete sealant for the new driveway (https://specchem.com/specshield-wb) Outdoor drains have been added around the house to mitigate standing water (https://hopkinshardscapes.com/) Massive truckloads of dirt were donated for grading. (https://www.facebook.com/people/Summit-Trucking/100057155001603) The backyard was professionally graded. (https://www.trubluellc.com/) A beautiful deck was built by Doug Fields, the deck guy (https://www.facebook.com/dougfields23?mibextid=ZbWKwL) Privacy Fence Materials were Donated - (https://www.oakiq.com/) Backyard concrete - a deck sidewalk, a shed pad, a pool pad, and a new lower patio pad. (https://www.bizapedia.com/ks/stay-down-concrete-llc.html) A sprinkler system was installed and paid for by donations from individuals - $7,500 All new sod has been donated for the entire yard. (https://zaubee.com/biz/siler-turf-farm-156eqxcw) Beyond this list, there have been permits pulled and paid for and hours and hours of planning and coordination. Here is an updated flyer with the remaining materials cost we are seeking to raise: Priorities are: $2500 for the privacy fence $6500 for an outdoor shed Video Playlist You can also make a tax-deductible donation here

Pushing to Get the Exterior Done! - Ryan Corrigan UPDATE: The Privacy Fence Has Been Installed!!!! Now We Are Praying for the Sod! Check out the new page dedicated to the project . Megan has been absolutely stunned by the ongoing efforts by the community to do an extreme home makeover for the family. Their home has always needed a lot of work, and Charlie always dreamed about making it a great place to raise their growing family, but they never had the funds to make it a reality. But now, his dreams are coming true because of the community's generosity. After Charlie passed away, over 20 companies and many individuals rallied to make this possible! Many of these projects were made possible by donations from people like you. Thank you so much! Since our Last update, we wanted to let you know that the Privacy Fence has been installed, and we have received a donation to build an outdoor shed! However, the company that pledged to do the sod in the yard has backed out. The Kansas City area has been in a drought , which has strained the sod business. However, we just had a really encouraging conversation with a new landscape company that is very interested in taking on the project! Please pray for this sod to get laid so Megan doesn't have to deal with the dirt and mud anymore! So far, Megan has not had to use any of her own money for this project! Incredible! Let's keep that going! Next, we need about $700 for a secondary outdoor shed for Megan's trash can's (since we are finishing her garage into a living space). Here is an updated list of everything that has been done. A brand-new roof was installed (https://www.nationsroofingandsolar.com/) Her old driveway and two back patios, and two retaining walls were removed (https://www.trubluellc.com/) Old shake shingle siding was torn off by people from Grace Point Church (https://gpchurch.us/) A massive dumpster for demolition was donated (https://www.kcdumpster.com/), Garage doors were removed, and the exterior wall was finished with windows (to finish the garage into a living space) (https://www.bizapedia.com/mo/owb-carpentry-llc.html) Twenty-six windows and two sliding glass doors were donated and delivered within one week (normal lead time was 6-8 weeks) (https://www.coronetwindow.com) Windows and new sliding glass doors were installed (https://www.bizapedia.com/mo/owb-carpentry-llc.html) A lot of electrical work was done to add floodlights around the house (https://purelightelectric.com/) , (https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/gj-electric-inc) A Ring doorbell system was donated and installed A porta-potty was donated for the construction workers Brand-new vinyl siding was installed (https://maverickexteriorskc.com/) Backyard lower patio with pave stones and a band new retaining wall was installed (https://hopkinshardscapes.com/) , (https://www.keystonehardscapes.com/) A massive amount of overgrown shrubs and an old fence were torn out of the backyard. (https://www.trubluellc.com/) The front yard was graded and prepared for a new circle driveway (https://www.trubluellc.com/) , (https://trifecta-contracting.com/) A massive concrete circle driveway was installed (https://trifecta-contracting.com/) , (https://quicksilverrmx.com), A mini-split HVAC system was donated for the garage conversion into a living space. ( https://www.lennox.com/, ) A brand new furnace and AC unit for the home were donated and installed. (https://tmi-stl.com/) The bathrooms have been remodeled. (https://www.thinkbordner.com) ( https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/56d6cb14f384a201005fd07c ) There was a sewer line repair (and a scheduled replacement) (https://allens-electric-hvac.business.site/) A company donated a really high-quality concrete sealant for the new driveway (https://specchem.com/specshield-wb) Outdoor drains have been added around the house to mitigate standing water (https://hopkinshardscapes.com/) Massive truckloads of dirt were donated for grading. (https://www.facebook.com/people/Summit-Trucking/100057155001603) The backyard was professionally graded. (https://www.trubluellc.com/) A beautiful deck was built by Doug Fields, the deck guy (https://www.facebook.com/dougfields23?mibextid=ZbWKwL) Privacy Fence Materials were Donated - (https://www.oakiq.com/) Backyard concrete - a deck sidewalk, a shed pad, a pool pad, and a new lower patio pad. (https://www.bizapedia.com/ks/stay-down-concrete-llc.html) A sprinkler system was installed and paid for by donations from individuals - $7,500 The privacy fence was installed! (https://www.trubluellc.com/ , (https://www.bizapedia.com/mo/owb-carpentry-llc.html) Money for the materials and labor has been donated to build a really nice 12x16 outdoor shed! Beyond this list, there have been permits pulled and paid for and hours and hours of planning and coordination. Here is an updated flyer with the remaining materials cost we are seeking to raise: Priorities are: Pray the sod will get done! $700 for a small secondary outdoor shed $12k for the garage to living space remodel New Flooring or refinishing the flooring Paint You can also make a tax-deductible donation here .

JC Van Deventer https://fox4kc.com/news/cyclist-to-ride-2500-laps-in-24-hours-in-honor-of-kansas-city-cyclist-killed/ A nationally ranked rider hit the pavement hard ahead of Jackson County CASA’s Bright Lights for Kids event in September. The inspiration came from a local cyclist (Charles Criniere) who was tragically killed while riding his bike last August. On June 2nd, Cyclists were hard at work in the heat of the day. JC Van Deventer started riding just after midnight. He said each lap means something important. Van Deventer shouted on his bike “1,217 laps to go!” He ended up tackling 2,328 laps. That number represents every child in the Kansas City area who received support last year from CASA volunteers — Court Appointed Special Advocates who help children experiencing abuse and neglect. “There are faces and names for each lap, and that matters,” Van Deventer said, “and it’s frustrating that it’s not more laps for every child in the area, but then it’s also frustrating that it’s not less laps and that we don’t kids in these situations.” Jackson County CASA said more than 1,900 children are abused every day. Van Deventer wants to help “brake the cycle”. Over the years, he’s opened up his home to 120 foster children. This year he’s doing something a little different — organizing the Bright Lights for Kids Bike Ride and 5K. Athletes are coming in from across the country to ride anywhere from 10 miles to 200 kilometers. The event is inspired by Charlie Criniere, a father of 10 who was killed last year while riding his bike . “This is exactly what was in Charlie’s heart,” Van Deventer said. Criniere’s widow, Megan, said he was in the court system growing up and was given a scholarship — that’s how he became a teacher, impacting so many kids’ lives for the better. “Any form of advocating for kids, that was his heart. So, he would have loved this,” Widow Megan Criniere said. “We reap the benefits of that of what was poured into him, and so did hundreds of kids.” Van Deventer said that’s who this is about — the kids. And any difficulty he faces on his 24-hour journey, he said it doesn’t compare to the adversity he believes these kids will overcome. “The challenge for me is nothing. The challenge that these kids go through is hard to quantify,” Van Deventer said. “So, you just do another lap.” The Bright Light for Kids event is Sept. 16 at Longview Lake. Van Deventer said 100% of the proceeds from the event go to Jackson County CASA. To get involved with CASA in your county, visit Bright Lights Ride . Bright Lights for Kids registration is now open! 2,328 laps for every child in foster care in the KC area who were fortunate enough to have the support of CASA and the CASA Volunteers. Unfortunately, so many in foster care in our area don't get the support 4 television news crews 26 amazing cycling friends several gallons of water over-heating issues midday stomach issues (apparently, my body decided it was a good to to cleanse) soaked from a thunderstorm slippery when wet bar traffic 2 nights in a row tight corner speed eating 4,656 times the forget riding 254 miles on the Katy in a day Saw temps as high as 103 degrees forget Everesting in under 24hrs with no prepare and a height to weight ratio not designed for such a thing, forget finishing Unbound, forget finishing MidSouth on my old Schwinn... this was the most challenging ride I've done! Thanks to everyone who supported. Sign-up at BrightLightsforkids.org !