heritageheadlines - american heritage girls pa0423’s lewis and clark candidates plan the mother/...

AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS | 1

VOLUME TWO | SPRING 2017 | WWW.AMERICANHERITAGEGIRLS.ORG

HERITAGEHEADLINESCOVER STORYTHE AMAZING JOURNEY:EVANGELISM, DISCIPLESHIP &MULTIPLICATION

LETTERS FROMA HIP VOLUNTEERBEYOND THE SHOEBOX PACKINGPARTY

THEMEANINGOF THEMISSION

AHG’S NEWTROOP MILESTONE

ALUMNASPOTLIGHTMEETSARAH MCPHERSON!

2 | AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS


Founder/Executive Director of American Heritage Girls

Dear Friends,

Serving others has been an important foundational truth throughout my life. Raised by a disabled dad and a mom who worked diligently to keep our large family together, empathy for others has always been part of my DNA. Pat, my husband, and I vowed to raise our kids with servants’ hearts.

Weekly visits to my dad’s nursing home allowed our kids to peek into the lives of so many amazing men and women. Family Thanksgivings began with the distribution to those less fortunate, and Christmas always included an “adopted family”. Service was, and remains, a vital value for our close-knit family.

The seeds of service are planted in the hearts of kids through parents that model a lifestyle of giving. Sacrifice and service are gifts from God to His people to help them grow in love for Him and for each other. “For we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

Serving helps girls learn about their passions and God’s will for their lives. The American Heritage Girls’ Program, with its strong emphasis on service, is a perfect conduit for putting legs to its families’ passions while seeking God’s will and sharing His love throughout the world.

In this edition of Heritage Headlines, learn how girls across the nation are learning more about themselves by learning more about the needs of their communities. Each year, hundreds of thousands of hours are given by AHG Members to people in need. Imagine what God can do with gifts of selflessness that come from obeying His command of “love one another”.

Serving Him through AHG,


IN THIS ISSUE

“ And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are

the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15

Whether its faith, service or fun, communities across the nation are

witnessing contributions of local AHG Troops. Heritage Headlines, AHG’s

quarterly magazine, seeks to spread those good news stories while encouraging other

Troops to follow in their footsteps.

Direct all Letters to the Editor, address changes, or other correspondence to:

American Heritage Girls, Inc. 175 Tri-County Parkway

Cincinnati, OH 45246

513-771-2025

[email protected]

americanheritagegirls.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORPatti Garibay

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONSJanet Gora

EDITORSMichelle Beckham-Corbin

Chelsey Ross

DESIGNERBecky Lipps

CONTRIBUTORSPatti Garibay

Mary Ann McPhersonSarah McPherson

Emily Walker

3 FOUNDERS MESSAGE

5 AHG IN THE NEWS Meeting Mike Pence, Bible Belles Webinar, Parenting Summit, and more!

GIRL STORIES

6 Extraordinary Events

8 Badges

9 ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT Meet Sarah McPherson, alumna of Troop OH1411

FAITH 11 The Meaning of the Mission The importance of spreading Christ to ears that can hear His name 16 March for Life Respecting life from conception until birth

16 Faith Journeys

16 Our Lady of Fatima Program patch

16 I Live My Faith

SERVICE

17 Cookies for Kairos

17 Serving Our Veterans

18 COVER STORY The Amazing Journey: Evangelism, Discipleship and Multiplication 28 HIP HAPPENINGS What’s beyond the shoebox? More on ways to give back.

AHG INC. UPDATES

28 AHGequip LIVE! Conference Recap

28 AHG Celebrates Troop Milestone

29 To Pray and be Encouraged The AHG connection bonds Volunteers nationwide

29 New Staff Spotlight

30 Staff Scoop Meet Zone 1 Troop Coach, Sarah Bond!

30 Georgia’s AHG Day

31 STARS & STRIPES This quarter’s recipients of AHG’s most prestigious Award

36 NEW TROOPS


AHG in the newsRecent media spots for the AHG, Inc. National Office

American Heritage Girls Joins with Bibles Belles for WebinarAHG partnered with Bible Belles to put on a webinar to celebrate National Women’s History Month in March. Bible Belles is a company dedicated to helping young girls discover real beauty, God’s love, and their purpose through the female heroes of the Bible. The webinar covered the five women of the Bible featured in the Bible Belles book series, short devotionals, and ways to integrate the program into Troop Meetings. View the webinar here: https://youtu.be/pdR2pyDoipsLearn more about Bible Belles at www.biblebelles.com.

Garibay Guides Parents Through Online ParentingSummitGaribay was recently a guest on The Axis Virtual Parenting Teens Summit, an online conference that provides practical advice on connecting parents with children regarding difficult subject matter. Garibay’s portion focused on encouraging girls to know whose they are, which will decrease the ills we find in society. For more information on the Summit, visit their website at https://parentingteenssummit.com/home.

Mission America Highlights American Heritage Girls ProgramPatti Garibay was recently highlighted by Linda Harvey on Mission America. Patti talked about what makes the American Heritage Girls organization different and why it’s an excellent alternative for girls seeking a scout-like program. To hear more on what Patti had to say, visit http://thewordcolumbus.com/radioshow/1955.

Garibay Emphasizes Stars & Stripes Program on KFUOPatti Garibay spoke with Andy Bates at KFUO in St. Louis about the success of the AHG Program and how AHG is assisting girls in their faith journeys. Garibay shared information on the Stars & Stripes Program, including specific stories on recipients that are located throughout the country. To listen, visit http://kfuo.org/2017/01/13/faf-011317-american-heritage-girls/.

Patti Garibay Invited to Mike Pence Private Event

On March 2, 2017, Mike Pence, United States Vice President, visited Frame USA in Springdale, Ohio to speak with Ohio business leaders and their employees. Pence discussed the president’s economic agenda, as well as healthcare. Garibay, Executive Director and Founder of American Heritage Girls, was invited to attend the event and received the opportunity to speak with Pence herself.

American Heritage Girls Endorsed by Bishop Conley In early March, Bishop James D. Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln spoke with Spirit Catholic Radio Network to endorse the American Heritage Girls Program. He spoke on the benefits of the Program compared to other scouting organizations and what his position entails as the elected Episcopal Moderator of the National Catholic Committee. To hear what he had to say about AHG, follow this link: http://spiritcatholicradio.com/index.php/programming/spirit-mornings


GIRLSTORIESIncredible tales of leadership, volunteering and friendship

Troop FL2911 hosted an AHG Info Night on Jan. 19, 2017 in Central Florida. As a joint effort with AHGequip LIVE!, AHG Founder, Patti Garibay, visited local Troops, friends and family in an effort to spread the word about AHG and to grow new Troops.

FL2911 planned for this visit for months! 19 Troop Members from Tenderhearts to Patriots met weekly for special flag ceremony rehearsals, and the Pioneers and Patriots created patriotic table centerpieces and party favors made of red, white and blue M&Ms to add to the festivities. This opportunity taught Troop FL2911 that the AHG Creed is not just a list of words. Having Patti come to meet the Troop in person made the AHG Program come alive.

Troop FL2911 began in 2011 with only seven girls; became an AHG Honor Troop in 2012; and now in its sixth year, has over 30 girls and is mentoring a new Troop through the “Each One Grow One” program.

Meet the FounderGARIBAY VISITS WINTER GARDEN, FLA. TO CONDUCT AHG INFO SESSION


Troop PA0423’s Lewis and Clark candidates plan the Mother/Daughter Tea for their Troop. This year, they chose a Mad Hatter theme. PA0423 Troop Coordinator, Michelle McKnight, dressed as the Queen of Hearts and led a devotional about when the girls become “queens” in leadership roles within the Troop, out in the world, and in their own families. She encouraged following the King of Kings example; leading by service instead of leading by power and commands.

CA0613 has an annual Father/Daughter event where fathers in the Troop take

their daughters to dinner, then attend a dance. The dance

preparations are done by moms and older girls in the Troop. The theme is different every year; this

year’s was a masquerade ball, complete with an English country dance

caller and live musicians. Besides the dancing,

the girls also loved the chocolate

fountain!

A Masquerade Ball

A Wonderland Tea Party

LOVING, LIFTING AND LEADING UPWARDS

Free to B. a Leader (FBAL) directly supports AHG’s commitment to Girl Leadership. Rooted in 1 Timothy 4:12, FBAL helps younger and older AHG Girls, as well as Adult Leaders, explore and apply the concepts of biblical leadership: loving, lifting and leading UPwards.

In February, 47 AHG Girls, representing five Tennessee AHG Troops, learned more about what it means to be a Girl Leader at TN0516’s FBAL Lock-In. Award-winning author, Renata Bowers, presented a special video message for the Southeastern AHG Girls about how they can take their spiritual gifts and seek God to lead them no matter how young they are. Girls participated in a group reading, book discussion, crafts, and a group photo to earn their FBAL patch. They enjoyed pizza for a snack and fell asleep to the American Girl movie, Kit Kitteridge. Pioneers and Patriots enjoyed their own FBAL Bible study program, special craft, a root beer float bar, and their own movie, The Miracle Worker.


BADGESCAKE DECORATING BADGECake Decorating is a fun hobby that utilizes creativity and can be enjoyed any time and for any occasion. Cakes can also be used to honor and encourage others. Create your design, and have fun doing it!

OH0316 recently worked on their Cake Decorating Badge in anticipation and preparation for the annual cake bake! They learned how

to color icing and frost cupcakes. The Pioneer and Patriot Leader also showed the girls her cake decorating tools and gave the Troop their own fondant to create beautiful edible objects.

GA2900 brought in a local cake decorator to teach the girls how to make icing from scratch; how to add coloring to icing; and how to use tips for decorating cupcakes. Each girl was given their own starter kit that included an icing bag with different tips that they could take home to keep. They decorated three themed cupcakes: ice cream sundae, princess, and fish in the ocean.

NATURE + WILDLIFE BADGE Learning about the plants and wildlife around us can provide many enjoyable hours of fun and relaxation. Conserving natural habitats protects the plants and animals that depend on their environment to survive. Each year, many new species of plants and animals are discovered while others become endangered or extinct.

TN0059 visited the Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tenn. to work on the Nature + Wildlife Badge. The Troop started by making a journal to record observations while

hiking around the lake. They learned about decomposition in the woods and how trees and plants actually depend upon each other to survive. They even saw a water snake sunning in a tree! The Troop used nets to skim the pond and found newts, salamanders, tadpoles, frogs and worms. They also learned how to protect the environment and came up with conservation plans for their families.

PET CARE BadgeCaring for a pet requires taking responsibility for another living thing. Some pets require a lot more time, energy and money than others. Some require a lot of love and attention. Whichever animal you choose, a pet can bring you hours of fun and enjoyment.

Adaiah, a Tenderheart in Troop SC0725, earned her Pet Care Badge. Her favorite parts included caring for her cat, dogs, and assisting with new baby goats this spring. She also purchases chicks, raises them, and then sells them as laying hens!

Sewing BadgeSewing can be as basic as replacing a button, repairing a torn hem, or stitching a hole in a seam. It can be as fun and creative as designing home fashions or as challenging as quilting or sewing a suit. Master the basics and your sewing will take you as far as you choose to go.

SC1776 made pencil pouches and blankets for the baby dolls their Troop included in the OCC shoeboxes they packed. They finished the Badge by identifying different types of fabric, hand-sewing using different stitches, sewing on a button, and making heart-shaped scented sachets to give as Valentine’s gifts. The Troop also made blessing bags to distribute to homeless men and women who visit their churches or ask for help on the side of the road.

World Heritage Badge The United States is known as the world’s melting pot. People from many different countries and cultures have called America their home. In order to truly understand America’s roots, we must learn to appreciate the customs and traditions of various cultures.

Troop PA3031 Pioneers put on an International Fair Lock-In at New Hope Church. Five Pioneer Girl Members demonstrated crafts to the younger girls, served a Mexican soft taco dinner, and provided breakfast the next morning. Mexico, Germany, France, Russia, Philippines, Japan, Liberia, Dominican Republic, China, and Spain were all represented, and the Troop visited each with their level-appropriate passports. Girls were also given legends for educational purposes, such as 1,000 paper cranes for Japan, the legend of the pretzel for Germany, and the poinsettia for Mexico. The girls also sang “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” in English, French, German and Spanish. The girls enjoyed a fun night of “traveling”, and the Pioneers learned about being responsible for an event.

SARAH MCPHERSON Troop OH1411

ALUMNASPOTLIGHTHighlighting AHG Girls of the past

Since 1995, the mission of American Heritage Girls has been to build women of integrity. While the AHG Program targets those in girlhood, the sincerity and faith-filled spirit that is nurtured and grown through AHG continues as girls grow and mature into women.

AHG Alumnae often report back about how much the AHG Program has benefitted their lives. These young women are making a huge difference on the world around them. AHG is looking to connect with its Alumnae and create some exciting opportunities for them to reconnect with old friends and learn how they can share their leadership!

Sarah McPherson was a member of Troop OH1411 chartered at Madeira Silverwood Presbyterian Church in Madeira, Ohio.

Sarah has Down Syndrome, a genetic disorder resulting in a lack of chromosome 21, which results in a wide range of developmental delays and physical disabilities. During the summer of 2000, Sarah’s mom received a call from a neighbor asking if Sarah would like to join their AHG Troop. Sarah’s mom enthusiastically replied ‘yes!’ when she heard that AHG was faith-based. Sarah’s mom didn’t expect the phone call and remembers feeling overwhelmed with gratefulness that moms were willing to jump out of their comfort zone to include a non-verbal and significantly developmentally delayed child in their Troop.

Sarah’s neighbor also invited Sarah’s best friend, Rebecca, to join the Troop, hoping that having a buddy would help Sarah feel comfortable. Not only was Sarah comfortable, but she continued to be part of Troop OH1411 through her sophomore year of high school!

“She remained involved with the handFul of girls in her Troop that reached the Stars & Stripes level and celebrated with them at their Awards ceremonies.”


Badge Bravery When Mrs. McPherson asked Sarah what her favorite Badge was, Sarah enthusiastically answered, “Canoe Badge my favorite, mom.” Sarah’s mom recalls that she didn’t go on all of the camping trips with her daughter because she’s more of a Craft Badge mom than a Canoe Badge mom, but she remembers that specific trip to Winton Woods. When they were in the canoe, Sarah’s mom remembers that they looked like a cover image from an outdoor catalog. “We were both proud of that Badge, for sure,” she said.

Reflecting on Troop MemoriesWhile looking through pictures, Sarah remembered many favorite Troop activities. One was marching in the Madeira Memorial Day Parade when she marched from Madeira Middle School to the Commons to lay wreaths at the foot of the memorial to fallen soldiers. She also loved the Father/Daughter dances; Christmas caroling at the local senior citizen home; Lock-In’s to plan activities for the younger Girl Members; visits to Madeira City Council; Court of Award Ceremonies; and a trip to COSI and the Capitol Building in Columbus, Ohio.

But the memory that Sarah will never forget is the Troop trip to Washington D.C. After months of fundraising and planning, the girls were transported in the middle of the night by Amtrak train from Cincinnati to the Nation’s Capital. During the next five days, they rode the subway, city buses, a boat, taxi, trolley, and walked and walked and walked! The girls had the opportunity to tour the White House, the Congressional Office Building, Mt. Vernon, the U.S. Mint, and saw every important monument on the National Mall. The Troop also quietly observed the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery. During free time, Sarah and her mom wandered into the National American Portrait Museum, and to both of their delight, every main hall was full of volunteers from a local non-profit art organization that taught art techniques to students with disabilities. Together, Sarah and her mom used paint and sponges to make a beautiful tote bag.

A Transformational JourneyFor a long time, Sarah was happy to be an observer. Oral communication was difficult for her, but she could be

very communicative with enthusiastic head nods and gestures. Her Leaders never pushed her to participate, but encouraged her to do whatever she could or was willing to do. She was part of many different activities that stretched her introverted personality and made her more independent and a little bit more

adventurous. But most importantly, Sarah discovered each and every time she was with her AHG friends that she was accepted – just as God perfectly made her. “That was powerful to all of us,” Mrs. McPherson said.

Life After AHGAHG filled a hole in Sarah’s life in a lot of ways, and her mom remembers her

being very sad when she knew that her time with AHG had ended. However, the McPherson’s were fortunate to discover a newly created Young Life Capernaum program, and for the next five years, Sarah continued to learn about Jesus, continued to have group experiences, and continued to go to summer camp through Young Life.

At 23, Sarah is still very busy and very happy. The first three days of the week, she travels to a program run by Stepping Stones, a non-profit that helps people with disabilities find pathways to independence that will improve their lives and enable them to be more fully participating members of their community. She works at Goodwill two days a week and at the local Penn Station every other Saturday afternoon. Sarah is also involved in many extra-curricular activities! She takes adapted piano and guitar lessons; swims backstroke and freestyle for Special Olympics; and learns line dancing and ballroom at a local dance studio.

God’s Overflowing LoveMrs. McPherson wanted to give a special thanks to Sarah’s Troop Leaders, Barb Dobbs and Vivian Shaw. They didn’t have expertise in including a child with a disability, but they had the willingness and the heart to create a niche for her.

Sarah was always a true Member of her Troop. When Mrs. McPherson called Barb Dobbs this week to confirm details, Barb pulled out the AHG scrapbook. “There’s Sarah with her feet in the bucket of water when we did the car wash, just like the other girls.” “Oh, do you remember the Christmas plays they put on? There’s another picture of Sarah standing on the church stage!” “What about the time we went to Camporee and someone sounded a boat horn to gather the girls. Sarah was so frightened you had to take her home! That was a disaster!”

“I hung up the phone overflowing with gratefulness, more than I ever could have imagined as the mommy of a little Tenderfoot (now called Tenderhearts),” said Mrs. McPherson. “Barb and Vivian gave us the gift of years full of beautiful memories, and Sarah and I thank them from the bottom of our hearts.”

“WE LOVE

AMERICAN

HERITAGE GIRLS

AND THE

POSITIVE

IMPACT

IT HAD

ON SARAH.“



THEMEANINGOF THE MISSIONTHE IMPORTANCE OF SPREADING CHRISTTO EARS THAT haven’t heard HIS NAME.

Mission trips give people the ability to spread the word of Christ. Opportunities like this remove us from our comfort zone and stretch us to reach out in faith allowing us to minister to those who may never hear the Word of God. Evangelism is a vital part of Christianity; it leads to the furthering of the Kingdom’s impact.


Never

underestimate

what god

can and will

do through

you.

Recently, five AHG, Inc. employees embarked on

mission trips to three different areas of the world, all in the name of Christ.

Lauren Meadors (Area Team Specialist I), Robyn Brooks (Executive Assistant to the National Executive Director), and Tyler Adams (Troop Development Coach) visited Concordia, South Africa – a small town within an area of the Northern Cape of South Africa called Namakwaland – with World for Christ Ministries.

Abby Riley (Member Services Department Administrator) traveled to La Limonada, Guatemala – the largest urban slum in Central America – with Lemonade International.

Becca Peters (New Troop Coach) dedicated time in St. Patricks, Grenada – a society plagued with fatherless households, prevalent alcoholism, and immense poverty – with Grenada 24-7.

Battling our inner-inadequaciesAlthough these women went on separate journeys, they all felt inadequacies leading up to their trip and questioned if God was leading them to join the mission, just as many of us feel these pressures in our day-to-day decisions.

“Through my late teens and early 20’s, I ran from God and never allowed His call on my life to be fulfilled,” said Tyler. “After finally surrendering my life to Jesus, I thought my opportunity to fulfill God’s call… had passed.”

Lauren felt a peace to stay in the U.S. and support friends that were heading to South Africa rather than going to minister there for a second time. But God has a funny way of encouraging us to follow His plan, which was eye opening for her. “I went to a Bible Study group I had never been to before with a friend. Someone whom I had never met… began to share a picture he saw during prayer; it was a picture of me in Africa with a long flight of stairs leading up to a lighthouse, a place we

“

“


visited on [my first] trip. The [group] spent time praying over me, and many other confirming things were said. The God of the universe actually cares about me, and He has a specific plan and He knows how to get me there.”

Abby admits that she was scared to hear the call. “I was eagerly waiting to see what the Lord was preparing my heart to receive… As much as I had used the cliché that I was ‘waiting on the Lord’, He was actually waiting on me to step up to the plate and just be His spokesman.”

Listening to the Lord’s callDespite the hesitation, God spoke individually to each of them, encouraging them to move mountains, leading to the erasure of uncertainty and skepticism.

Becca acknowledged that God used her shortfalls to teach her a lesson. “God used my brokenness to plant a seed because of my willing and open heart,” she said. “It was in my brokenness that I learned so much about who our Father is and the love that He embraces us with. I refer to God as my Dad, and I wanted those precious Grenadian children to feel what it’s like to lay in Dad’s lap with His arms around them. I wanted them to know that no matter what their situations look like, they are children of the most High King.”

She continued on to share that she “experienced feeling inadequate in Grenada, and there may be a time when

you feel inadequate as well, but God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.”

“The Holy Spirit wrecked me in South Africa and blew open the part of myself that was rejecting God’s call on my life,” said Tyler. “I am now actively positioning myself to be able to do full-time cross-cultural missions, and I am so excited about trusting and following God fully with my life.”

The great reveal of His faceGod also had distinct ways of revealing His presence to each of the women through their mission journeys.

“My very first team meeting, God gave me a vision of a blind man…,” Robyn said. “My team came across this blind man in my second day of door-to-door evangelism, and my heart leapt out of my chest. I explained… that God had placed a blind man on my heart to pray for him. I wasn’t sure if God would restore his vision or only wanted to call this man into a relationship with Him, but days after, it was reported a blind man received his eyesight. This moment is where I learned that it’s not about me and how effective of a Christian I am; I experienced God fulfilling His prophecy, and I was given a renewed sense of hope in this process.”

God presented himself in nature to Becca. “My supervisor at AHG, Inc. told me before I left that at some point, she wanted me to

look up at the stars and realize how much God loves me…,” said Becca. “Justin and Erica took me to their back porch to chat one night… [Erica] told me to look up. I began jumping and laughing like a little child on Christmas morning. The most beautiful stars I had ever seen were all around me; bright and sparkling. They gave glory to their creator, [and] it hit me suddenly what my supervisor had told me to do, and I began to cry as I experienced infinite peace and love wash over me like a flood.”

Tyler also felt His presence through nature, but in a completely different way than Becca did. Instead, Tyler felt the Holy Spirit filling Concordia, a prayer that she had offered up during a house visit. “As our team was up there praying, the wind started blowing so strongly… and went out before us over the direction of the house. It continued the whole time we were there praying over the town and over the young man and his family. You could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit so strongly throughout our time there.”

And the Lord revealed himself to Lauren through the people. “My favorite part… was making friends with… Erin, [whose] grandmother opened her home for us. Erin had a terrible experience just a year or two before we came, which made her hesitant to connect with people. It was amazing to watch this sweet girl transform from a quiet girl in the shadows to

WE ARE GOD’S MASTERPIECE. HE HAS CREATED US ANEW IN CHRIST JESUS SO WE CAN DO THE GOOD THINGSHE PLANNED FOR US LONG AGO.

“ “

EPHESIANS 2:10


dancing and singing with us. God did an amazing work in her life, and we were able to serve as a tangible hand and voice to share Christ’s love with her. Joy is something that comes from God. As Erin began to understand the love of God, even her smile was transformed to reflect His love in her.”

The power of prayerGod also showed them how prevailing He is, and how He can answer prayer in the blink of an eye.

“A light will ultimately overcome the darkness once it is welcomed into a space,” Abby said. “As this light exposes the masterpiece, it brings forth the treasures hidden in the cracks; beauty that was forgotten.” The infiltration of God into Limonada is beginning to bring that light into this suffering community.

“Throughout our trip, we saw 55 people commit their lives to Jesus; people healed from blindness; money deposited into accounts of single parents who needed provisions for electricity; people delivered from demonic possession; marriages restored; and so many renewed with a message of hope,” said Robyn.


“Engaging the Church in other cultures gives you a greater understanding of what Heaven will

look like - every tribe, tongue and nation.”

The future of the missionWhen asked why they would promote spreading Christ’s love through a mission trip, they all had very emotional, heartfelt answers.

“Service is the heartbeat of AHG,” Lauren said. “Going on a mission trip is another opportunity for girls to express their great love for others and for Christ. Missions provide unique opportunities to serve people you may not otherwise be able to serve. Mission trips will increase your dependence on God and help you grow in your relationship with Him.”

“The Lord has an awesome way of working in your personal life when you are taken out of your comfort zone and stripped of all the filters you process life through back home,” said Abby. “Each trip [I’ve been on] has provided some of the most holy, humbling moments… in my life.”

“Our time on earth is short, and the harvest is plenty,” said Robyn. “Jesus is the best message of hope you can ever give to someone. Share it, and do so with boldness… He calls us so that they know there is a bigger world out there and an even bigger God who loves them.”

“We all have a sphere of influence in which we can share the gospel and make Christ known,” Tyler said. “Be intentional about finding opportunities in everyday life to share the love of Christ in word and deed.”

“You have Jesus Christ,” Becca shared. “The Savior. The Mighty King. The greatest Friend. The most loving Father. Share Him, and I promise you, you will see fruit from the seeds that are planted, and your life will be changed in the process.”


Our Lady of Fatima PatchAmerican Heritage Girls National Catholic Committee (AHG NCC) is announcing a new Program patch for the 100 Year Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima! The Our Lady of Fatima Program patch will be available to earn during the anniversary year, which runs from May 13, 2017 to May 13, 2018. The Program patch can be earned individually or as a Troop and is available to all AHG Girls regardless of denomination.

For the requirement booklet and FAQ, visit https://www.americanheritagegirls.org/program/alliances/ahg-national-catholic-committee/.

I Live My FaithCaitlyn Wehner, a new Pioneer in Troop OH3210, has learned that it feels good to help others. It can also be a lot of fun! She developed her love of service and faith through earning her ‘I Live My Faith’ Catholic Religious Award, as well as the Jubilee Year of Mercy activity patch.

She accomplished many things and plans to continue serving through her faith. She made finger puppets of the Holy Trinity and made a board game to explain about social teaching. She believes it is important to know her faith and to live it every day. Caitlyn has played the piano at a nursing home; cleaned her church and school on parish work day; worked with children at Vacation Bible School; made and decorated cakes and cupcakes for a church festival; made a quilt for Dakota Homeless Shelter; and volunteered for her church and school.

Respect Life On Friday, Jan. 27, 29 girls from American Heritage Girls Troop VA1381 took part in the 44th Annual March for Life. The Troop opened the rally by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Standing on stage in the cold before tens of thousands of people was an exhilarating experience, but each of the girls said that it was truly moving and an event that they will remember always.

In addition, the Troop was fortunate enough to meet and talk with Vice President Michael Pence and his wife before his speech. He was kind enough to answer some of their questions and thanked them for their service at the March. The girls were able to meet dozens of nationally-recognized pro-life heroes backstage, like Abby Johnson, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, and Governor Sam Brownback among many others. The Troop participated in the March as well, carrying an AHG parade banner from the Washington Monument to the steps of the Supreme Court.

What a beautiful opportunity for girls to be such a great example of the young pro-life generation!

faithOur commitment to our Father and His Son

The Overwhelming Presence of His Spirit“For as long as I can remember, God has been a part of my life. I grew up in church, and most Bible stories were familiar to me. But I didn’t realize the stories I was being told every Sunday were real until sixth grade Student Camp. That was the first time in my life I actually felt God move. I had always been told God was there watching over me and that He was there for me, but I didn’t know God until that year. He basically poked me saying ‘Hey, you know all that stuff you learned when you were five? Yeah, it’s real. Oh, by the way, I’m real too.’”

“After I got home that year, I started listening to my mom more. I stopped getting in trouble. Before that I was getting in trouble almost once a week, but after camp, I have only gotten grounded three or four times; It’s been six years. I’ve [also] learned how God wants us to treat other people, even if you don’t like that person. I was able to find the beauty in people that I wouldn’t normally look for [ beauty in] because of AHG.” - Victoria Peterson, Patriot, TX0025

Finding Something Deeper“Since I was very young, God has always been a constant in my life. I didn’t see it then, but He was always with me. If I had looked closely enough, I might have recognized the little miracles [in my life] as something done by His hand, but I didn’t truly start to recognize God in my daily life until I was in seventh grade. I was brought into a new and challenging environment, and the people I met helped me break out of my comfort zone.”

“As I got older, I yearned for something deeper in serving others. I felt that I could do so much more, but I wasn’t sure what it might look like. I then got an opportunity to go on a mission trip to Albania. I knew that this would be a new and exciting experience, and I felt that this was what I had been looking for all along. On the trip, I was able to teach kids and tell them about the gospel. I also was able to take clothes and toys to a nearby hospital to people that had been there for a while. I even had the opportunity to share my testimony at a women’s Bible study. I saw God working in the lives of others right before my very eyes. It was a life changing, eye opening experience for me. I will never forget it.”

- Emily Stone, Patriot, CA1615


SERVICEMirroring the servant heart of Jesus Christ

cookies for kairos

GIVING BACK TO VETERANS

Cookies for Kairos brings baked goods into Ohio institutions to show God’s love and grace. Kairos, a three-day “short course in Christianity”, is provided twice a year. The cookies represent at least three truths of the Christian life:

1. Cookies are spread throughout the prison, representing God’s unending grace.

2. All Kairos cookies are home-baked, demonstrating that real people can see the inmates through the eyes of agape love. The hope is that those donating the cookies have also prayed for the inmates through the baking process.

3. The availability of forgiveness – each Kairos participant is asked to take a bag of cookies to whomever in that institution he/she considers his/her worst enemy as a direct demonstration of forgiveness.

Kairos is an ecumenical Christian ministry designed for use in men’s and women’s correctional institutions. Kairos is used to build and nurture strong Christian communities among inmates. After Kairos, the men and women continue their faith experience through small prayer and share groups that meet weekly to share their lives on a spiritual level and to pray for each other.

This year, AHG, Inc. and Cincinnati AHG Troops donated 260 dozen cookies to Cookies for Kairos to help inmates turn to Christ!

Troop SC0041 participated in the Honor Flight Network, a non-profit organization created solely to honor America’s veterans for all their sacrifices. They transport our nation’s heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their respective memorials. Top priority is given to the senior veterans – World War II survivors – along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill.

The girls in the Troop welcomed the veterans on an Honor Flight back home after their trip to Washington, D.C. The girls prepared posters the day of the event and dressed in full AHG Uniform. They also took flags to wave. The girls arrived at the airport, and the press and many other organizations were there to welcome the veterans home as well. The girls were so excited to see the veterans, and they were able to meet a few of them and their families.

Troop MI7487 also recently welcomed veterans back from service. Girls and Leaders greeted soldiers and veterans as part of Operation Handshake at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Mich.

I WAS IN PRISON,AND YOUVISITED

ME.MATTHEW 25:36

The Amazing

JourneyEvangelism,Discipleship & Multiplication AHG participates in ninth year of OCC partnership

Every year, American Heritage Girls participates in Operation

Christmas Child (OCC), a project created by Samaritan’s Purse that donates gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need in more than 109 countries. Each year, AHG, Inc. sets a donation goal and encourages Troops to participate by filling their own shoeboxes and giving to the ministry on behalf of AHG. Members are encouraged to prayerfully consider and reflect on the children while packing their shoeboxes that will be delivered to a child that lacks the most basic needs.


The Amazing

Journey



“I love putting thought into my gifts and hoping [the children] will like what they receive,” said Dana Atarama, Troop Development Coach at AHG, Inc. “It is even more exciting because the things that are given [to them] are basic things needed in life, and I am so excited that I get to help bless a child and show them the love of Christ through a box of gifts!”

“My favorite part of the process is filling the boxes,” said Marilyn Huffman, Troop Coach at AHG, Inc. “I love… carefully selecting from the items that are laid out in front of me. I pray for my child as I fill her box. Each box I fill is different, just like the child that receives it.”

But the shoebox is only the beginning. As Dana mentioned, each child that receives an OCC shoebox is also introduced to Christ. After receiving the shoebox gift, children have the opportunity to go through The Greatest Journey, a 12-lesson Bible study course that guides them through what it means to faithfully follow in Jesus Christ’s footsteps.

“They receive this book about Jesus and how He came to Earth to save them and how He wants to be their best friend for their entire lives and how He wants to have a personal relationship with each one of them,” said Kristi Tatro, National Program Manager at AHG, Inc. “So they get the box; they get the book; and they get an invitation to come back to the church for a 12-week discipleship program.”

The Greatest Journey currently stands as one of the largest discipleship programs in the world; more than 7 million children have participated in this life-altering program.

The Collaboration: AHG & OCCIn honor of AHG’s 20th anniversary in 2015, AHG and OCC signed a Memorandum of Ministry Association (MOMA) seeking to establish and maintain a mutually beneficial and collaborative relationship to benefit youth, their families, their faith, and their communities.

“Samaritan’s Purse is an organization that is dedicated to spreading faith through imitating the caring example of Christ and proclaiming the gospel to those in the most need,” said Patti Garibay, Founder and Executive Director of AHG. “It is an organization that AHG is proud to have a continuing relationship with now and far into the future.”

Samaritan’s Purse is an international evangelical Christian relief organization that helps people in crisis situations with the goal of sharing the love of Jesus Christ.

JESUS CAME UP AND SPOKE TO

THEM, SAYING “ALL AUTHORITY

HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME IN HEAVEN

AND ON EARTH. GO THEREFORE

AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL THE

NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE

NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE

SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.”Matthew 28:18


“these adults are committing their lives to making sure children are reached for jesus.”

Last year, AHG donated over 28,000 shoeboxes to OCC. This year’s goal was to give 21,000 shoeboxes, representing AHG’s 21st birthday. AHG, Inc. and Troops surpassed this goal, packing over 24,000 shoeboxes for OCC in 2016.

“This initiative matches the AHG tagline of Faith | Service | Fun,” said Garibay. “Girls are able to share their faith with ‘sisters’ overseas through a shoebox filled with necessities, amusements, a photo of themselves, and a booklet about Christ’s love.”

“The children who receive the boxes will know someone they have never met took the time to pack a shoebox just for them,” said Huffman. “What a blessing it is to introduce Jesus into their lives. This is truly being the hands and feet of Christ. …I see God sitting on his throne, looking down on us with a smile on his face.”

Many individual AHG Members went above and beyond in their shoebox donations this year.

AHG Explorer, Faith, collected and donated over 20,000 boxes to OCC. She partnered with many local Tennessee organizations and collected thousands of items when she participated in races. An exceptional feature of Faith is her perseverance. Faith was born with spina bifida, a birth defect where there is incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes around the spinal cord. Doctors said she would never walk, but her strength and determination propelled her forward. Faith’s OCC story made national news, and her faithfulness to the ministry is the perfect example of what AHG, Inc. hopes that each and every Troop is dedicated to during this time of year.

Another AHG Girl Member, a Tenderheart named Emma, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in October 2016. Emma spent long stays in the hospital, but was determined to still give back to OCC. She asked her friends and family to bring items for shoeboxes to her

hospital room, and people quickly obliged, donating toys, school supplies and hygiene items for the cause. Emma filled 110 shoeboxes in just six weeks.

Ashlyn, a Patriot in Troop VA4316, collected 47 OCC shoeboxes as part of an AHG Level Award. She sought donations of toiletries, clothing, treats and other items, as well as hosted bake sales and other fundraisers to help pay for additional items and shipping costs for the shoeboxes. But Ashlyn wanted to go above and beyond the traditional items that were ordinarily packed; she included a handcrafted mini-canvas painting in each box – a work of art depicting an array of scenes, like landscapes, mountains, animals and nightscapes, that she created herself.

AHG, Inc. Staff also contributed to OCC this year by collecting and packing over 400 shoeboxes at the AHG, Inc. National Office in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“This was my first year to ever do OCC, and I LOVED it,” said Atarama. “It was fun to go and select the items needed and to include my own children in the process to teach them about compassion, prayer for others, and having a giving heart.”

“This year while packing, I looked with awe at my finished box before closing it,” said Huffman. “I had an idea about the girl who would enjoy this box. The next box I packed was so totally different; it had similar items in it, but it had a different feel for a different girl. I find true comfort in knowing that God will make sure the right box gets into the right hands.”

Operation Christmas Child – Vision Trip Similar to previous years, AHG Troops that packed over 100 shoeboxes could have a Member of

Matthew 28:18

“ I just wanted them to know and love Jesus.”

their Troop Leadership team entered into a drawing to win an OCC vision trip. The OCC vision trip gives people an opportunity to see firsthand the impact that Samaritan’s Purse has on children, families, churches and communities where shoeboxes are delivered.

This year, the winner of the trip was Karen Wilde, an Adult Volunteer for Troop TX2012. She and AHG National Program Manager, Kristi Tatro, traveled to Ecuador in early February to distribute the shoeboxes and spread the word of Christ to little ears that have never heard His name.

Kristi and Karen were on the green team who traveled to four destinations surrounding Quito, Ecuador. “The [children] have no idea that something special is going to happen for them,” said Tatro. “And keep in mind, most of these children have never heard about Jesus or the hope that God brings for their lives or their families.”

The first of the destinations was a school with roughly 500 children. Due to increased drug abuse among the youth, the school has only recently allowed the church leaders to have interaction with the students. Many of these children are part of fatherless families and are in desperate need of the influence of Christ.

The second was the Church of Agato, which is over 100 years old and has a very rich history. The church leaders pray that the children from the surrounding communities will be connected to the church. Many of these children are living with their grandparents due to the lack of a solid family atmosphere, and the leaders believe the way to combat these issues is by teaching the children about the love and hope that comes from a relationship with Christ.

The third destination was at Iglesia El Cordero de Dios, which was established over 32 years ago. The leaders and congregation of the church have sold many of their personal belongings in order to build the church structure because they believe it’s “more blessed to give than to receive”. The children at this stop invited their friends to the OCC event, which brought in many children that were unchurched and in need of positive influences.

The fourth and final stop on the vision trip was to a graduation ceremony of 150 children from OCC’s discipleship program, The Greatest Journey. The graduation took place at Iglesia de Dios; the church’s pastor, Pastor Victor, begun his ministry to the indigenous tribes of the Ecuadorian jungle and still continues pastoring to one of the most dangerous areas of Ecuador in Ibarra. The graduating children received a certificate, as well as a Bible of their own, to help carry their faith into the future.

The children have no idea that they will be receiving a shoebox gift. They only know that they are going to have a very fun day. “[They were told] ‘Today you’re going to receive a really great gift, and it’s yours and it’s only yours. You can share it if you want, but the other great gift is that you’re going to learn about Jesus.’” said Tatro. “And their eyes are really bright…and they’re excited and they’re squealing. This might be the only gift they ever receive in their entire life.”

Going on a vision trip is emotional, and seeing the children open their shoeboxes is raw and real. Wilde tearfully remembered the first shoebox that she handed out. “I saw this picture that the Operation Christmas Child Facebook page had put up. It was of a little boy named Jonathon that had

Pictured AHG Volunteer, Karen Wilde



gotten his box; he had a tear coming out of his eye. Then it hit me… that was my first box. I didn’t realize it at first, and I thought ‘oh my gosh… that was my first shoebox I handed out to any child. It was crazy… indescribable. It was very special. It was very hard to top.”

Both of these women experienced firsthand the extreme level of poverty that many Ecuadorians face. While they live in such a beautiful area of the world, their lives aren’t as beautiful; many lack the basic necessities for simple hygiene, and families are torn apart by the rampant influence of drugs and alcohol. The children’s preservation of little things was something that was eye-opening to them.

Tatro and Wilde were also surprised by the fear that the children exhibited when opening the shoeboxes. Many of them were wary. “The kids would open their boxes and be kind of in shock and quietly picking around and looking at things, then close it and hang on tight,” said Tatro. “I think… there was fear that it would be stolen or taken away. They weren’t sure if they could really keep it, and they didn’t want to get attached to it.”

“Sometimes it was a very hasty departure [by the children],” said Wilde. “They were very cautious… But I was sitting talking with another volunteer, Bonnie, when the children were more open around their families, and this little girl came over and gave Bonnie a hug as a thank you. Then a bunch of kids came over and just started giving her hugs.”

God was present along the entire journey, but there was a specific location on the vision trip where Tatro really felt that He was present among them. “We were at this church… and I really felt like God was there. This one mountain in particular really spoke to me in that this cloud never moved away from the mountain. I just kept thinking about Moses and how God called him up to the mountain to speak to him. And I thought ‘God is with these people. He’s really there.’ I just felt it all around them. I kept looking at that cloud, how it was just hovering. I was like ‘God is hovering among these people. He’s pursuing them; He’s pursuing all of us.’”

She also found tranquility and the presence of the Holy Spirit in those that served as leaders of the church. “We got to lay our hands on them [the pastors] and pray. They just started weeping. The Holy Spirit was moving so richly and so fully in that room; their prayer request was that the beautiful children of their community would be saved, and that they would have lives that would impact many, many more in the name of Jesus.”

Wilde felt the Holy Spirit in another moment. “I was sitting with the kids on the concrete floor. It was hard for me to follow along [with the program] because I didn’t know the language, but they had [the children] say their first prayer. I was sitting

next to this little boy, and he had his hands together and his eyes closed. He was just praying so reverently. He had the Holy Spirit right there with him. Looking around at all these other children with their hands together and praying for the first time, it was really moving to me. Then [the leader] had them wrap their arms around themselves and he said, ‘that’s God hugging you.’”

And while Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child is teaching the value of love and kindness through disseminating shoeboxes, Kristi pointed out that OCC is so much more than this; the program is having a real influence on these impoverished nations.

“These books and gifts and the discipleship program goes beyond just the child,” said Tatro. “They take this experience home and they tell their siblings, neighbors, grandparents, and parents about it… Communities are shifting and changing and the cycle of poverty is starting to stop; the cycle of addiction is stopping. You’re finding parents that are becoming more engaged in their children’s lives, [and] they’re becoming more involved in the church community.”

“Maybe now’s not the time,” said Wilde. “Maybe they’re not ready now. But maybe that shoebox will have an impact at a later time. Even if they don’t come back to the discipleship program, they’ll find Jesus later… that shoebox could still have an impact.”

“[OCC] is truly changing communities…” said Tatro. “They cover everything in prayer, and they take their blessings and pour it out in generosity all across this globe. I feel so blessed that AHG is involved and that they call us their friends.”

“We would pray for the children;

they love the children so much,

and they see the importance of

investing in the next generation.”


Operation Christmas Child is the largest ongoing project of

Samaritan’s Purse.

Since 1993, OCC has delivered over 135 million shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories around the world.

The mission of OCC is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children worldwide.

During 2017 distribution, over 120,000 outreach sessions spreading the Good News will reach impoverished children.

Shoeboxes are collected from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Spain, Austria, Finland, and Japan.

Domestically and internationally, the success of OCC is largely due to the dedicated volunteers.

Franklin Graham has had a wonderful pilot to get him all over

the country for years… God put it on [Franklin’s] heart to get

a bigger plane so that he could get to devastated sites more

quickly… So this pilot started praying about it, and the very next

day, he got on Facebook and saw that a friend of his was selling

a DC-8, which is one of four planes in the whole world.

Samaritan’s Purse owns a DC-8 cargo plane that bears the Samaritan’s Purse logo with a cross on the tail, proclaiming that they are coming in the name of Christ.

The aircraft transports both cargo and emergency personnel into a disaster zone and can make a direct flight from it’s hangar in Greensboro, N.C. to disaster zones.

The cargo plane has the ability to carry the first phase of the Samaritan’s Purse emergency field hospital into the disaster zone – complete with medical supplies, equipment and medical staff.

The DC-8 has made two trips to Ecuador: once as it’s inaugural flight for the 2016 earthquake, and second into Quito to deliver Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and vision trip attendees.

In 2016 alone, the plane was used to deliver disaster relief to Haiti, the Bahamas, Liberia and Ecuador.

“

“

Pictures AHG National Program Manager, Kristy Tatro

QUICK FACTS ABOUT ECUADOR

Ecuador – named for the equator which runs through the country

Capital: Quito

Currency: U.S. Dollar

Language: Spanish

Population: 16,144,000 (approximate in 2015)

Time Zone: ECT: Ecuador Time (Same as EST)

Climate: Subtropical Highland Climate

Economy: agriculture; exports such as petroleum, fish, shrimp, timber and gold



CHILD STORIES VISION TRIP

“AT THE FIRST SITE,

“A LITTLE BOY

“A LITTLE BITTY GIRL

“THERE WAS A LITTLE BOY...

“WHEN WE TOOK PICTURES,

“I SAW CHILD AFTER CHILD

“THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL

I was walking to another group [of children], and there was a little boy and a little girl sitting side by side, and they had both gotten mittens and a hat, and they had them on. They just had smiles from ear to ear, and the little boy turned to [the little girl] and hugged her; this HUGE bear hug. And I was just like, ‘wow. Here it is; sharing the love of God.’”

had a package and inside were these dominoes. He had no idea what they were. We set them up and knocked them down, and he was like ‘are you kidding me? This is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen in my life’, and he was telling all his friends about it.”

was dressed in her native dress; a white shirt with lots of embroidery on it with a longer skirt. She had taken her shoebox and had gone outside and was sitting on the curb. The church had provided everyone with a croissant. She had set the croissant on a napkin on top of her shoebox. When she was finished, she began wiping away the crumbs off the top of the shoebox. She wanted to make sure the box stayed perfect.”

He was looking at a pack of three little memo pads, and he couldn’t get it open. I opened it for him, and he looked up at his mom and said something in Spanish. I asked the translator what he said. He said, ‘these are the most beautiful things he’s ever seen in his life.’”

we were asked to get permission if the parents were around. I saw this girl and I looked around for her parents, but didn’t see anyone. I asked to take a picture with her, and a man came up and said ‘mine’. I said ‘father’? He said ‘si’. We took a photo together. He was proud… it was a proud dad moment. ‘She’s mine’, he said proudly.”

open the bar of soap and just smell it then pull it back [into the bag] really carefully. I think about my own linen closet and there’s like 16 bars of soap sitting in there… and how we take for granted all of the luxuries we have.”

that had gotten a silver ring with a heart on it. She kept holding it in her hand and looking at it. I asked if we could put it on her, so we did and she just kept holding her hand up. I don’t think she knew what to do with it. She was just so fascinated.”


Advice from dedicated AHG Volunteers across the country

Beyond the Shoebox Packing Party - Emily Walker

HIPHAPPENINGSThe AHG Ministry would not be possible without its nationwide team of dedicated Volunteers. High-Impact Partners (HIP) Volunteers are the men and women serving in the highest level of AHG volunteerism; these positions include AHG’s Ministry Expansion Leads, Hometown Mentors, Stars & Stripes Project Advisors and Trailblazer Coaches. To learn more information on becoming one of these Ministry Volunteers, visit www.americanheritagegirls.org/get-involved/volunteer/.

You’ve probably packed a shoebox either independently or as part of an AHG Troop activity, as well as helped AHG meet their yearly goal of donated shoeboxes. Year after year, Troops give shoeboxes in excess to reach the personal AHG goal. Praise God!

I became a year-round volunteer with Operation Christmas Child 10 years ago; first as a part of the Church Relations Team, then as a Relay Center Coordinator (now called a Drop-Off Team Leader). A Drop-Off Team Leader facilitates the yearly shoebox collection in their community, and then arranges transport of those donations to the Central Drop-Off. I also became involved with AHG six years ago as the founding Troop Coordinator for my Troop, VA2345. What a joy it is to see how these two amazing ministries have created such a strong relationship together to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ!

But did you know that there are even more opportunities to give back?Become a year-round volunteer for OCC; have OCC volunteers come in and present for your Troop; utilize the free resources and materials OCC provides; perform service hours at your local OCC Drop-Off during National Collection Week; help process shoeboxes at a regional Processing Center, which serve as the last hands on the shoebox before shipment overseas; or how about using OCC to help your AHG Girls complete a Level Award? All these opportunities are available for you!

A great example resides in the Troop I serve. VA2345 hosts a yearly shoebox packing party, but we’ve also had girls train, learn and serve alongside the local OCC Drop-Off Team Leader as “assistant

leaders”. Taking on this role allowed them to fulfill their Dolley Madison Project. It has been an excellent opportunity for them to learn from a seasoned leader, as well as have the framework in place to support and guide them and to build their skills to accomplish their Stars & Stripes Project in the future.

The girls in this position attend trainings; assess OCC’s needs; help contact community partners; promote National Collection Week; communicate to donors; coordinate volunteers; facilitate the logistics of the Drop-Off; interact with the community; and learn how to complete a project through reporting and expressing appreciation to all those that assisted their efforts. They serve in this role representing AHG and sharing its’ Program to the community!

There are many ways you can help! Operation Christmas Child doesn’t just operate during the holiday season; it’s a year-round effort that requires YOUR help. If any girls in your Troop are interested in a position, the student coordinator role is perfect to help AHG Girl Members have an influence on the OCC ministry, as well as to earn a vast amount of service hours! For more information on how your Troop or individual girls can become more involved on a yearly basis, visit this link:https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/volunteer-year-round/.

Also, consider taking your AHG girls (who are at least 13-years-old) to serve at a Processing Center! There are eight processing centers nationally. Millions of shoeboxes are collected during National Collection Week, but before these special gifts can bring hope and joy to children around the world, each one

has to be carefully inspected and made ready for overseas shipment. There are opportunities for groups of all sizes; you can volunteer as an individual, Troop, or with family and friends. Volunteer registration opens in September. It’s an incredible experience to see the next step in the shoebox journey! https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/volunteer-at-a-shoebox-processing-center/.

If you don’t live close enough to travel to a Processing Center, there are nearly 5,000 Drop-Off locations that are open across the nation during National Collection Week. Your Troop, Unit or individuals can volunteer their time helping greet the community; unloading and collecting shoebox gifts; and preparing shoeboxes for shipping. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/.

Consider asking your Drop-Off location to allow you to promote and share your Troop information there, and be sure that your AHG Volunteers wear their AHG Uniforms to represent their pride and efforts to the public.

Thinking ‘outside of the box’ offers you many ways to get involved that combine AHG and OCC service opportunities and shared ministry values!

Emily Walker is a Hometown Mentor and Explorer Unit Leader for Troop VA2345. She aspires to show others that AHG and OCC volunteering efforts complement each other beautifully and provide many other inspiring opportunities to AHG Girls and Leaders, as well.

Questions? Email her at [email protected].

PROCESSING CENTER


AHGUPDATES

AHG Celebrates 1,000th Troop MilestoneAmerican Heritage Girls, Inc. (AHG) announced the registration of HI0808, the non-profit’s official 1,000th Troop. The newest Troop is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is chartered by Kalihi Union Church.

“We thank God for blessing American Heritage Girls and helping it thrive for over 20 years,” said Founder and Executive Director, Patti Garibay. “We look forward to the continued growth of AHG that has enabled tens of thousands of girls to grow in their leadership skills, build confidence, make friends, and mature in their faith while providing substantial service to their community.”

The AHG Program was founded in 1995 in West Chester, Ohio in response to changes within Girl Scouts of the United States of America. The AHG Program was initially targeted towards girls in the Cincinnati area looking for a faith-based alternative; however, within three years of starting the scout-like program, American Heritage Girls quickly spread across the country with Troop representation located in many states. Currently, AHG has over 47,000 Members located in every state, along with representation in 12 countries worldwide through the Trailblazer program.

AHG Inc. Completes National Training EventsVolunteers are the key to the AHG Program. Equipping them with new tactics to succeed is AHG’s way of demonstrating the importance of Volunteer impact.

AHGequip LIVE! was a two-day training event for AHG Leaders and Volunteers. Between November 2016 and April 2017, Patti Garibay, Executive Director/Founder of AHG, Inc., and other Staff Members traveled to visit and impact Volunteers in Colleyville, Texas; St. Augustine, Fla.; Laguna Hills, Calif.; Raleigh, N.C.; and Grand Blanc, Mich.

“The conference was so educational, refreshing and very motivating! I wish my entire Leadership Team could have been there. My Vice Coordinator came, and [she] now has a much better understanding and appreciation for AHG! It was great to put faces with names [also],” said Kim Mains.

Susanne Burns, a presenter in North Carolina, commented on what she loves about the AHG Ministry. “We are teaching these girls how to be women of integrity through service

to God, families and community. To be able to participate in this process is a gift from God… Volunteers become the model of the AHG Mission for our girls; we become the model for how to live out God’s Word and His will for our lives… It is so rewarding to look in the eyes of the girls and see the difference we are making.”

Next up? The 2018 AHG Inspire Leadership Conference in St. Louis in June 2018! Don’t miss your opportunity to be inspired, to network, and learn more about the AHG Program. More information on the Conference coming soon.

New Staff SpotlightThe AHG, Inc. National Office Staff is growing! New Staff Members come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but all are called to share their talents with the AHG Ministry.

PLEASE WELCOMEBrenda HarrisMember Services Assistant Manager: Ministry Expansion

Happenings at the AHG, Inc. National Office

GREETINGSHI

OL’AWELCOME

GLAD YOU’RE HERE

HELLO

HOWDYHI

HELLO

To Pray and Be Encouraged

Robin James (Troop Fundraiser Chair for Troop OK0511, Ministry Expansion Lead for Central Oklahoma, AHG Local Lead for “Impact Oklahoma”) decided to seek out HI0808, AHG’s 1000th Troop, to pray with them during a personal trip to the state.

On March 10, 2017, Robin and her husband met with Wendy Kamimira (Troop Coordinator, HI0808), Wendy’s husband, and Richelle Benson (Troop Coordinator, HI0001) for dinner and fellowship. Discussions over Programming, Volunteer placement, growth, recruiting, and Girl Leadership took place, as well as prayer needs for local growth in the area. Having face-to-face time with fellow Volunteers is deeply embedded into the AHG Leadership Program, and the return on investment is deeper relationships and support of the Ministry teams. Ending the evening with a group prayer over the impact that both AHG and TLUSA will have in the Hawaiian Islands gave Robin and Mark a better understanding of the Hawaiian word for family: “Ohana”.

To all our AHG “Ohana”: Mahalo, a hui hou kakou. (Thank you, until we meet again!)


Last year, Georgia named March 13 as Trail Life USA and AHG Day; AHG, Inc. recently received an official proclamation to display resulting from this year’s meeting.

In March, AHG Troops, alongside of Trail Life USA Trailmen, came from across Georgia to attend “A Day at the Capitol.” More than 250 AHG Girls and Trail Life USA members met Governor Nathan Deal, Attorney General Sam Olens, Secretary of State Brian Kemp, and Commissioner of the Department of National Resources Mark Williams.

State Representative John Carson recognized the young men and women from the floor of the House Chamber, presenting a resolution recognizing their day at the Capitol. “Having young people come to the State Capitol and learn first-hand about how government works, to meet legislators, and to learn why it’s important to participate as they become of age is so important for them.”

American Heritage Girls currently has 38 Troops in Georgia with over 1,800 Members.

Sarah Bond, Troop Coach How long have you been working at AHG? Since February 2016

What do you do in your position? As a Troop Coach, I have the opportunity to encourage and equip the hard working Volunteers that make AHG run as well as it does.

What attracted you to AHG? I wanted to be a part of something special. I wanted to be able to reflect on my day and say I spent it putting good stuff back into the world.

What’s your favorite part of working at AHG? My favorite part about working at AHG, Inc. is the environment. My supervisors pray for me and invest their time in me. My coworkers care for me and are always willing to help me in a time of need. There are too many people out there serving in other organizations who don’t know what it’s like to work with that kind of support around you. I am extremely grateful for the environment I work in.

What do you LOVE about AHG? There is a lot of negativity in today’s culture and it’s really easy to sit back in a defeated mindset, complaining about the way things are like there’s no hope. AHG gives adults the opportunity to pour encouragement, positivity and Christ’s love into the girls who will one day lead this country. I love that. We, as adults, have the opportunity to be the change we want to see in our culture and teach our future leaders what that looks like. There is hope for our tomorrow and we get to be the ones who instill that hope in the hearts and minds of the young girls who will lead in that tomorrow.

Do you have words of wisdom for AHG Girls? Be sure to stop and reflect on the experiences you are having. These memories are what you get to carry with you when you graduate.

What about for AHG Leaders? The Program wouldn’t run without awesome Volunteers. But remember, the Program wouldn’t exist without the girls. Never forget the importance of this Ministry and what you get to do within it.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Georgia Troops Celebrate ‘AHG Day’

STAFFSCOOP

ROMANS 15:13


Hallie Jones, TX1202 - #285Project: Remodeled Animal Pens and Gardens for a Christian Medical FacilityI have been actively looking for opportunities to be unashamed of my faith to my peers. I will be leading a Bible study of concepts I am very passionate about. By pursuing God in my heart and proclaiming His influence over my life in my words and deeds, I hope to continue forming a meaningful relationship with God. Although sometimes I feel like a failure and separated from God, I know that all He wants is my genuine interest in our relationship, and He will restore what is broken inside me. I no longer want to give “Sunday school answers” to the most important questions in life. I want to be an intentional, genu-ine and fearless follower of Christ. I believe that AHG has better equipped me to follow God’s direction in my life and has strengthened me as a person of character. I thank God for my experiences in AHG and am working to provide all I can to the younger generation of my Troop. I am ready to make my plans while listening to God’s directions for the next leg of my life journey.

stars & STRIPESThe Stars & Stripes Award is AHG’s highest achievement and teaches girls

perseverance, self-respect and a strong feeling of satisfaction. The goal of the Stars &

Stripes Award is the experience and the realization of the servant’s heart that is needed to

lead with integrity and humility. The Award Procedure and Project blesses a Candidate’s

community and develops her skills in organization, communication, time management, and

project management.

REQUIREMENTS

A candidate must complete a number of requirements to achieve the Award including:

Acknowledging recipients of AHG’s most prestigious Award

• COMPLETE THE DOLLY MADISON AWARD

• APPLY FOR CANDIDACY

• EARN A TOTAL OF 16 PIONEER/PATRIOT LEVEL BADGES

• HOLD A GIRL LEADERSHIP POSITION AND REMAIN AN ACTIVE MEMBER

• PLAN, DEVELOP AND SUPERVISE OTHERS IN A 100+ HOUR SERVICE PROJECT THAT BENEFITS AN ORGANIZATION IN HER COMMUNITY

• SUPERVISE GROUPS OF YOUTH

• SUBMIT AND RECEIVE APPROVAL ON PROPOSAL AND SUPPORT DOCUMENTS

• CREATE A RESUME, WRITE A SPIRITUAL WALK/LIFE AMBITION ESSAY, AND OBTAIN PERSONAL REFERENCES

• PASS A BOARD OF REVIEW BEFORE HER 18TH BIRTHDAY

Keep an eye out for the

exciting NEW setup featuring the highest awarded Patriot Girl Members, coming

during the 2017-2018 Program Year!


Elizabeth Stratigos, PA2551 - #295Project: Built Road Case and Organized Props for Theater CompanyLeading during this Project was a challenge for me. For school, I’ve been taking a class about learning your personality and how to utilize your strengths and weaknesses, including learning about our leadership styles through the DISC test. My letter was D. People with the letter D tend to be “heartless leaders”. They don’t care about people’s emotions and only [care about] getting the work done, which perfectly describes how I tend to lead. 2 Timothy 2:24 says, “The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle,” which as I was leading my peers was what I was trying to do. When I lead heartlessly, I don’t get a good response from those I’m leading. It was a big challenge for me during this process to learn how to lead differently than I’m used to so I could get the best results. I have learned that I tend to be a heartless leader, but I also learned that with a lot of patience and self-control, I can change how I lead to accommodate everyone else instead of myself.

Madeline McDonald, IN0091 - #296Project: Improved Landscaping and Tennis Court Area for her Christian SchoolGod has blessed me with so many amazing opportunities in my life. I would love to help others get to know Him and have the chance to be saved. My favorite Bible verse is John 14:6, “Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” I have always loved this verse because it is a great witnessing tool. The passage explains that it is impossible to be eternally saved except through Jesus. I pray that I will continue to spiritually mature throughout the rest of my life and can be a bold witness for Him in whatever field I pursue. I want to make a difference in the lives of others while growing closer to Him, the ultimate spiritual leader of us all. My spiritual walk may range at times from a hesitant trod to a brisk walk to a leisurely jog to an all-out sprint. Regardless of the pace at that particular time in my life, the key will be keeping my eye on the ultimate goal, which is a life richer because of my relationship with Him, my forever partner, on this journey called life.

Katie Henze, KS1209 - #297Project: Landscaped a CampThis Project has stretched me in many ways. I am an introvert by nature and dealing with so many different people on so many different levels forced me way out of my comfort zone. Starting with identifying a Project to developing a landscape plan to soliciting donations to actual implementation of the plan, I had to choose over and over again to go beyond my own comfort and see this thing through. God and I have had some very long talks throughout this process. In addition, I learned to not only rely on my own wisdom, but to seek the guidance and counsel of my mentor and other adults whom I respect. I have spent about 10 years in American Heritage Girls and have reaped many benefits. First, and most important, is the lifelong friendships I have made with people of all ages. Truly, my family has been enlarged by those I have come to love in my Troop. I have experienced things and learned skills that I would not have learned anywhere else. AHG has provided opportunities for me to lead others, and in so doing, move out of my comfort zone and develop skills I didn’t know I possessed.

Amy Kalan, MN0031 - #298Project: Landscaped a Retirement FacilityI have learned to completely trust and rely on God’s timing and not on my own. This was hard for me to understand at first, because when I am in the swing of the Project, the excitement drives me to want to keep going until it’s all finished. I had planned to do the Project in three days over two weekends, but the growth of the existing plants and weeds, coupled with the large scope of the Project, forced me to reconsider. I wanted to do it all right away, however, God had planned to have it spread out so that I could rest in between, and as a result of the rest, I was able to deal with the stressful problems that came up calmly and rationally. I am very grateful for the love, support and hard work of all my volunteers. Many people encouraged and prayed with me during the Project, and I can tell you it made a world of difference. The prayers helped me to take my mind off the problems and focus on the reason why we were working on the Project in the first place. It was amazing to see how many girls came to help and how God worked through them to bless the sweet residents.


Victoria Vaughan, SC0725 - #299Project: Made Rock Wall for a Camp“The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise,” said Maya Angelou, an American poet, memoirist and actress. I agree with her; that is why I use my life to reach others’ hearts. When I am older and out of college, I want to be able to say that I worked hard to get where I am and that I did not give up. God is using me in so many wonderful ways, and I am glad to have a calling as wonderful as mine. Almost six years ago when I was 12, I felt the Holy Spirit directing me towards a certain spot in the world: Ireland… Now, I always knew that God had a special plan for me, but I did not find out what it was for years. I am glad He revealed it to me so soon, and I am still not entirely sure that Ireland is the place for me, but even if it is not, I know that I am supposed to be somewhere. I am open to the idea of moving around until He has me where He wants me. I am lucky to be this blessed. God has moved in me in ways that some would not even be able to comprehend, and I love it. I am glad to be the woman that God wants and needs me to be, and I cannot wait until He can use me in the ultimate way to further His kingdom wherever I end up.

Kyndle Kirby, AK2008 - #300Project: Built Shelving and Added Inventory System for Props for a High SchoolAmerican Heritage Girls has had a huge impact on how I present myself and how I feel in front of people. I have grown very much through my four years in AHG. I used to be afraid to even raise my hand in class; I would turn red and hot, and I wanted to go through life unnoticed by everyone. However, through camps and Badge work, I began to socialize with girls more. I learned to speak to people through fundraisers. I began to lead with confidence when I organized my Dolley Madison Project. I found the strength to give public speeches in front of the whole Troop when I became Troop Chaplain and when I was Master of Ceremonies for a friend’s Stars & Stripes Award night. AHG has helped build me into the person that I am, and I am truly grateful to the organization and all the people involved in it!

Sarah Culbreth, TX2928 - #301Project: Made Prayer Garden for a Pro-Life OrganizationAmerican Heritage Girls has played a large role in my spiritual development through religious emblems, Badges and retreats. It has also given me the opportunity to meet many people who have become spiritual role models and close friends, and it allows me to share Christ’s message of love with others through prayer, conversation and shared struggles. The AHG Girl Leadership Retreat (GLR) has been one of the biggest growth experiences I’ve had… GLR taught me how to hold Christ as my leadership model and showed me how to lead others to Him. Through GLR, I have learned many leadership skills... Using these leadership skills and seeing Christ as my leadership model has strengthened my relationship with Christ and given me the opportunity to learn about my strengths and weaknesses. I learned a lot about myself though the process of my Stars & Stripes Project, and I now am able to better identify the virtues I already have and those I need to work on. Offering up my struggles was an important lesson I learned… There were many times when I was frustrated and overwhelmed by the long list of tasks on my agenda, but I quickly learned that if I give it all to Jesus, He will take the confusion and turn it into order, and He will give me the grace to accomplish the tasks at hand.

Jessica Nelle, TX0413 - #302Project: Improved and Beautified Outdoor Learning Area at a Community CenterThe main part of my Project when I felt God moving the most was in the fundraising process. Even with a Project in mind, I wasn’t certain how I was going to find the money. I still asked for individual donations, but in the meantime, I kept praying. After a while, someone suggested that I ask for sponsorships from local businesses. I went to many, and I was relieved that several were generous with their contributions; some of which were up to $200. I know that God was involved with their generosity, and I couldn’t have completed the Project without Him. The Stars & Stripes procedure taught me how to apply my faith in a large endeavor and how to keep believing for a solution, no matter how long it may take… Whatever I do with my career, I am going to keep God at the center of it. Whatever He needs me to be, I’ll be it for Him. As I move to adulthood, I will keep a certain phrase in mind, “the will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.” I have learned this through my experiences growing up. I will do my best to please God and continue to serve my community for Him.


An overview of the Stars & Stripes Award is available on the Girls Page of the AHG website or through any Registered Leader. Visit americanheritagegirls.org. for more information.

Brittany Burmaster, TX1230 - #303Project: Made Corral at Local Horse Barn American Heritage Girls has shown me to always be yourself. AHG has blessed me in so many ways from making new friends to teaching me how to do real life things and [how to] earn fantastic Badges. Reaching out to others is an amazing gift AHG has taught me. The numerous smiles from those we help in service projects have touched my heart in a special way. Whether it’s cleaning tables, opening doors, or washing windows, every small task helps the community in its own special way. It’s the small things that build up into huge things that move communities, states and countries… God moves in mysterious ways, and I honestly don’t know what He is going to do in my life. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation; my stronghold,” Psalm 18:2. God is not just my rock; He is my Dad who is fulfilling His plan through me. I pray He continues to lead me as a respectable woman of integrity that can and will serve her God, family, community and country.

Marissa Brown, FL7145 - #304Project: Made Prayer Grotto for an Organization As I started working on the Stars & Stripes Award, I was also focusing on college and my career choice as a neonatal nurse. I really wanted to do a Project that would have a lasting impact on women in need (pro-life) and keep God centered in the activity. Since I have been very involved in pro-life activities and come from a large family, I have come to really appreciate God’s gift of life. Through my prayers seeking God’s will on what Project I should do, I just kept thinking of something that would be centered on the beginning of life. Being involved with pro-life activities, it has opened my eyes that the leading factor in choosing abortion is fear. I wanted to do something that would reveal God’s love and peace to fearful and hurting women. This led me to my Project: a prayer grotto. Although I had some obstacles and worried I would not get this Project finished, I have been amazed at how God has helped me and put people in my path that have assisted me in completing this Project. God also gave me this verse in Romans 15:13, it says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Cora Bush, VA4316 - #305Project: Built Soccer Fields with Seating and a Shed to Benefit Church and SchoolGod has brought many mentors and leaders into my life over the years. They showed me the way that Christ loves and were always willing to listen and give advice and guidance to me. Even when I wasn’t a part of the body of Christ, God put people in my life to show me his love. About a year and a half ago, I started getting back into the Word and getting my life back on track with God. I have been working on making Christ the center of my life, not just in the parts I want him to be in. ‘Patience’; when I hear that word I cringe. That has always been one of the hardest things for me to be. People would always tell me that “patience is a virtue that must be learned.” Fast forward now to the beginning of senior year: I was stressed and didn’t know what God wanted me to do this upcoming year. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’” Jeremiah 29: 11-13.


AK3130 Christian Church of Anchorage / Anchorage FL5312 Sacred Heart Catholic Church / Fleming Island GA0210 Still Waters Church / AtlantaGA1226 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church / Ellijay GA4120 Hebron Christian Academy / DaculaHI0808 Kalihi Union Church / HonoluluIA1273 The Connection: A Christian Community/GlenwoodID1412 Boise Church of Christ / BoiseMD1212 Redland Baptist Church / Rockville ME1476 Crosspoint Church / Bangor MI1208 St. Patrick Catholic Church / Ada MN2016 St. Joseph Rosemount / Rosemount MO0777 St. Paul Catholic Church / FentonMO1849 St. Paul School / St. PaulNJ0009 Christ Fellowship Church / Elizabeth NM0088 Hoffmantown Church / Albuquerque OH0423 St. George Orthodox Church / Rossford PA0412 Lake View Bible Church / Manheim PA4096 Grace Fellowship Church / Titusville TN1557 Vermont United Methodist Church / Kingsport TN2260 Embreeville Church of Christ / Erwin TX0313 The Saint Constantine School / Houston TX1807 Denman Avenue Baptist Church / Lufkin WA0954 Christ the King / RichlandWV0777 Clarksburg Church of God / Clarksburg

NEWTROOPSSee more every Tuesday at Facebook.com/AmericanHeritageGirls

#NewTroopTuesday

Meet AbbY

Abby is a Tenderheart in Troop MS1271. Abby has

Asperger’s, a syndrome that is part of the autism spectrum that results in a difficulty with social interactions, delay in motor development, a restricted range of interests, and/or repetitive behaviors.

Her mom told us: “Abby has always had problems doing new things and making friends. We tried AHG, and from the very first day, she loved it! She has made many friends and our first camping trip is this May! I am very thankful for AHG and our Troop... It has made a great difference in her life!”

What a blessing Abby is to AHG!

Is your AHG Girl interested in being featured as the next Girl Greeting? Email AHG, Inc. a photo and short paragraph about why she loves the AHG Program to [email protected]!

Email your photos to [email protected] to be considered for the next issue of Heritage Headlines!


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