Urban Plunge

Gabriel Rademacher died Tuesday when he drowned approximately 70 feet from the shore of a Fremont-area lake. He was 18 years old, celebrating his high school graduation with more than a dozen other members of Concordia High School’s senior class.

Gabe went on the Urban Plunge last year. He wrote on his application that he wanted to build on and deepen his relationship with Christ by continuing to serve Him as well as praising and worshipping Him. We have confidence that Gabe is absent from his body and present with the Lord, right now, as you read this, worshiping and praising Him in person.

On the Plunge Gabe hung out with several hundred homeless people. He told us that “one of the things that surprised him was that there was so many problems and things going on just blocks away from the glitzy old market. But not only bad things, it was also great to see how God is bringing together His people in the midst of the pain to further His kingdom.”

Gabe started a blog… in his only post he writes about the solar system and the sun, which he spells “Son.” In a cleverly written metaphor… talking about both the universe and his relationship with “the Son” he ends his post with these words:

“And then there is the heat. In the farthest reaches of my orbit, icy particles of shame, doubt and fear quickly attach and weigh me down, until I can barely move. But even here, the Son’s heat blasts from out across the solar system, in rhythmic, pulsating waves, the very heartbeat of God. The ice of apathy and inadequacy melt quickly away and are replaced by glowing warmth. Though I am still bombarded by an endless storm of ice, it cannot overpower the warmth of God’s love that has penetrated to my core and now radiates from me as well.” http://greeneurosunglasses.wordpress.com

Gabe carrying a box of food at Mission For All National

Gabe with Angels on Wheels, hanging out with the homeless

Gabe getting ready for a prayer walk on Park Avenue

Gabe with youth leader, Adam, and a buddy

Former Iowan and retired Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Kurt Warner experienced a renaissance in 2008 as he led the franchise to their first ever Super Bowl berth, was voted to his fourth Pro Bowl, and received the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

His foundation offered scholarships for church groups going on domestic mission trips…

AND ONE OF OUR PLUNGE CHURCHES WON AN $850 SCHOLARSHIP TO TAKE THE PLUNGE AGAIN THIS YEAR…

We found out about the opportunity less than 2 weeks before the dead line and sent an email to several former Plunge churches…  NAIN LUTHERAN CHURCH in Newell, Iowa applied… and won… 

 Group leader, Pam Winkle wrote to tell us the good news she included these encouraging words: “Thanks for all of your help with our first plunge. These trips have definitely made an impact on my LYO kids and my life.”

Saturday Night

I was impacted when we got the chance to help feed those at the Siena Francis house. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone. They all appreciated it and kept thanking us. As one man said, “being homeless can be really hard, but seeing you guys and having this food really makes us happy.”  This was really encouraging.

-Laura

Friday Night

I was impacted at Angels on Wheels where I was able to spend some time with a 5 year old who is living at the Lydia House. When asked about her favorite subject, she told me her favorite thing to learn was how to pray.

-Manda