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.”

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

Saturday Afternoon

My life was impacted after I met a man at Mission for All Nations and got the privelage to pray for him and his severe leg injury right there in the open, and busy area.

-Christian

I think that all the ministries impacted my life in some way. My eyes have been opened up to so many different local ministries and I have realized that sometimes we get wrapped up in our lives without thinking of others. This has really convicted me.

-Scott

It was a cool experience to talk to and see what people other than you were going through. We all have out own selfish troubles. Our troubles are not important compared to the troubles of those I’ve encountered. I only wish I could help more.

-Neely

This was my second Urban Plunge. Going on the Plunge has opened my eyes to a whole new world. We are beyond blessed. It has also made me want to go into working with inner-city youth. Thanks Urban Plunge!

-Hilary

When I was talking to the homeless, I really felt like I was doing a lot to help them. They talked about their lives and hard times while I comforted them. I truly saw that God was inside of them. The best part was when we all stood in a circle and sang “Amazing Grace” and “This Little Light of Mine.” What really struck my heart was when we prayed. If someone thought another needed to be prayed for, we prayed. While I was exiting the shelter, I saw small groups gathered and talking about their faith.

The next day we woke up bright and early for a day of hard work. We went to a food pantry and sorted bread into bags. Next, we went across the street for some HARD CORE organizing (clothes mostly). The hardest part was carrying the bags up the stairs to the closet. It was really fun to see the pile of bags grow and grow as you went on. I loved doing hard work because it made me feel the power of God. Not only will children and families be grateful, but I actually DID something about it. I didn’t just give it away.

Jesus has really touched me these past days, and I plan to carry the lessons on for the rest of my life.