TADA! Betsy’s first blog entry!

I’m not quite sure what to say… opening statements are so important. How many people discard a book after reading the first lame chapter. In that case I’ll stop now and copy in my support letter. Here you go.


May 2008

It was nearly three years ago when my good friend Courtney and her husband Dave asked me to help with High School Skatechurch. It began as a 3-hour weekly commitment checking forms, applying wristbands, and handing out high-fives. Eventually it grew to be 3 or 4 nights a week, up to 15 hours, plus weekend travel with the demo team. As I grew in the knowledge and love for my creator, I was moved to dedicate more time to serving this ministry that has been producing fruit for more that 20 years.

Skatechurch began in 1987 when 2 sponsored skateboarders, Paul Anderson and Clint Bidleman, realized their influence on young skaters. Out of obedience to God, they began skating with local Portland youth eventually establishing a formalized ministry. Over 8,000 local skaters have heard the Gospel through the ministry of skatechurch. Over 1,000 of those have responded by professing faith. The demo team has traveled all over the West Coast, Canada, Ireland sharing with Nearly 18,000 skaters. Skatechurch has helped establish numerous skate ministries all over the world including Luis Palau’s Livin’ It extreme sports ministry.

In the past year, God has made it clear that Skatechurch needs to expand. In January we lost a portion of our rented space which cut our skatable area nearly in half. Since then we have seen a drastic drop in the number of skaters coming which means fewer skaters hearing the Gospel.

This past fall it became evident that the Lord was changing things in my own life. It was time to leave my job at the advertising firm and the long hours I was spending at Skatechurch were becoming even more of a joy. I also began spending time with the Director of Development, Sauna Winsor. She and I found that our gifting and skill sets complimented each other in such a way that we made an amazing team.

After much prayer and patience, I wrapped up things at the advertising firm and hired a replacement. April 2nd was my last day and I immediately began work on Skatechurch’s benefit dinner. Sauna and I got to see first hand that the Lord was blessing the work we did together.

My official job title is Development Assistant. I will continue to oversee registration for the evening skate sessions and mentor the skater girls and young staff women. In addition, the vision is to obtain a new facility that will accommodate the growing number of skaters. We foresee this costing 2.5 million dollors. Thus, the majority of my time will be spent supporting the fundraising efforts. Using my administrative gifts and obediently doing what God tells me to do.

The benefit dinner was a great success and now that our follow-up is done, it’s time for me to raise support so I can give Skatechurch my undivided attention. Currently I am living off my savings until I reach full support. I have faith that God is going to provide for me as He has called me into serving for His glory. If He has called you to participate it that, I invite you to contribute prayerfully and financially. I’m seeking partners who will commit to giving monthly $50, $100, $200 or however the Lord calls you to do so. All donations are tux deductible and there is no overhead taken out of donation given to my support.

It is an honor to be called into participation with God in His ministry to Skateboarders. My commitment to you is that I will diligently and sacrificially serve in whatever capacity the Lord dictates.

Betsy Wecks