::    T U E S D A Y ,     J U L Y     3 1 S t    ::

It’s been a busy summer so far, but we are excited for what God has in store for us next year.

We just finished the July Newsletter for GZMC. Keep an eye out on your mail boxes… they should be arriving in the next few weeks! If you would like to receive our Quarterly Newsletters, please email me at and we will make sure you get on the list!

Thank you again for your prayers!

--Christine O’Connor--
Assistant Director

::    T U E S D A Y,     J U N E     1 2 t h    ::

This year, Melynda Haynes, one of our second year students, graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Chesapeake Bible College and Seminary. As one of her final assignments, Melynda wrote a paper on what the last two years of Master’s had done in her life.

We wanted to share it with you. If you are thinking about doing a Master’s, or maybe you are a parent of a potential student, please take a few moments and read her paper. I believe her paper really shows the heart and passion of an MC program.

Click here to download a pdf copy
Click here to download a .doc copy


--Christine O’Connor--
Assistant Director

::    T U E S D A Y,     J U N E     5 t h    ::

We’ve changed our myspace around. Head over to www.myspace.com/gzmc and check out testimonies from graduation, new pictures from the year, or just leave us a comment!

We are currently accepting applications for the 2007/2008 year. If you or someone you know is interested, feel free to call us at 610 869 7332 or email Christine@gzmconline.com. We would love to answer any questions you have!

--Christine O’Connor--
Assistant Director

::    T H U R S D A Y,     M A Y     3 1 s t    ::

Well... it's over! We still can't believe. This past Sunday, the class of 2007 officially graduated. The Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday before graduation we had the opportunity to minister at our home church. We ministered at different ministries and within our 3 Ground Zero services. It was an emotionally week of saying good-bye and reflecting back on what God has done over the last 9 months.

We can hardly believe how fast it went! And to think that we have formed life-long bonds in that short period of time. We are sad that this year is over, but we are excited for what is on the horizon.

Second years return the end of August and First year students move in on Sunday, September 9th. We can't wait to see the new team that God brings and the opportunities He will put before us!

Please keep the new First Year students in prayer!

--Christine O’Connor--
Assistant Director

::    F R I D A Y,     M A Y     10 t h    ::

So the end of Masters is just around the corner. This year has been the hardest and the most unbelievable time of my life. I have experienced so many things here that have shaped me for who I am going to be the rest of my life. I have grown in my faith and also my strength and courage has developed extremely. I can now say that I can stand strong on my faith and never lose heart no matter what the trial.

During this year there have been so many things that have happened that were meant to kill my spirit, but because of my directors and the family I have here at Masters I have overcome and used every experience as a stepping-stone. Many who have known me know that I am usually quiet and even shy, but now I find myself walking in the victory the Lord has given me.

That probably sounds so "church cheesy", and I am not saying that I don't have rough days. Because believe me I have some days were all I want to do is cry my eyes out with pain and frustration. Yet I have an inner joy that wont let me quit. I gave Christine a towel with the words "The towel that was not thrown in" written on it. That saying is very close to my heart. Before Masters all I did was float through life. I did not cause any kind of drama, I would try to make everyone happy. Now I am happy to say that I will be making a few waves. Not that I am going to be fighting people on meaningless topics, but I am going to stick up for myself and stick to the values I am learned and applied to my life.

No longer do I worry about life. I am not stressing over my future and my family's future. I know that God is going to do amazing things in my family and me. For myself, I am so excited to leave my comfort zone. Which sounds weird but is completely true. This year I am really seen the amazing things that happen when you leave your comfort zones. It is the scariest thing to do, but it is also the most rewarding thing you could ever do. Because I am stepped out of my safety zone I have experience and encountered God. I cannot put into words how much this year has meant to me. And I cannot thank Pastor Mike and Christine enough for everything they have done for me. They have been my support system, my mentors, role models, and biggest pains in the butt. And to the family that I have gained while I was here, they have been the greatest. They have challenged me and been the best friends I have ever had. I am going to miss them all incredibility during the summer. To sum it all up, this year has been absolutely SWEET!

--Cassandra Strycharz--
   First Year Student

::    F R I D A Y,     M A Y     4 t h    ::

In addition to doing a few local youth rallies this week, we’ve been hanging out with Clearwater Master’s Commission from Florida. We have had such a great time hanging out, having fun, doing some new stomp routines, and so much more. They have been a blessing to us and to our ministry this week. The youth kids have loved them just as much as we have! It is always a blessing to hang out with another MC, see how they do things, and learn from them. Every time I am with another MC, the thing that always hits me is, that we may all do things different but the same heart and common goal is there. We all want to know Jesus more and make Him known.

We are still accepting applications for the 2007/2008 year. If you need more information, feel free to email me at Christine@gzmconline.com I would love to answer any questions you have!

Oh, one last thing… grab your calendars and mark down this date: Sunday, May 27th. From 6:00p-8:00p at Union Church (5637 Street Rd, Kirkwood, PA 17536), we will be graduating our MC team! Please plan on joining us that day for an awesome night!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    T U E S D A Y,     A P R I L     2 4 t h    ::

We are back from Guatemala! If you haven’t checked out our Mission Trip Updates for pictures, testimonies, and more, take a few moments and check it out! Over the next week or two we will be adding more stuff… so keep checking back!

It was an amazing trip and God did so much! We can’t wait to share all of the divine appointments and God moments that happened. It was a trip that really did change us from the inside out. We can’t wait to go back!

We have been non-stop since getting back from the Mission Trip. We got off the plane, caught a few hours sleep, and than hooked up with the Seven Project to do a school assembly in a public high school in Maryland. That night, students were invited back for an evening youth rally. We were able to share the gospel and minister with students one-on-one. We got back home on Friday and on Sunday we did a morning service and than drove to an evening service to do another youth rally.

This Wednesday part of the team leaves for a New England tour. Thursday a team leaves for the Appalachian Youth Spring convention. Friday a team leaves for the Potomac Youth Spring Convention. We are busy but we are loving everything God is doing!

Clearwater Master’s Commission is coming up to hang out with us May 1st-May 5th all the way from Clearwater, Florida. Keep them in your prayers as they travel!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    W E D N E S D A Y,     A P R I L     4 t h    ::

Wow...we're just five days away from leaving on our mission trip to Guatemala City, Guatemala. We will be partnering with The Monson Family where we will be going into villages to work alongside pastors in their churches and ministries. We will be doing dramas, evangelism, school, and children's ministry.

We will be flying Taca Airlines, departing Monday morning, April 9th and returning Wednesday afternoon, April 18th.

We'll be posting regular updates throughout the week on our Mission Trip Updates page and uploading the photos when we get home. Keep a regular eye on this page & please pray for us regularly during this upcoming week.

--Pastor Mike--
   GZMC Director

::    S U N D A Y ,     A P R I L     1 s t    ::

We just got back from an incredible retreat. Every year, the Ground Zero Youth Ministry takes our teens on an amazing, God-filled, action-packed weekend and this year was no exception. Nearly 200 teens came to “In Pursuit” and teens were encouraged to pursue God with every ounce of energy they had.

Master's Commission headed down early on Friday to setup the retreat center, hang black lights in the gym, put up bunk room signs so the teens knew where they were sleeping, setup for late-night bingo, prepare the meeting room, setup the band, sound system and lights, hang banners, and more. At 7:30 the busses rolled in with all the students.

Friday night, special guest, Pastor Chet Caudill (Appalachian District Youth Director) spoke about not letting the word “but” be our spiritual guidance. Then, during the invitation students gave their excuses to God:
     -- “but” I don’t have time,
     -- “but” I’m to tired,
     -- “but” they won’t like me anymore,
and took the first step to pursue after God. The Master's team prayed with each student who came forward to give their excuses to God.

Saturday morning teens chose three workshops where they could focus on the areas they wanted to grow closer to God. In the afternoon, the teens had fun riding the zip line, climbing the rock wall & ropes course, hanging out with friends, playing basketball, DDR, and dodge-ball. Master's students were spread across the camp helping in various areas, building relationships with teens, running dodgeball & basketball tournaments, assisting the camp staff on the high-ropes course & the zip line.

The Saturday night evening worship service focused on moving the teens into a place of where they could cry out to God, pursuing what God has for our lives, praising and pursuing Him. At one point, Pastor Chet asked the question, "What is God calling you to?" and then told the teens to spread across the room and spend a few minutes with God, listening for an answer to that question. It was a powerful evening.

Late that night we had an exciting game of Glow-in-the-dark dodge-ball in the gym. Everyone wore white shirts and we wrapped dodge balls with glow tapes, and hung high powered black lights from the gym ceiling. I'm not sure whether the MC's had more fun or the teens did, but everyone got into it.

Sunday morning, many students lined up to give a testimony about what Jesus had done in their lives over the weekend. We heard several students talk about what they felt God calling them into with their lives. Several others shared how God had set them free from things that were holding them back from His best for them. It was an amazing, God-filled weekend.

--Drew Cope--
   Dir. of Operations

::    T H U R S D A Y,     M A R C H     2 9 t h    ::

Wow...there are only two months and two weeks left for my second year at GZMC. This has not been a very easy year for me at all. I have been tested, and tried, stretched and molded, and so much more. Last year God changed me and I left not the same girl I came to M.C as. This year once agian I will be leaving a completly different girl, I am not the same, I am broken, yet stronger then I once was.

This year has been a year of firsts for me. My father went to heaven on Sep 5th, that alone was and still is a very hard thing for me. My father and I had gotten very close the last two years of his life, and I could honestly say that my dad was one of my best friends. We would have "father daughter time" and he would take me out to the driving range once a week. I diden't like golf much in the begining but i wanted that quality time with my dad so I picked up golf for him. I still miss my dad, and today being his six month anniversery of his death, it is hard on me. I know that right now God is holding me, and carry me through this, and that is what helps me each and every day. I have also gotten closer to my mom since his passing, and my brother and sister. My whole family has gotten closer, and we have learned to value our time with eachother. We still have our arguments, but not as many as before, we are just happy be able to enjoy eachothers company.

Another thing that has happend this year is I have gotten a taste of stepping out into my calling. A few weeks ago I got a chance to speak to around 45 teenage girl about purity!! It was so much fun, and I still feel so humbled that I, a girl that hasen't had "perfect relationships" got a chance to talk to girls about purity. It's not just stopping at that one retreat though, through GZMC I met another group called Pure Love Works, and they want me to be their guest speaker this summer!!! So this summer I will get a few more chances to step out into the calling God has given me!

There are so many other things that have happend this year, both good and bad, and this year isen't even over yet!! Yes, my dad past away, and it's hard, there are still days when I cry about it, infact yesterday after a youth rally I did because i realized it's been 6 months. It's hard and it's difficult, butI serve a Lord who will not leave me nor forsake me, and through this difficult time He is holding me, and protecting me. I believe that God is blessing me with different ministry opportunities now because I have been obediant to Him, even when I felt I diden't want to. I wanted so badly to leave M.C. so many times this year after my dad past away, but I diden't, because I knew that both my dad, and God wanted me here, so I kept pressing into God, and stayed.

Not only in my life, but so many things have happend on this team this year, but through everything we have pressed into God, and learned not just to be a team, but to be a family. I learned that VERY early in the year when my dad died and the second years were with me almost every day at my house, and the whole team came to my dad's funeral. I love the team this year, and soo glad God brought everyone of them to New London PA this year.

--Melynda Haynes--
   Second Year Student

::    W E D N E S D A Y ,     M A R C H     2 8 t h    ::

My goodness, I am losing my mind. I don't remember anything past yesterday. I have lost all sense and concept of time. Sometimes I don't know what the date or day is. A plethora of thoughts are flooding through my mind, worrying about my exams (seems like there's one each week), my homework, retaining the knowledge that I've gained from classes and reading God's word, keeping my focus during rallies and just in general, trying to figure out what is needed for the stomp like ordering new sticks, making toms, replacing the broken buckets and brutes, shopping for the right cans and cymbals, making sure there's enough extra just in case any of the above is damaged. It's not too much of a responsibility, but sometimes I feel like I don't handle it very well, with my absent mindedness and all. I have a strained muscle somewhere, my shoulders and back hurt, I have a sore throat and sometimes it feels like I'm falling sick. My knees aren't doing so great either. I procrastinate on my homework till the very last minute. Doing homework during van rides isn't the most comfortable thing in the world, not counting the many distractions, like sleep....~random thought: I LOVE SHEETZ!!~....stuff, stuff, stuff. Now that that's laid down, I want to take a moment to foolishly attempt to compare that to Christ's sufferings.....hmmm........uhhh.........MY LIFE IS GREAT!!!.

God is so good it's beyond fathomable. He's been with us through so many struggles and spiritual attacks. There's been quite a few losses and family emergencies among us, and I am not excluded. I lost my Nana couple weeks ago. Yeah it was hard, but I am at peace, and so is my family. My MC family have been so incredible and supportive through it all, and I thank God for each and everyone of them. God has brought us through, and the battle only thickens. Sometimes I feel week and defeated, but it is at times like that that I remember the men from the account that King David gave on his death bed about his mightiest men in 2 Samuel 23: Josheb-Basshebeth killed 800 men with is spear in one encounter; Eleazar was with David when they taunted the Philistines at battle. His fellow men ran away, leaving him alone to fend for himself. He fought the Philistines all day till he got tired and his hand was cramped and clamped to his sword. He won that battle. His troops came back, but only to strip the dead; Then there's Shammah. The Philistines gathered at a field of lentils belonging to the Israelites as part of their strategy to cut off their supply of food. The Israelite troops fled again as usual, leaving Shammah all by himself. Shammah went right smack dab in the middle of the field and defended it by himself. God gave him an amazing victory that day. There are more accounts regarding the exploits of these three men, but I'll leave you to go and read it.

I look at these men, and I want so bad to be like one of them, spiritually of course. To be so formidable in the Lord that whenever the enemy comes to try to besiege me, I can stand my ground and, with the strength of the Lord, be victorious. I am not as strong as I need to be yet, but that day will come. I am running faster and harder each day, and even though I still fall down, His hands are always there to catch me. I also have brothers who watch my back and they will not run away when trouble comes. We stand together, fight together and are victorious together in Him. Thank you God for being who You are. Forgive me for my pride, my foolishness, and my apathy. I strive to move past these and advance closer and closer to You, from glory to glory. Farther up, Further in. God bless you all. Whew!!!

--Peter Odulana--
   First Year Student

::    T H U R S D A Y ,     M A R C H     2 2 n d    ::

In the office yesterday, we discovered THIS article about American Idol contestant Chris Sligh. As we read the article, and began scrolling down, we realized that AOL had pulled videos off of youTube to illustrate the different songs he has sung. If you remember, one of the songs he did was “We All Wanna Be Loved” by DC Talk… which is a drama we do during our youth rally.

As we scrolled down, what did we see? Us! That’s right… we are on AOL.com doing “We All Wanna Be Loved.” It was an exciting discovery to say the least! Take a few minutes and check it out! If you are on youTube, you can see the other dramas, stomps, and promo videos we have online!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    T U E S D A Y ,     M A R C H     1 3 t h    ::

Well, Well, Well… we have a busy weekend ahead! Half of the team will be in New York and Pennsylvania doing youth rallies, and the other half will be in West Virginia. It’s going to be a busy few days, but we are excited for what God has in store for us.

We just finished the March Newsletter for GZMC. Keep an eye out on your mail boxes… they should be arriving in the next few weeks! If you would like to receive our Quarterly Newsletters, please email me at and we will make sure you get on the list!

Thank you again for your prayers!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    W E D N E S D A Y ,     M A R C H     7 t h    ::

Well, we have hit the ground running this March. We are going to be traveling every weekend to different youth rallies and conferences. God has really done something special within the team over the last few weeks. He has taken us to a new level and you can feel the anointing that God has placed on the team. It’s hard to believe we are less than three months away from graduation! Where has the year gone? We have had an amazing year, and it’s only going to get better as we close out this year.

Check out our schedule to see where we are going to be the rest of the year. If we are going to be in your area, come hang out with us!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    T H U R S D A Y ,     F E B R U A R Y     2 2 n d    ::

We have a busy next few weeks! We have a rallies almost every weekend, sometimes 2 on the same day. The feeling of being used by God, and seeing Him work though us, doesn’t compare to words. We are honored to be used by Him. Part of the team is currently heading up to New Hampshire to do a district youth retreat for several churches from Rhode Island. Everyone else is heading to Jesus Fest on Sunday.

It hit all of us the other day how fast this year is going! We have already begun talking about graduation, and sending out invites to the parents. This year has flown by! We can hardly believe its almost over. Though its coming to an end, we are savoring every moment, and taking every opportunity that God sets before us!

We are accepting applications for the new 2007/2008 year. Applications and references have already begun coming in. Please pray that God builds the team that He wants to use for next year!

If you are interested in being a GZMC student next year, and would like to shadow the MC team for a day, email me at I would love to set up a time for you to come hang out with us, ask any questions you may have, and see what it is like to be an MC student!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    T U E S D A Y ,     F E B R U A R Y     1 3 t h    ::

We’ve returned from 80 degree weather in Phoenix…. to a snow storm! It’s weird to think just a few days ago we were in flip flops and shorts! Conference was amazing! It is breath taking being in a room full of Master’s Commission students. Everyone
has the same heart, passion, and goal: to love Jesus more, and to tell others about Him. We have come back refreshed, renewed, and excited about the work God is doing in our generation. What's more... Pastor Mike & Christine participated in the MCIN induction ceremony in Phoenix and now we're officially an MCIN affiliate!

We hit the ground running on Sunday, with a youth rally at a local church. This week we are busy getting ready for Project RAKE. Next week, we have a youth rally on Wednesday, and we leave on Thursday for a retreat we are doing in New England that weekend. Overall, it is going to be a very busy next few months. The opportunities that God has blessed us with our truly amazing! Please continue to keep us in your prayers!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    T U E S D A Y ,     F E B R U A R Y     6 t h    ::

We are leaving for Phoenix, AZ tomorrow! We are heading to Phoenix for the annual Master’s Commission international Conference! We will be joining 5,000 other Masters students for 2 days of worship, fellowship, and getting closer to God. This is an exciting year for us because we going to be affiliated with the MCIN! We are so excited!

For the last few weeks, we have been working on new dramas, practicing the new stomp, and gearing up for a very busy next few months. It’s so amazing to see all the ways that God uses us and the doors that He opens for us. Your prayers mean so much to us! Thank you for your continued support.

If you are interested in attending GZMC, we are now accepting applications for the 2007/2008 term!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    T U E S D A Y ,     J A N U A R Y     1 6 t h    ::

We just got back from an exciting weekend of Ministry in Saratoga Springs, New York. We were apart of the Youth For Christ Excel Conference. We had a great time ministering with students, doing workshops, and stomp.

The rest of January we will be learning new stomps and dramas and catching up on academics. We have another youth rally in Elkton, MD next Wednesday. The beginning of February we will be doing a local conference. On February 7th, we are heading to Phoenix, AZ for the annual MC conference. We will be joining 5000 other Masters students for a time of worship, getting into God’s Word, and fellowship.

We have continued to receive more applications for the 2007/2008 year of GZMC. If you are interested in applying, and still have questions, please fill out our email form. Myself or Pastor Mike would love to talk with you and answer all of your questions.

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    F R I D A Y ,     J A N U A R Y     1 2 t h    ::

Well… it’s official! We have been accepted as an affiliate in the Master’s Commission International Network! We are so excited! Thank you for everyone’s continued prayers and support… it means so much to us!

We have hit the ground running this year! We were at the “Be Amazed” conference in Ocean City, MD last weekend. We ran a breakout session for all the guys on what it means to be a "Man of God." We also did a drama workshop, had a exhibit booth, and helped run security. This weekend we will be at the “Excel Conference” in New York. We will be doing a workshop, doing stomp on the main stage, and running an exhibit table.

God is doing so many great things… we are honored to be a part of where and how He is moving!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    W E D N E S D A Y ,     D E C E M B E R     2 7 t h    ::

We hope that everyone had a great Christmas! Everyone has headed home for Christmas to refresh and relax. Students will be back in on Saturday, Dec. 30th. On New Year Eve, we are throwing a big party for all the MC students and Young Adults (18-25). Next week we will be heading down to Ocean City, Maryland for the Peninsula-Delaware youth conference. We will be doing a seminar on what it means to be a man of God for over 1,500 young men. We will also be having a ministry table, running a workshop on dramas, helping with security, and more. It is going to be an exciting few days!

Students for next year are beginning to show interest and fill out applications. It’s exciting to see God already beginning to build and prepare the team for next year!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    T U E S D A Y ,     D E C E M B E R     1 9 t h    ::

Merry Christmas! To our family and friends… thank you for supporting us and keeping us in your prayers! We’ve had an awesome year and with your continued support, we know it’s only going to get better!

We have a busy week a head. We are having 4 parties this week for the students in our youth ministry. MC will be doing stomps, raps, and helping out with the parties. It’s going to be a lot of work, but a lot of fun!

Currently, we are accepting students for the 07/08 year of GZMC. If you are interested or know someone interested, shoot us an email! We have a great packet of information and a DVD that will give you loads of great information about our program, our heart, and what you will be doing while here.

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    W E D N E S D A Y ,     D E C E M B E R     1 3 t h    ::

Hey everyone! We hope everyone is having a great holiday season!

God has really been moving in our morning worship and devotion time. He has been revealing himself to each of us in a different way. As a family, we are learning what Christ’s freedom really means!

Don’t forget to check out our videos and pictures. We’ve posted a ton of new pictures online! If you want to get a peek into some of the stuff we’ve been doing this year, that’s the best way! From practices, to academics, to youth rallies. We’ve had a blast so far… and it’s only going to get better!

And between you and me…. You HAVE to go see the ALIVE stomp video. We did stomp in front of 3000 junior highers at the ALIVE Youth For Christ Conference. No words can even describe how amazing it was!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    T U E S D AY ,     D E C E M B E R     5 t h    ::

Christmas is just 20 days away! We are spending the few weeks leading up to Christmas break preparing for the upcoming January-May tour season and for all the exciting things that God has planned for us. We are working on our new stomp and dramas. Plus, we are hitting the books and working on Academics. We have seen God pour out one blessing after another on us so far. It is amazing to see God on the move in our lives!

Please pray for safe travel as most of our students will be heading home for Christmas. Thank you for all your prayers and support so far! They mean more than you know!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    T H U R S D A Y ,     N O V E M B E R     3 0 t h    ::

A team just got back from Virginia. We had a great time and were able to minister to over 200 teenagers. God is doing great things through us and in us. We have a laid back next few weeks before Christmas. We will be working on academics, new dramas, and our brand new stomp. We will be hitting the ground running in January with several conferences and youth rallies.

Please keep us in prayer over the next few weeks. Pray that God would refresh us and do everything with excellence.

We just finished the November Newsletter for GZMC. Keep an eye out on your mail boxes… they should be arriving in the next few weeks! If you would like to receive our Quarterly Newsletters, please email me at and we will make sure you get on the list!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    W E D N E S D A Y ,     N O V E M B E R     1 5 t h    ::

Can you believe thanksgiving is right around the corner?

In the GZMC offices, we are gearing up for an exciting weekend. This Friday, a group of MC students is heading down to Ocean City, MD for a Youth For Christ Junior High Conference. We will be doing stomp on stage in front of 3,000 Junior Highers. Plus, we will be leading several workshops and running security. A group of Junior Highers from our youth ministry are coming down as well! We are excited to hang out with them and see what God is doing in their lives.

Another group of MC students is heading to New York City this weekend. Every year our Senior Highers do a Road Trip to a local city. They spend the weekend doing servant evangelism and reaching out to the lost and hurting. This weekend, we will be working with 10,000 inner city students, handing out Thanksgiving turkeys to the poorest people in the city, and doing street evangelism It is going to be an exciting weekend!

Please keep us in prayer!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    W E D N E S D A Y ,     O C T O B E R     2 5 T H    ::

Fall is here! The cold has set in, but we aren't letting that slow us down! This past weekend, we had our last Project RAKE weekend of the year. RAKE is the free home repair ministry that we do with the students of our youth ministry. We help low income families and senior citizens by building ramps, putting on new roofs, and much more. All for free! The students had a great time helping people in the community, connecting with the youth ministry students, and growing closer to God.

This Friday, our Ohio/West Virginia team will be leaving for 5 days. Please keep them in prayer as they minister and different youth rallies the weekend.

We are still booking churches for our January-May tour season. Dates are booking fast! Keep an eye on our schedule to see where we will be and when. If we are at a church near you, come check us out!

Also, it's been a few weeks coming, but below are the answers to some questions we asked the guys!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director


Why did you decide to do Masters Commission?

Peter Odulana, Maryland: It is the perfect training ground for going into the youth ministry.

Josh Glock, Texas: I really did not decide, God did. When I first saw Ground Zero Master’s Commission at a youth convention, I sent an application in, knowing that if it was God’s will then I will be accepted.

Josh Mericle, Pennsylvania : I decided to do M.C. because I wanted to experience more of God. God had done so many amazing things in me last year in M.C., that the hunger I had to know more of God increased.

Rob Cochran, Pennsylvania : God has called me here for a period of time to learn and grow more in Him, so that I will be prepared for the ministry He has called me to.

PJ Rogers, Massachusetts: I decided to go to masters commission because I wanted a closer relationship with God.

Mike Luis, Pennsylvania : I know God has a divine purpose and plan for my life. Following His will always comes with many sacrifices and it’s worth it, knowing God is going to do awesome things in my life this year. I knew coming in it was going to be harder tougher and more intense then last year. Nothing can hold me back from what I feel is God’s will for my life.

Nick Cirino, Pennsylvania: As I sat at Ground Zero JV one night, just being in God’s presence (psalm 46:10), and God told me that night that He wanted me to be a Masters Commission student. So, I went, jumped in, trusting God.

Nic Knapp, New York: For a long time I wanted to be a mechanic, but I knew God was telling me He had something bigger for me. My cousin accidentally left some stuff in my backpack after a youth conference, there was some things in there from GZMC. After looking at the material, I knew that GZMC was where God wanted me.



What do you want God to do in your life this year?

Peter Odulana, Maryland: I want to be stretched to the extent of God’s will. I want God to do the things in my life He has always wanted to do to reveal my purpose. I also want to minister and help change lives this year.

Josh Glock, Texas: I want God to remove the junk in my life from the past. There is a lot of junk in my life that he and only he can get out.

Josh Mericle, Pennsylvania : I want God to increase my faith in Him, and the passion I have to reach students for Christ. For Christ to reveal more of who He is in my life, and to show me more of the plan he has for my life.

Rob Cochran, Pennsylvania: I want God to continue to prepare me for the work He has set aside for me. I know He has a lot in store for me and that I will be a changed man at the end of the year.

PJ Rogers, Massachusetts: I want to draw closer to Him and be able to follow His words that He has given me. I also want to know His word better. I want to fulfill what God wants me to be. I am willing to do what God wants me to do.

Mike Luis, Pennsylvania : This year, I really want God to mold me and form me to be the man of God He ants me to be. This year’s theme is “Legacy”…it’s how do you want to be remembered. God really hit me hard with Heb. 12:1-4, which speaks of Jesus as the example, the first to endure it all, and all those who followed His path. I desire to follow that path. To endure all the hardship, the suffering, the struggles, I want to leave an impact on this generation in Christ’s name. This year I am determined to have a heart after God’s own heart.

Nick Cirino, Pennsylvania : I want more of God, and the one thing that I long for the most is for God to teach me how to be closer to Him; I hope He grows my thirst for Him, that is my prayer for this year.

Nic Knapp, New York: I want God to remove every trace of apathy from my life, and give me a passion for Him.

::    F R I D A Y ,     O C T O B E R     1 3 T H    ::

All new pictures have been posted! Check out the "Photo" section to get a glimpse of what we've been up to for the last month! Also, check out the "Video" section. Our new promo Video and some fun moments from the last month are online.

We've also added new dates to our schedule. Check it out... we may be visiting a church near you soon!

Thank you for your continued prayer and support! May God continue to bless you!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    F R I D A Y ,     O C T O B E R     1 0 T H    ::

Wow - East Coast Conference was absolutly incredible. We got to hear stories about how God is working in other Master's Ministries across the Eastern sea board. Check out our Master's Commission Directory. There are over 120 Masters Commission programs across the United States and around the world.

--Drew Cope--
   Dir. of Operations

::    T U E S D A Y ,     O C T O B E R     2 n d    ::

We had our first youth rally this past week at a church above Boston, MA! It was awesome to see the team out on the road and ministering with students.

This week is going to be a busy one! Part of the team will be in Detroit, MI Tuesday till Thursday morning. On Friday, we all leave for West Virginia for the East Coast Conference. I am excited for the team to connect with students from other MC programs. I’m sure it is going to be a powerful weekend!

Please pray for safe travel this week! Thanks and God bless!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    T H U R S D A Y ,     S E P T E M B E R     28 t h    ::

Our first youth rally of the year is tomorrow in Lynnfield, MA, right above Boston. The tour team has been busily preparing and practicing for the youth rally. The first year students are in full-swing academics. They have to read through the entire Old Testament in a month, while also memorizing scriptures and Words of the Faith. Second year students are stepping into leadership roles and playing a key role in different aspects of MC and the GZ Ministries.

God has been moving in big ways. He has been bringing us closer together as a family, a team, and a single unit ready to do His will. Our theme for this year is Legacy. We want to leave a mark that will last for years to come with everyone we meet. God has really been speaking to us through a powerful song called, “Shout unto God” by Hillsong. It has become our anthem! “Shout unto God with a voice of triumph, shout unto God with a voice of praise!” Praise God!

Please continue to keep our team in prayer!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    T U E S D A Y ,     S E P T E M B E R     19 t h    ::

They are here! What an incredible week it has been! God has already begun moving, shaping, and molding this team into His image! We have spent the week doing academics, youth rally practice, and spending time in his presence. We leave for our first youth rally in two weeks! Please keep the team in prayer as we prepare to go to Boston and minister. We have been busily posting pictures. Check out the photo section to see what we've been up to this week!

We asked the students why they decided to do MC and what they wanted God to do in their lives these 9 months... below are the girls answers! Stay tuned for the guys answers. To check out our team, click on "Meet The Team."

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director


Why did you decide to do Master's Commission?

Brittany Mooney, New Jersey: Because I’ve heard toms of great things about it.

Sherryanne MacPhearson, New Jersey: Because I want to lay down everything! To totally focus on Him!

Belinda Renkens, Wisconsin: I just really feel that this is where God wanted me to go. I didn’t have a plan for what to do with my life, and my youth leader kept telling me that MC would be really good.

Steph Ferko, Maryland: I decided to do Master’s because with all the busyness in my life I really wanted to take time to give to Him. I wanted to redirect my focus because of circumstances in my life and know Him better.

Cassandra Strycharz, Delaware: I felt overwhelmed in my life, and I did not have strong Christian friends to depend on. I have been going through so many trials and I hate asking for help, because I feel weak. But I know I have to learn to lean on God.

Katy Swiger, West Virginia: I joined Master’s not only to get closer to God, but because I needed more from Him than what I was getting from my home church

Breanna McCormick, Massachusetts: Well… I found the brochure and it sounded interesting. Since the program started so soon I just put my trust in God and said, “I’m going to go at this 100% and if God wants me here then it will all work out. And it did, so that’s why I’m here.

Melynda Haynes, Pennsylvania: Last year (during my first year of M.C.) God broke down a lot of walls in my life, and healed me from the hurts and pains of my past. Knowing what God had done in and through my life last year. I wanted to come back fro a 2nd year. I love the ministry of MC, and the heart and passion behind the ministry.

What do you want God to do in your life these 9 months?

Brittany Mooney, New Jersey: To break me and mold me into what He wants and not what I want. To have a deep deep relationship with Him.

Sherryanne MacPhearson, New Jersey: Break me! To help me realize that the things going on in my family have nothing to do with me, also that guys will no longer be a burden for me.

Belinda Renkens, Wisconsin: I just want to be completely changed this year. I want to be so in synch with God’s Spirit, to be able to hear His heart beat.

Steph Ferko, Maryland: I want God to take me to a new level in my relationship with Him. I want God to show me more of who He is and take me deeper with Him.

Cassandra Strycharz, Delaware: I want to get rid of all the fear and questioning I have. I want to be able to trust people and feel as if I can depend on people. I want to feel happy with myself and be able to put myself out there. I am tired of feeling incomplete. I want to trust God that He will take care of me and my family. I want God to make Himself real to me. I want to feel as if I am actually good enough. I want to have the courage to pursue what I love to do. I am tired of feeling alone and that I have to do everything myself.

Katy Swiger, West Virginia: I want God to strengthen me so I can go back home and be able to help my church grow.

Breanna McCormick, Massachusetts: I want God to mold me and change me. I also want him to show me the next steps to take in life after MC. I want to learn a lot about the Bible so I can support my beliefs with Scriptures from the Bible.

Melynda Haynes, Pennsylvania: During this year of MC I want God to simply continue the work that he started in me last year. I want my hunger for God to grow even more this year. I want to go deeper in my relationship with God. I want to leave MC this year with more of a passion and hunger for God then when I came in.

::    S A T U R D A Y ,     S E P T E M B E R     9 t h    ::

The first years come in tomorrow! It has been a great summer, but we are ready for MC to begin! We have continued to book more youth rallies and conferences. You can check out where we are going on our schedule.

We also have accepted a new student! Breanna McCormick from Massachusetts has joined the team. God has brought together a team that he has ordained to do great things this year. Our theme is Legacy, and I think that every single student this year is going to be leaving a major legacy with the people they meet, in the things they do, and how they serve God.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support!!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    W E D N E S D A Y ,     S E P T E M B E R     6 t h    ::

Last night, Melynda Hayne's father, Jim, went home to be with the Lord. He was a great man who loved the Lord and his family deeply.

Right now, Melynda and her family need our prayer and support. Please keep them in prayer. Please pray for God's peace, comfort, and love to surround them like never before.

If you would like to email Mel, you can do so by clicking here.

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    T H U R S D A Y ,     A U G U S T     3 1 s t    ::

Well, the second years have been getting back into the swing of things this week. They have been doing different things around the office to prepare for the First Years coming in. They have also been attending Ground Zero in the evenings. It has been a blessing to watch them reconnect with students they mentored last year. I can already see God using them.

A part of the day-to-day life of MC, will be academics. First year students will be earning 36 college credits. Second year students will be earning 27 credits, and graduating with their associates degree. First year students will be taking studying Old and New testament, Nehemiah, cults and world religions and several other classes. Second year students will be learning about the Blood Covenant, Ephesians, and several other classes. Students will not only be growing in their relationship with God, but also their knowledge this year through academics.

Thank you for your continued prayer and support! It means a lot to us!

--Christine O’Connor--
   Assistant Director

::    M O N D A Y ,     A U G U S T     2 8 t h    ::

The second years have arrived! Meylnda Haynes, Josh Mericle, Rob Cochran, Ben Dieterly, and Mike Luis are all back for a second year.

We are taking the second years away for a retreat this week. We are going to spend a few days, relaxing, praying, and fellowshipping together. I can’t wait to see how God is going to use these 5 incredible second years this year. Photos are found under the servanthood link.

We are still lining up conferences and youth rallies for the Fall tour season. God has also opened the door for us to be involved with different ministries. Students this year will be working with inner city kids, homeless shelters, and the Hispanic culture. They will also be heavily involved with youth ministry and our children’s program, Kid Zone. It’s going to be an awesome Fall!

This week, please keep our second year students in prayer. Pray that God would continue to prepare them for the leadership roles they will be doing this year. Pray that God would bring divine appointments across their paths.

Don’t forget… we are still accepting applications for the 2006/2007 year. Check out the application for more details!

In Him,
Christine O’Connor
   Assistant Director

::    F R I D A Y ,     A U G U S T     1 8 t h    ::

Can you believe it? Summer is almost over! In the GZMC office, we have been gearing up for the next year of Masters. We are so excited about what God has in store for us this year. He has brought together an amazing team of young adults who are passionate about serving and following God.

Our theme for the upcoming year is ‘Legacy’. How do you want the world to remember you? What impact do you want to make? What kind of legacy do you want to leave? It’s amazing to think that the things we do for God last into eternity. This year, God doesn’t want us to just leave our mark on those around us. He wants us to leave a legacy that will reach generations to come.

I truly believe that God is going to do mighty things through the GZMC team this year. They will be used to touch countless lives. They will leave a legacy with everyone they meet. I believe they will see and experience God in ways that they never imagined.

Please continue to keep GZMC and the students in prayer!

--Christine O’Connor--
Assistant Director

P.S. We are still accepting students. You can click here to apply!