Stacey Gagne

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Thanks for Voting!

stacey : August 28, 2012 1:17 pm : Stacey Gagne, Staff Pages

STACEY GAGNE –  Thanks for voting for WJTL in Lancaster Newspapers 2012 Reader’s Choice Awards.   Because of your votes, we received a 2nd Place Win for Favorite Radio Station.  Thanks for the many ways you let others know about the ministry of WJTL!

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When I Was Thirsty

stacey : August 20, 2012 12:03 pm : Stacey Gagne, Staff Pages

Saturday is the day for my long runs.  I’m training to run my first half marathon in November and am following a training plan each week to help me accomplish my goal of finishing.  (I have no visions of speed or any sort of ranking… just survival and finishing well).   About 3/4 of a mile into my run, I came across a church group handing out water.    I was pretty excited because I keep forgetting that I should have water along on these longer runs and I knew that I could use it.  So, I smiled and took the water they cheerfully supplied as I continued running by.    Fast forward about an hour.  I had run my first 6 mile run and was slowing down into a cool down walk.   I was tired , thirsty and a little sore.   As I approached the area where the church group had been handing out water,  I saw that they were still there, but I also knew that they had already given me a water earlier, so I planned to just keep plugging away until I got home.  I even heard one lady say, “Hey we saw her run by here earlier!”.     When I went to keep walking by, they said “Are you thirsty?”  I said “Yes, but you already gave me some water earlier, and thank you!”  But they held out a water for me anyway and said “God Bless You”.     I know, such a little thing … but what a blessing it was!

As a body of believers who desire to represent Jesus … are we offering cold water to the thirsty?  Is it conditional?  When someone needs us do we think, “I’ve already helped you recently””

Last night I was visiting a friend and their child at the hospital.  The little girl was feeling very sick and kept asking her dad for more sips of water, sometimes after he had just put the cup down.  He lovingly gave her a drink whenever she asked.

Jesus never tires of lifting the cup to our lips.  He doesn’t mind our constant thirst, in fact, it pleases His heart that we ask Him and that He can provide for us.

How can we be Jesus to the thirsty today?    Are we inviting Him to satisfy our own thirsty hearts?

Some thoughts on thirst for you this week.

 

 

 

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For the Healing of the Nations

stacey : April 3, 2012 5:06 pm : missions, Stacey Gagne, Staff Pages

STACEY GAGNE – Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Global Disciples Banquet: “For the Healing of the Nations”  held at Willow Valley/Doubletree Palm Court.  We’d been promoting the banquet on WJTL and when my friend asked if I’d like to attend with her I was excited to say,  “Sure!”  I was thrilled to find out that Ethiopia was the featured country of the night and that there would be testimonies from Ethiopia and even the traditional coffee that I enjoyed so much when I was there was to be served!

As we arrived we were greeted with music from the Tinsae Kristos Evangelical Church choir and Ethiopian women were ready with freshly roasted coffee and popcorn samples.    I was excited for more people from Lancaster County to get to have a taste of Ethiopian culture, too.

It was encouraging to hear about the work being done in Ethiopia as Global Disciples is helping to equip leaders, to multiply disciples of Jesus and see them plant churches.   I loved hearing testimonies of Gods healing and miraculous moves among the people.

On one of their pamphlets, they used a phrase that I have heard used often:  What’s in Your Hand?”    There are so many opportunities for us to use what gifts and resources God has given us for His glory.  Through our local churches,  local ministries, and those touching the world like Global Disciples, Compassion International,  Eastern Mennonite Missions and so many others … there is no shortage of opportunities for us to help.   We just need to make sure that we are making ourselves available for God to use us!

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JONAH!

stacey : March 21, 2012 11:58 am : News, Stacey Gagne, Staff Pages

STACEY GAGNE – A couple of weeks ago I sat in with one of the pre-school classes at my church.   It was so much fun hanging out with the kids, coloring with them and hearing their excitement as the teacher shared the story of Jonah.    Most of the children were already familiar with the story about Jonah and the big fish.   It was particularly fun for me and fresh in my mind because on March 9th I had  the opportunity to attend the premier of Jonah at Sight and Sound Theatres.  What a treat!

Sight and Sound always puts together epic productions of stories that we know from The Bible.  I have had the opportunity to see many, but there is something really special about this one.   As an audience we experienced  powerful songs,  fantastic sets and lighting,  live animals (even Zebras)  and a breath-taking underwater world full of surprises!  The actors and actresses really brought to life the Biblical lessons of obedience to God (that even a prophet struggled with),  God’s excellent mercy and His extravagant love for all.

I recommend Jonah for you and your family and hope to see it again myself (and bring some friends).

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2012 Cardboard Derby

stacey : February 1, 2012 3:51 pm : Stacey Gagne, Staff Pages

STACEY GAGNE – Once again WJTL had the privilege of being part of the day at Ski Roundtop’s Cardboard Derby.  This year the theme was “50 Years in the Future” and the participants got very creative with constructing their cardboard vessels!  We saw everything from polar bears to space ships and it was obvious that a lot of time and teamwork went into preparing for the big event.

We receive calls from eager participants asking about the date, theme and details months in advance.  Youth groups, scout groups,  businesses or other teams have a blast getting involved.  WJTL enjoys getting to be a part of the event from pre-event promotion to on-site registration, emceeing, assisting with judging and of course providing music and giveaways to the spectators.  During the race, our own Chris Strayer and Rick Steimling gave the play by plays while John Staffieri got to interview the participants as they came off the course.

Congratulations to the winners in each class:  For Distance in the  Junior Division:  Checker Cab Girls, Delorean and Elephants came in top 3 and in the Senior Class it was Home Depot,  Elle Sisters and Jet Wrangler.  A special Spirit Award was given to teams: The Cure for Cancer and Area 51.  Creativity Awards were handed out to the Junior Teams: Snowbishi, Deloreans and The Last Polar Bear and for Seniors the top  3 were Tardis Time Machine, Luna Trans and Zombies.  Congratulations to all participants and volunteers  and thanks to everyone who came out to cheer and watch the fun!  Thanks again to Ski Roundtop for hosting such a great event!

Thanks to Ben Sauder for the pictures and video!

 

 

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Our Debut Concert at The Junction Center with My Friend Marty Shaughnessy

stacey : January 27, 2012 1:44 pm : Stacey Gagne, Staff Pages

STACEY GAGNE – Last Saturday night was another special night here at WJTL.  We had our inaugural concert here in the Millen Room at the Junction Center featuring Marty Shaughnessy of Rainchildren.   WJTL staff and some friends of the family were together to kind of kick off and preview what concerts in our new cafe setting will be like.  It was exciting for us to be able to enjoy the warm atmosphere together and also broadcast the concert live on WJTL.  (We will be doing a re-broadcast on WJTL soon)

It was an informal night with Marty playing familiar music, reminiscing, coffee, hot cocoa and other refreshments.  (I tried to keep the beverages hot and full while also taking in the relaxing vibe with my friends).  I couldn’t help but smile and thank God.

I’m looking forward to more events like this one here at The Junction Center.  Stay tuned as we have plans underway to bring more events here to The Millen Room in the near future.

Thank you to Sherri Gagne and Tim Landis for the great photos!

 

 

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What’s that Christmas song with the animals singing Carol of the Bells?

stacey : December 14, 2011 2:04 pm : music, Stacey Gagne

STACEY GAGNE – Each year at Christmas we play a song that receives a lot of attention and get TONS of requests from people for the information about it.   The “Carol of the Fryers” is the song.   For the longest time we didn’t have much of an answer for how to find it or where.  We knew that it was a novelty song that had come on a compilation CD in the 90s, but did not remember where.   I have done online searches in the past, but recently I found the answer.    It’s still going to be hard to get a hold of,  but here’s one link  and track listing for the CD…

a Link

Sound Check: 1994 Benson Music Group Collection

For Future Generations (4:26) – 4Him
Love Conquers All (3:41) – Pam Thum
‘Til There’s A World Without A Need – Keith Dudley
Wouldn’t Miss Heaven (3:45) – Brush Arbor
Judgement Day (3:31) – DeGarmo & Key
Fearless Heart (4:08) – East To West
Childlike Faith (4:18) – Larnelle Harris
Work On Me (5:00) – Commissioned
All This And Heaven Too (4:02) – Michael Sweet
We Believe (3:22) – Nouveaux
Love Lifted Me (5:29) – Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir
The Door (5:25) – Al Denson
Press On (4:01) – Billy Sprague
A Strange Way To Save The World (4:32) – 4Him
Power Theme (3:57) – Dino
Carol Of The Fryers (2:15) – The Chickens

Stacey M. Gagne

Mystery Solved!

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Parting Thoughts: Our Last Night in Haiti

stacey : October 29, 2011 12:04 am : missions, Stacey Gagne

STACEY GAGNE – Tomorrow we take the trek back over the mountain and make our way to Port Au Prince and then our team will say goodbye as we make our ways to our homes.  This week we have all had the opportunity to see Haiti in a way that we had not seen it before … both for those who had been here before and those of us who had not.  A lot has changed in Haiti since the earthquake.  There is destruction and rebuilding, frustration and hope, turmoil and joy.   Joy in Hope is in Jacmel Haiti with the desire to be a ripple … to help develop the people here.  They are not here to take over or give them everything they need, but to “teach a man to fish”.   They are impacting the lives of children through the children’s home and  other “strategic projects for the purpose of building mutual love and trust so that we may humbly speak the message of Grace.”   I saw evidence of this with them men we worked with, the diaper distribution program and even their interactions around the community.   I saw the family that is the Haitian Children’s Home.  I got to know Mike and Georgette and saw how they work with the construction team with respect, laughter and accomplishing the goal of beginning construction on the land.

I can’t wait to come back and see the progress on the land.  I am certain that there is a lot that I have learned.  I am confident that people saw the love of Jesus in me and our team.   I know that God loves Haiti, these people, this ministry and His purposes and plans here will be accomplished.

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Building Walls and Seeing Others Come Down

stacey : October 27, 2011 10:16 pm : missions, Stacey Gagne

STACEY GAGNE –  It’s hard to believe we only have one full day left here.   Have we really been here almost a week?  This morning our team headed back to the work site.  We’ve gotten used to the routine of getting picked up by Mike after breakfast, heading to the Texaco to pick up water and ice and making our way to to the land.  After yesterday’s full day of work, we were careful to take more breaks.   We realized our stamina is not the same as the Haitians.  At the same time, it was fulfilling to see that we had learned a lot and were able to mix cement without a ton of coaching.   The walls are starting to really come up and by the time we left at lunchtime, the back wall was level and looking great!

One of my high points of the day was the last hour or so on the site when I started using some of the French and a tiny bit of Spanish that I know to communicate with the guys on the land.  I realized that when I really listened that I could pick out a word here and there and I think they were surprised with how much french I could understand.  As the week has gone on I definitely have had a lot come back to me.  After working with these guys all week, it was fun to connect a little even in such a small way of exchanging a few words.  We’re building walls together and in a small way it felt like other “walls” were starting to come down.

This evening Gwenn and Nick and our team went to Cyvadier, a great restaurant just outside of Jacmel with an ocean view.  We really enjoyed our meals (I had lambi thai or thai conch with rice).   Even more-so we really enjoyed hearing stories from Gwenn and Nick and having dinner as a group of friends who feel more like family now.

Tomorrow morning Gwenn is taking Bonnie and I with her to Bwa Vital, one of the newer, cleaner tent camps where we will be doing diaper distribution.  Bwa Vital is a major upgrade for the residents there who have moved from Pinchinat were conditions were very poor.  I’m sure it will be a mixed experience for me as I know there are some children with some severe health issues there.   I’m thankful that in addition to all that Joy in Hope  is doing with the Children’s Home that they are reaching into the community and helping in so many other ways.  We will also be visiting the land and getting the full tour and also having a walking tour in Jacmel.

One more day.  It’s hard to believe.

 

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Building a Foundation with Joy in Hope

stacey : October 26, 2011 7:45 pm : missions, Stacey Gagne

STACEY GAGNE – Today was the most labor intensive day of the week for us.  We worked a full day mixing cement, filling buckets and helping to pour it into the foundation.  Yes, we became human cement mixers.   While we continued to work on the building there were other locals out in the brush cutting down vines, brush and small trees.    There is also a large area of brush that is being gradually burned out because of thousands of bees and hornets!  We are steering clear of it.   Mike said that they should be able to harvest the honey once the bees move on, though.   Nothing goes to waste!

This evening after we cleaned up and were waiting for dinner, one of the Jacmel Bay artists came by to show us (and sell) some of the jewelry he has made.  Jacmel Bay is a project that my friend Denise has developed to help  hearing impaired artists in Jacmel develop a trade.   They make necklaces, small nativities and other beautiful creations that are in turn sold in the US to help raise funds for missions trips.  (I sold some to help raise funds for my trip.)  I loved making the connection with Jeann Ferissien.  I’m wondering if he made any of the necklaces that I sold!

Please pray for Joy in Hope as they seek to raise funds in the midst of all of the work that they are doing.   This is a growing ministry in Haiti that is making an impact.  There are opportunities to support the ministry that needs base support and there are also missions staff like Mike and Georgette, Directors of Development who are still working towards full sponsorship.

Thanks for praying for our team, too.   God truly put together a group with varied gifts, skills and personalities who can work well together and are now friends!

 

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