:: 2010 Events

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PRAYER & FASTING
There is a corporate day of prayer and fasting (water & juice) for our college and younger school students. It will be on Wednesday, September 1st. Add a name to the Prayer Focus list at -http://www.christcenteredcommunity.org/.

MINISTER’S WIVES LUNCH MEETING
It will be on Saturday, September 11th at 10:30 a.m. at the new Blue Water Area Rescue Mission, 1920 24th St.

MEN’S EVENT- FEATURING WALT WILEY
A committee of a dozen men from various churches has been working on an Event for Men called “Get Ready for the Big Game” on Wednesday, October 6th.  It will have a football theme and be held at the McMorran complex.  The evening will feature a tailgate party (out front), guest football star, uplifting music and special speaker Walt Wiley, former chaplain for the Atlanta Braves Baseball Team.  They are also looking for churches/men to forward pictures of men of all ages doing things over the summer.  Call Dan Lundblad for more information at 985-7380.  Churches have been notified to “Save the Date”.
Download Pastor's Letter • Download Flyer

OT BANQUET
The annual OT Banquet is Thursday, October 7th at Alexander’s in Marysville. This is our only fund-raiser of the year. We are looking for sponsors to underwrite the dinner and individuals to come and bring others to hear about investing in the ministry of OT. Walt Wiley of “Winning With Encouragement” will be the special guest.

COMPASS CHRISTIAN BUSINESS ALLIANCE
The next COMPASS Christian Business Alliance lunch meeting is Thursday, September 16th at the Black River Country Club at 11:45 a.m.  Future Fall meetings will held be October 7th and November 18th. 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY
OT and area churches will be volunteering to Make a Difference in the morning on Saturday, October 16th. We are asking churches to do something to help others – either individually or joining with OT that day. We need planning help!

POVERTY 101
The Community Action Agency is sponsoring a Poverty 101 conference. This event, being held September 7 - 9 (Tuesday – Thursday) will share information for those currently living in poverty and resources, along with information for service providers. Call Tricia to register at 982-8541. Dr. Donna Beegle will be the featured speaker.

OUTREACH TO MILITARY SERVICE PERSONNEL
OT is accepting old cell phones, MP3 players and I-pods to recycle. They will be sold and proceeds used to purchase prepaid calling cards for American troops, through the national organization “Cell Phones for Soldiers”. Please drop off your outdated equipment at Operation Transformation. We would like to have 100 by Christmas. A flyer/handout is available to advertise this outreach to churches and other groups by calling OT.

NEEDED

RADIO SPOTS
Listen to Tom as he shares about “Faith Matters” on WGRT 102.3FM every Monday at 8:00 a.m.

PRAYER REQUESTS
There is prayer each Thursday at OT. Call in requests or e-mail to brenda@optrans.org.

MENTORS NEEDED
People interested in being mentors, especially males, are continually needed. Mentors receive training and monthly support to learn how to work with your choice of: (1) county misdemeanor offender - V.I.P. or (2) state parolee - MPRI. The time commitment is approximately 1 hour a week. This is a wonderful opportunity to help change a life!

PASTOR’S PRAYER & COMMUNITY PRAYER TIMES
There is Pastor’s Prayer every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. at OT, specifically for ministers. A Community Prayer time, at 7:00 a.m., is also scheduled each Thursday - open to all. There is a Prayer “Night Watch” the first Friday at OT from 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. This month it is September 3rd. Prayer requests may be called or emailed to OT any time.

:: News

9/1 FARMFEST 2010
FarmFest 2010 was a great success! It was a worship weekend geared to high school and college age young people who were serious about taking their Christian walk to the next level. It was put on by young people for young people . 95 different people attended at some point during the 2-day event, with 20 different churches represented. Lives were touched and changed by the sharing of Andrew Seppo, Aaron Tomlinson and Trevor Loftus.

8/18 Blue Water Church League – Class A Operation Transformation Softball Team
The 2010 Blue Water Church League Class A champions were Operation Transformation. They went undefeated during the regular season. They also won the Blue Water Church League Class A Playoffs, defeating Hillside Wesleyan Axis in the best 2 out of 3. Hillside Axis also came in 2nd during the regular season.

Team picture of Operation Transformation. From left to right, bottom row: John Seppo, Phil Seppo, Sam Seppo, Andrew Seppo, and Tom Seppo. 2nd row: George Ingles, Gordie Johnson, Tyler Smith, Tom Cassady, and Jeff Wiley. Top row: Brian Gwisdala, Nick Kammer, Adam Daniels, Craig Cassady, Marv Smith and Harley Smith. The team was coached and managed by Marv Smith.

8/1 THE BLUE WATER FEST (Mackinac Race)
The Mackinac Family Night during Blue Water Fest had a great beginning – but ended up washed out, due to a severe thunderstorm (and tent collapse).  However, we did have a great response for several hours, and we passed out helium balloons all weekend.  THANK YOU to our main sponsors:  E & A Credit Union, Kiwanis Club, Chase Bank, Acheson Foundation, Woman’s Life Insurance Clubs.  We are also grateful to:  All American Flames Gymnastix, American Red Cross, New Life Christian Academy, BW Painting, Burger King, WNFA, Trinity Lutheran, Colonial Woods, Westminster Presbyterian, Salvation Army, Child Evangelism, CAA-Head Start, Ross Bible, Crossroad Christian, Marysville Assembly of God, Riverside Tabernacle, Northgate Bible, Paul Mitchell School, Raven, WGRT, Light of Christ Lutheran, Servants of Christ, Griswold St. Baptist, Life in Christ and The Great Commission for support!

6/1 NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
May 6th was the National Day of Prayer. The Noon Prayer Service at the City Building was wonderful! The place was packed (175) and the presence of the Lord was felt by all. Several people led in prayer for our country and various other issues. OT also coordinated a Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the City of Port Huron for about 100 community leaders and pastors. The special guest was Rev. Greg Roberts from the Governor’s Office of Community & Faith-Based Initiatives.

6/1 FRANCES FRANGIPANE
Frances Frangipane, a nationally noted speaker on church unity, spoke to about 275 at Hillside Wesleyan on May 13th. He also spoke to 46 at a Pastor’s Breakfast on May 15th. Francis did an excellent job and was very well received. He spoke primarily on “The Kingdom” and each Christian’s personal expression and representation of it.

5/1 KIWANIS SPIRITUAL LIFE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Congratulations to Shelby Baker of Salvation Army (PHHS) and Patrick Cansfield of 1st Presbyterian (PHN)! They are the two winners of the Kiwanis Spiritual Life Scholarships and will receive $500 to help with their college costs. Press Release

4/1 ONE MESSAGE, ONE SUNDAY, ONE MILLION
OT promoted an outreach on March 21, which used a Max Lucado tract. The goal was one million people nationally to hear the gospel message. 6 area churches, the Intervention Center and MPRI mentors participated in the outreach locally!

2/1 COMMUNITY SERVICE
“One in Christ” Community Service - Celebrating the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., was held January 17th. Dr. Bernadine Daniels did an excellent job as she powerfully shared that prayer is the element we all have in common. Pastor Carl Miller led a great time of praise. 40 ministers and 200+ people showed the spiritual unity we have in Christ.

2/1 PASTOR’S BREAKFAST
OT sponsored a “One in Christ” Breakfast for pastors, on January 16th. Bruce Brown, Port Huron’s City Manager shared his observations and vision for Port Huron. The fellowship was sweet for the 38 pastors and wives that attended and there was prayer for Haiti, the homeless and special health needs. Thanks to Port Huron Hospital for hosting the room and delicious buffet!

1/5 FINANCIAL RECEIPTS
Those who made a financial contribution to OT in 2009 will be receiving their giving statements soon. Thank you so much for your support of this ministry – without your finances, OT could not continue!

1/5 CHRISTMAS OUTREACHES
OT sponsored several projects this Christmas:

1/5 “FIRST NIGHT”- RENEWAL OF VOWS
Tom and Mayor Repp were able to renew marriage vows for 15 couples during the “First Night” festivities on December 31st. Couples (and their children) were touched! Tom prayed a blessing over the 8 couples he did.

12/1 “STAND” STRENGTH TEAM OUTREACH
The STAND (Christian) Strength Team Outreach was a huge success! During the week of November16-20, the STAND Team did 16 school assemblies, speaking to 7,500 students, about making positive choices. A VIP pass was given to all students, inviting them to 3 nights of meetings at McMorran Auditorium. The place was packed to overflowing all 3 nights, with about 4,500 in attendance! 425 commitment cards, representing 500+ people, were filled out indicating people made a decision to accept Christ and follow His ways. Bibles and literature were given, calls were made and letters sent out to follow-up. Thanks to the 35 churches and organizations that sponsored the event!

11/1 MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY
“Make a Difference Day” was Saturday, October 24th. It is a nationally celebrated day of volunteerism. OT has sponsored neighborhood cleanup projects for the last 6 years. This year, about 200 people came out to rake and pick up trash in the Harrison School district area, and clean for senior citizens. It was a wonderful opportunity to bless our community. A big thanks to Olive Garden for providing a hot Italian lunch for all, and Colonial Woods for hosting it.

11/1 CONGRATULATIONS!
Tom Seppo received the NAACP Community Service Award at their annual Freedom Fund dinner.

10/1 OT BENEFIT BANQUET
OT’s annual fund-raising Banquet was held on Thursday, October 1st at Alexander’s in Marysville. It featured a delicious dinner, an informative program and entertainment by Larry DeLawder (aka “Barney Fife”). Over 500 people attended! A big thanks goes to City Manager Bruce Brown for being the emcee. Thank you to all of our many sponsors and donors for their generosity to make this year so great!

9/1 COMPASS “MID SUMMER BUSINESS CONNECTION” CONFERENCE
COMPASS Christian Business Alliance sponsored a 1/2 day conference on August 6th at the Harborside Office Center in Port Huron.  The conference had great reviews, with 37 businesspeople hearing some timely information.

8/1 REV. PORTIS DEDICATION
The Dedication took place on Sunday, August 2nd at 3:00 p.m with 125 in attendance.  The picture shows the plaque surrounded by presenting speakers at the Ceremony.  They are (l – r) Mayor Brian Moeller (City of Port Huron), Anita Ashford (emcee & niece), Pastor Ron Burke (Historic Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church), Pastor Alex Crittenden (Southside Minister’s Alliance), Pastor Dan Stewart (Evangelical Minister’s Alliance), Mrs. Marion Portis (wife), and Rev. Tom Seppo (Operation Transformation).

8/1 OT SOFTBALL TEAM
The Operation Transformation Softball Team.  They went undefeated (16-0), winning the Blue Water Church League ”A” division.  Team members shown are (l-r bottom row):  Nick Kammer, Matt Moeller, Kyle DeLacy, Marv Smith (Coach); (second row)  Harley Smith, Tyler Smith, Gordy Johnson, Andrew Seppo, and John Seppo; (third row)  Nick Moeller, Sam Seppo, Brian Gwisdala, John Bowns, and Tom Seppo. Not pictured is Phil Seppo.

8/1 MACKINAC FAMILY EVENTS
OT planned outreach events during Mackinac Week, July 23rd – 25th.  Thursday (Family Night) saw a carnival-type atmosphere, with “Sweetwater” playing from the stage.  Other activities included an inflatable game, face painting, hair wrapping, fingernail polishing, helium balloons, live pony rides, child identification kits, balloon animals, Icehawks, free-throw contest, tumbling mats, giveaways, and food for sale.  The rain didn’t stop us!  Friday evening (Boat Night) featured concerts by “Sedrah” and “This Fire’s Embrace”. Saturday morning (Race Day), volunteers met to clean up along the Black River.  A huge thanks to the 86+ volunteers who helped, the 16 churches, 15 in-kind businesses and our MAIN sponsors: E & A Credit Union, Kiwanis Club of Port Huron and the Shawn Burr Foundation/Ice Hawks!

7/1 MICHIGAN PRISONER REENTRY INITIATIVE CONFERENCE
Operation Transformation, along with the Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative in Macomb County, helped to sponsor a Conference called “Coming Together – Creating Safer Communities”. It was geared to pastors and church leaders, human service providers, community leaders, mentors, and people interested in prisoner reentry. The information was well-received and speakers included Carl Williams, Dennis Schranz and Le’Ann Duran from the Michigan Department of Corrections and MPRI, and Rev. Jim Liske, Pastor of Ridge Point Church in Holland, Michigan.