THE FACTS
Janna and Jeremy live in Colorado Springs, CO, with their dog Bailey.

JANNAS FAVE FOOD
Potato chips or watermelon

JEREMYS FAVE SONG
Bad by U2 

BAILEYS FAVE FOOD
Anything edible!

JANNAS CARS NAME
Pablo

JEREMY & JANNAS FAVORITE ACTIVITY
Anything outdoorshiking, biking, camping

What are some of your favorite Christian music artists? I’ve decided to stop listening to my secular stuff and I’m looking for some good Christian groups. I especially like worship music. 

—New Music Man

Sounds like you’re onto a great thing. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Feeding your mind good messages through music is one way to do that. For more ideas than the ones below, check out Soundbytes in each issue of Go!. You can also see all the CDs ever featured in Soundbytes by clicking this link. Here are just a few of our favorites: Third Day, Jennifer Knapp, Michael W. Smith, Water Deep, Andrew Peterson, Audio Adrenaline, City On a Hill (compilations), One Day Passion (compilations).

I’m getting ready  to go on my first mission trip this summer. I was so excited because my best friend was going—it was with her youth group. But now she can’t go and I don’t really know anyone. My parents say I should still go but I’m kind of scared. What should I do? 

—Scared to Go

We’re sorry that your friend isn’t able to go on the trip with you this summer. It is always fun to share those experiences with someone you are close to. On the other hand, we agree with your parents that you should still go. Here a few reasons why. * First, in the friend area: Although it seems scary now to go with a bunch of strangers, our experience tells us that by the time you get home, you’ll feel like you’ve known them forever. Great friendships can come from trips like this and we’re sure that while you’ll miss your friend, you won’t feel friendless for long. * Second, although the friendships are a great bonus, a mission trip is really about choosing to be part of what God is doing and trusting Him to use you to share with others about His Son Jesus Christ. God is in control. He knew when you signed up that your friend would not be able to go, but He still has a plan for you. Keep your eyes on Him and ask Him to use you even though this trip has turned out different than you expected. * Finally, we often learn the most when we are taken out of our comfort zone. It may be hard, especially the first day or so, without your friend there. Take that opportunity to see what God wants to teach you. Ask Him not only to use you in the lives of others but that He would use others in your life to teach you more about Himself. * Keep trusting and have a GREAT trip!

I went to church camp this past winter and came home really on fire for God and excited about having devotions every day. I read my Bible but think I’d like more of a devotional book too. Any Suggestions? 

—Ready for More

Devotional books can really add a lot to your time with God and understanding of the Bible. We’ve listed a few below to get you started. (If you want more, visit your local Christian book store or check out the Web sites for Christian publishers like Broadman & Holman, Zondervan, etc.) But remember, it’s all about a personal relationship with Jesus so, while these books are good, nothing can substitute for reading the Word of God and spending time talking to Him in prayer.

• 30 Days with Jesus by Audio Adrenaline

• Hooked on the Book: Devotions to Help You Get the Most Out of the Greatest Book Ever Written by Tom Johnson

• Josh McDowell's One Year Book of Youth Devotions: A Daily Adventure to Making Right Choices by Josh McDowell

• Gentle Thunder: Hearing God Throughthe Storm (or other books) by Max Lucado

In a past issue of Go! you mentioned the National Mission Speakout. Are there any other opportunities like that (contests, giveaways, etc.) where you can get money to help support a mission trip that you want to go on? 

—Searching for Money

Unfortunately, we don’t know of any other national awards (there may be some, but we don’t know of any). But there are many places to look for help in financing a trip. A good place to start is with the missions area of your church. Another option is to check with the group or organization sponsoring the mission trip—they often offer scholarships to those who need them. You might also check with local businesses, charities or clubs to see if they would be willing to sponsor you. We suggest that you try to break up the cost of your trip so that you earn 1/3 of the amount, your church pays 1/3, and friends and family who want to support you pay 1/3. For more on how to get money for your trip, check out the article “Mission Accomplished". Keep trusting God to provide—money can be a big deal to us, but it’s not an obstacle to Him.

Send your questions to gomail@studentz.com, Subject: Yo Jones! Or snail-mail them to:
Yo Jones!  /  Go! Magazine  /  P.O. Box 7970  /  Colorado Springs, CO  /  80933-7970

Note from jannA & jeremy:  We get so many letters from you that we can’t answer all of them! On the flip side, if you would like us to consider printing your question, please mail it to Go!