The following Agent Alert was sent September 14, 2011.

The greatest amount of wasted time is the time not getting started.

- Dawson Trotman

Dear Agents,

The new school year is underway, and so is your Ambassador League year! We've gotten a few reports, but don't worry too much; it's still early. Even so, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking, "I've got all year." DON'T. Not only will it be a recipe for panic for you to be frantically trying to get everything done at the end of the year, but it's a massive headache for us to process everything at the last minute.

First on your Ambassador League priority list: FIND A MENTOR. As outlined in your Agent Packet, your mentor cannot be a relative, your teacher, or your pastor. Be sure the adult you choose will able to meet with you on a regular basis, preferably someone in your own community. If you don't know of an adult who you would like as a mentor, contact us at amleague@ssi-online.org - we'll help you in the search. If you've already contacted us regarding finding a mentor, know that we are searching and we'll get back to you soon!

MISSION: TACTICS, READ, RESEARCH

Here are some ideas for starting on your reports:

  • I recommend starting with your SSI Experience report. What happened to you at the summer camp? How were you impacted? Give a play-by-play of the week!
  • Book reports: Get hold of one or two of the books on the list and READ, taking notes throughout. Then go back and give a breakdown of what the author had to say. Did he succeed in making his points? Do you agree or disagree with any of them?
  • Word studies: These can be intimidating if you're not sure how to go about doing a word study. Try this: take one of the words on your Research list, say, "Truth". Then look up that word and any synonyms in a concordance. Write down the verses that seem the most applicable. Most importantly, pray that God will show you what He is saying in these verses. Find a common denominator, read commentaries (for perspective), and check out your Resource Page in your packet for some excellent websites. Draw a conclusion, then write, using the Scripture references to show how you reached your conclusion. Make sure the report is more your words and less copy-and-pasted verses. If you're still lost, there is a handy-dandy PDF guide to writing a Word Study on our FAQs page.

MISSION: TAKE ACTION

Volunteer: SSI Annual Fundraising Banquet - I know I talked about this already, but just as a reminder:

The banquet is on Thursday, October 6 at the San Marino Club in Troy. If you would like to volunteer, you will need to purchase a $35 ticket (which will basically cover your meal) and contact us to let us know. You'll be working from around 3 or 4 p.m. until 7 (when the banquet starts) or stay and help us clean up afterwards. You can also get put on a waiting list for a complimentary ticket, but there is no guarantee that you will receive one, so that's more of a gamble. Questions? You know where to contact us.

Also, we have an SSI Onsite coming up on Monday! If you're in the Adrian area and are able to come, we could use your help at the Lenawee Christian Onsite on September 19 & 20. If you are interested in helping, contact Mr. Visscher as soon as possible! We will have other Onsite volunteer opportunities later in the year, as well, including the Midland Onsite on November 21 & 22.

Let's get those reports rolling!

Carpe diem!

James Muffett
Ambassador League Commander