LIFT-OFF

2007-07-24T19:05:00.000-05:00

TO BLOG or NOT TO BLOG

Well, all I can say is you know its bad when your last post
was on March 26th. Which is fast approaching 4 months ago.
Dang. So much for my committment to this. I make excuses like
"Well, I am busy." "I am too tired." "There's nothing to write about."

Nothing could be farther from the truth of that last excuse.
Now quite frankly there is too much to write about.
I wish sometimes I took the time my friend Jeremy takes to
write his blog posts. They more fully express what is going on
than most folks. I wish I had the creative wit of my sister-in-law's
writing style. And I also wish I was more concise and simple like
my lovely wife. She just has a way with words. But I am who I am
and that is just the way it has to be.

One of the things that has taken my time away from the simple blog post
has been the phenomenon known as facebook. It is simpler to just say
something short and sweet on there. Plus the whole world of your
friends know when you change something and that will oftentimes
solicit more feedback more quickly. It is just more interactive.
Then again, maybe not.
After awhile I have begun to simply check facebook and
make little or no attempt to initiate or generate community
by writing on others walls or commenting on their photos.
No matter if it is skype, facebook, myspace or Blogger,
it all takes time spent on the computer...
which sometimes, given my family and its desire
for me to be present and not sitting in front of the computer all day...
pulls me away from it... and should rightly so.

Blaahhhhhh... Excuses, excuses...
If only I could be less perfectionist and less of a whiner,
I would be halfway good at this.
Anyways, at least I was honest for 12 or 13 minutes.
Cheers.

2007-03-26T14:56:00.000-05:00

HEAVENLY DAY!!!

Today is just one of those days you want to remember.
So amazing out there here in Minnesota.
The long winter and spring snowmelt make me
appreciate a day like this!
I hope you will go out there and praise the Lord
by enjoying his creation today!

Here are the lyrics to a new song I just heard...
It's by Patty Griffin (from her Children Running Through CD)
Heavenly Day!

Heavenly Day
Patty Grifin

oh heavenly day, all the clouds blew away
got no trouble today with anyone
the smile on your face i live only to see
it's enough for me, baby, it's enough for me
oh, heavenly day, heavenly day, heavenly day
tomorrow may rain with sorrow
here's a little time we can borrow
forget all our troubles in these moments so few
all we've got right now, the only thing that
all we really have to do is have ourselves a heavenly day
lay here and watch the trees sway
oh, can't see no other way, no way, no way
heavenly day, heavenly day, heavenly day

2007-03-05T04:54:00.000-06:00

2007-02-20T16:46:00.000-06:00

THIS BLOG WILL CONTINUE

Indeed, you might be wondering now that our new site(s)

are up... if the LIFT-OFF NOW Blog will continue?

(or for those you notice... the --- Blog)

Yes, indeed it will... at least until I fogure out how to

integrate this into the MISSIONS and EVENTS sites.

Thanks for your comments and prayers for Crohn's

and those who suffer from it. Continue to lift up the

Daigle family... and of course MICAH...

2007-02-13T22:03:00.000-06:00

SEND ME RETREAT 2007

(coming soon... 4.20.07)

Check out the trailer for this year's event.

2007-02-06T16:32:00.000-06:00

CURE FOR CROHN'S, ANYONE?

I just have to take a moment to sound off
on a subject that is increasingly drawing my attention.
It is this thing known as Crohn's Disease.
A terrible disease that attacks the Intestinal
tract in the body.
The reason I am going off about this is that,
for whatever reason, many of my friends and some
friends of my friends are either coming down with it or
are having symptoms that often mimic the disease.
It is driving me crazy because I believe there is
more to it than just the physical.
There is something spiritual about it and I want to begin
praying against this attack on a person's immune system.
Most importantly, I am praying for a cure and an end to it
not only for my friends but the many others who I do not
know who are leveled by it.
Bless you as you join in praying for a cure!

2007-01-31T08:01:00.000-06:00

CZECH VIDEO PROMO 2007
Part 1- FREAKFEST

2007-01-22T11:25:00.000-06:00

D-KNOW ON YouTube

Check this out from YouTube.
This was the pre-freakfest
street performance last June.
More to come in 2007.

2007-01-15T21:23:00.000-06:00

GREAT U2 INTERVIEW!
[from 1983]

Check out this
U2 interview right about the
time of the release of the WAR
album... it sheds a new light on
the meaning of the album
and its great songs...
New Years Day
Sunday Bloody Sunday
40

Amazing!

2007-01-04T06:48:00.000-06:00

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2007!

SUPPORTER DINNER TOUR
Well, first off, we are launching out
on a 10 day, 4 city tour of supporter dinners.
We begin tonight in Cokato, MN at my home church.
And then next week will travel to Fargo, ND,
then on to our other home, Morris, MN (where
we lived for 10 years... man it is weird to say that)...
and finally we will stop and Marshall and speak at
Grace Life Church.
The goal of this tour is to thank and bless all our
supporters who have given of their prayers,
their time & talents, and finances to LIFT-OFF
and show some of the cool things that happened
in and through us in 2006. Plus we will plunge
headlong into sharing our vision for this year
and the years ahead!
PLEASE, be in prayer for us as we travel.
Pray for safety. Pray for strong connections.
And pray that our support team would double!

OTHER ADVENTURES COMING UP
** SEND ME RETREAT launches into its 6th year
in April.

** the 2nd annual TEE OFF with LIFT-OFF will
be held this upcoming May.

** Our second trip to the CZECH REPUBLIC will
commence June 18-29th. We are planning on bringing
a group of 20 this year.

** PICNIC IN THE PARK will be launched in another
city this fall, while the Morris event will enter its 8th year
in August...

** In between these events we are looking to connect and
be used to encourage youth and young adults week in and week out
through prayer gatherings, different concerts and other events.

As 2007 draws to a close, it is our hearts desire to completely
launch out full time into LIFT-OFF.
(my 8 year DJ career will be coming to an end...)

And as I look ahead to 2008, the stage is set for Anna and I
and the girls to make a run for China and the Beijing Olympics.

More on this later.
Remember to pray for our supporters both
present and future this next 10 days!
Bless you all.

2006-12-25T10:28:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS
FROM THE HAUGENS!!!

2006-12-13T16:03:00.000-06:00

NOT JUST A PIPE DREAM!?!

Sometimes I think my dreams and ideas are out there.
And sometimes they are... but 3 years ago I had a vision
of a band that I grew up loving playing at a stadium in Beijing, China...
Newsboys was in the vision.
Go figure.
Here they are... they have concerts Friday and Saturday.
On Saturday, who could have guessed?
They are in Beijing!
Heee Yahhh!

No more second guessing. What a faith builder.
More on this later.

2006-12-11T19:10:00.000-06:00

UNVEILING OUR PASSIONS

Over the next month or so, I will be revealing on this blog the
founding principles of LIFT-OFF as a movement. Better said,
they much more than trite platitudes for Anna and I,
they are our PASSIONS.
The root word found inside of LIFT is LIFE. And if there
is one thing I should convey over and over, it would be this: We are
alive and we pray that other young folks would find the LIFE
we have found. We are about bringing LIFE where there is
death in this world. HOPE where is hopelessnes.
And COURAGE where there is discouragement!
For a long time I have been hashing through these PASSIONS as
I will call them (There are 7!).
For the longest time I called them PILLARS.
But that is not what they are... for they are not visible with
the naked eye. The passion we have lies in the world of the unseen.
So be checking here weekly for a new PASSION to be revealed here
each week for the next few weeks.

2006-12-02T12:52:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving and Christmas season!

We moved to Minneapolis in October and are enjoying following God's leading as He begins to reveal more of why He has us here. Almost everyday Mark makes a new connection with someone who is interested in missions, Eastern Europe, or "Kingdom work" in the Twin Cities. Last night I (Anna) attended a prayer gathering for a wonderful organization called Kingdom Oil. Their mission is to see God's church get a vision of how God wants to build His kingdom in the Twin Cities. It is a group from all types of churches and ministries in the area. Large amounts of money are going through Kingdom Oil through anonymous donors and out to the ministries to do God's work. The gathering opened my eyes to see the bigger picture. I stopped seeing my own ministry and problems as the center of the world and saw God's big vision. The prayer was intense, powerful, and on a whole new level than what I'm used to being a part of. These people want more than their own agenda. They want God's agenda. That's what I want too. This life is not just about any one person, church, or ministry. It's about God's plan and I want to get on board with Him. Seek God and He will show you His plan. Ask Him to open your eyes and increase your faith. Dream big!
One more thing.......one of our mentors challenged us this week to think about what we would do with our lives if money were not an issue. That question made me stop and think. I've never given myself the permission to think like that. Have you? I decided that if money were not an issue, I would travel to foreign countries for the specific purpose of encouraging missionaries
2-3 times a year. I would take my husband and kids with me. We would all travel and be an encouragement to the church all over the world. I would buy a keyboard for our house (and a some furniture so I wouldn't feel bad when we have people over). I would give Ellie dance lessons and private tutoring in a foreign language. Wow, it's fun to dream, isn't it. Why does it make me feel guilty? My beliefs need to change. God is working the spirit of poverty out of me and preparing me for when large amounts of money are placed in my hands and I need to use it wisely for His kingdom work. That's not something to feel guilty about.
That's something to await with anticipation.

2006-11-26T17:57:00.000-06:00

YOU GOTTA LOVE THE FAMILY!

This is the Haugen clan celebrating Thanksgiving at the Goos household (my sister's family). We had a wonderful time and Julie did a fantastic job of cooking and hosting for her first time. I am especially thankful that our family is all close together here in Minnesota (now that John, Julie, David, Alayna, & Karissa moved back from Nebraska)

2006-11-21T16:34:00.000-06:00

IT'S RENTED!!!

Officially, at 2 PM this afternoon, a 5 year lease
has been signed on the HAAVIG CENTER!
Yeah! Thanks for the prayers.
We have so much to be thankful for.
And we pray blessings on the Schuster Insurance Agency as they
take over the reins!
Hallelujah!

2006-11-21T15:47:00.000-06:00

From BLOGSPOT to MYSPACE

Wow... You gotta love the internet.
10 years ago, all I would even try to do was send an
occasional email... and would not even attempt to
buy anything there. Now it has been nearly a year since I
joined the world of BLOGGING, albeit a bit late.
Now I have been on MYSPACE for just over a week

and I have 51 friends. Go figure. Every day the connections
continue to expand. Myspace really is a great way to
connect intially with someone new, but it is especially useful
when trying to quickly re-connect with someone from college.
Here is my... space:

http://www.myspace.com/haugenma

There has been some debate about its usefulness long term.
And whether or not it can be a good tool in the midst of all the bad.
What do you think? I want to know your thoughts.
Post away.

2006-11-17T09:57:00.000-06:00

DID YOU GET YOUR PS3???

The times, they have changed.
The last couple days I stopped by local
Wal-Mart and Target. People had set up tents
and I for some reason thought they were union
workers may be protesting or on strike.
Duh! What was I thinking? I should have known
better! The PS3 is coming out!
People camped out for over 48 hours to get a
game system! Yep, welcome to my generation.
(I shouldn't talk, I waited nearly 12 hours in line,
to see U2 live last September)
In fact, yesterday I got a call from my good friend
Andy who was #23 in line for a unit at Best Buy.

2006-11-10T08:54:00.000-06:00

GET YOUR PASSPORTS!

Wow... last night on the local 6:00 PM news, there was an
important story run about a change in US government passport
and travel regulations.
The report urged that you get a passport before a
January 8, 2007 Deadline.
The strange thing about it is that just a few days ago, I sensed
that one of the main jobs for LIFT-OFF in the next season
is going to be URGING young people to get their passports.
And my desire is for us to begin providing a way to make it easy for
first-timers to sign-up. Well, I guess our government is going to
assist us in spurring us all on... young and old to do just that.
Here is a memo from the State Dept:

"Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
On January 8, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document."

Time to go get Ellie and Tabitha signed up!

2006-10-31T13:10:00.000-06:00

HE WILL COME THROUGH!

Good News. Good News. After much prayer and
seeking the Lord, we have an answer on
the HAAVIG CENTER. I received a call regarding the
building that we will officially be getting a long-term
renter to occupy the building for the next 5 years.
What a blessing! Thank You Lord!
And thank you to many of you who have been praying for
close to 2 years about this situation. I was reminded of a song written
and recorded nearly 12 years ago. The song is called
"RIGHT PLACE" Here are the lyrics:
____________________________________
Right Place
Words by Bob Hartman
Based on 1 Peter 4:12,13

Got no place to run, gotta look up to see the bottom
No visible support - no one there you can lean on
You're all on your own - you know it's sink or swim
There is no doubt about it, you have to look to Him
When you think you've had enough No more you can do
When you feel like giving up Deadline is in view
When your time is almost gone You haven't got a clue
Now's the time to turn your face

(Chorus)
You're in the right place - trusting only Him
You're in the right place - kick back and just depend
You're in the right place - to see what He can do
You're in the right place - He will come through

When you're sinking fast - takin' water in your boat
No one to bail you out - you think it's all she wrote
The odds are against you - your chances slim to none
A hopeless situation - you got no place to run
No one has a rescue plan Waiting in the wings
Now's the time to call His name He can do all things
When your self-reliance fails You still have a prayer
You will have to trust His grace

[Bridge]
When you abide, He will provide Never shorthanded
When you will pray, He'll make a way
He won't leave you stranded
_____________________________

No doubt about it folks.
When you look to Him, He will come through!

2006-10-26T21:41:00.000-05:00

NEW LOOK HEADER
(Finally... see above)

Thanks to my good friend Greg
from MASI (see my links)
Seriously check out his site.
A fantastic website really.
Greg knows a few tricks that I don't
about blogs and html. If you ever need
a guy to come and do some wonderful
worship at your church or event,
give him a call... or email.

http://www.musicandsoul.org/

We have been great friends for past couple years.
Neat guy. I just love his heart for worship and youth.

2006-10-15T07:37:00.000-05:00

HAAVIG CENTER
ROOF RENOVATION
CHALLENGE!!!

MATCHING FUNDS NEEDED

Over the past 18 months we have been praying for the sale of the building that once housed Mainstream Studios and our outreach to Morris high school & college students. Since transitioning the ministry into what is now LIFT-OFF we no longer have need of the space. We are believing God for another interested party (buyer or renter) who can run with it and help cover the cost of property taxes, insurance and monthly utilities. In the meantime, we have had probems with an aging flat/rubber roof that has needed some repair. Our friend, Ron Nieland, who worked tirelessly on the initial building renovation, has offered up his services to fix this problem. And so we have been in need of funds to cover that expense. And Praise God! The Lord has provided a person who is offering up matching funds for the remaining work needed to be done on the HAAVIG CENTER roof.
We are looking at a:

Dollar for Dollar match up to $750. (which would then raise the needed $1500)

That would pay for our repairman, Ron, his time, and the parts to fix it. So we are looking for SPECIFIC donations to come in for the ROOF FUND. Whatever comes in will be matched. SO we are looking for $15, $25, $50, $100 gifts to come in by the end of OCTOBER.
October 31st is the deadline for the matching funds.
Send your donation to the address below. Write ROOF in the Memo.

LIFT-OFF
PO Box 24136
Edina, MN 55424

2006-10-09T22:07:00.000-05:00

THREE LESSONS FROM GOD IN EVERYDAY LIFE

1) “GOD WANTS TO CONNECT US WITH OTHER BELIEVERS”
What a privilege it is to have brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. Today I went to a park in Minneapolis. And saw an African-American mom reading her Bible with her two small children. My heart warmed to her and I felt an instant connection without saying a word. God is knitting together Christians all over the world in unique ways. Keep your eyes open for the Christians God is connecting you with as you go about your daily routines. God’s master web of relationships in my life is really awesome. Here is an example of a “God Connection” that I observed while in the Czech Republic.
One of the girls on our team was from England. It was quite a miracle how she came to be on our team and I still marvel at it. Anyway, we were told at Freak Fest that we should meet this guy named Sasha who has vision for 24-7 prayer. When we got to his place, he found out that Emma was from England. He said it had been his dream to take his wife to England and he was going there the following month, but didn’t have a place to stay. “Oh, you can stay at my place” Emma said. God found Sasha and his wife a free place to stay. I love it!

2) “GOD WANTS TO TAKE CARE OF OUR NEEDS”
By moving to the Cities, we are stepping out in faith. Our income is not enough to pay for our expenses, so we are trusting in God – big time! Some might say this is ridiculous (myself included most days), but the Bible is full of “ridiculous” faith. The week we moved, we had two large one-time gifts from supporters. To me, it was a sign of God’s blessing. Mark also had someone he had never met before ask him to speak at a youth group and he was also asked to do a music/mix for a group at Eden Prairie Highschool. He did absolutely nothing to find these opportunities to make a little extra money. It was all God!

3) “GOD WANTS TO QUIET OUR HEARTS”
As the world around us gets faster and faster paced, God seems to be emphasizing themes like rest and peace. I am looking forward to studying the topic of peace. Have you ever thought of peace as a weapon against the enemy? Romans 16:20 says “The God of peace will soon crush Satan underneath your feet.” My Dad always used to say “When we rest, God works”

2006-10-02T19:48:00.000-05:00

The Eagles Have Landed... Safely

Just dropping a quick note to everyone that we have arrived safely on
planet Minneap. We had a fantastically quick load in thanks to my
boys from all over the cities. I want to thank Jon Williams, Yusef Orest,
Andy Lange, Charlie Oglesby, John Kess, Mark & Christy Daigle, D[Know], My parents,
Jamie & Pam Buchanan, and I know I am forgetting someone.
Darn. Anyway, we are yet to have internet. So I am typing away at Panera Bread
for now. Hopefully by tomorrow we will have unpacked all the boxes, gone online, and the Twins will have a 1-0 lead in the playoffs. We had a chance to meet our neighbors down the street.
Tons of kids. Great for Ellie and Tab. Pictures will be forthcoming. Bless you all.
Thanks for your prayers. We are safe in His Hands.
Mark & Anna

2006-10-01T07:02:00.000-05:00

Now We Must Say Goodbye... for now...

Today is the day! And I am up unusually early.
We are actually going to head to church this morning
and say our last farewell. We started at 6:30 AM yesterday packing
and cleaning, finally finishing around 5 PM!
We want to say huge "thank yous" to the crew that helped us out yesterday.
Dan Odegaard, Josh Kurpiers, Stefan Ronchetti (all the way from Japan),
and the Oglesby's (Russ and Joanne)! We could not have done it without you.
Also, we want to shout out to my parents, Roger & Karen Haugen for
getting the ball rolling, and jump starting the process on Wednesday.
No doubt about it, moving is a lot of work, and it is hard to say goodbye.
The emotions I feel have been best summed up in the words of a song
from when I was growing up, and have recently rediscovered.
It is called "I'll Meet You There" by Whiteheart.

I'll Meet You There
by Mark Gersmehl & Tommy Sims

I feel the chill of Autumn's wind
seasons changing once again
And every moment's best,
still one moment less we spend
Together my friend
I can't hold back these tears in my eyes
this time I won't even try
For time has come and gone, now we must move on
I'll admit I don't know why

Chorus:
Now we must say good-bye
to find our road ahead
Destiny leads us on to another place
but I'll meet you there someday

By no means will we be strangers to Morris, both now and in the future.
This place is like no other. It is wonderful in a very mysterious way.
We are so glad we stayed here 10 years to meet some of the most wonderful
people in the world. We love you all so much.
So we will be back... Minneapolis isn't that far away.
Come over and visit us down there when you are in town.
We live just north of Southdale mall about 6 blocks.
In the southwest corner of Minneapolis.

Our address is:
5926 Washburn Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55410

So again, we love you all, and may we truly say that
this is just goodbye... (for now).
Mark, Anna, Ellie, & Tabitha

2006-09-19T09:22:00.000-05:00

EMOTIONAL (vulnerable)

That's the best way to describe this strange time
between living in Morris and moving to Minneapolis!
We just spent 3 days in the Cities, at a wedding and then
meeting with my DJ partner and then the TrueBridge
group of pastors and youth. And a bunch of time
spent driving all over the place. I am definitely getting tired of the "drive"
Over the past month it has been hard wanting to prepare for
our future as a family living in the Twin Cities, while at the same time
trying to still "live" in Morris... I believe I have failed at the latter.
We have been gone so much... I feel like I am not really "here",
though I am physically "here" now.
This is a lesson to me if and when we move again... live more in
the now and not for the future, because living for a future that may
never be is pointless...
This is not to say that I don't believe in planning ahead.
I do. That is why we love planning events.

"Are you excited about moving to the Cities?"
This has been THE question of late. and my answer is just strange.
Yes. (no emotion of course, so people can see right through it)... the better answer is
"I want to be. But honestly, I am scared of the unknown. I am moving to
the Cities on faith, that I feel this is the right time for us."
I so want to express to our Morris friends that I honestly don't have
anything against Morris. In fact, I love Morris... so much so, that if it were
up to me, we would stay... all I can say is that I think God is moving us on.
Morris has been a life-changing journey for us. This week in 1996, both Anna and I arrived here at UMM. Ten Years later we leave as "completely" different people... with 2 wonderful children to come along for the ride.

LETTING GO?
I'm not sure if I really know what that means. I am a "connector" I want to stay connected with as many people as I can, because you never know how someone might connect with someone.
I guess I am a relational "pack rat" This does carry over into how I save my CD's and videos and clothes... It is time - and my lovely wife is teaching me this - to LET GO!

More later...
Emotions, there is so much to say...

2006-09-11T10:23:00.000-05:00

TABITHA TURNS 3 TODAY!?!

I know most people remember this day for the tragic loss
5 years ago. 3 years ago we celebrated the arrival of
Tabitha Iris Haugen into the world.
What a joy it was to arrive at the hospital and only 2 hours
later see Tabitha come to us via natural birth.
(following Ellie's C-section)
She was born at 11:03 PM and I will never forget it when the
nurse said, "I see the head" and I was like "Already?"
Praise God for the bundle of joy that she is...
so sweet... we love her so much!

2006-09-06T16:54:00.000-05:00

PICNIC IN THE PARK

PHOTOS

2006-08-30T11:05:00.000-05:00

A DAY TO REMEMBER

After cleaning up from Picnic in the Park and doing about a million dishes, we decided to head to the State Fair for a little R and R. Before meeting Mark's parents and sister at the fair, I had an interview for a piano teaching job. I was extremely nervous and didn't feel qualified for the job teaching in a studio in St. Paul. The interview turned out great and was nothing to be nervous about. I got the job!! Feeling confident and content, we headed to the fair. It was raining, but I didn't really care. It was just great to be with family and enjoying food "on a stick"
After a fun day at the fair, Mark told me that he had to pick up a truck and some equipment and that we would have to drive back to Cokato separately. An instant panic entered the pit of my stomach. Many of you know that I am terrified of driving in the Cities. Mark said I could follow him and I didn't need to worry. Well, it was dark, and I lost him and started following another truck that looked like his!! To make a long story short, I turned around and looked at a map. Then, with a lot of help from my Daddy in heaven, I made it all the way from 35W to 94 and through Mpls by myself. It felt great!!
So, there's my day to remember. Thanks for your prayers for our transition to the Cities. Things are coming together and yes, with God's help, I will learn to drive on the freeway!

2006-08-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

IT'S PICNIC TIME!

the 7th Annual Picnic In The Park. 7 years. That is unbelievable. Really, have we been here that long? I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I am excited to have a sidekick helping me pull this off this year. Bobby Culberston. He will fill my shoes when this event continues into 2007 and beyond. What a blessing and an answer to prayer he and his new wife Whitney are to us and to Morris. They are both recent grads of UMM and have a hear much like we did 7 years ago to stay and be used by God on the campus with college students. Be in prayer for the finances of this event. We just want to make sure everything is in the black. Pray for me this week as I connect with key people who have and can support this event financially. Pray for good weather and a wonderful turnout of freshman and returning students. The heart of the event always has been to see college students plug in to local churches, bringing support to them and life to the church.

2006-08-15T20:29:00.000-05:00

SORTING

For the past several weeks, I have been sorting through closets and going through 10+ years worth of our stuff. I've lost track of the number of garbage bags of papers and old or broken items I've thrown away. I also can't believe how many clothes we had accumulated from a 4 and 2 year old in a few short years! Reading through old journals from college and looking at cards people had sent brought back so many great memories. I sat up last night and wrote down a brief history of our time in Morris and all I have learned here. It was fun to reflect and see how much I have grown as a person.
Here are some of the top lessons I have learned in Morris
* How to be a mom
*The importance of loving those who are hard to love
* How to WAIT on God
* That prophesy and the gifts are not just to be used in church, but in the world
* That my heart yearns for the church to be "one" and for believers to put aside their differences and see the heart
* That I am not above being offended and need to be careful.
* I learned not to put leaders on a pedestal and not to be judgmental
* I learned to love my pastors and their families
* I learned that people want so badly to be trusted and they can tell immediately when there is a lack of trust.
*That I am not as patient as I thought I was
*That I don't have to win every argument
*That mothering is one of my primary gifts
*That worship and prayer (together as one) is another of my primary loves
*I learned that I can hear God and I DO hear God
*I learned how to call people (Mark says, "Get on that phone! Don't be afraid of it!)
*I learned that Mark and I are a "Barnabus Team" of encouragers
*I learned that we are bridge builders and Mark is an amazing connector
*I learned (am learning) not to micro-manage Mark's life
*I learned (am learning) to pray before I speak

Hope you learned a little more about me from that.

2006-08-07T17:22:00.000-05:00

LOOKING FOR NEW PLACE TO LIVE!

Pray for us as we look at this place in Southwest Minneapolis.
We know the family that owns the place and have a good
feeling about it. This may be the one. We'll see.
Hoping to move in October 1st.
Keep our search in your prayers!

2006-07-28T10:14:00.000-05:00

SUMMERTIME!
Enjoy the Heat.

Looks like it is going to be a hot one this weekend!
Now is the time to enjoy it and not complain.
We too soon forget to appreciate this hot streak
and realize that in 2 months we will be looking at temperatures in
the 40's... We only have a little time each year to get out and enjoy this.
Don't get me wrong, I do really appreciate the invention of the
Air Conditioner... because if you don't have one these days, it is extremely difficult
enjoying the outside. Hats off to those in Europe and in the US who go without it.

I am just so proud of my kids and my wife. I love them so much and I had such a blast with them recently at the pool in Marshall.
Enjoy my Darling little Goofballs.
They both went down the big slide! Amazing.

2006-07-25T10:23:00.000-05:00

TRANSITION TIME

We just spent this past weekend in Marshall, MN... Anna's hometown.
We originally planned to bring a "team" of students from our TrueBridge network of churches
to help the church there... Grace Life Church... move into it's new future home...
East Side Elementary School.
To make a long story short... we didn't up getting a really large team to help, but
we want to thank Brita, Kelly, Christine and Cindy for coming up from
Victory Christian Church in Balaton to help us move the Marshall Area Christian School (MACS)
and its supplies into East Side. Everything went really fast.
We moved everything in between 8 AM and 11 AM.
Below is a picture of Russ Oglesby, principal of MACS and my father-in-law
in the new school.

We want to be of help to those moving, because weknow that soon it will be our turn to
transition... and make our move to Minneapolis/St. Paul...
Bernie Wing, pastor of Grace Life Church had a fantastic message on Sunday about transition and how important it is to not be standing around, or thinking about the past, but rather pressing forward to the call God has for us... Philippians 3:14...
To listen to the sermon click here:

http://www.gracelifechurch.net/sermons.htm

Have a great week!
Mark

2006-07-14T10:43:00.000-05:00

Catching Up....

Whoa, when we got home from the Czech Republic I knew
I wouldn't have a lot of time to keep up with everything... hence the
delay on getting this blog current... and fresh for all of you. Normally on this weekend I would find myself helping or promting at Sonshine Music Festival in some capacity... but 2006 is a different year and there are so many changes ahead for us as a family that it is necessary to stay home from the APEX of the Summer Festivals. I picked the right year to stay home as far as the heat where it is expected to be 100 degrees there tomorrow.
Anyways, this is a good opportunity to let everyone know officially that the biggest change for the Haugen Family in 2006 will be the change of address... We are moving to the Twin Cities!!!
Looks like right around October 1st. So the next few days will be spent apartment hunting... We are looking at places in St Louis Park, Hopkins, and Eden Prairie.
Keep this in your prayers as we follow God's rabbit trail to our new residence.
We have no idea exactly where we will be except in His hands.
Exciting stuff actually. Next Weekend we are travelling to Marshall, MN to help Grace Life Church move into its new home... a school building in the heart of Marshall.
We are still assembling a team to help move stuff and clean stuff, so we'll have fun getting are hands dirty and sweaty. Then in August Picnic In The Park commences on the 26th to welcome the new students to UMM! Pray for the plans and preparations for that as we are a bit behind.
This is a snippet of what is going on here now... also pray for some time and some help getting the Czech Trip DVD out to our supporters who so sacrificially gave to such an amazing adventure! More to come...

2006-07-14T10:32:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS DAD!!!

On Wednesday, my dad Roger Haugen, had a retirement celebration at the Hypro Company Party... We were fortunate to be able to attend. My dad served faithfully at Hypro for 21 years... he has been the best dad in the whole world to me.
I look forward to many fun times on the golf course, on the boat, at a Twins game, or at the State Fair with my dad.
Love you dad! Mark

2006-07-14T10:15:00.000-05:00

PRAY FOR JAY!
Jay Davis is a missionary to the Czech Republic... specifically Prague. He was a wonderful help to our team... he showed us around and introduced us to the 24-7 prayer house there.
Currently he is in the states... In Illinois and Colorado raising support for his ministry in Czech.
We feel a strong connection to his vision and he is just an invaluable friend for the future of bringing teams... be blessed Jay!

2006-07-05T12:58:00.000-05:00

PRAY FOR THE BRAMS!!!

We send out much love and thanks to our friends... missionaries to the Czech Republic... Waylan & Laurie Bram.

They hosted us, helped bring direction to our team and overall, they were just the coolest people to help lead a team through the Czech Republic...

I am sending this along to you our LIFT-OFF support team to remember them in your prayers. Stay updated with them through their website: www.waylanandlaurie.com

Specifically pray for Waylan and his throat and the virus that beset him while our team was in Czech. Pray for healing and strength. And also, pray for the students in Laurie's class who came to church with us the night we were in Pardubice... Jacob and Monika.

Again, thanks Laurie & Waylan for giving up everything to serve the people of the Czech Republic. You guys rock!

2006-07-04T09:38:00.000-05:00

FREEDOM!!!

Today I woke up and realized just how little I know of true freedom. On this, the 4th of July, I want to pay respects to one who fought for the freedom Christ wants to bring us.
John Huss was a reformer 100 years before Martin Luther arrived on the scene. He was burned at the stake on July 6, 1415... martyred for the sake of the Gospel. Our days in the Czech Republic were a reminder to not take this
"freedom" we have in the USA for granted. However, I have to make a choice each day not to.
It was for freedom that Christ set us free. It is not a freedom to do whatever we want... whatever we feel like doing. It is a freedom to love and worship and pray and share the good news that in Christ we are no longer our slaves to oursleves, but to LOVE... the higher law.
I leave you with a verse from Galatians 5:13:
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."

2006-07-03T06:50:00.000-05:00

PRAGUE!!!

After spending 2 days in Pardubice, we traveled to the beautiful city of Prague. Our first night, we split into groups of 3 and prayer walked the city. When we got back together as a group, we talked to a couple of homeless and then started singing some worship songs. Mark prayed that God would bring someone across our path that we could pray for. Almost immediately, a lady approached us and asked us if we spoke English and if we were Christians. She told us later that she felt the presence of God all over our group and couldn't stay away from us. She was a Christian who was very discouraged because of things that had happened to her. We laid hands on her and prayed for her. Tears poured down her face and it was obvious that God was encouraging her in a big way. The second day (after a night's stay in an amazing hotel with a beautiful balcony view of the city) we took the Metro across the city with a missionary named Jay. Jay is one of the nicest guys you will meet. He was very helpful and we are so happy that our paths crossed. Anyway, Jay took us to meet a Czech named Sasha, who is translating a modern version of theBible (kind of like the New Living Translation) into Czech. He really encouraged us and shared some powerful insights about the city of Prague and the Czech people. We got it on video, so hopefully we will be able to share that with you sometime. We also got to meet a guy named Mark Robbins who works with homeless and prostitutes. A really cool guy who we hope to stay in touch with. As you can see, this trip was all about meeting people and making connections! Mark and I went on a date the last day. The best date ever! Classical music, the nicest restaurant inPrague, and a night walk on the Charles Bridge.It was a great way to end a wonderful first trip for me to the Czech Republic. We will definitely becoming back!

2006-07-02T18:32:00.000-05:00

TWO DAYS IN PARDUBICE

We left Freak Fest and traveled to Pardubice, home of our good friends Waylan and Laurie. There we spent 2 days with students in Laurie's high school English class. This country is less than 1 percent Christian so none of the students were saved and very few even believed there is a God. We walked around the townand ate lunch with the students both days. It was amazing how God paired up the Czechs with theirAmerican friend. Many of us really clicked with our conversation partner and became fast friends. Two of the students even came to church on the last night. We didn't expect this, so we were rejoicing. They asked questions and stayed the whole service, watching with wide eyes. It was so cool to see God planting seeds. They have never read the Bible and Laurie will give each of the students a Bible on Friday at a class party. Pray that they read those Bibles!! At the church service, we were able to lead worship and Bill shared his testimony and a message on the importance of serving. Then we had an altar call and people came up for prayer. We were able to encourage many, and especially the pastor and his wife.

2006-06-27T09:22:00.000-05:00

PICS FROM FREAKFEST!

1) Anna and I and pastor Jacob
2) Swaty Vetry (worship band)
3) Etna (reggae band)
4) Dean rocks the mic
5) Brianna on a swing with boy

2006-06-26T00:23:00.000-05:00

FREAK FEST WAS AWESOME!!!
TEAM CZECH 2006
________________________________________________

JUNE 25th UPDATE

Hi friends,
Freak Fest was great! There is no question in my mind that it will be the first of many contacts with the Christians we worked with there. There were so many great connections made. (You know Mark!)
We met a guy named Sasha who is started a 24-7 prayer boiler room in Prague. He is going to spend some time with us later this week when we go to Prague. We also met a missionary named Jay who we instantly clicked with. He is also going to be with us in Prague later this week.
At the festival, our team's main job was working the prayer tent. We took shifts praying for 2 hours at a time. There was always a Czech person there with us. It was neat to pray with people of another language and it was amazing how God knitted us together and allowed us to encourage the pastor there and many of the Freak Fest staff. They were so thankful. They said, "how did we ever do this without the Americans?" We just filled gaps wherever needed. Setting up tents, watching over equipment, etc. It was very relaxing and we were all encouraged spiritually through the music and messages. The festival had a wonderful Holy Spirit presence about the whole thing and cannot even come close to anything I've been to in the U.S. Totally different, but I loved it!
The next couple days we will be sharing in the public schools and the church on Tuesday evening.
We love you all!
Keep praying!
Love, Anna and Mark

2006-06-20T16:18:00.000-05:00

SAFE & SOUND IN PRAGUE... FINALLY!

Hello family and friends!
After some delays... we are all safely tucked into our hotel in Prague at 8 PM here, Tuesday Evening (1 PM Central time). We are 7 hours ahead of you guys.
To Make a long story short, we were delayed about 2.5 hours in getting off the ground in Washington DC at Dulles International Airpot.
Thus we arrived after our connecting flight to Prague left Frankfurt...So the next flight out to Prague, we all hoped to get on... unfortunately, a bunch of us were put on standby.Then, 4 of the remaining 6 were called to get on that flight. Anna and I asked that they let the rest of our team go while we remained in Frankfurt for the later 4 PM flight.So, we, the leaders of the team, ended up arriving last... but safely.
We are all exhausted and are sleeping early.We will catch a train this morning (Wednesday)on our way to FREAK FEST.
Bless you and thank you for your prayers.We feel them.
Also, give our girls a big hug and kiss from us.Ellie & Tab, we love you and miss you already!
Keep Miles and Richi in your prayers, members ofWaylan's band (our missionary friend here)They both became very sick today and want to heal up in time for the festival.
We love you!
Mark, Anna, and the team.

2006-06-15T10:17:00.000-05:00

READY FOR LIFT-OFF!!!

Ready or not, here we come, CZECH REPUBLIC! We are super excited for this opportunity. Thanks for the prayers up to this point. Keep them coming. We need prayers for safe travel. Team UNITY. Pray for our time at Freak Fest. Dean will be performing his hip-hop. I will be DJing and Sharing about the Matrix and how it can help us apply our Christian walk daily. I will share on Friday. Dean & I perform on Saturday night... (which for all of you will actually be on Saturday afternoon) For your info we will be 7 hours ahead of Central Time. On Monday the 26th we will be spending the morning with Laurie Bram's High School English students... and then Tuesday, the 27th we'll be at an orphange. Our huge day for outreach will be on Wednesday, the 28th in Prague.... We again thank you for your encouragement, support, love and prayers. Keep checking this while we are there for updates. Take care.

2006-06-06T11:35:00.000-05:00

Here are my 14 beautiful students and myself at our last recital of the year. It was a lot of fun!
I have been teaching for 4 years now. It doesn't seem like that long, but I started right before Ellie was born.
I wasn't sure whether I would keep teaching after we move to the Cities, but after this recital I realized that I definitely need to keep it up. Teaching is what I love! I will miss these kids so much. They are such a big part of my life.

2006-05-24T16:14:00.000-05:00

TEE OFF
Goes OFF!!!
Monday was a Beautiful Day
for golf! 72 Degrees and sunshine.
Very little wind.
The 12 teams battled it out
on Pebble Creek's RED & BLUE courses
We had a tie for 2nd Place...
Team Claus & Team Fearsome
And the winner of the first annual
event was BURTON'S BIRDIE BRIGADE
led by captain Andy Anderson.
(pictured above with yours truly)
Thanks to all of the volunteers
who came out and helped.
We were able to raise additional
funds for our trip to the Czech
and gain new friends of LIFT-OFF!
Welcome aboard!

2006-05-13T10:21:00.000-05:00

LET'S GOLF!
TEE-OFF TIME!
9 days from now, we'll be heading out to
Pebble Creek Golf Course in Becker, MN
for the first ever...
TEE OFF with LIFT-OFF event...
We have an opportunity at this event
to raise money for our upcoming trip
to the Czech Republic...
Have you ever planned a golf tournament
before? Any insights... Actually, it is alot of
hard work, but the work has been great
because we are getting to know so many more
new people... people that have never heard of us
and what we are about. We need your prayers for
many things.... first off... the weather...
nothing would be better than a sunny day with very little
wind and a high of between 65-70!
Second, that some golfers, at least half, would join our
support team both now and in the future.
Third, pray that more golfers would hear about TEE-OFF
and come out that day! We have a goal of 60 golfers...
right now we have about 40 committed.
Pray that we would meet our goal.

2006-05-04T10:12:00.000-05:00

Anna Gets New Look!

Monday was the first of May.
We were in Marshall following the
Marshall High School Prom.
Anna's sister Gina has a salon and
Anna wanted a "new look"
for spring... and she got it!
Incredible! She looks great.
It was a shock at first but I love it.
Isn't she beautiful?
Yes, she is.

2006-04-27T16:13:00.000-05:00

SEND ME RETREAT PRAISES!
Amazing. Simply Amazing...
115 youth came out for an incredible
weekend with God. The students were challenged to press through the difficulties and trials that we all face and will eventually have to face in this life.
Friday night we heard messages from 3 people from Country Faith Church. Saturday morning we were privileged to hear and see Jeremy Erickson tell his story.
It was so gripping at times,
that you could hear a pin drop
in the auditorium. He shared the fact that through this
ordeal, he still struggles with some of the same issues, in fact,
he said, some of his struggles are worse than before.
It was a wake up call to just praise the Lord for all he gives.
Because in these difficulties, Jeremy pointed us to be completely
honest, like David in the Psalms. When you pour out your heart,
there is worship going up to God through it.
On Sunday morning, we heard testimony from 17 different
students and youth leaders of how this retreat open their eyes
and encouraged their hearts though they are going through
hard times.

The theme song for the retreat was a song called,
Praise You In This Storm:
A sample of the lyrics:
I was sure by nowThat You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining
As the thunder rollsI barely hear Your whisper
through the rain "I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands
and praise the God who gives and takes away

I'll praise You in this storm And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand
You never left my side And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I have had to reflect on what storms, if any, I am in.
Honestly, I have gone through nothing, when I compare
what some of our speakers and students are going through.
I am just delighted for the chance to give those who
are going through to share and testify about the faithfulness
of God.

I hope you can be encouraged that even though
you may be going through great difficulties, you can find the
strength to Praise Him in the Storm.

2006-04-19T09:27:00.000-05:00

MUST READS

Anna and I have been reading 2 significant books the last couple weeks. They are must reads for us. May we recommend them to you.

1) The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell - This book is a fascinating study on the "little things" in life and how they make a big difference. It is about the things that push ideas over the edge, what makes things "tip" Check it out if you get a chance. It is a New York Times bestseller.

2) Red Moon Rising by Pete Grieg & Dave Roberts - A book about how the worldwide 24-7 Prayer movement began. Has references to places we will be going this summer along the border of Germany and in Prague. We are hoping to hook up with the prayer room that has been established there in Czech. Thanks Charlie O for the gift of this book.

2006-04-13T21:54:00.000-05:00

EASTER EGG HUNT
My events (Anna's) aren't quite as big as Mark's yet, but I'm learning. Today I planned an Easter Egg Hunt outreach and invited 3 families that I have gotten to know lately from the library storytime, as well as a few friends from church. It was a blast! Lacey, Aisha, and Stephanie came early and helped stuff and hide the eggs. We had WAY TOO MUCH candy. I read the story of Jesus and talked with the kids about the true meaning of Easter. Several of them appeared as if it was all new to them. They were all very attentive. I know it was a success when one of the library moms said, "I'll help you next year" When I said, "I'll be in the Cities next year" She said, "Well, we can still do it, and then you can come back for it, right?"

2006-04-13T10:16:00.000-05:00

TEAM CZECH 2006!!!
Here we are... pictured at our gathering in St Cloud last Sunday...
We are all getting stoked about the trip now that we have had a chance to meet and greet one another. God has put us together, that is for sure. We found out that there is a common bond of CHESS players on our team. Cool.
Czech-Mate!
Here are the people in the picture (left to right)
Dean McLaurin, Mark, Anna, Travis Sorenson, Briana Capp, Sara Capp, Bill Capp.
Be in prayer for us daily.

2006-04-06T13:47:00.000-05:00

LIFT-OFF Golf Tourney Invite
We are ever so close to mailing out the
invitations to this first ever event. I've never done a golf tournament before. But it has been alot of fun planning it. We would love for you to be a part. Mark this date down on your calendars and on your FOREHEAD:
MONDAY, MAY 22nd
We are looking for golfers of any skill level to come out and enjoy a 4 person scramble... which basically means... you hit the best shot of your 4-some on every stroke. It is going to be a blast... we have tons of stuff we are giving away as prizes... and we have a cool guest speaker named Walter Bond coming. Spread the word. And look for your invitation coming in the mail SOON.

2006-04-04T11:40:00.000-05:00

MEET THE LIFT-OFF Board of Directors
We just had a board meeting this past Sunday and
I had intended on doing this earlier, but I wanted to introduce
you to the folks who oversee the work of the ministry.
They are a great bunch of guys really.
I have known almost all of them for at least 10 years.
They bring terrific insight and wisdom to help Anna and I
be who we are called to be and do what we are called to do.
We are so grateful for them.

They are:
Pat Franey - Chairman of the Board
(senior pastor of Morris Community Church)
Morris, MN

Scott Guhl - Secretary
(Associate Pastor of Vision of Glory Lutheran Church)
Plymouth, MN

Matt Engelson - Treasurer
(Friend & Budding Financial Planner)
Buffalo, MN

Mark Daigle - Idea Catalyst
(Friend & Manager at Brownsworth Office Furniture)
Minnetonka, MN

Bill Royce - Ministry Intercession Leader
(Friend & Mapping Analyst @ Navteq)
Fargo, ND

2006-03-29T11:46:00.000-06:00

PULSE ROCKED!
5,000 Students attend.
Last Friday, I was energized by the sheer
craziness at the NDSU campus arena.
I had the privilege of MC/DJ-ing in the entry way and outside as the folks waited outside to get in to see the bands and hear the message.
I did my best Conan O'brien impression.
I had alot of fun and met a ton of new friends as well as re-connected with old ones. The highlight of the event was the Gospel Presentation given by Nick Hall. He used interactive video to enhance his sharing the most important message many of these students will ever hear. That the God of the Universe loves them and that he sent Jesus to come and take away all our pain. 900+ students filled out response cards! Amazing. Praise the Lord! Pray for these new converts and the Pulse team as they do follow up on the campuses.

2006-03-28T20:58:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to shout out to our friends the Winters... Brandon & Katie... they just welcomed Cameron James into the world a little over a week ago. Congratulations guys! What a doll...
Looks like his daddy.

You gotta love it when a new life arrives on the scene. God is so good!

Lord, bless the Winters and their new son!

2006-03-28T20:49:00.000-06:00

Hooping it up at St. John's Prep School.
This was 11 days ago. Every year Prep has a career mentoring day for the students. They invite back all the alums to come share about their career paths. This year I got to share about LIFT-OFF and how a non-profit organization works and how it can be a great entreprenuerial career choice. Afterwards, they have a special alumni/faculty vs. student game where the whole school comes to watch. This is me and my good friend Dale and our coach from 1992-1994.
The students beat us by one point this year. I couldn't hit the basket to save my life. I was 0-8 from 3 point range! Atrocious! We'll get em next year.

2006-03-15T13:58:00.000-06:00

PULSE EVENT in FARGO!
This is going to be a ride up at the Bison Sports Arena. Be in prayer for the potentially 5,000 students to rally for this event to be held next Friday, MARCH 24th. An outreach to the campuses of Fargo/Moorhead. Be in Prayer for Nick Hall and crew this coming week. Nick is an evangelist with a huge heart for college students to be reached for Christ. He will be sharing the gospel before Vertical Horizon takes the stage around 9:30 PM that night.
I got a call from Nick and he asked me to be a part by lending a hand DJ-ing in the entry way as students come and gather. Pray for me as well. Click here to see the promo videos and info on this amazing event: http://www.pulsecampus.com/biggestevent.asp

2006-03-15T13:47:00.000-06:00

MARCH MADNESS is On!

Yes, the friendly distraction of the NCAA Men's Basketball 64 Team Tournament kicks off tomorrow. I have to admit I really enjoy this event... so many games, and there can be many upsets. I am in a pool this year with my friend Jeff Pankratz. I think I am in with 5 other guys. Many people do it for the money they can make. Anna and I do it for fun. We'll see who wins. I picked Connecticut and Duke in the Final with U Conn winning. I may be dead wrong. I have absolutely no idea. Let us know who you are picking to go all the way.

2006-03-06T22:56:00.000-06:00

The ROC is over! But what a blast we had.
We feel so refreshed and encouraged... Thank you, supporters, for your prayers for us. Thank you City Hill Fellowship... the staff, the families, the youth. You are all amazing.
We want to welcome all of you who signed up at our display booth. This is where we plan to keep in touch with all of you. Now that we are back home the day after, we have much to do to get ready for the SEND ME (TrueBridge) Youth Retreat and our trip to the Czech Republic. We are encouraged by those who have expressed interest in the trip. Details will be forthcoming.
Our tax appointement is on Thursday of this week. So it is time to collect receipts and tally all the thousands of miles I drove in 2005. Should be fun... oh, a reminder to check out the links on this blog. On March 1st, the brand mew Jeremy Erickson website was launched:
www.jeremyerickson.com. Check it out and post comments.
Bless ya- Mark

2006-02-28T16:00:00.000-06:00

LIFT-OFF is in the process of getting airborne!
We are less than a day from attending our first ever REACH OUT CELEBRATION (ROC)
at City Hill Fellowship Church in Eden Prairie, MN. They are spotlighting our minstry. And what does this picture of me at a U2 concert have to do with this... yep, some of you have seen this already... but if you look down to the left from Bono and see a guy with a hat on with his hands raised! That's me. (from the show at the Target Center on September 23, 2005...Big ups to Dave "Huggie Bear" Hugare for the picture.) Well, Bono is one of my heroes and his band U2 help remind me of why we are doing LIFT-OFF... to get AIRBORNE! To launch out into the unknown.
Well, one of the ways to get airborne is to link up with others who can carry the load... speaking of links... that is one of the new updates on the site... I finally figured out how to do those. You will see U2 on there, my friends Waylan & Laurie Bram, and Greg Kneprath of MASI...and more.
Check em out. Also, you can finally ALL post comments on the site... I had to change a setting.
So now that works as well... Well, I thank you all for your love and prayers for us.
Peace-Mark

2006-02-20T18:10:00.000-06:00

NERD NIGHT! at the Clear Waters Life Center in Clearbrook, MN. I DJ-ed this outreach party with lots of games. We gave away a ton of prizes and capped the night with the famed Napoleon Dynamite Dance-Off won by Luke Dorman. Nice job everyone! Darian, Jim & Laura, thanks for having me up there. I really enjoy working with you. The night ended with a worship time reminiscent of the old dance party days back in Morris with the IVCF crew. On Sunday night I stayed for Country Faith Church Youth Group and played a promo video for this year's SEND ME Retreat. The kids loved it and are excited about coming in April. This week I will begin contacting other groups to spread the word about this years retreat. Keep this in prayer. Bless you- Mark

2006-02-13T00:00:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIE!
born: 2/13/02
4 years old. Wow!
You make your mom & dad so proud!
Life would not be the same without you.
Today I reflected on my favorite things about Ellie.
* She is so full of life and excitement.
* She is Miss Social and loves meeting new people.
* She is incredibly smart and says the funniest things.
* She loves Jesus and likes to share him with others.
Feel free to post comments here to wish her a happy birthday. Today she is having a special party with 5 of her best friends. It is going to have a princess/Cinderella theme. Should be lots of fun.
We love you Ellie Charis!

2006-02-06T14:50:00.000-06:00

WHAT'S NEW with LIFT-OFF?

Well, believe it or not... there is alot going on.

Thanks to your prayers a couple weeks back, I was able to finish my CASE STATEMENT paper for my Hamline Class. It turned out to be about 12 pages. I am actually revising it right now to get it ready for One-on-One supporter meetings as well as the REACH OUT CELEBRATION event coming up March 1-5 at City Hill Fellowship in Eden Prairie, MN. We are working on a display and DVD presentation for that as well. Pray for that process.

* SUPPORT RAISING - Right now, we want to link arms with people who have a vision to volunteer and give their heart and energy to this vision. As we share this vision with people we are believing God to triple our support base from 30 (currently) to 90 by the end of 2006. This is a key step in our strategic plan for 2006.

* SEND ME RETREAT - Praise God that we have been re-united with one of the best behind the scenes event planners I have ever met, Sara Heutinck. She is helping us SEND ME's 2006 event at Camp Lebanon held on April 21-23rd. Pray for our meeting next Tuesday (Valentines Day) as we continue to pull the event together with the Lord's help.

* CZECH REPUBLIC - We are setting a deadline of March 1st to solidify our team. Currently we have 6 people committed. We may have up to 10 people. Pray that God would divinely direct us to those who are supposed to come. We are feeling God shifting things around from our original plan and itinerary. Pray that we'd be flexible and open to change.

Bless you all- Mark

2006-02-06T14:41:00.000-06:00

And the winner of the best SUPER BOWL 40

commercial was HANDS DOWN the Ameriquest Mortgage

Company's ad in the operating room. The themed

"Don't Judge Too Quickly. We Won't" ad made

Anna and I laugh so hard. I have to say I would look into them after seeing that ad.

Way to go Steelers!

2006-01-30T11:15:00.000-06:00

Tabitha Makes the Paper!
Our little Tabby loves to read. This week the photographer from the Morris SunTribune caught her in action. I (Anna) enjoy taking the girls to the library for story time each week. We also go to an ECFE class once a week. It's been fun to meet some other moms. Last week, we went out for lunch with a couple of them. As a stay at home mom, my world can become inward and very small and I am trying to reach out and be a blessing to others besides myself. This makes all the difference in the world.

2006-01-23T10:06:00.000-06:00

Yeah... here is a pic of us hanging at Applebees on our Anniversary date last week. Thanks Russ & Joanne,
Brad & Gina for your gift. You guys are the best!

TODAYS THOUGHTS:
Last night I really felt the weight of this
whole [LIFT-OFF] thing.
It seems to me that this project
[launching the ministry itself] is the beginning of SOMETHING BIG! As bad as we would like to stay in little old Morris and live our lives and have this ministry remain in relative anonymity...it seems as though we being called forth and out to do great exploits... probably with alot less anonymity than we'd like. That is what kills me inside sometimes.
The flip side of it is that there is much blessing and adventure and reward ahead.
It is time to go over the top/broadcast in NEON LIGHTS... go for the jugular so to speak,when it comes to raising support and getting the word out. You have to compete and put yourself and what you are doing on the line (risk). Much to my frustration, I have adopted a stronger risk aversion while living in Morris... everyone around here has it. It is a disease [risk aversion], and I need to be cured.
I get really excited about the possiblities of what doors could be opened through this Czech trip...it boggles the mind. Anyways... specifically today if you could pray for CONFIDENCE for me as I write and then present my case to future supporters.
(A 6-10 page paper/case statement is due tomorrow... Jan 24th.. for my class at Hamline)
Have a great day.Thanks for praying.
Mark

2006-01-19T07:26:00.000-06:00

Well, it is super exciting thinking where we'll be heading 5 months from today!
To the Czech Republic of course.
We just set the dates.
And I am totally pumped! June 19 - June 30.
Tentatively, we'll be taking a team of 6-10 people on a mission trip that will take us to:
* Prague ( see red dot)
* outside Hradec Kralove for a festival known as Freak Fest
* Pardubice
More announcements on this to come.

2006-01-16T10:51:00.000-06:00

In November, I (Mark) started taking a class
at Hamline University through Kingdom Oil
(www.kingdomoil.org) It is a crash course in how to be an
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of a non-profit organization...
which I now am currently with LIFT-OFF.
It has been thoroughly insightful for my personal growth in leadership. The classes are very relevant and practical to what is going on now with LIFT-OFF. Please pray for my trips to the Cities (every Tuesday now thru April 3rd). Pray that I would learn these next couple weeks the right
way to go about fundraising in 2006. Happy MLK Day to everyone! - Mark

2006-01-13T09:49:00.000-06:00

Well, it is a Happy Anniversary today for Anna and I. We have been happily married for 5 years!
Wow! Has it been that long? I couldn't be happier. Today we are celebrating with a trip to
Marshall, MN.
Sometime I will do a post about our big day 5 years ago. We called the event UPROAR!
It was such a good time. A moment I will not soon forget.
Have a great day y'all.
M&A

2006-01-12T10:51:00.000-06:00

POST #2
Today we are working on sending out year-end giving statements to our supporters.
Detail stuff. But it must be done. It is rolling around to tax time. We are so greatful to all of you for contributing to our lives.
Next up is work on the 5th Annual Send Me Retreat to be held this spring in Upsala at
Camp Lebanon. April 21-23. This year's theme is tentatively titled- SEND ME:THROUGH.
I will elaborate on this more in another post coming up.
Pray that I get this done this week.
Bless ya- Mark

2006-01-11T16:25:00.000-06:00

2006-01-11T15:55:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the LIFT-OFF Blog!
Up and running as of January 11, 2006.
This is the home of Mark & Anna Haugen
on the web. Along with girls Ellie and Tabitha.
This will be the spot to find out what's happening
in our world. We will begin weekly updates for our
supporters and onlookers who might want to check
out what we are doing. Enjoy!