The Lord loves to prove Himself faithful, and it has been an exciting time as we watch Him move in our lives. Ever since Oliver John-Baptiste asked for help in the Kingman, AZ gospel outreach, events have taken place that flipped everything upside down. In one week, after much prayer and seeking guidance, we felt it was the Lord's will for us to pack everything up and head to Arizona for the outreach. On the way, we were to attend a Men's Retreat at Southwest Bible Camp in Glenwood, NM. It was nothing short of amazing as God placed every piece in place, and looking back, I am very thankful that He made His will so obvious, or it would have been much harder to follow through with the plans as things got more difficult.
Our plan to pack our belongings in two days had come with the assumption that we did not have so much to pack up. Unfortunately, things accumulate rather quickly (much to our embarrassment!). We hadn't gotten too far into our packing before we realized that there was an incredible amount of stuff to reckon with. Narrowing down what to keep was an exhausting process, but now we are free from the weight of those belongings! In an effort to get it over with (there were times we felt it would never end) we even stayed up a few nights. With very little sleep and an eagerness for the road trip to begin, we headed out the door early Saturday morning.
Originally our trip to the south had included a few stops on the way. Being behind schedule now meant that it would be done in one long day. Despite the cramped conditions, the kids did wonderfully. Pulling into Glenwood, NM (where the camp is located) at 1 am meant sleeping in the van for a few hours, and the kids even handled that with no problem. They may never want to go anywhere again, but we arrived in good moods (though tired) and ready to start our Sunday.
After being at camp for three days, we left for another lengthy drive to Kingman, AZ. The outreach will last one week, with much to do. We are excited about watching the Lord work this week, our prayer being that there will be people open to the gospel, and that those serving will also learn and grow through this.
While the scenery is beautiful, with mountains and rocky cliffs in shades of dark reds and browns, the trees golden and green, and unusual plant life (unusual to us...) the thing we have enjoyed and appreciated the most is the hospitality and love. We are so thankful for the opportunity to meet these new friends and brothers and sisters in Christ, and are moved at the continuous effort extended at making us feel at home. While we have no home, until the Lord makes it clear where we are to go, we certainly lack nothing thanks to Christ's love flowing through our brothers and sisters both near and far (we are thankful for, and love, all of you!).
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Winter Update
We are in our fifth month here at camp, and it seems incredible that so much time has passed. We were blessed with an unusually warm beginning of fall, and just now the temperatures are getting cool. I hate the cold, but I never get tired of the view here. Snow crystals covering tree branches, shadows falling over the hills, the sun making the fields glow, and the smell of autumn in the crisp air (along with a good cup of coffee) make it worthwhile, I guess.
Besides maintenance around camp, there have been a number of events. The annual Ladies Day was held in November. We had 40 women come to hear our speaker do a bread demonstration and share about spiritual gifts, talents, and yielding to God's will in using them. Many of the women that come either attended camp when young or worked here in years past (or now). It was a blessing for me to speak to some of them about their past experiences here. I especially enjoyed talking with one woman who actually lived in the house we are living in when her husband was the director in 1963! She and her two friends told numerous stories about the work they did, including planting by hand the trees bordering the land. The entire day was filled with women sharing their gifts for the glory of God, and went very well.
Once a month we have "Super Saturdays" for the youth that want to be on staff next summer. The morning is focused on bible studies and the afternoon is geared towards outreach and service. This month the kids started planning an outreach geared towards unsaved youth in the nearby towns. We encouraged them to think through the whys and hows of it. Sometimes they do service projects for others or around camp. All future staff is required to attend each Super Saturday for discipleship. They need to be spiritually ready to lead and teach campers, as well as remain focused and strong as the summer goes on.
Winter Camp was held the week after Christmas, and nearly got extended a few days due to the weather. A snow storm came in, but luckily had not scared off many of the kids. We still had about 30 come and had a lot of fun despite the frigid temperatures and piles of snow.
Summer felt far away, but is coming too quickly. The schedule for summer camp, along with speakers, teachers, etc, are all being planned now as well. Pray for wisdom in planning, and for the kids that will be attending. So many have heart-breaking stories and need healing that only God can provide. Unfortunately, the seclusion that the country offers does not keep kids safe.
Other things that we would appreciate prayer for:
Larry's health- it comes and goes. Months went by with nothing major and the past two weeks have been very rough for him as he had migraines almost daily.
Super Saturdays- spiritual growth for the kids, strength to remain a good witness around friends, wisdom as they plan an outreach, realization of the seriousness of caring for campers during the week (mainly the chance for reaching those that are lost or helping along those that are saved and setting an example)
Besides maintenance around camp, there have been a number of events. The annual Ladies Day was held in November. We had 40 women come to hear our speaker do a bread demonstration and share about spiritual gifts, talents, and yielding to God's will in using them. Many of the women that come either attended camp when young or worked here in years past (or now). It was a blessing for me to speak to some of them about their past experiences here. I especially enjoyed talking with one woman who actually lived in the house we are living in when her husband was the director in 1963! She and her two friends told numerous stories about the work they did, including planting by hand the trees bordering the land. The entire day was filled with women sharing their gifts for the glory of God, and went very well.
Once a month we have "Super Saturdays" for the youth that want to be on staff next summer. The morning is focused on bible studies and the afternoon is geared towards outreach and service. This month the kids started planning an outreach geared towards unsaved youth in the nearby towns. We encouraged them to think through the whys and hows of it. Sometimes they do service projects for others or around camp. All future staff is required to attend each Super Saturday for discipleship. They need to be spiritually ready to lead and teach campers, as well as remain focused and strong as the summer goes on.
Winter Camp was held the week after Christmas, and nearly got extended a few days due to the weather. A snow storm came in, but luckily had not scared off many of the kids. We still had about 30 come and had a lot of fun despite the frigid temperatures and piles of snow.
Summer felt far away, but is coming too quickly. The schedule for summer camp, along with speakers, teachers, etc, are all being planned now as well. Pray for wisdom in planning, and for the kids that will be attending. So many have heart-breaking stories and need healing that only God can provide. Unfortunately, the seclusion that the country offers does not keep kids safe.
Other things that we would appreciate prayer for:
Larry's health- it comes and goes. Months went by with nothing major and the past two weeks have been very rough for him as he had migraines almost daily.
Super Saturdays- spiritual growth for the kids, strength to remain a good witness around friends, wisdom as they plan an outreach, realization of the seriousness of caring for campers during the week (mainly the chance for reaching those that are lost or helping along those that are saved and setting an example)
Friday, August 6, 2010
Transitions
After two months of nearly non-stop camps, the transition to fall and winter activities can seem....almost boring. The spiritual and emotional issues along with the physical aspect of keeping up with the kids is usually enough to make us all feel near-death by the time camp is over. But now, after days filled with a quiet calm, I look forward to the events coming up. Just in August and September we have the staff party, Back to School Bash, Family Canoe Trip, Lifelight, and the regional missionary conference through AMF. And that isn't including the Colorado family camp, men's fishing trip, or the primitive skills camping event.
Through the summer we have seen God's hand working in many ways. We didn't know that He was sending us on a new adventure when we came to help out for three weeks. Every detail was in His hand, and I am thankful for this opportunity. As we head into fall, we also prepare for a new season of life. Through God's strength we will work together to reach out to the lost, and disciple the youth.
Through the summer we have seen God's hand working in many ways. We didn't know that He was sending us on a new adventure when we came to help out for three weeks. Every detail was in His hand, and I am thankful for this opportunity. As we head into fall, we also prepare for a new season of life. Through God's strength we will work together to reach out to the lost, and disciple the youth.
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