I enjoy the weeks of Family Camp so much!! This year was no exception!
During Family Camp 1, I had the privilege of working with my parents as they cooked for the week (thanks Mom and Dad!). I had the privilege of meeting some amazing families. I even met one of my distant cousins (small world!). It was neat to see the families meet together for family devotions, play together during craft times and game times, and simply enjoy a week together.
One of my highlights of the week was the opportunity to teach a small group of tweens (pre-teens) during chapel. Through these lessons, one of the family campers accepted Jesus as his Savior for the first time! Praise the Lord for his work! We all rejoiced very much when he announced this at the closing program!
Family Camp 2 was filled with reconnecting for me as I saw many families who have been coming for years and meeting a few new families! It was neat to see the Lord work and grow everything from the annual frog jumping contest to the new activities and lessons being taught.
I spent much of my time preparing to close out the summer well through meeting with counselors and other staff members. It was amazing to see God bring these conversations together and see their perspective of the summer, both good and bad. It was helpful for me, too, to reflect on so much of what God had done during the summer. What a MIGHTY God we serve!
It was again a blessing to work at Lake Ellen and I am so excited to see what God uses from this season in my future. I know he will do an amazing work. He always does!
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Sr. High
This was a crazy week, but the Lord's hand was all over it.
Some of my favorite moments included seeing the Sr. Highers win so many games!!! Unfortunately, the TST (the other high school program) won overall because they memorized more verses. :( This did result in Britta getting thrown in the lake yet again after the closing program.
One of my favorite moments during one of the night games was having one of the campers dress up in my jacket, sunglasses and name tag and walk all the way across camp while no one knew it wasn't me. :)
There was a lot of spiritual warfare this week, which meant that the Spirit was moving. Some of the campers chose to resist the conviction they felt, but others responded. To my knowledge at least 12 campers made decisions to follow Christ (either for the first time or a re-dedication of a previous decision). Praise the LORD! I continue to pray that the campers would continue to see God and understand Him for who he truly is.
One of these campers grew throughout the week. On Sunday, he was very upset, feeling that this was "not what he signed up for." He accepted Christ that night (yep...that was what God had signed him up for!). It was so great to see him grow in his faith every day and to enjoy camp so much that he did not want to leave.
Another camper came due to the generosity of a high school friend who wanted to see him come to camp. As I learned about his home life, I grew to have increasing compassion for him. I continue to pray that the Lord leads his life and he is able to get connected with a church, so that his faith continues to grow and is not snuffed by the ways of the world.
On a personal note, I got to go on a "fun" trail ride (which means we get to go faster than a walk!) with the wranglers and the nurse. It was great!
It was a fun week. I was so thankful to build more relationships with the campers and see the Lord working in their lives.
Some of my favorite moments included seeing the Sr. Highers win so many games!!! Unfortunately, the TST (the other high school program) won overall because they memorized more verses. :( This did result in Britta getting thrown in the lake yet again after the closing program.
One of my favorite moments during one of the night games was having one of the campers dress up in my jacket, sunglasses and name tag and walk all the way across camp while no one knew it wasn't me. :)
There was a lot of spiritual warfare this week, which meant that the Spirit was moving. Some of the campers chose to resist the conviction they felt, but others responded. To my knowledge at least 12 campers made decisions to follow Christ (either for the first time or a re-dedication of a previous decision). Praise the LORD! I continue to pray that the campers would continue to see God and understand Him for who he truly is.
One of these campers grew throughout the week. On Sunday, he was very upset, feeling that this was "not what he signed up for." He accepted Christ that night (yep...that was what God had signed him up for!). It was so great to see him grow in his faith every day and to enjoy camp so much that he did not want to leave.
Another camper came due to the generosity of a high school friend who wanted to see him come to camp. As I learned about his home life, I grew to have increasing compassion for him. I continue to pray that the Lord leads his life and he is able to get connected with a church, so that his faith continues to grow and is not snuffed by the ways of the world.
On a personal note, I got to go on a "fun" trail ride (which means we get to go faster than a walk!) with the wranglers and the nurse. It was great!
It was a fun week. I was so thankful to build more relationships with the campers and see the Lord working in their lives.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Week 4- Trackers
Week 4- Jr. Highers.
This has been the best week of the summer (for me at least). The campers were super fun and enjoyed many of the games and activities we did. We had the privilege of having Joe Basso (pastor of Felch Mountain Bible Chapel in Felch, MI) come and speak. The campers really connected with him. He clearly preached through the attributes of God and I was so encouraged by the response of the campers.
More than one camper told me that they had a better picture of who God was as a result. One camper said "I have been coming to Lake Ellen for 7 years and I always believed in God, but now I understand that God wants us to do more than just believe in Him. He wants us to give our lives to Him."
I was encouraged by these and many other comments by campers and staff throughout the week.
We also had the privilege of having Good News Baptist's youth group worship team lead singing during chapel times. It was fun to enhance old friendships and make new ones.
The campers really enjoyed the team competitions and Scruffy, a now-infamous prize for winning cabin clean-up. We're not really sure if it's more for the campers or the counselors, but when one counselor had a breakdown after losing, we're pretty sure he's more for the counselors...
To my knowledge at least 3 campers accepted Christ this week for the first time (yea!!!), but I know that MANY lives were changed. We rejoice in it all. After all, we are here to make disciples. I believe that God is accomplishing that through us. Praise the Lord!
This has been the best week of the summer (for me at least). The campers were super fun and enjoyed many of the games and activities we did. We had the privilege of having Joe Basso (pastor of Felch Mountain Bible Chapel in Felch, MI) come and speak. The campers really connected with him. He clearly preached through the attributes of God and I was so encouraged by the response of the campers.
More than one camper told me that they had a better picture of who God was as a result. One camper said "I have been coming to Lake Ellen for 7 years and I always believed in God, but now I understand that God wants us to do more than just believe in Him. He wants us to give our lives to Him."
I was encouraged by these and many other comments by campers and staff throughout the week.
We also had the privilege of having Good News Baptist's youth group worship team lead singing during chapel times. It was fun to enhance old friendships and make new ones.
The campers really enjoyed the team competitions and Scruffy, a now-infamous prize for winning cabin clean-up. We're not really sure if it's more for the campers or the counselors, but when one counselor had a breakdown after losing, we're pretty sure he's more for the counselors...
To my knowledge at least 3 campers accepted Christ this week for the first time (yea!!!), but I know that MANY lives were changed. We rejoice in it all. After all, we are here to make disciples. I believe that God is accomplishing that through us. Praise the Lord!
Week 2 & 3
During the second week of campers, I had a wedding to play (the piano) for in Philadelphia. My family and I headed out there and enjoyed a bit of NYC before heading down. It was such a blessing to spend time with family. The counselors took many responsibilities for me, which I was so thankful for! I know they were greatly stretched, but they did a great job!
Week 3 went well. We had the cartoonist from Answers in Genesis (Dan Lietha) speaking, so that was a real blessing. He answered many "difficult" questions about the Christian faith that were helpful for the campers and the staff. It was also nice to connect with his family again, as they had been here in 2010 when I was an area director. We were able to feel the Spirit of the Lord working through the campers, which was great.
Week 3 went well. We had the cartoonist from Answers in Genesis (Dan Lietha) speaking, so that was a real blessing. He answered many "difficult" questions about the Christian faith that were helpful for the campers and the staff. It was also nice to connect with his family again, as they had been here in 2010 when I was an area director. We were able to feel the Spirit of the Lord working through the campers, which was great.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Staff Training, Week 1
Staff training went well. Praise the Lord! The staff was almost instantly connected. It is one of the most cohesive staffs I have ever been a part of. It was fun to watch them grow and connect.
Many of them have been a part of a program at Lake Ellen called TST (Teen Service Team) where they serve by logging to heat the camp in the winters and helping in the kitchen. It is neat to see them return on staff and be so excited to connect with old friends on their new assignment.
Our counselors and I have determined our goal as being "to be disciples and make disciples" and would appreciate any prayers toward that goal.
Week 1 went well. The counselors and I had so much fun with the campers. The 2nd and 3rd graders were a handful and had lots of energy, but they are also so honest and remind us of what childlike trust really looks like. We particularly enjoyed one camper who was honest and always had a story to share.
The campers connected well with the bible teaching too as they learned how to find scriptures in their Bibles for the sword drills. We were blessed with Rian & Jill Bass, who taught about parables through skits, guests, and Jill's chalk art that includes a hidden black-light picture. We have recorded 2 decisions to live for Christ, which we rejoice in! I think many other campers left with a fuller view of God and a commitment to serve him. Praise the Lord!
We pray that the campers are continuing to seek the Lord and learn more as a result of the teaching they heard during Bible Lesson Times, chapels, devotions, and teachable moments. Would you join in praying for these things with me?
Many of them have been a part of a program at Lake Ellen called TST (Teen Service Team) where they serve by logging to heat the camp in the winters and helping in the kitchen. It is neat to see them return on staff and be so excited to connect with old friends on their new assignment.
Our counselors and I have determined our goal as being "to be disciples and make disciples" and would appreciate any prayers toward that goal.
Week 1 went well. The counselors and I had so much fun with the campers. The 2nd and 3rd graders were a handful and had lots of energy, but they are also so honest and remind us of what childlike trust really looks like. We particularly enjoyed one camper who was honest and always had a story to share.
The campers connected well with the bible teaching too as they learned how to find scriptures in their Bibles for the sword drills. We were blessed with Rian & Jill Bass, who taught about parables through skits, guests, and Jill's chalk art that includes a hidden black-light picture. We have recorded 2 decisions to live for Christ, which we rejoice in! I think many other campers left with a fuller view of God and a commitment to serve him. Praise the Lord!
We pray that the campers are continuing to seek the Lord and learn more as a result of the teaching they heard during Bible Lesson Times, chapels, devotions, and teachable moments. Would you join in praying for these things with me?
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Back at Camp
Transitioning from Guatemala has gone relatively smoothly, Gracías a Dios (Thanks to God). I have been adjusting to being on time for appointments, eating American food, and speaking only in English.
This summer I am working at Lake Ellen Bible Camp in Crystal Falls, MI. This week I am planning for the main program and having lots of fun doing it. My partner-in-crime Marie will be working with me as the TST area director. :) Being here this week has been nice. It is nice to meet new staff and re-connect with old staff.
Please join with me in praising the Lord for his greatness. The more we can focus there, especially as a staff, the less we will worry and try to incorporate OUR plans instead of waiting for God's plans. We are excited to see what the Lord will do with and through us this summer. He is so amazing!
To God be the Glory!
This summer I am working at Lake Ellen Bible Camp in Crystal Falls, MI. This week I am planning for the main program and having lots of fun doing it. My partner-in-crime Marie will be working with me as the TST area director. :) Being here this week has been nice. It is nice to meet new staff and re-connect with old staff.
Please join with me in praising the Lord for his greatness. The more we can focus there, especially as a staff, the less we will worry and try to incorporate OUR plans instead of waiting for God's plans. We are excited to see what the Lord will do with and through us this summer. He is so amazing!
To God be the Glory!
Monday, May 19, 2014
Las despedidas (Farewells)
Wednesday was the day of farewells. A bittersweet day at best.
The beginning of the day was normal, I spent time with each class giving them stickers, taking pictures, sharing a brief verse from the Bible to challenge them, and in some classes playing BINGO. The last class, however, I entered, took a picture and then we were called to an assembly (surprise, surprise).
This assembly, however, was to honor Marie and I for the work we had done in the school. As we waited for it to start, I stood to the side looking at the students I had just invested in for 4 months. I looked down at the two girls embracing my sides and prayed for them. I looked up at the students waiting for the assembly to start and prayed for them. As I considered the impact and work that I had just accomplished, tears started to form in my eyes. A little piece of my heart was going to stay here in Guatemala with these kids.
The assembly started with a brief introduction of Marie and I, the work we had done, and the appreciation the school and the teachers wanted to share with us. The students and teachers then presented us with a gift for our time....typical outfits "trajes." The principal then shared a bit and reassured us that the gifts they gave were only small, but that we would be richly rewarded in heaven.
Marie and I then briefly shared before students from each class gave thanks for us. By the end of this time both Marie and I had tears in our eyes. The students were then released for recess, but many of them chose to come give us a hug. I lost a shoe because of the incredible pressure from the mass of students hugging and pushing.
We then celebrated with a snack of meat, potatoes, tortillas, and cake in the principal's office. We felt like celebrities with all the pictures we took with teachers afterwards. Finally, Marie and I went to the remaining classrooms to say good-bye. And then it was the end of the last school day. A sad time for sure.
Some of our other good-byes included:
-our group of jovenes (youth), which included a lunch, a gift, and many hugs.
- our group of niños, which was a farewell planned by 12-year-olds, included a scavenger hunt, and a bunch of treats (chips, soda, candy, and personal gifts).
-lunch in Antigua with our host family
-praying with our host mom during the mother's day service at church and crying over the experiences and love we had shared
-time with our neighbors eating ice cream and chatting, including pictures and watching the youngest brother sob over our departure
It was sad to say good-bye to a whole family of people who we had grown to love and care for deeply. We will miss this place, but we will keep praying for what the Lord is doing there and anticipate the time when we get to return.
The beginning of the day was normal, I spent time with each class giving them stickers, taking pictures, sharing a brief verse from the Bible to challenge them, and in some classes playing BINGO. The last class, however, I entered, took a picture and then we were called to an assembly (surprise, surprise).
This assembly, however, was to honor Marie and I for the work we had done in the school. As we waited for it to start, I stood to the side looking at the students I had just invested in for 4 months. I looked down at the two girls embracing my sides and prayed for them. I looked up at the students waiting for the assembly to start and prayed for them. As I considered the impact and work that I had just accomplished, tears started to form in my eyes. A little piece of my heart was going to stay here in Guatemala with these kids.
The assembly started with a brief introduction of Marie and I, the work we had done, and the appreciation the school and the teachers wanted to share with us. The students and teachers then presented us with a gift for our time....typical outfits "trajes." The principal then shared a bit and reassured us that the gifts they gave were only small, but that we would be richly rewarded in heaven.
Marie and I then briefly shared before students from each class gave thanks for us. By the end of this time both Marie and I had tears in our eyes. The students were then released for recess, but many of them chose to come give us a hug. I lost a shoe because of the incredible pressure from the mass of students hugging and pushing.
We then celebrated with a snack of meat, potatoes, tortillas, and cake in the principal's office. We felt like celebrities with all the pictures we took with teachers afterwards. Finally, Marie and I went to the remaining classrooms to say good-bye. And then it was the end of the last school day. A sad time for sure.
Some of our other good-byes included:
-our group of jovenes (youth), which included a lunch, a gift, and many hugs.
- our group of niños, which was a farewell planned by 12-year-olds, included a scavenger hunt, and a bunch of treats (chips, soda, candy, and personal gifts).
-lunch in Antigua with our host family
-praying with our host mom during the mother's day service at church and crying over the experiences and love we had shared
-time with our neighbors eating ice cream and chatting, including pictures and watching the youngest brother sob over our departure
It was sad to say good-bye to a whole family of people who we had grown to love and care for deeply. We will miss this place, but we will keep praying for what the Lord is doing there and anticipate the time when we get to return.
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| Two of my students |
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| The principal and the gifts |
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| Teacher appreciation |
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| Student appreciation |
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| Us and Olga enjoying our "snack" :) |
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| the teachers at Escuela No. 1 |
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| After our lunch in Antigua |
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