We experienced a few setbacks in the health department with our team. I can put it this way - Immodium AD is the drug of choice right now. It pretty much hit everyone (except for about 6) yesterday in varying degrees. Three of our team members, Samantha, Lizzie and Bob stayed behind today to rest. Praise God everyone was alive and well (or better) at dinner tonight. Please pray, though, for the health of our team and that this is just a small stomach issue a not a contagious bug or something!
But the work had to continue and we stayed divided up by gender today. The girls returned to the rescue home to continue painting, while the guys returned to our home in La Trudeca. The girls were able to get alot accomplished and it is working well to have our team divided even though we would all love to be together. The worksite is just too small. However, the girls joined us at lunchtime - and even blessed us guys by making our sandwiches for us!
The project of the day for us guys was to move loads of la tierra (dirt). We had to trench the right side and back side of the house to prepare for the foundation. This sounds easy, but the dirt is like concrete here and requires a pick axe to bust up. We even had to go through some layers of concrete and rock. We are trenching down about 3 feet and then going about 4 for the posts. So today was lots of sweat and dirt! Then in the afternoon we mixed 2 batches of concreto for the post holes. Everyone has worked really well together and managed to get alot of work done. We put in a full day today to try to catch up some. Tomorrow we will pour the foundation and start on the walls.
One of the neatest experience of today (besides the scorpion we caught in the guys dorm and tarantula we caught at the jobsite) was to see Diamaris and her children really open up to us. She was trying to communicate with us as best as possible and we all had a great time giving the children little gifts and playing with them. It is awesome to see how the love of Christ penetrates barriors of culture, economics and even language. You really start to understand the why Christ called the little children to come to Him and why He said the faith required is a childlike faith. It blows my mind to see kids that live in filth and have so little enjoy life so much. Thank you for your prayer support! We are really walking by faith and trying to minister the gospel of grace through our words and deeds here in Nicaragua.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Mission Nicaragua :: Day 3
It's Sunday and for us that meant an awesome opportunity to experience worship "outside our box." This morning we went to the Buzbee's church, Iglesia Christo Verbo. It is a modern church with full worship team, video screens and even A/C! What a treat. Of course, it is all in spanish, but that just made for part of the experience of joining in worship to the God of all nations, cultures and languages! Those of us that can read spanish were at least able to sing the songs and then Elizabeth translated for us into wireless receivers with earphones. It was really cool to think that while we were worshipping in spanish in another country, worship was happening at Wildwood and all over the world.
The afternoon was always a highlight of this mission... a trip to the market. It is hard to really describe the market since they have everything from clothing, to trinkets, hammocks to food. And by food I mean live iguanas, cow tongue and plenty of raw meat lying out in the open. Quite a sight (and smell) to behold. I'll just give you parents the heads up that your student has probably spent all the money you gave them by this point in the trip!
This evening was special for our alumni as we returned to the Los Cedros community (where we worked last year) to return to Pastor Mauel's church. It is a very different experience than Verbo. It is a small building with metal or plastic chairs, no A/C, no words, but filled with passionate people who love to worship the Lord! It was a joy to join them in singing the songs we knew (like Trading My Sorrows, Come, Now is the Time to Worship, Open the Eyes and others) in english while they sang in spanish.
After we returned we did our normal debriefing and I was excited to hear the responses to worship today. It was good to hear that some boxes were broken and that we could appreciate and join in with worship that is different than our tradition. Best of all, God was exalted and rocks didn't have to praise Him! After that we moved to our small group time - and just finished. What a powerful time of ministry as our students really laid their souls bare before the Lord and each other. God is doing a good work - please continue to pray that He will work in all of our hearts to make us more like Him!
Sorry - I didn't have time to upload pics... I didn't really take many today.
The afternoon was always a highlight of this mission... a trip to the market. It is hard to really describe the market since they have everything from clothing, to trinkets, hammocks to food. And by food I mean live iguanas, cow tongue and plenty of raw meat lying out in the open. Quite a sight (and smell) to behold. I'll just give you parents the heads up that your student has probably spent all the money you gave them by this point in the trip!
This evening was special for our alumni as we returned to the Los Cedros community (where we worked last year) to return to Pastor Mauel's church. It is a very different experience than Verbo. It is a small building with metal or plastic chairs, no A/C, no words, but filled with passionate people who love to worship the Lord! It was a joy to join them in singing the songs we knew (like Trading My Sorrows, Come, Now is the Time to Worship, Open the Eyes and others) in english while they sang in spanish.
After we returned we did our normal debriefing and I was excited to hear the responses to worship today. It was good to hear that some boxes were broken and that we could appreciate and join in with worship that is different than our tradition. Best of all, God was exalted and rocks didn't have to praise Him! After that we moved to our small group time - and just finished. What a powerful time of ministry as our students really laid their souls bare before the Lord and each other. God is doing a good work - please continue to pray that He will work in all of our hearts to make us more like Him!
Sorry - I didn't have time to upload pics... I didn't really take many today.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Mission Nicaragua :: Day 2
We had another beautiful day here in Nicaragua. We divided our team by gender today to be able to get more hands working. The girls went with Melissa to the new Rescue House, which the Buzbees just purchased and are in the process of coverting it to a home that will be used for girls who need to flee the conditions of an abusive family or the dump in general. This, of course, will be overwhelming, but much needed for those they are able to take in. Our girls became the painting team for today and were able to get alot of the interior painted. They got the chance to interact with Vilma and her daughters who were rescued from a life in the dump and are living in the home currently. Her twin babies required round the clock care and feeding when we were here last summer to get them to a stable condition after birth. Now they are quite healthy and are even walking around!
The guys and I went back to work at the home in La Trudeca. We had some professional help in preparing the rebar and then we were off to making concrete. 10 buckets of sand, 4 buckets of rock, 2 bags of concrete and add water. This was "old school" Nicaragua style concrete making right on the ground. So it was lots of hands mixing by shovel to get the right consistency. And then we repeated that process for two more big batches. But we got the foundation poured so we can start building the walls on Monday.
Since it was Saturday, we were able to work only a half day - until about 2 pm. So after making a pit stop for the best fruit popsicles you've ever tasted, we headed back to the compound to relax and swim some in the pool. Our workdays won't be like this next week, so I hope we don't get used to the pool too much! Thanks for your prayer support. Pray for a meaningful Sabbath for us as we experience church in a different culture and language. If you want to leave a message for a team member, you can leave a comment (below) or email todd@wildwoodstudents.com. Pics from today below.
The guys and I went back to work at the home in La Trudeca. We had some professional help in preparing the rebar and then we were off to making concrete. 10 buckets of sand, 4 buckets of rock, 2 bags of concrete and add water. This was "old school" Nicaragua style concrete making right on the ground. So it was lots of hands mixing by shovel to get the right consistency. And then we repeated that process for two more big batches. But we got the foundation poured so we can start building the walls on Monday.
Since it was Saturday, we were able to work only a half day - until about 2 pm. So after making a pit stop for the best fruit popsicles you've ever tasted, we headed back to the compound to relax and swim some in the pool. Our workdays won't be like this next week, so I hope we don't get used to the pool too much! Thanks for your prayer support. Pray for a meaningful Sabbath for us as we experience church in a different culture and language. If you want to leave a message for a team member, you can leave a comment (below) or email todd@wildwoodstudents.com. Pics from today below.
Mission Nicaragua :: Day 1
Our first day here in Nicaragua and we hit the ground... not rolling, but with sholves and pic axes! We loaded up early and headed out to work for our first day on the jobsite in the outskirts of La Trudeca (the city dump). On the way in, we did make a stop inside the dump to visit Collegia de Esperanza (School of Hope) that the Buzbees run inside the dump. It has about 350 students. The school could best be compared to a inner city, poverty-stricken school filled with troubled kids. But a powerful work is going on there as they try to give these kids a way out from the lifestyle they were born into. We got to see the medical team from Miami that is here as they were doing a one day clinic of dental and medical check-ups, procedures and giving out supplies.
From there we met (I'll skip her name since I can't spell it) the mother we are working for. She has 6 boys and 1 baby girl and they are living in a home the size of my office at church. Her husband walked out on her 3 1/2 years ago. She broke down crying when I walked in to meet her. She was just overwhelmed that we would come to help her.
We are going to be building a new home for her around her current home and then in the process demolishing her current home made of scraps of tin and materials from the dump. Her "job" is collecting large plastic bags from the dump and washing them. Some of our team joined in to help her. They braved some horrific conditions (nasty water, flies, etc) to minister to her in love. The rest of the team started digging la tierra (the dirt) to prepare for the foundation and walls.
We took off early from the job to head to the airport and by the grace and provision of God, all 32 of our bags made it in! We were very excited - especially the girls who were sharing shampoo, deodarant and other toiletries! We got a little down time before dinner to swim and relax and we just finished our nightly team debriefing and prayer time. I would ask that you would pray for us to be seeing this week through the eyes of Christ. Many were already overwhelmed by the sights and
smells of today. Here's some pics so you can see what we are up to!
From there we met (I'll skip her name since I can't spell it) the mother we are working for. She has 6 boys and 1 baby girl and they are living in a home the size of my office at church. Her husband walked out on her 3 1/2 years ago. She broke down crying when I walked in to meet her. She was just overwhelmed that we would come to help her.
We are going to be building a new home for her around her current home and then in the process demolishing her current home made of scraps of tin and materials from the dump. Her "job" is collecting large plastic bags from the dump and washing them. Some of our team joined in to help her. They braved some horrific conditions (nasty water, flies, etc) to minister to her in love. The rest of the team started digging la tierra (the dirt) to prepare for the foundation and walls.
We took off early from the job to head to the airport and by the grace and provision of God, all 32 of our bags made it in! We were very excited - especially the girls who were sharing shampoo, deodarant and other toiletries! We got a little down time before dinner to swim and relax and we just finished our nightly team debriefing and prayer time. I would ask that you would pray for us to be seeing this week through the eyes of Christ. Many were already overwhelmed by the sights and
smells of today. Here's some pics so you can see what we are up to!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Team Nicaragua :: Departure
We are sitting in the Jax airpot. 2:43 pm. We have a nice delay from 3:05 pm to a new departure of 3:50. The problem is we have to hit our connection in Miami in about 30 minutes! Please pray for us as we try to connect and skip dinner to run through the airport. Other bad news is some of our team members didn't pay attention to my emails about packing toiletries. So some people might not have clean hair, smell so good or have clean teeth. I guess we will share. Good news is that all of our bags made it. We had 2 that weighed in right on the money at 50 lbs. Let's hope the plane can get off the runway with all our weight! I'll update you again in Miami if I have WiFi. If not, look for an update tonight from Managua.
UPDATE: 9:53 PM (MST). We made it. Only by the grace of God. Our Jax flight left really late. Some of our team barely made it on the JAX flight after taking a wrong turn to get to Starbucks and having to go back through the security checkpoint. They ran through the airport to get back to our terminal. We did alot of running today.
Our flight from Miami was scheduled to leave at 6:05, but I checked online before we left JAX and saw it was delayed until 6:20. I was hoping that would give us a half hour. It didn't. We landed in Miami at 6:08 and hit the terminal around 6:18. I was already on the phone with AA when we landed trying to get gate info and actually get a message to the gate that we were coming. We were praying they would hold the plane. I ran upstairs ahead of the team to our gate and the clerk said the plane was closed. In the most humble, yet somewhat forceful way I could, I said, "We are getting on that plane - my group is right behind me." He just looked at me for a second and then said, "Well run." We were already running through the MIA terminal and we ran right onto the plane after throwing our boarding cards at them. As soon as we got on, most people didn't look excited to see our group and the flight attendants were yelling at us to take our seats. Most of our carry-ons weren't fitting and we were shoving them everywhere. Some had to get gate checked and go below.
We did make it to Nicaragua... we are here... all of us. The 32 bags of donated clothes and supplies didn't make it with us. We are praying they come in on the morning flight. Needless to say we are exhausted and were starving (we just ate dinner here a little bit ago). We hit the ground rolling tomorrow and head off to the work site. Pray for us for a good night's rest, that our bags make it tomorrow and that we get off to a great start at the worksite!
UPDATE: 9:53 PM (MST). We made it. Only by the grace of God. Our Jax flight left really late. Some of our team barely made it on the JAX flight after taking a wrong turn to get to Starbucks and having to go back through the security checkpoint. They ran through the airport to get back to our terminal. We did alot of running today.
Our flight from Miami was scheduled to leave at 6:05, but I checked online before we left JAX and saw it was delayed until 6:20. I was hoping that would give us a half hour. It didn't. We landed in Miami at 6:08 and hit the terminal around 6:18. I was already on the phone with AA when we landed trying to get gate info and actually get a message to the gate that we were coming. We were praying they would hold the plane. I ran upstairs ahead of the team to our gate and the clerk said the plane was closed. In the most humble, yet somewhat forceful way I could, I said, "We are getting on that plane - my group is right behind me." He just looked at me for a second and then said, "Well run." We were already running through the MIA terminal and we ran right onto the plane after throwing our boarding cards at them. As soon as we got on, most people didn't look excited to see our group and the flight attendants were yelling at us to take our seats. Most of our carry-ons weren't fitting and we were shoving them everywhere. Some had to get gate checked and go below.
We did make it to Nicaragua... we are here... all of us. The 32 bags of donated clothes and supplies didn't make it with us. We are praying they come in on the morning flight. Needless to say we are exhausted and were starving (we just ate dinner here a little bit ago). We hit the ground rolling tomorrow and head off to the work site. Pray for us for a good night's rest, that our bags make it tomorrow and that we get off to a great start at the worksite!
Friday, July 20, 2007
MS KULAQUA :: Day 5
Camp is over. That is a hard thing for me to type. I guess I could be considered somewhat crazy for saying that I'm sad to be done spending a week with over 600 middle schoolers, but the sadness comes from knowing that I have to re-enter the "real" world. Camp is a world of it's own. To be away from TV, iPods, movies and other worldly influences for a week is refreshing to my soul! The unity and love that God grew among our middle school students was awesome. It was really evident when we were playing for the Dodgeball championships! But it was also evident in how they related with each other all week long and how hard it was to say goodbye after stepping off the bus just moments ago.
We were challenged this morning to remember and share what God did in our hearts this week. So students, I challenge you to do that. Open up and share what God taught you and showed you this week with your family. Our challenge was also not to leave camp the same way that we went. That is true of my life, but remember I told you that it is tough living in the valley. We've left a good place in meeting God and being close to God (the mountaintop) but now we've had to come back to life in the valley. Satan would want nothing more than to invalidate what happened this week and get you to return to your old life and the old you.
Continue to allow the Gospel to penetrate your heart! Stay connected to the living water found in Christ Jesus. I had a great week with you guys and I'm praying for you!
We were challenged this morning to remember and share what God did in our hearts this week. So students, I challenge you to do that. Open up and share what God taught you and showed you this week with your family. Our challenge was also not to leave camp the same way that we went. That is true of my life, but remember I told you that it is tough living in the valley. We've left a good place in meeting God and being close to God (the mountaintop) but now we've had to come back to life in the valley. Satan would want nothing more than to invalidate what happened this week and get you to return to your old life and the old you.
Continue to allow the Gospel to penetrate your heart! Stay connected to the living water found in Christ Jesus. I had a great week with you guys and I'm praying for you!
MS KULAQUA :: Day 4
It's pretty hard to believe that tomorrow will be our last day here at Kulaqua. I'm sure for some it will be a good thing to be back home... especially the ones who can't find their towel, tootbrush or haven't showered all week. Oh the joys of MS camp! Seriously, it will be hard for all of us to leave because God has done a special work in our hearts this week. We've been reminded of His incredible love for us and sacrifice it took for us to be forgiven and have life. I have seen and heard how God has been at work in our student's lives and for that I'm grateful!
This morning we had our chapel time and devotional time that focused on the righteousness we have because of Christ and the future hope that awaits us. It was good to see the MS students get presented with an eternal focus rather than simply thinking the world revolves around them.
This afternoon was a great day to be around camp as the majority of camp went tubing (we did ours on Tuesday for that very reason). So the lines were short and we were able to have a great time around camp during free time. Unfortunately we got waxed in our soccer competition, but who said it was all about winning a trophy anyway? Oops... maybe that was me.
We had some special visitors today. My beautiful wife, Brooke and my youngest made the trip down with Ashley (our student minister to girls) and her baby Reed, and Jamie (my assistant). It was fun for all of us to catch up with our other student ministry leaders that couldn't make it for the whole week.
Tonight was a very powerful time in worship with Wayne and a great message on regeneration by Mario. This led to an intimate time of sharing in our family groups. We finished off the night with inflatables, DDR tourney, Guitar Hero tourney and the Dodgeball tourney. In an amazing show of heart and athleticism, one of our dodgeball teams played for the trophy in the finals but came up just short. It was almost the first ever MS Camp championship and trophy for us, but instead we had alot of disappointed and teary faces. But they played like champions and made us "coaches" proud!
Parents, don't forget to check the hotline 894-1400 x. 219 for updates on our exact arrival time. We should be leaving around 11 am, take a lunch stop and arrive around 3 pm. I'll update the hotline regularly on our drive back to Tallahassee.
This morning we had our chapel time and devotional time that focused on the righteousness we have because of Christ and the future hope that awaits us. It was good to see the MS students get presented with an eternal focus rather than simply thinking the world revolves around them.
This afternoon was a great day to be around camp as the majority of camp went tubing (we did ours on Tuesday for that very reason). So the lines were short and we were able to have a great time around camp during free time. Unfortunately we got waxed in our soccer competition, but who said it was all about winning a trophy anyway? Oops... maybe that was me.
We had some special visitors today. My beautiful wife, Brooke and my youngest made the trip down with Ashley (our student minister to girls) and her baby Reed, and Jamie (my assistant). It was fun for all of us to catch up with our other student ministry leaders that couldn't make it for the whole week.
Tonight was a very powerful time in worship with Wayne and a great message on regeneration by Mario. This led to an intimate time of sharing in our family groups. We finished off the night with inflatables, DDR tourney, Guitar Hero tourney and the Dodgeball tourney. In an amazing show of heart and athleticism, one of our dodgeball teams played for the trophy in the finals but came up just short. It was almost the first ever MS Camp championship and trophy for us, but instead we had alot of disappointed and teary faces. But they played like champions and made us "coaches" proud!
Parents, don't forget to check the hotline 894-1400 x. 219 for updates on our exact arrival time. We should be leaving around 11 am, take a lunch stop and arrive around 3 pm. I'll update the hotline regularly on our drive back to Tallahassee.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
MS KULAQUA :: Day 3
It's hard to believe the we are at the halfway point for MS Camp here at Kulaqua. I know I can speak for our students in saying we aren't going to want to come home! I think that points to the unity that God is building among our students. Not that things have been perfect, or feelings haven't been hurt... but for the most part, our students are really getting to know each other and more importantly, love each other. And of course, the famous Wildwood Student Ministry slow clap always helps in building great unity and team spirit!
Of course by this point at camp, the camp nurse and I are on a first name basis. Fortunately we have only dealt with some upset stomachs, headaches and little heat exhaustion and bandaids. We hope to keep it that way.
Today was a jam-packed day that started with a great challege to be connected to the living water that only God offers. We were challenged not to take any subsititutes for that water to get life, but to truly find life in Christ. It has been really encouraging to me to watch our students engage in worship and then show me that they are processing what they are hearing by asking really good questions! So be sure to ask them some good questions about what they have heard, learned and experienced this week. And be patient - it make take a few times asking to get it out of them!
The afternoon offered alot of different experiences around camp (basketball tourney, blob, waterpark, etc) while I took some students on the snorkeling excursion. The water was a brisk (actually downright cold) 72 degrees at Ginny Springs. We explored the springs and the Santa Fe River and had a fun time together.
Tonight after worship we had church hang time. So we hit the gym for a fun night of dodgeball, buck buck and then a hayride. It was good to have some time together as a church. Then we had a special surprise to celebrate our camp birthdays - Katie & Danielle!
PS - Parents, thanks so much for sending your kids care packages. My staff and I really enjoy stealing their cookies!
Of course by this point at camp, the camp nurse and I are on a first name basis. Fortunately we have only dealt with some upset stomachs, headaches and little heat exhaustion and bandaids. We hope to keep it that way.
Today was a jam-packed day that started with a great challege to be connected to the living water that only God offers. We were challenged not to take any subsititutes for that water to get life, but to truly find life in Christ. It has been really encouraging to me to watch our students engage in worship and then show me that they are processing what they are hearing by asking really good questions! So be sure to ask them some good questions about what they have heard, learned and experienced this week. And be patient - it make take a few times asking to get it out of them!
The afternoon offered alot of different experiences around camp (basketball tourney, blob, waterpark, etc) while I took some students on the snorkeling excursion. The water was a brisk (actually downright cold) 72 degrees at Ginny Springs. We explored the springs and the Santa Fe River and had a fun time together.
Tonight after worship we had church hang time. So we hit the gym for a fun night of dodgeball, buck buck and then a hayride. It was good to have some time together as a church. Then we had a special surprise to celebrate our camp birthdays - Katie & Danielle!
PS - Parents, thanks so much for sending your kids care packages. My staff and I really enjoy stealing their cookies!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
MS KULAQUA :: Day 2
We are just finishing up dinner after returning from a fun day (for most) on the river. For the girls that were deathly terrified of river grass or anything else under the water it wasn't so fun for them... especially when they got fliipped by some of our mean boys. It was all in good fun and unlike previous years, we didn't lose anyone on the river! The weather held out for us and we are having a great time.
This morning I had the opportunity to speak to the whole camp in our morning worship time before our students moved into their quiet times. I challenged them to take off their masks - sharing from the story in John 4 where Jesus encounters the Samaratian woman at the well.
We also had our morning competitions which were really a blast to watch. It was blazing hot outside, but we've managed to keep everyone hydrated and out of the sun as much as we can.
Tonight after our chapel time, we are having a real Rodeo show which will be a first. I guess it is all tying in to the Wild Wild West theme for camp this year. After the Rodeo we have our family group time and then we will hit the bed. Everyone is pretty exhausted from the river, so hopefully we will get a good night sleep.
This morning I had the opportunity to speak to the whole camp in our morning worship time before our students moved into their quiet times. I challenged them to take off their masks - sharing from the story in John 4 where Jesus encounters the Samaratian woman at the well.
We also had our morning competitions which were really a blast to watch. It was blazing hot outside, but we've managed to keep everyone hydrated and out of the sun as much as we can.
Tonight after our chapel time, we are having a real Rodeo show which will be a first. I guess it is all tying in to the Wild Wild West theme for camp this year. After the Rodeo we have our family group time and then we will hit the bed. Everyone is pretty exhausted from the river, so hopefully we will get a good night sleep.
MS KULAQUA :: Day 1
Well we have made it and managed to squeeze quite a bit into our first day! It is hot down here, so we all made a beeline to the spring or the waterpark. After successfully launching middle schoolers 15 feet into the air above the water and seeing them faceplant, I had to call it quits and head off to a counselor meeting.
After free time was dinner and then we were off to chapel, but before we did that we had to take on the job of repacking and swapping cabins with the girls. It's a long story, but we managed to do it without too much grumbling. Wayne Kerr and the band led us in worship and then Mario brought the Word as he is unpacking the Gospel for us this week. After our chapel time was family groups (where the students are divided into gender based small groups) for some follow-up discussion.
Then it was on to our Late Night Activity (LNA) which was at the waterpark. We competed in volleyball and one of our teams advanced, but then we had to call it quits for the night. So, far it has been a great trip and we are getting settled in and ready for a great week of camp. Tomorrow we head off to the Itchetucknee River to go tubing as our excursion. Looking forward to another great day and we appreciate your prayers! Check below for some pics of the day...
After free time was dinner and then we were off to chapel, but before we did that we had to take on the job of repacking and swapping cabins with the girls. It's a long story, but we managed to do it without too much grumbling. Wayne Kerr and the band led us in worship and then Mario brought the Word as he is unpacking the Gospel for us this week. After our chapel time was family groups (where the students are divided into gender based small groups) for some follow-up discussion.
Then it was on to our Late Night Activity (LNA) which was at the waterpark. We competed in volleyball and one of our teams advanced, but then we had to call it quits for the night. So, far it has been a great trip and we are getting settled in and ready for a great week of camp. Tomorrow we head off to the Itchetucknee River to go tubing as our excursion. Looking forward to another great day and we appreciate your prayers! Check below for some pics of the day...
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
ELEVATE :: DAY 6
We made it back. I'm sitting in a usually very familiar place (my desk in my office) that seems at this moment very unfamiliar. It is hard to leave the mountain - in more ways than one. Spiritually speaking, God met some great men on mountaintops and their lives were changed forever. I think we have had a very similar experience. And just like in Scripture part of our hearts cry out to say, "Can't we just stay up here - maybe we can pitch a tent and live here forever!" We will one day and that is why our hearts desire it so much. But we weren't created to live on the mountain, we are valley dwellers by nature and God's design.
The valley isn't a fun place to live. Pain, heartache, broken relationships and problems abound in the valley. But God prepares us for valley living by giving us glimpses of Himself on the mountain. But it is hard to come down when you've had such an incredible time in His presence.
That's camp. But more than camp is life in Christ. That's real life. My challenge and desire for you students is that you will take what God has done in your life and live it out in the valley. Share your heart with others. Share your story. Love like the Father God loves you. He's your Father, Abba, Daddy, Papa. Live in Him and His grace.
The valley isn't a fun place to live. Pain, heartache, broken relationships and problems abound in the valley. But God prepares us for valley living by giving us glimpses of Himself on the mountain. But it is hard to come down when you've had such an incredible time in His presence.
That's camp. But more than camp is life in Christ. That's real life. My challenge and desire for you students is that you will take what God has done in your life and live it out in the valley. Share your heart with others. Share your story. Love like the Father God loves you. He's your Father, Abba, Daddy, Papa. Live in Him and His grace.
ELEVATE :: DAY 5
Our camp is almost over. And I type this with very mixed emotions about that. I can honestly say in all my years in student ministry this has been one of the most unique camps I've ever done. And that is a good thing. The way in which God's Spirit worked was very unusual, surprising yet very well received. I've never seen more tears shed by high school students then the ones that have come from our students this week. Tonight was no exception, but more on that in a bit.
Today started early as we had to eat quickly and load the buses for the Ocoee to raft. We took nearly every student rafting and had an awesome time on the river. For many, this was their first whitewater experience. We all have a story to share, but I may have the best one from the river... I'll try to do it quickly. The short version is our guide wanted to bump us on a rock and then into the Class 2 rapids. The shorter version is that our raft "taco'd" on the rock. Meaning we wrapped it around the rock. The impact send two out and the look on their faces was priceless. One may need further counseling, however. For the rest of us, we clung to the raft that was half submerged as we heard our guide yell, "Pull me back in." After we got him in, he kicked us out. It took four guides about 20 minutes to get the raft off the rock. We all survived. Now I know why we sign waivers.
I could write alot about tonight. It was a similar night to last night, other than I gave Shawn the lead for our church huddle time after worship. It was his time to say goodbye to the students. You can guess how that went. We laughed and cried... laughed some more and then cried alot. He did a great job and I couldn't be more proud to be his friend and pastor. It was a hard night, but I think our students learned alot. And I think they realized what relationships that are centered in Christ are all about.
We are leaving camp changed - no doubt. Every single one of us. God has met us here on this mountain and because of that, we don't want to go. But we know He is going with us. To you parents, let me encourage you to ask good questions but be even better listeners. Your student is coming home with stories. Give them a safe environment to talk. Some of the things they tell you may be uncomfortable to hear, but they need to say them. Many will come home seeking forgiveness, resoration and understanding. I pray you will grant that and more. We learned tonight about God's grace to us. We all need it and He so richly showers us with it.
PS - Don't forget to check the hotline for updates on our arrival time.
Today started early as we had to eat quickly and load the buses for the Ocoee to raft. We took nearly every student rafting and had an awesome time on the river. For many, this was their first whitewater experience. We all have a story to share, but I may have the best one from the river... I'll try to do it quickly. The short version is our guide wanted to bump us on a rock and then into the Class 2 rapids. The shorter version is that our raft "taco'd" on the rock. Meaning we wrapped it around the rock. The impact send two out and the look on their faces was priceless. One may need further counseling, however. For the rest of us, we clung to the raft that was half submerged as we heard our guide yell, "Pull me back in." After we got him in, he kicked us out. It took four guides about 20 minutes to get the raft off the rock. We all survived. Now I know why we sign waivers.
I could write alot about tonight. It was a similar night to last night, other than I gave Shawn the lead for our church huddle time after worship. It was his time to say goodbye to the students. You can guess how that went. We laughed and cried... laughed some more and then cried alot. He did a great job and I couldn't be more proud to be his friend and pastor. It was a hard night, but I think our students learned alot. And I think they realized what relationships that are centered in Christ are all about.
We are leaving camp changed - no doubt. Every single one of us. God has met us here on this mountain and because of that, we don't want to go. But we know He is going with us. To you parents, let me encourage you to ask good questions but be even better listeners. Your student is coming home with stories. Give them a safe environment to talk. Some of the things they tell you may be uncomfortable to hear, but they need to say them. Many will come home seeking forgiveness, resoration and understanding. I pray you will grant that and more. We learned tonight about God's grace to us. We all need it and He so richly showers us with it.
PS - Don't forget to check the hotline for updates on our arrival time.
Monday, July 9, 2007
ELEVATE :: DAY 4
All the days are starting to run together as camp is winding down. I had hoped to post late last night, but after talking with student after student, I didn't get back to my room until about 12:45 am.
It was a very full day, but also a restful Sabbath. We intentionally cut back the schedule to allow for some down time. So after our morning worship time, we took the time to meet as a whole student ministry and not break up into our family groups. This was a great chance for our students to just be with each other, share what God had been teaching them and to encourage each other. I've been amazed at what God has been doing in our student's hearts this week. Amazing. More on that in a bit.
Lunch finished and took us into free time where they had the opportunity to hang out at the pool, play paintball, tennis, soccer, ultimate frisbee and basketball. No sports competitions, so we could bring home another trophy (not that we would have).
After dinner we moved into our evening worship. I don't think I could really put into words what that time was like. It was a powerful time of worship as we lifted our voices in praise, but Tim, again, brought a powerful message from God's Word about our Father and the price His Son paid for our sin. He also presented a very clear, candid look at the enormity of our sin problem. After chapel, we went to our family group times, but I decided to keep our whole group together again. I felt that God had started something powerful in chapel that needed to continue. So I had some time to share my heart a bit and then moved into some individual time. Our staff was available and we were able to do alot of one-on-one talking, but it was exciting to see our students move toward each other for prayer and encouragement.
Alot of tough issues were confronted last night. God's Spirit was definitely at work convicting our hearts about our sin and need for Him. Like I mentioned earlier, this continued until the early hours of the morning. But our students were free to move from that into the evening activity which included DDR, Guitar Hero, Halo and Singstar competitions as well as some cool inflatable games.
It was an awesome day and finished in a powerful way. I'm not sure how it will finish on Monday night, but I'm anxious for God to meet us again up here on the mountain.
It was a very full day, but also a restful Sabbath. We intentionally cut back the schedule to allow for some down time. So after our morning worship time, we took the time to meet as a whole student ministry and not break up into our family groups. This was a great chance for our students to just be with each other, share what God had been teaching them and to encourage each other. I've been amazed at what God has been doing in our student's hearts this week. Amazing. More on that in a bit.
Lunch finished and took us into free time where they had the opportunity to hang out at the pool, play paintball, tennis, soccer, ultimate frisbee and basketball. No sports competitions, so we could bring home another trophy (not that we would have).
After dinner we moved into our evening worship. I don't think I could really put into words what that time was like. It was a powerful time of worship as we lifted our voices in praise, but Tim, again, brought a powerful message from God's Word about our Father and the price His Son paid for our sin. He also presented a very clear, candid look at the enormity of our sin problem. After chapel, we went to our family group times, but I decided to keep our whole group together again. I felt that God had started something powerful in chapel that needed to continue. So I had some time to share my heart a bit and then moved into some individual time. Our staff was available and we were able to do alot of one-on-one talking, but it was exciting to see our students move toward each other for prayer and encouragement.
Alot of tough issues were confronted last night. God's Spirit was definitely at work convicting our hearts about our sin and need for Him. Like I mentioned earlier, this continued until the early hours of the morning. But our students were free to move from that into the evening activity which included DDR, Guitar Hero, Halo and Singstar competitions as well as some cool inflatable games.
It was an awesome day and finished in a powerful way. I'm not sure how it will finish on Monday night, but I'm anxious for God to meet us again up here on the mountain.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
ELEVATE :: DAY 3
Let me start off by saying how grateful I am to have such an incredible staff and group of students that would allow me to be able to be away from camp and not have to worry about anything. It meant alot for me to be able to be with my family during a tough time. And thank you for your prayer support.
Well, yesterday was an awesome day for the students. It started out with a morning session on the overlook (check out the pics below) and then interactives and free time. During free time, 15 of our students went out to climb a mountain. I've heard good stories, but don't have any pictures. We had alot of students go out and create some Rambo moments in a paintball match. They've got some good battle wounds, but unfortunately I don't have pictures of that either.
I made it back in time for our evening session and I am so glad I did. It was another emotional night as Tim continued his talk about God our Father and how we can know him and relate to him. Many of our students shared from some deep (and emotional) places in their heart about family and fathers. So be prepared as they return in a few days to hear what God has been teaching them and hopefully you will be seeing changed lives! We had some students make some life changing (and eternity changing) decisions last night and we praise God for that!
The night capped off with a relaxed movie and hang night. God is doing a good work. Please continue to pray for our students!
Well, yesterday was an awesome day for the students. It started out with a morning session on the overlook (check out the pics below) and then interactives and free time. During free time, 15 of our students went out to climb a mountain. I've heard good stories, but don't have any pictures. We had alot of students go out and create some Rambo moments in a paintball match. They've got some good battle wounds, but unfortunately I don't have pictures of that either.
I made it back in time for our evening session and I am so glad I did. It was another emotional night as Tim continued his talk about God our Father and how we can know him and relate to him. Many of our students shared from some deep (and emotional) places in their heart about family and fathers. So be prepared as they return in a few days to hear what God has been teaching them and hopefully you will be seeing changed lives! We had some students make some life changing (and eternity changing) decisions last night and we praise God for that!
The night capped off with a relaxed movie and hang night. God is doing a good work. Please continue to pray for our students!
Saturday, July 7, 2007
ELEVATE :: DAY 2
Our first full day of camp is under our belt. We had an awesome day here at Covenant. We had a pretty typical day that started out with breakfast, chapel, interactives and lunch. After lunch we headed down the mountain to downtown Chattanooga on the Riverbank. We took a stroll by the Tennessee Aquarium and then headed over the Walnut Bridge to Coolidge Park - home of the best ice cream around... Clumpies Ice Cream. They served all 51 of us and then we introduced the park to the Wildwood game of Buck Buck (no room to explain here). It was a great afternoon to spend together and we had some good bonding time. Downtown is a fun place and it was good to get away from "camp" for a bit.
Back for dinner and evening actvities: chapel, family group time and then the sports competitions. Just a little history here: Wildwood has started a sports dynasty at camp (I'd like to think it is their great student pastor coach) but anyhow, we have won Dodgeball 2 years in a row, and last year we added an Ultimate Frisbee and Soccer Championship. So there is a lot of other churches after us.
Tonight we competed in volleyball (we advanced to the 3rd round before losing) and basketball (went down hard in the first round). So we aren't off to a good start, but we did have fun. The students are off to bed now and I hope to be soon. I've uploaded some pics below so enjoy!
Back for dinner and evening actvities: chapel, family group time and then the sports competitions. Just a little history here: Wildwood has started a sports dynasty at camp (I'd like to think it is their great student pastor coach) but anyhow, we have won Dodgeball 2 years in a row, and last year we added an Ultimate Frisbee and Soccer Championship. So there is a lot of other churches after us.
Tonight we competed in volleyball (we advanced to the 3rd round before losing) and basketball (went down hard in the first round). So we aren't off to a good start, but we did have fun. The students are off to bed now and I hope to be soon. I've uploaded some pics below so enjoy!
Friday, July 6, 2007
ELEVATE :: DAY 1
Well we have made it to the mountain. I think there is a alot of symbolism in coming to the mountain for camp. Great men of God have had their lives changed radically on mountains where God met them. Jesus often withdrew to the mountain to be with His Father. We are praying the same for our students and leaders.
We had a rather uneventful bus ride - and that's a good thing. I don't miss the days of playing "Red Rover" with 200 students in a bus stop while a bus was being fixed! We managed to get a good night sleep and things have started off well. I don't have the camera with me right now to pst some pics, but I hope to later. Especially of the camp haircuts. I take no credit or responsiblity for that matter if your student comes back with a mowhawk! Unless you like it, then I charge $10 a cut. Some of them are pretty funny, but it is hair and it does grow back. I hope you don't have family pictures scheduled for next week.
The haircut tradition started at my first camp I did with Wildwood, but I promise I didn't start it. Someone else brought the razor. But it has served as a really neat bonding experience (at least for the guys) and they other churches look on us with envy. Or maybe that is another look, I'm not quite sure.
Anyhow, everyone is well. Please be praying for us. And please be praying for my wife, Brooke and her family. We got a call right before camp that her grandfather died. I'm leaving in the morning (Sat) with a rental car to be at the funeral with my family and then I will drive back to Chattanooga that afternoon. I'm leaving the students in very capable hands with my staff. More updates and pics to come!
We had a rather uneventful bus ride - and that's a good thing. I don't miss the days of playing "Red Rover" with 200 students in a bus stop while a bus was being fixed! We managed to get a good night sleep and things have started off well. I don't have the camera with me right now to pst some pics, but I hope to later. Especially of the camp haircuts. I take no credit or responsiblity for that matter if your student comes back with a mowhawk! Unless you like it, then I charge $10 a cut. Some of them are pretty funny, but it is hair and it does grow back. I hope you don't have family pictures scheduled for next week.
The haircut tradition started at my first camp I did with Wildwood, but I promise I didn't start it. Someone else brought the razor. But it has served as a really neat bonding experience (at least for the guys) and they other churches look on us with envy. Or maybe that is another look, I'm not quite sure.
Anyhow, everyone is well. Please be praying for us. And please be praying for my wife, Brooke and her family. We got a call right before camp that her grandfather died. I'm leaving in the morning (Sat) with a rental car to be at the funeral with my family and then I will drive back to Chattanooga that afternoon. I'm leaving the students in very capable hands with my staff. More updates and pics to come!
Monday, July 2, 2007
Sacrificial Giving from a Tender Heart
Last night I had "Team Nicaragua" - the group of high school students I'm taking on our annual mission trip to Nicaragua over to my house for one of our training sessions. We were talking about cross cultural issues and going through a case study, as well as talking about being spiritually prepared and praying for the financial support to come in (each student has to raise about $900).
I noticed Brock would pop in and out from playing in his room to sit behind me on the floor in the family room (he loves to hang out with the "big kids"). At the end of the meeting, I was closing in prayer when I heard him scurry out of the room. I finished praying and he walked up behind me with a wad of money in his hand and said, "Dad, I just wanted to give some money to help this team go to Nicaragua and to help the children down there." I reached out my hand to receive the money and had to fight back the tears as I explained how his money would help and what it would be used for. He was beaming with a face of joy... to know that he was supporting God's work. It was in that moment the Scripture that tells us it is better to give than receive came to life. After he walked away, I looked down at my hand to see four $1 bills that he had taken out of his bank in his room.
I've been thinking alot about Brock's gift last night. I'm sitting in the office today processing some very large checks that have come in for our students. Every gift is important and every gift will have an immediate and eternal impact for the Kingdom of God. But one gift in particular gave me a great look into the heart of a child and served as a great reminder of what sacrificial giving looks like. I'm so very proud of Brock and the young man God is growing him to become.
I noticed Brock would pop in and out from playing in his room to sit behind me on the floor in the family room (he loves to hang out with the "big kids"). At the end of the meeting, I was closing in prayer when I heard him scurry out of the room. I finished praying and he walked up behind me with a wad of money in his hand and said, "Dad, I just wanted to give some money to help this team go to Nicaragua and to help the children down there." I reached out my hand to receive the money and had to fight back the tears as I explained how his money would help and what it would be used for. He was beaming with a face of joy... to know that he was supporting God's work. It was in that moment the Scripture that tells us it is better to give than receive came to life. After he walked away, I looked down at my hand to see four $1 bills that he had taken out of his bank in his room.
I've been thinking alot about Brock's gift last night. I'm sitting in the office today processing some very large checks that have come in for our students. Every gift is important and every gift will have an immediate and eternal impact for the Kingdom of God. But one gift in particular gave me a great look into the heart of a child and served as a great reminder of what sacrificial giving looks like. I'm so very proud of Brock and the young man God is growing him to become.
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