YMCA camp tour

For LAUNCH today, we went to visit the YMCA camp of Greater Des Moines, which almost directly across the river from us in Boone. 


The main thing I noticed at this camp was the emphasis on relationships. In this day and age, children and families benefit more from the relationships around them then from any other aspect of camping whether that be speakers, music, or even direct Christ-centered devos. Campers and retreaters will learn about Christ and about how to live according to His standards mainly from the influence of those around them. That is not to say that speakers, music, and planned devotional times are unnecessary, for they certainly have their place in the development of Christian principle, but the reality is... people matter more to each other than they ever have in the past and if Christian camping refuses to alter it's ways in order to make use of this venue... it will die. 


The first way I noticed that relationship is the emphasis is in their brilliant strategy for staff retainment. They took tests and did the research and found that the staff turnover in Christian camping is ridiculously high. Yes, technically, priorities are set at family, then camp. But those of us in camping know... that's not the way it usually works. Time spent with family is limited and on camp's schedule. And that is... well... not good. So, the way that this camp deals with this issue is that they have split the camping responsibilities into 2 groups, with 3 coordinators each. There's the maintenance staff, with a cleaning coordinator, a cooking coordinator, and a grounds coordinator. Then there's the office staff, with a summer camp coordinator, retreat coordinator, and outdoor ed coordinator. Of course, in addition, there are those who work in the office and the Exec. Director as well. Each of these coordinators has a busy time coupled with a slow time. Take, for instance, the outdoor ed coordinator. His program is running from Oct-Nov and Mar-Jun. During those times, he's overworked and underpaid (as the saying goes) but the rest of the year he has time to spend with his family as well prepare and perfect his jurisdiction. Each one does his part, and not the other's! One does not perform the ever-constant act known in LAUNCH as "track-hopping" without being asked. Not because they're being cruel, but because everyone needs time to spend with their families and to rest. This setup not only minimizes staff burnout, but also ensures quality of programming. For example, the summer coordinator is done with his direct duties within 2 weeks of the summer camps getting over, giving him till the next summer starts to plan and prepare with no distractions.


The second way I saw relationships emphasized is through the way the camp is set up. There are benches everywhere you look, as the Director said, "How can you sit down and talk... if there's nowhere to sit down and talk?" With the current conditions of living being much more sterilized than they used to be, the camp has had to convert many of their buildings to air conditioning. But, such is the ways of things in order to keep a comfortable setting for relationships to start. 


Now, Hidden Acres... is a church camp. A parachurch ministry, you might say. Which means, in reality, there are a lot of kids who won't be coming our way because that's not what they're looking for in a summer camp experience. I'm not saying that we should change, because this is the place where God has put us. But, the YMCA camp has a different scenario. Now, I know that the Y has strayed at times and in different places from teaching Christianity, which is sad. But such is not applicable across the board. I admit, I thought that the term "Christian" could only be applied loosely, at best, to this camp. But, I was drastically wrong. The YMCA of Greater Des Moines has been striving to retain the C in their name, and particularly this camp. I hold great respect for their Director, as he does what he can to preach the Gospel and biblical principles while continuing to draw in such a diverse group from varied backgrounds. This camp counts itself as a "seed-planting" camp, placing truth in the lives of the children which will lead them to Christ so that they can send the seedlings to camps such as Hidden Acres which will cause them to grow in their faith. Such notions may seem wishy-washy to some, an idea I understand... but do not agree with. People's hearts are hard to Christianity, particularly on account of the amount of hypocrisy and apathy in the Church. They do not want to hear the Gospel for it is foolishness to them. What they believe they need may be something different: love, truth, companionship, whatever it may be. But just as the Law did not save, but pointed to the Savior, so is the same with these things. Did not Jesus Himself say, "I am the Truth" and "God is love"? We all have a need for a Savior. Let us not bicker and argue amongst ourselves over programming or summer staff requirements, but instead remember what the main goal here is.... the saving of the lost. Let us remember that we all serve the same Lord, who is Lord of all and through all and in us all. Let the Y camp open their hearts to the Truth, so that they may know Christ. Far be it from us to rebuke other camps for our own prejudices! "The main goal and purpose of man is glorify God and to enjoy Him forever". Let us never forget that....  

When I chose to risk

"Describe a situation where you took a risk. What happened? Describe a situation where you avoided taking a risk. What happened?"

In my case, I shall answer both questions in one story.

trust TRUST, n. 1. Confidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship or other sound principle of another person. He that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. Prov.29.

So states Webster's 1828 dictionary. For me, trust was the scariest word in the world. To trust another person was not a risk I was willing to take. So many times my heart had broken, I had been let down, I'd been betrayed. Consequently, I didn't have any real friends, not from any fault from them but from my unwillingness to open up, to become vulnerable. No one (excepting God) saw the real me. I lived my entire life in fear of rejection, a mask of capability and total independence cemented to my face. My mother once told me I'd make a great soldier's wife because I was so independent: able to care for myself and others around me (both physically and emotionally) without help from anyone, that my husband would never have to worry about me and our family when he's gone, because everything would go fine. I pretended to take it as a compliment, but inside I couldn't think of anything more horrid. Being left behind, being alone, there's little that scares me more. But, that's exactly what I had because I wasn't willing to trust. That was not a risk I was willing to take. I trusted no one, befriended no one, loved no one. 


For me, trust came slowly. I love to write letters, and would write to everyone else on summer staff. One day, I did my usual filling mailboxes with encouraging notes, expecting to get no reply as always. I figured that there was no risk in giving notes with naught but bible verses on them to a bunch of people who would never write me back. But, someone wrote me back. I was shocked, but glad to find it also was nothing but verses.  No risk here. So, I wrote back in kind. Over the summer, we wrote scriptural notes back and forth with the only additional commentary being on theological issues. When the summer ended, we continued to write. I found encouragement in those notes, and it seemed as though he did too. Brian and I kept writing for awhile, and eventually he asked me questions about me... not just my thoughts on Biblical concepts. I was wary to answer at first, but it wasn't like I was talking face-to-face. I could calculate how much I was willing to trust him with by what I wrote back. I knew I was taking a risk, and it scared me... but he had done naught but prove himself honorable and completely trustworthy. I figured if I had to trust someone... it might as well be him.


There started the change... After learning to trust, I started to consider trusting others. Admittedly, I still calculate who I'm really going to trust. Tis awful... but true. I haven't learned how to trust unconditionally yet.  And, subconsciously, I know why I trust who I do. I trust Brian because he's a man after God's own heart and he continues to prove honorable. I trust Jamison because of his compassion, understanding, and wisdom in difficult times. He is always there when I'm having a bad day and he makes it brighter just by being there. I trust Brett because he's my leader and he's never failed me. I can see how much he cares. I trust Chipper because I can see how much he is willing to sacrifice for others and God. I trust Millie because even when I've been an awful friend, she's always been there for me. I trust Ashlie because there is no friend sweeter.. and I know she'll never leave me in the dust. I trust Lauren, I look up to her, even if we were mortal enemies once, because I've seen her fall so many times, yet she turns to the Lord and He brings her back brighter and stronger than ever. Through learning to trust them, I'm learning to trust others. It's a risk that was worth it in every way possible. And I'm a different person. My mask has fallen, never again to be donned. And..maybe... I will someday believe that the real person underneath is more beautiful than the me I pretended to be.

Maintaining focus

1. What is the mission of the group you lead? How will you focus on this mission?

Technically, Hidden Acres Mission Statement is:

"To glorify God in service to mankind through organizing, conducting, and scheduling Biblical camping and retreat programs that: urge commitment to Christ, nurture Christian character, encourage daily Christian service worldwide, and strengthen family life in a wholesome natural environment.

• Hidden Acres wants to help grow strong families.
• Hidden Acres wants every person to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
• Hidden Acres wants every believer to be built up and strengthen in their faith.
• Hidden Acres wants families to reconnect during their time on the grounds."
  
  
  But... not only will the group I will be leading not relate to all the areas mentioned here, but this is way too long and hard for 4-6 graders to understand, let alone remember (I cannot seem to memorize it myself). So.. simplified: "To know Christ and make Him known." And no.. I didn't come up with that one my own. Not quite that brilliant. 
  
  
  I think that the first way I can focus on this, is to continue to grow in the knowledge of Christ, through daily reading, prayer, and guidance. For how am I to make Him known unless I know Him first.
  
  
  2. What distractions do you face as a leader? How will you focus to block them out?
  
  
  I've never been a SC before, which leaves me with an element of uncertainty. There is little that distracts me more than uncertainty. I have to admit, I have lost sleep, peace of mind, and even weight over matters of uncertainty. 
  
  
  The main way I see to focus on blocking this out is through Christ. It's not like I'm the first SC of all time, there's been many others whom God has brought through it. I will continue to pray, study His word, and seek wise counsel in the hope He will show me His plan.
  
  
  3. What are the blind spots that keep you from reaching your leadership potential? How will you focus to eliminate or minimize them?
  
  
  Simply, lack of knowledge. I'm not one to retain head knowledge, and to gain it in the first place is not a large goal of mine. I have often answered many a question with, "I don't know, let me get back to you on that." I don't know all the answers. I can't tell you what the Hebrew word is for this or that, nor the historical context of.... anything.... It's just not my strong suit. 
  
  
  Same steps as before for minimizing this.
  
  
  4. What do you do best? How will you focus this strength to maximize your effectiveness as a leader?
  
  
  I.. uhm... love people. Yep... that's about it. I'm not a brilliant speaker, I can't retain knowledge for the life of me, there is absolutely no tangible thing that I excel at, and I'm oober clumsy to top it off. But, I will do anything and everything it takes for the bringing of one closer to Christ. My energy level can be never-ending in the time of need, my love never runs out... I don't know why and I didn't ask for it. God just put it there.
  
  
  I'm a SC, which means I'll have lots of kids looking up to me to lead them and love them. Sounds ideal to me. I love people, but most of all kids. They're a real passion for me. So, I think I've got the harnessing my strengths thing mostly figured out. 
  
  
  5. How will you focus on setting the standard for those you lead?
  
  
  Same steps as before: prayer, immersion in Scripture, and the seeking of wise counsel. For how am I to set a standard without having a standard myself? And there is no standard that stands other than that of Christ.

Just being there

So, a while ago, LAUNCH had an assignment to identify someone in need and to help them. To be brutally honest,  I prayed that God would continue to send people in need of love my way... and then totally forgot about it.. until today and Brett reminded me that a report on our success  is due tomorrow.

But, when I thought about it, my prayers were fulfilled. Not in some super-extraordinary way, but in the way I love to love people and God seems to use that and send people my way.

At least twice in the last week, I can remember when God sent a friend or even a stranger my way with needs for love, counsel, and always prayer. One person was having difficulty with being made fun of, particularly by girls at her school. This is I said:
"People treat us like that because they're jealous. I know it sounds cliche, but it's soooo true. They're jealous of the fact that we know who we are,that we are comfortable in our skins, that we have found our identity in Christ and therefore have no need to prove ourselves to others. They're jealous of the fact we are beautiful because God has made us so, not because of correctly applied make-up or expensive clothing. Our beauty will last for eternity, and they can see that. The thing we have to remember is that we are no better than them, but that God has saved us. So instead of battling within ourselves when they laugh and exclude us, we remember that they are lost and need saving. That they are to be pitied, not envied. And most importantly, they are to be loved."

Another time, someone needed help dealing with a difficult situation. A portion of my discussion with her:

"I don't know what to tell you, except this. Yes, it was in God's plan.... because it happened. And Hannah, I don't know why this had to happen to you. But the thing that I have had to learn in my rough circumstances: when I was tormented by demons, taken away from my parents, watched my house destroyed by a tornado, betrayed by my best friend.. etc...etc..etc... is that He doesn't promise that He will stop bad thing from happening, but that He will be by our side all the way. There is something He wants you to learn from this, and He loves you... oh Hannah, how He loves you. When He shows you that.... how your mind will be blown. He there for you, and I'm here for you. I will be praying for you."

Note: I didn't talk to these girls because of the assignment, for I totally forgot about it. I talked to them because God put them in front of me and said, "Help them." 

1 man with the courage to save thousands

Dr. Jim Garrow, who is Scottish by birth but was raised in Michigan and Canada, through his formerly secret organization known as the "Pink Pagoda" has saved over 44,000 baby girls from gendercide in China.

During the reign of Mao Zedong in China, the life conditions of the country improved so dramatically that the population boomed. In order to address overpopulation, the one-child policy was initiated. Basically, a family is allowed to have one child. If it is a boy, they are allowed to have a second. If the first is a girl, they must stop. Second females are offered up to the temple, meaning that the family hands them over to the priest who slaughters them in order to send them on to their next cycle of reincarnation. An average of 8 million baby girls are killed every year.

Dr Garrow first encountered this problem personally when he noticed his personal assistant crying.  The weeping woman explained her sister’s husband was insisting that the couple’s newborn daughter be “set aside,” meaning killed – to make way for a son under China’s one-child policy.  He took immediate action and provided an adoptive family in America for the child. Soon, he was presented with the same situation... and again... and again. 


Eventually, the police found out, and the beginning of the cloak-and-dagger operation came to be. He has risked his volunteers, his job, and even his own life to save these little girls. This to me is the epitome of perseverance. But He doesn't see himself as an extraordinary man, but one of simple conviction. “I’m an ordinary man,” Garrow writes, “who found himself caught up in extraordinary circumstances who then responded with only one word. Yes.”


Sources: An article by my father: Drew Zahn, http://mobile.wnd.com/2012/04/1-man-with-the-courage-to-save-40000/

And an article by his coworker: Joe Covacs, http://www.wnd.com/2012/03/angel-of-god-spotted-with-baby-rescuer/

A Psalm of Lillee

Dear God,

Why? Why do I feel this way? Why is it, that no matter how many times you tell me, that my heart refuses to believe? Why can I teach others, but not learn myself? Why do I have to spend my days in pain, confusion and doubt when I know that all of that can be eradicated in You. Why do I try so hard when I know it is of no avail? Why do I have to care? Why did You have to give me a soft heart when You knew it would hurt this much? Why can't it ever stop?

Sometimes... I wonder if You're really listening to all my babbling... all my pleading.. all my cries for help. Don't get me wrong, I know You're good and great and loving. I know that You're doing what's best for me... but what if what's best for me is for you to remain silent? I feel like Jesus in Gethsamane, Lord. Why do I have to go through this? I know that it is best for me... but why is it best for me? Why couldn't it be best for me for this to be taken away, for my spirit to finally be free from the pain and anguish of a steadfastly broken heart? Why can't I just "suck it up cupcake"? Why can't I at least stifle it if I can't be rid of it?

I see You, riding the white stallion at the front of the battle, charging into enemy lines, leading the armies of Heaven to victory in Your name. And here I am, armed and ready to follow you, riding my own horse through the slough. But, suddenly I'm attacked from behind and the vermin swarm. I fight, and I fight and I fight, but I am losing. They're winning. I call Your name, but You don't turn. I beg for deliverance, but You refrain from coming to my aid. Why? What is it that is so important for me to learn that I have to go through this? Why do I have to be so alone? I know there's a bigger battle to be waged, souls to be won, enemies to slay. But, in all honesty, I can't do this alone. I need someone at my side, protecting me, loving me, sharing the pain.  If You're not going to rescue me... can you send someone who will?... I need someone who will help me defeat them, who will bring me through the fog of war back to where You are, who will dust me off, set me on my horse and give me a reassuring smile before we ride off after You to gain the victory in Your name....

But You know me. I look around and see the others fighting their battles, and deem mine less significant. I will never ask for help.. I'm too afraid of refusal... I'm too afraid of ending up alone. So, God... You're gonna have to do it. I have no strength left and know I will shortly fall. Please God, if it be Your will, send me a rescuer.

My wisdom scenario

So, in LAUNCH today, we were learning about the difference between knowledge and wisdom. My favorite definition is that first proposed by Noah Webster: wisdom:" The right use or exercise of knowledge" and knowledge: " A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement and repugnancy of our ideas."

Our assignment was to write a "wisdom scenario", meaning a story of applying knowledge to a life situation (a.k.a. wisdom)

The most tangible scenario that I can think of my decision on college vs. no college. It is expected of today's teenagers to enter college immediately following graduation from high school. Family, friends, and schools highly pressure one into this decision. So, despite my initial gut hesitation, I started looking at possibilities for college when I was a Junior. Grace, Emmaus and Moody swirled through my mine. I knew that the only tangible thing I wanted for my future was a family, which requires no college education. But, those around me kept pressuring me, telling me not to waste my life. They told me sure, you can be a mom, but you can be so much more. I always wanted to argue that I didn't want to be anything more, because to be anything more would distract me from what I consider most important. But they were older and wiser than me, so I thought to myself.

But, then I pushed all the outward advice aside, and fell to my knees. Through my prayer and Bible study, I came across this verse: :"And more than these, my son, be warned: The making of many books has no end, and much study is the weariness of the flesh."-Ecclesiastes 12:12. I realized that whereas may be the path that many are called to follow, I am not. I'm not exactly sure what it is God has for me, and yes! that makes me nervous. LAUNCH gets over in 6 weeks, camp 6 weeks after that, and Poland a week after that. Coming August, anything sure and certain is gone. I don't know where I'll be living, what I'll be doing, who I'll be with, or how I will continue to pay my bills (minimal though they be). Sure, I'd love to know. But, I'm in God's hands so I'll be okay.  After coming to this conclusion, verse after verse came to me, and I saw this is what He's had for me all along. I've come to the realization that the world sees me as just another slacker who has no dreams or potential for the future. But, I know that is not true. I have dreams! Some little and silly, like blue gingham curtains in my kitchen and a cookie jar always full for all the little kids in the neighborhood. Some more substantial, like a husband that I support in everything that he does and a baby to hold in my arms that is really mine. College gets in the way of all of that. I wouldn't end up using the thousands of dollars of debts and years away from family. Why bring that into my future? On top of that, it's not God's will for me and the last thing I want to do is go against Him.

I have the knowledge that college would not be beneficial to me and I'm applying by not going.