Our Crew pre-dinner ritual is definitely in my top three reasons I love this summer's staff and kids. Imagine, if you will, our dining hall full of high school students tired from a long day's work, murmuring quietly together. Then someone shouts out across the crowd a long "Ohhhhhhhhhh..." Slowly, others join in. Then, the plunge: "We're half-way there," and louder, as more catch on, "Oh, OH! Living on a prayer..." Then 60 pairs of elbows slam loudly on the table, the echo reverberating and the silverware and platters rattling in response as 120 hands clasp and the voices grow louder: "Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear. Oh, OH! Living on a prayer!" And instantly heads bow, silence falls, and quiet voices begin to praise the Lord for the day and the food. Who knew Bon Jovi would inspire times of such joyful and sweet prayer?
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| Sunday Morning Breakfast! |
Another "top five" has been our Sunday morning breakfast. Every Sunday morning (with a few exceptions for weddings and family), we have had the great privilege to minister to our counselors by inviting them over to our unit in Staff Housing to cook breakfast for them. They're thankful to get camp approved "counselor clump" time and "real food" in a real house, and we're thankful for them! Sunday mornings are always a bit intense cooking for 19 people, including three vegetarians and three gluten frees, but the laughter and creation of inside jokes are worth it! As we finish our last two weeks, please be praying for our counselors and for us, that we would finish well, making the most of every opportunity!
A final "top five" is what our campers are saying about Crew. A first session camper had to explain Crew on an application, and shared his thoughts with us:
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| "Wolf Wednesday" T-Shirts and Pancakes |
"This summer I was fortunate enough to be chosen to serve at a Christian camp in Colorado Springs called Eagle Lake. I spent over a month there with no pay, away from my comfort zone, and isolated from all everyday distractions, including technology. I found the experience to be very humbling and rewarding as I truly learned to serve Christ. Through this program at Eagle Lake, I was able to positively impact kids from all around the country, reached spiritual goals with others and myself, and grew even closer to God.
"The work that I did there was very challenging, but at the same time even more rewarding. I realized I had a positive impact on people by the way I served them. I learned that an optimistic attitude can make all the difference. Something as simple as a smile and a little enthusiasm can go a log way, and it's quite the difference, and it's quite possible that humility and kindness can change someone's bad day to a good day, and maybe even change the way they look at life, and to me that makes everything worth it.
"Before I went to Eagle Lake I did believe in God, but for the most part I only piggy backed off my parents' faith and followed them. Now for the first time, I can say that I really have a faith of my own, and what had been a goal of mine is now becoming a reality."
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| Hanley speaking at our third baptism! |
Thank you for your financial prayers and support! We could not be effective in this ministry if it weren't for you!
If you are interested in supporting us as we continue to minister to these high school students, please visit our website at:
http://www.navigators.org/us/staff/kincaid
Again, we are thankful for you!
We are so very thankful for you!
