Monday, July 12, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tuesday and Wednesday
Tuesday -- we painted/stained at the Y. I studied in the lodge (homework never ends, ya know?!?) Cool thing -- I knew the kids were in great hands and I knew they would work hard regardless of my presence. In fact, this was a defining moment for me in the 'letting go' process...up to this point in the trip, great things were happening. The leaders were staying up late talking with kids, great conversations were happening, and I did not need to be the one facilitating. In fact, it was better for me to get out of the way and let the other leaders 'lead'! This continued on Tuesday, and gave us a great chance to talk about the fact that ministry does not depend on one figurehead, but rather youth (and dare I say pastoral?) ministry ought to have many faces, each with their own talents and passions, interacting together to do great things for Jesus' sake in the lives of those around us. The afternoon was a trip -- building a brand new trail and chopping thistles out of the hillside. It was SATISFYING to look at a new trail that was cut out of the hill using shovels and pick axes...we were dirty, sweaty, tired, and psyched to see something we had done. Best part was we provided a new walking path that was safe and solid for guests at the Y in future years that allowed them to connect with other parts of the camp. Good, good stuff that served the camp, and even better Jesus -- serving those who serve others on His behalf!
Wednesday -- this was a HARD work day. They had been up to this point, but Wind River took it to a wholly different level. We carried logs (2-3 person jobs on some) down a mountainside. We shovelled manure to fertilize grass seed. We made and demolished piles of slash (limbs and brush from the logs). We pushed hard on Wednesday. We were bloody, beat up, tired, and once again, satisfied. This was our favorite day by far! And it was all done at this horse ranch that is a Christian family camp sitting at 9500' feet under the shadow of Long's Peak. Rob, their maintenance guy, prayed for our time and our group and blew us away. Again, the theme was to serve Jesus by serving others. Huge. This was a day I needed -- something physical, keeping my senses engaged and my eyes on Him. We slept well knowing we accomplished a project for some GREAT folks who love Christ and follow Him daily that they had been needing to get done. Very, very special.
Thursday -- we hiked! The service continued, in a different way. We loved each other, encouraged each other, as we walked 8 miles, seeing high mountain peaks and lakes, laughing, enjoying the beauty of what He has done. We had numerous chances to share our purpose for being in Estes Park with others on the trail (matching shirts may have opened the door...) and I was super proud of our kids who took the time to speak about our projects and the fact that we were there to serve Jesus by serving others. Great day, again...tired, dirty, and happy. The service took on a different tone, but was every bit as meaningful. Hopefully we brought this home -- we can serve Him everyday, even in something as simple as hiking around and having fun. He opens doors, we have to walk through them.
More to come!
Wednesday -- this was a HARD work day. They had been up to this point, but Wind River took it to a wholly different level. We carried logs (2-3 person jobs on some) down a mountainside. We shovelled manure to fertilize grass seed. We made and demolished piles of slash (limbs and brush from the logs). We pushed hard on Wednesday. We were bloody, beat up, tired, and once again, satisfied. This was our favorite day by far! And it was all done at this horse ranch that is a Christian family camp sitting at 9500' feet under the shadow of Long's Peak. Rob, their maintenance guy, prayed for our time and our group and blew us away. Again, the theme was to serve Jesus by serving others. Huge. This was a day I needed -- something physical, keeping my senses engaged and my eyes on Him. We slept well knowing we accomplished a project for some GREAT folks who love Christ and follow Him daily that they had been needing to get done. Very, very special.
Thursday -- we hiked! The service continued, in a different way. We loved each other, encouraged each other, as we walked 8 miles, seeing high mountain peaks and lakes, laughing, enjoying the beauty of what He has done. We had numerous chances to share our purpose for being in Estes Park with others on the trail (matching shirts may have opened the door...) and I was super proud of our kids who took the time to speak about our projects and the fact that we were there to serve Jesus by serving others. Great day, again...tired, dirty, and happy. The service took on a different tone, but was every bit as meaningful. Hopefully we brought this home -- we can serve Him everyday, even in something as simple as hiking around and having fun. He opens doors, we have to walk through them.
More to come!
Monday, July 5, 2010
What we learned, part 1
Thinking today about last week. Here are some of those thoughts...I'll post correspondingly daily from here.
Sunday -- our job was to strip beds of their sheets, gather up old towels, and trash from rooms recently vacated by guests at the Y. First thought -- ewwwhhh. Not glamorous, potentially icky. The kids jumped in; we dominated 75 rooms and worked like rock-stars. Teams of 3, knocking it out. The post I saw from one of our students from last Sunday -- 'See the need, mee the need...' That is a rallying cry for us around the Z; something needs to be done, you do it. Doesn't matter if it is your job or not; it is an old camp thing, too. You do what needs doing for the sake of the gospel and in service to one another. No questions asked. Love it! The kids got that right away.
Monday -- Rocky Ridge Music Center, 9500' elevation...that was tough and a primer for what was to come. We shovelled dirt from the foundations of cabins, painted and stained, and worked with Mike and Charlie, two retired gentlemen who put us to shame with their energy and servant hearts. Not sure where they stand with Jesus; the camp itself is not a Christian organization. We were clear about our affiliation with Team Jesus and all around knew we were serving Him by serving them. We had some great spiritual conversations in their presence, and did not shy away from the hard things of faith in discussion just because we didn't know where they stood. Pretty solid. I was thinking today that we served Jesus by serving Rocky Ridge, even if they don't know/care/honor Jesus Himself. What does that say about service? Is the gospel advanced even among those with no intention of worshipping Him? Should we limit our service to the areas where we are confident there is an opening for the gospel? I think not...
Great stuff! Lots of pics on Facebook; I miss the mountains and the kids...so excited to pull y'all together and talk in the next few weeks to see where stuff is sinking in...
Sunday -- our job was to strip beds of their sheets, gather up old towels, and trash from rooms recently vacated by guests at the Y. First thought -- ewwwhhh. Not glamorous, potentially icky. The kids jumped in; we dominated 75 rooms and worked like rock-stars. Teams of 3, knocking it out. The post I saw from one of our students from last Sunday -- 'See the need, mee the need...' That is a rallying cry for us around the Z; something needs to be done, you do it. Doesn't matter if it is your job or not; it is an old camp thing, too. You do what needs doing for the sake of the gospel and in service to one another. No questions asked. Love it! The kids got that right away.
Monday -- Rocky Ridge Music Center, 9500' elevation...that was tough and a primer for what was to come. We shovelled dirt from the foundations of cabins, painted and stained, and worked with Mike and Charlie, two retired gentlemen who put us to shame with their energy and servant hearts. Not sure where they stand with Jesus; the camp itself is not a Christian organization. We were clear about our affiliation with Team Jesus and all around knew we were serving Him by serving them. We had some great spiritual conversations in their presence, and did not shy away from the hard things of faith in discussion just because we didn't know where they stood. Pretty solid. I was thinking today that we served Jesus by serving Rocky Ridge, even if they don't know/care/honor Jesus Himself. What does that say about service? Is the gospel advanced even among those with no intention of worshipping Him? Should we limit our service to the areas where we are confident there is an opening for the gospel? I think not...
Great stuff! Lots of pics on Facebook; I miss the mountains and the kids...so excited to pull y'all together and talk in the next few weeks to see where stuff is sinking in...
Friday, July 2, 2010
What an adventure
We made it. What a day...12 hours across Wyoming and Nebraska. From cool and clear to cloudy and warm to hot, sunny, and humid. Oh my. It is such a great thing to write from my own couch, after a hot shower and hanging out with my kids. I don't think this trip could have gone better -- the kids were amazing, the weather perfect, the mountains, well...mountains! I believe we made a difference in the Estes community -- we worked hard and served hard, we used the chance to tell everyone we met that asked who we were and why we were there (serving Jesus by serving others) and I also believe that the lives of each person on the trip were touched as well. I posed 2 questions to the kids on Saturday night last week --
1) What kind of person are you -- one who believes in Jesus and follows, one who is not sure about Jesus and what that means, or a person who says they follow Him but in reality are living out something different?
2) Why did you come -- what were you expecting, and finally, what did you find?
Those might be great questions to ask your kid tomorrow (they ALL need to sleep, lots...) My (and the other adults, Pat, David, Karen, and Laura) prayer is that they were drawn closer to Jesus and saw themselves move further towards becoming a fully committed follower of Jesus.
Thanks for your prayers, for your support, and for allowing us to hang with your kids this week. I saw Christ in each of them and was blessed richly by each!
1) What kind of person are you -- one who believes in Jesus and follows, one who is not sure about Jesus and what that means, or a person who says they follow Him but in reality are living out something different?
2) Why did you come -- what were you expecting, and finally, what did you find?
Those might be great questions to ask your kid tomorrow (they ALL need to sleep, lots...) My (and the other adults, Pat, David, Karen, and Laura) prayer is that they were drawn closer to Jesus and saw themselves move further towards becoming a fully committed follower of Jesus.
Thanks for your prayers, for your support, and for allowing us to hang with your kids this week. I saw Christ in each of them and was blessed richly by each!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
What a finale to our time in Estes Park. Today we were on the trail at 7:15 am, headed up towards Lake Hiayaha, a high mountain lake surrounded by a boulder field. 8 miles and 5 hours later, we were down, exhausted, and happy to have seen some of the most beautiful scenery in the Rockies. The kids hiked well, some loved it more than others. The afternoon was spent napping; BBQ for dinner and some time in downtown Estes Park, then back for communion chapel and more deep conversations with Patrick and David. I cannot say enough about our leaders on this trip -- Laura, Karen, Rick, and David have been tremendous. Each has connected with different kids, speaking and modeling the truths of Jesus into their lives. I am so blessed to have been a part of this adventure, and while I'm anxious to get home, I'm also excited to see what Jesus has in store for us on the journey home. We're departing Estes Friday morning at 5 am...so...gotta sleep! Look at the photos, and we'll post some 'best ofs' and what we learned things in the following days. See y'all in DSM!
We are up, it is 5:40 Colorado Time...hiking a string of lakes that loop up the mountain side today with stunning views. Flattop Mtn is not happening, but hopefully we will stand on the summit of Bible Point tonight. A full and comprehensive report coming then...blessings to you all and know your kids are 'the talk of the town' for their efforts this week. The man hours of service we've done cannot be counted, and ministry they have enabled others to do by serving the servants is priceless.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday
GREAT DAY!!! We made a trail, no lie. From grass and hillside, there is now a trail you can walk on. Straight up amazing how hard the kids worked. And we used pick axes and stuff. So...should a random forest fire break out in Des Moines or we need to build trails, we have a crew that can do it! We had a tremendous night of worship as well...great chapel, great honesty, and singing to the Creator as one. Today we head up into the mountains again to work at Wind River Ranch, under the shadow of Long's Peak. Should be a great day...
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Sunday and Monday
Hey all
The past two days have been a whirlwind of activity. Sunday found us at the Y camp assisting housekeeping in their duties; we got to strip bedding and sweep the rooms of trash and used towels. Not a glamorous job, but the kids dove in and we cleaned approximately 70 rooms in 2 hours time. The housekeeping staff raved about how hard they worked and were blessed by our efforts. Mission accomplished. We spent the evening in Rocky Mountain National Park; our exploration led us to the Alluvial Fan (a super cool waterfall) and we climbed the huge rocks on and near the Fan. The clouds moving over the mountains and the sunlight shining through painted the valley gold; hard to describe, but you can see pics on our links. We got out just in time as a hail/rain storm came over the ridge. Funny how quickly things can change up there...
Today we spent at Rocky Ridge Music Center. Our team split in two groups, with some doing painting and scraping, and others moving silt and dirt and sediment away from the foundation of their cabins. The sun was hot, the mountains towered over our site, and we worked HARD. Your kids again dove in and worked their tails off; the camp is already asking to have us back to work next year, and their maintenance team could not praise our crew enough for how hard they worked and for what a tremendous help they were. Gotta say, I'm pretty proud of them too! We hiked in the park tonight a bit after a huge and much needed dinner at Smokin' Dave's BBQ; Cub Lake was our destination. Great after dinner 'stroll', and we are all pretty wiped after a long but fulfilling day.
The kids get it -- we are awed at the sights, and laughing a ton. They are bonding with one another and age/grade/school do not matter at least for this week. They jump in when the service starts and work until it is finished. We had a great chat about serving Jesus as we serve others, and it seems that ministry is happening in conversations, devotions, and in the general comings and goings of our days. The leaders -- Laura, Karen, David, and Patrick -- are ASTOUNDING!!! I am so blessed to watch these 4 in action with the kids...each bringing their own gifts and perspectives, laughing and working and playing right alongside. These are four GREAT individuals who exemplify a faith lived out. Very, very cool...
I would post pics, but I am too tired and my camera cable is outside. So it is goodnight for now...follow the Twitter feed and check out the photos under the tab above.
More tomorrow...
Brent
The past two days have been a whirlwind of activity. Sunday found us at the Y camp assisting housekeeping in their duties; we got to strip bedding and sweep the rooms of trash and used towels. Not a glamorous job, but the kids dove in and we cleaned approximately 70 rooms in 2 hours time. The housekeeping staff raved about how hard they worked and were blessed by our efforts. Mission accomplished. We spent the evening in Rocky Mountain National Park; our exploration led us to the Alluvial Fan (a super cool waterfall) and we climbed the huge rocks on and near the Fan. The clouds moving over the mountains and the sunlight shining through painted the valley gold; hard to describe, but you can see pics on our links. We got out just in time as a hail/rain storm came over the ridge. Funny how quickly things can change up there...
Today we spent at Rocky Ridge Music Center. Our team split in two groups, with some doing painting and scraping, and others moving silt and dirt and sediment away from the foundation of their cabins. The sun was hot, the mountains towered over our site, and we worked HARD. Your kids again dove in and worked their tails off; the camp is already asking to have us back to work next year, and their maintenance team could not praise our crew enough for how hard they worked and for what a tremendous help they were. Gotta say, I'm pretty proud of them too! We hiked in the park tonight a bit after a huge and much needed dinner at Smokin' Dave's BBQ; Cub Lake was our destination. Great after dinner 'stroll', and we are all pretty wiped after a long but fulfilling day.
The kids get it -- we are awed at the sights, and laughing a ton. They are bonding with one another and age/grade/school do not matter at least for this week. They jump in when the service starts and work until it is finished. We had a great chat about serving Jesus as we serve others, and it seems that ministry is happening in conversations, devotions, and in the general comings and goings of our days. The leaders -- Laura, Karen, David, and Patrick -- are ASTOUNDING!!! I am so blessed to watch these 4 in action with the kids...each bringing their own gifts and perspectives, laughing and working and playing right alongside. These are four GREAT individuals who exemplify a faith lived out. Very, very cool...
I would post pics, but I am too tired and my camera cable is outside. So it is goodnight for now...follow the Twitter feed and check out the photos under the tab above.
More tomorrow...
Brent
Sunday, June 27, 2010
We are here...
Great first day! Great attitudes, the team is coming together, we are having a ball. God is moving among us -- already things are clarifying and we are going to be talking at length about what it means to follow Him with your life. Tonight, it was Micah 6:8 and John 15...vine and the branches, and what it means to bear fruit.
There are photos posted under the photo link -- check them out!
More tomorrow...gotta sleep! Working @ the Y camp tomorrow...
Goodnight, all!
Brent
There are photos posted under the photo link -- check them out!
More tomorrow...gotta sleep! Working @ the Y camp tomorrow...
Goodnight, all!
Brent
Friday, June 25, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Forecast for Estes Park!
10 day forecast for Estes Park
Looking good, people.
Trip shirts came today!
Lots of snow up high still...
Rivers are full.
We leave in less than 3 days.
Looking good, people.
Trip shirts came today!
Lots of snow up high still...
Rivers are full.
We leave in less than 3 days.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Seriously.
Micah 6:8. The theme for our trip -- acting justly, loving mercy, walking humbly. Do hard things.
Hope you are ready.
Hope you are ready.
Monday, May 17, 2010
And so it begins...
The plans are being made. Deposits are coming in. Estes Park, look out! Our crew from Zion has doubled since last summer and we are super psyched to head west in a month or so to work hard and play hard in the Rockies. I am so excited to see what Jesus has in store...pray for the following:
1) Plans. For all the workers, projects, weather, etc. We can only do so much on this end...but prayer is huge.
2) Experience. For an experience of Christ that is profound, tranforming, and life-altering.
3) Unity. New faces, new friends; pray for a sense of family on this adventure.
More to come...
1) Plans. For all the workers, projects, weather, etc. We can only do so much on this end...but prayer is huge.
2) Experience. For an experience of Christ that is profound, tranforming, and life-altering.
3) Unity. New faces, new friends; pray for a sense of family on this adventure.
More to come...