Monday, June 21, 2010

Day One (Monday):

Got up at about 6:30..got cleaned up and headed for "Dawn Patrol", an optional worship time with the band "unplugged" before breakfast. After some eggs, a banana, and plenty of juice, we were off to the morning meeting. First time we got to worship with 330Plan where we really experienced the power and presence of God through their leading and the morning message...After that we had Recreation out on the track...pure craziness and fun competitions...one batch of our kids is in 2nd place after day one...but it's after Thursday that counts! Free time was a bit of a challenge, didn't go to the beach as planned. Not nearly enough shuttle buses running to the beach. There was a transportation goof up on the part of the college (not Hume's fault) and we've been assured the problem will be fixed tomorrow. But as I twittered earlier, still had a blast right here on campus. The evening meeting was simply one of the best I've ever been to as a Youth Pastor. The worship was awesome, the message was clear, and then more worship. At the end of that, they had us break into church groups for about 20 minutes. And here's what made it great...I asked the kids to use just a couple words or sentences to share one piece they got out of the evening meeting, and let me just say...THEY ARE TOTALLY UNDERSTANDING THE THEME AND POINT OF THIS YEAR'S CAMP! Praise GOD! It's all about getting the look OFF of ourselves, and directing our energy and everything we're doing towards GOD...that HE ALONE should be the reason we exist, and want to exist. After that we had some free time before calling it a night, and I had an awesome discussion with 3 of our girls about some of those deep life questions: How old will we be in Heaven? Will we recognize each other? Where will it be? Will we get bored? And many, many more. The conversation was over an hour and a total blessing because young people are wanting to know more about their God! Alright...that's the quick summary today...I'll try to post a video of some sort before dinner tomorrow night. Please be praying for tomorrow night's meeting, lifting up our speaker, BRAD BELL, as he prepares to give the Gospel. Pray that God would use him to lead many young people into an eternal relationship with Christ! I'm confidant and humbled to say that this time tomorrow, eternity will be different because we will have new brothers and sisters in Christ! AMEN!
God Rulz!


























Well, here we go again! Another week in beautiful San Diego, Ca. It's my blessing to be able to have the largest group of high school students going to summer camp that I've ever had in my 25 years of working with students. We have 60 kids and 10 staff people here to love on kids with the love of Jesus this week.

I'm so excited to see what God is going to do this week!

Just some random thoughts...

Greatful to share the experience with our friends from The Church At Arrowhead. Curt has a great group of kids and staff. Got to meet his wife Heidi for the first time finally after knowing him for nearly 5 years.

The ocean breeze is awesome! I made sure to set all of our staff with rooms facing the ocean, and about the students...

The opener was absolutely awesome! Hume has taken their game up yet another notch.

The theme this year is Excusez Mua...and will deal with getting ourselves out of the way.

Be praying for Brad Bell, this weeks main speaker, that God would use him in a mighty way

Missed my son a lot today, being father's day and all...at least I got to hug him before I left early this morning...and yes, definitely missing my wife, partner, and best friend of over 20 years too

Had a "guys only" meeting tonight before going off to lights out...challenged them in all phases of this week to represent Christ, even those guys that aren't Christians (yet!)

Prayers for Kyle who stayed home sick this morning would be appreciated. We're hoping he can make it by Tuesday...he was actually on the bus and had to get picked up by his family...bummer...

I'm being kept awake by a group of guys in the lower building, about 50 yards away...wish the Lead Counselors here would keep them quiet...lights out was hour and a half ago...

well...first full day of camp tomorrow...can't wait!

feel free to leave a comment, always nice to know if anyone is reading :)

TN