Irony of Camp

Cook's Short Order Update

Just A Note
Irony of Summer Camp - the more fun we're having at camp, the less time there is to tell you about it.

I'm sitting in my office at camp, with Michelle, thinking back over the summer days behind us. A couple weeks ago we were having a tough Saturday at home. Our lawn mower had broken several times, consuming much of our Saturdays to repair it. We were frustrated and wondering why, if God cares so much for us, we are scraping to get through the summer. It was the next day that an unexpected gift came through our church, New harmony. That Friday when we arrived home from camp we noticed an old riding mower in the yard. A few phone texts later and we were informed of our new gift to encourage our family. "Thank you," to our newest partner! We appreciate you.

Our summer session is done and the staff have gone home. We miss them but we are excited because of the fervency with which they left here. Not to get away, but to continue to grow in loving Jesus, and serving Him out of that love. That was our thought this summer: "I serve because I love Jesus." What a simple way to live as a Christian. It frees me to serve with a much purer heart.

Please pray for us as we adjust for the Fall phase of our ministry: raising personal partners, recruiting for next year (already???), helping at Camp for retreats and rental groups.


Not Fair
The effects of sin and sinful choices have been glaringly obvious in the weeks that this update has ben silent. Please don't mistake our silence for lack of desire for you to be involved. We have seen a steady stream of children with difficult lives come through this ministry.

Several campers stand out, though. During our first 2 weeks, senior campers are chosen to come back to learn during a week of staff training. Three guys joined us, and two of them returned and serve with excellence! The third was able to serve with us a couple days during he last week. These young men have served and served well. The only thing not fair is that none of us deserve a chance in life. Because of sin we all deserve Hell. But God's grace has given these young men a chance to serve other young men who have no hope. That's sweet!

Please help us help these children by partnering with us. We are currently at 40% persona missionary support (remember, Camp David pays us no salary - all our salary comes from you, our partners, and man, do we ever appreciate you!).

Please... pray
- as we plan support raising trips
- as we plan recruiting visits in churches, colleges, home school conventions
- for strength for our family after an exhausting summer
- that we can figure out our broken dish washer
- for new partners to join us to take us to 100% support - could it be by the first of the year???

Praise the Lord!
- for the superb staff we've enjoyed this summer - really!
- the mower He provided
- some very good Saturdays to relax as family
- a few days to unplug after the summer

Looking Ahead
- September 20-22 - 10 year Camp Anniversary Celebration - open to all
- October 19-21 - October Advance - weekend of challenge for our summer staff