2011-06-10

"Then God said, "Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters." Genesis 1:6

"I believe in God, only I spell it Nature." - Frank Lloyd Wright. The problem is too many people would agree with Mr. Wright. How very very sad.

Camp has started. Last week was Summer Staff training. We started with a small fire on Sunday as Camp Crew arrived, a mix up on cabin assignments on Monday, late additions to the camper attendance, a fight midweek. I have been filling the role of Program Director so most of this fell to me to deal with. God was gracious and helped us through.

We had a great time training, teaching, learning to love our staff. They are wonderful people and are making this ministry run smoothly. This week is our first Junior Resident and Teen Wilderness camps. Almost done and getting ready for next week: Junior Wilderness and Teen Resident.

The days are long now and Michelle and I are both working long hours. Nate and Caleb are working hard as Counselor and Camp Crew. Please pray for Kaitie and Seth as we are separated much. It is becoming hard on them.

Good news!!:
So far 5 have accepted Christ as their Savior this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Current Support level: approx 50%.

Thank you for sticking with us,

Bruce, Michelle (brains and beauty of the outfit), Bryan (20), Nate (19), Caleb (15), Kaitie (12), Seth (8)

Outdoor Education Director
Summer Staff Supervisor

Whispering Winds Bible Camp
St. James, MO
573-265-7445

2011-05-24

Cook's Short Order Update

"God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day." Genesis 1:5

"Rivers and rocks and trees have always been talking to us, but we've forgotten how to listen." - Michael Roads

Nate is now gradumatated! Last Saturday Nate gave his first formal speech and sang a song he wrote while playing the guitar. By God's grace he did awesomely on both accounts! Bruce gave the charge to the graduates (forgot his reading glasses so there was a panic moment when he got to the platform).

About a week ago Bruce completed his Open Water Rescue Lifeguard training and is working on his CDL this week. He and Jake (Wilderness Program Director) are working hard to get the Climbing Wall ready and the schedule ready Staff Orientation Week.

Bruce just learned today that he has been appointed to the New Harmony Christian Academy School Board. Pray for wisdom as he serves.

Caleb, Kaitie and Seth are very excited... another school year is done, so this means endless hours outside exploring God's wonderful Creation.

Speaking of summer, Michelle's responsibilities will increase a bunch this summer as we are short-staffed. Bruce will be acting as Program Director most weeks so Michelle will be the Camp Crew Supervisor. Pray for stamina and wisdom. Pray for Kaitie and Seth as this means they will need to share Mom a little more this summer. Please pray that as this summer unfolds God will help Michelle and Bruce be great parents.

Thank you for sticking with us,

Bruce (can poor concrete), Michelle (brains and beauty of the outfit), Bryan (20), Nate (19), Caleb (15), Kaitie (11), Seth (8)

Outdoor Education Director
Summer Staff Supervisor

Whispering Winds Bible Camp
St. James, MO
573-265-7445

2011-05-11

Cook's Short Order Update

"God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day." Genesis 1:5

"Rivers and rocks and trees have always been talking to us, but we've forgotten how to listen." - Michael Roads

We enjoyed a good trip to West Virginia for Bruce's graduation, spend time with Bryan, connect with supporters, short update with our sending church and visit our favorite locations in and around New River Gorge. We didn't have enough cash to make this trip, but God knew our needs (of course!) and provided through some of you. Thank you. This was a special time for our family.

Please pray as we look for:
1-2 additional male Counselors
1-2 additional Camp Crew
Maintenance
Nurses
Lifeguard

If you know of someone who can give a week or even better, the 6 weeks from May 29 through July 17 let us know. How about you?

Thank you for sticking with us,

Bruce
for
Michelle (my best friend), Bryan (20), Nate (19), Caleb (15), Kaitie (11), Seth (8)

Outdoor Education Director
Whispering Winds Bible Camp
St. James, MO
573-265-7445

2011-04-26

Cook's Short Order Update

"God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness." Genesis 1:4

"Why did not somebody teach me the constellations and make me at home in the starry heavens, which are always overhead, and which I don't half know to this day." Thomas Carlyle

Several have asked in the past few months what we do in the "off-season". Now that it's almost over, here is part of what's been going on since last August:

Raising support - contacting churches, individuals
Searching resources for Outdoor Education including conservation department
Catching up on rest and family time from 100+ hr/weeks from the summer
Regular property hikes to identify potential Outdoor Education material
Contacting agencies for training for various requirements for my job (CDL, Lifeguard, CPR/1^stAid, Ropes Course Manager)
Attend various job related conferences
Summer Staff (Counselors, Camp Crew) recruitment trips
Learning as much as possible about Ropes Courses to facilitate my role as Ropes Course Manager
Working on three Masters classes to finish by May 2011
Learning new software to be more efficient and productive
Sorting/Organizing/Editing 50,000+ data base of photos for this ministry
Keeping Facebook content fresh on multiple pages
Photograph ongoing life of ministry and missionaries
Working on Ideas for Outdoor Education website as well as Facebook page
Build projects to use in Outdoor Education
Research places to gain ongoing education/professional development for myself
Keep regular contact with summer staff to monitor their spiritual growth as well as maintain relationships built through summer season
Supervise cleaning of facilities prior to each rental group (we've had 14 since the summer session)
Research needed facilities and costs
Assist with annual budget proposal
Develop material for Outdoor Education Classes
Evaluate previous summer programs to adjust for next season
Develop new brochure for new Outdoor Education program
Develop philosophy and mission for new Outdoor Education program
Help develop new brochures for all existing programs for coming summer
Help design new t-shirts for coming summer
Inspect ropes equipment and purchase replacement gear as necessary
Write devotionals for 7 days/6 weeks for Summer Staff
Plan weekend activities for 8 weeks for Summer Staff
Evaluate Summer Staff for future summer needs
Build/Manage/Maintain trails
Conduct pre-trips for all off campus trips (multi-day adventure trips, day canoe and tubing trips)
Help coordinate A/V for retreats, rentals
Help facilitate program for retreats, rentals

Now the summer is racing toward us. Pray for us as we prepare.

Thank you for sticking with us,

Bruce
for
Michelle (my best friend), Bryan (20), Nate (19), Caleb (15), Kaitie (11), Seth (8)

Outdoor Education Director
Whispering Winds Bible Camp
St. James, MO
573-265-7445

2011-04-06

Cook's Short Order Update

"Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light." Genesis 1:3

"I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in." George Washington Carver.

Happy Birthday, Nate!!! He turned 19 last week. We rejoice in his life. One of our doctors suggested we end his life due to an unusually high number from one test. Life is too precious to base it on opinions.

We are in the middle of several retreats. Men's Retreat, Teen Retreat, Lady's Retreat. Fun stuff after the quiet winter months. One of the teens who attended our Spring Teen Retreat is now a Christian!!!! Praise the Lord and pray for her.

After living here for almost a year we finally played frizbee golf. It's right outside our door and just waiting to be used. I guess we're slow. Fun time as a family!

The plan is for Bruce to graduate from Appalachian Bible College's Master of Arts in Ministry program this May 7, 10 am. We are excited to announce Nate will be graduating from the Cook Home School May 21, 2pm, at First Assembly of God, Rolla, MO.


Thank you for sticking with us,
Bruce
for
Michelle (my best friend), Bryan (20), Nate (19), Caleb (15), Kaitie (11), Seth (8)

Outdoor Education Director
Whispering Winds Bible Camp
St. James, MO
573-265-7445

2011-03-25

Cook's Short Order Update

"The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." Genesis 1:2

"Teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events of their lives." Thomas Berry

We have some exciting announcements to make in the next few weeks regarding the Outdoor Education program at Whispering Winds Bible Camp. Don't miss it!

Do you know of a church that needs a pastor? Dan Best is a pastor in Ohio and looking for a church to serve in the mid-west to eastern part of the country. I will pass on your interest if you let me know.

We are finally home after 1200 miles and several presentations, a wedding, many hugs and laughs connecting with friends and family. God has been so gracious to us. Thank you Chris and Jeanie for the warm soft beds, and World Missionary Press for the same.

Bruce
for
Michelle (my best friend), Bryan (20), Nate (18), Caleb (15), Kaitie (11), Seth (8)

Outdoor Education Director
Whispering Winds Bible Camp
St. James, MO
573-265-7445

2011-03-07

Thank you Chris and Jeanie for opening your home. Thank you so many friends for spending time with us. You are precious people to us.