The impact of camp is not program or facility but people . . . long after games and adventure are forgotten, campers will remember their counselors.

Lloyd Mattson, The Camp Counselor

A Slice of Fresh Bread

One of the joys of living in the country is burn piles.  Last Saturday was a spectacular early spring day in East Texas.  After three months of dreary, rainy, cold and even snowy days it was good to see the sun again and to watch the thermometer top 70 degrees (21 Celsius).

The large pile of soggy wet leaves leftover from early December needed a burning.  The top level of dry leaves, brush and fallen limbs started quickly but beneath the surface the wet mat of leaves and pine straw fought back against the flames. The fire almost went out - until I cranked up my leaf blower.  The transformation from a smoldering, smoky, mound to a roaring inferno was instantaneous. 

Somewhere in the dark recesses of sixth grade science class I seem to remember something about heat, fuel and oxygen.  Apparently the only thing missing was the oxygen.

Interestingly, the Holy Spirit is represented in scripture with images of wind and fire.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. (Acts 2:2-3)

If your ministry is smoldering but not burning, or smoking but without much flame, maybe you are operating without a key element.  Paul tells us not to quench the Holy Spirit (I Thessalonians 5:19) and to not grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).  The Ephesians passage elaborates on what this looks likes.  The command is followed with a list of relational directives, Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  (Ephesians 4:31-32) 

Apparently, there is a correlation between how well we treat each other and how active the Holy Spirit will chose to be in our lives and ministries.  If you are smoldering today, struggling in your own efforts, take a look at things that may be hindering your effectiveness.  Put things right with those around you and see if the power of the Holy Spirit will ignite your contributions into flames of effectiveness.  

Prayer Requests

• 1. CCI-Jamaica is holding its Annual General Meeting March 20^th. Please pray for an effective meeting, unity and clear direction for the future.
• 2. April 19-21 CCCA (USA) will hold its MOSAIC - Executive Leadership Summit in San Diego, California. Please pray for good attendance, effective training and renewed commitment at this conference.
• 3. Beginning April 18^th and running through mid June, CCI-Russian and CCI-Ukraine will sponsor 14 Staff Training Workshops. These STWs are designed to prepare camp staff members for a summer of ministry throughout the Former Soviet Union. Please pray for the preparation of staff members who will serve Christ not only in Russia and the Ukraine but also in places such as Latvia, Armenia, Georgia and Moldova.
• 4. Camps throughout the northern hemisphere are selecting and training their staff members for this summer's camping season. Please pray for wisdom in the selection process and effectiveness in the training events as Christian camps prepare for the summer of 2010.
• 5. Several associations continue to struggle to find adequate finances to support their ongoing ministries. Please pray for the funds support CCI associations around the world.
• 6. Please pray for the upcoming CCI-Worldwide board meeting in Panama April 20-26.

In the end, achievement can't really answer the big questions - Who am I?  What am I really worth?  How do I face death?  It gives the initial illusion of an answer.  There is an initial rush of happiness that leads us to believe we have arrived, been included, been accepted, and proved ourselves.  However, the satisfaction quickly fades.

Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods

A Slice of Fresh Bread

The Gold Medal went to the Canadians in the Men's Speed Skating Chase because their third skater crossed the finish line two-tenths of a second ahead of the third place American skater.  This unusual race is won not by the person who finishes first but by the best last-place finisher on the three-man teams.  No one wins until the whole team finishes the course.

Christianity is an individual "sport" but it is a team "sport" as well.  Starting our journey of following Christ is a decision we much make for ourselves but the step-by-step issues of following Christ involves family, friends and community.  We must give our attention to both our personal connection to God and our relationship with others. 

Jesus said we needed to love God with all we had and to love our teammates as well.  He said. "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matthew 22:37-39)

Don't be satisfied running (or skating) a personal best; make sure you are helping your team do its best as well.  That means looking for the ‘last place' team members and bearing his or her burden - proving encouragement, support, strength and power all the way to the finish line.

Prayer Requests

• 1. Africa Christian Camping (ACC) is headquartered in Kenya but serves Christian camps and camping leaders throughout eastern Africa. They will hold a two-day training event in Nairobi on March 5-6. Please pray for good attendance, new contacts, and effective training.
• 2. Camps throughout the northern hemisphere are selecting and training their staff members for this summer's camping season. Please pray for wisdom in the selection process and effectiveness in the training events as Christian camps prepare for the summer of 2010.
• 3. Several associations continue to struggle to find adequate finances to support their ongoing ministries. Please pray for the funds support CCI associations around the world.
• 4. Please pray for the upcoming CCI-Worldwide board meeting in Panama April 20-26.

Deep within all of us there is a yearning to be brave.  And like all of our deepest, truest and best yearnings, it comes from how we were made.  Courage - the power to do the right thing even when it is scary and hard - resonates deeply with the original shape of our soul.

Gary Haugen, Just Courage

A Slice of Fresh Bread

I love the Olympics.  It is exciting and inspiring to me to see the best young athletes in the world testing their strength and skills against themselves, the best from other nations, and the heritage that is the Olympics. 

Canada has been a great host and despite a few bumps the games have been a wonderful display of good sportsmanship, strength, speed and grace. 

Of the many captivating stories the one I like the best belongs to Australian Torah Bright the gold-medal winner in the women's snowboard half-pipe.  After months of deliberation her parents explained that they would not be able to attend the Olympic Games but would cheer her on from their home in Australia.   Disappointed, Torah went to Vancouver unaware that her parents had secretly driven six hours to the airport in Sydney and flown 20 more hours to Canada.  They witnessed the victory and surprised Torah in the celebration just after she claimed her gold medal. 

Torah's story reminded me of a moment in Christ's life as well.  I don't begin to understand the interaction within the Triune Godhead but at one of the big moments in the Life of Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Father "surprised" Him.  Matthew records this amazing event,  As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17)

The words of the Father are very insightful and instructive.  First, he identifies with Jesus when he says, This is my Son.  Second, he expresses his love for his Son, Whom I love. Third, the Father confirms his approval of Jesus' character and behavior saying, With him I am well pleased.

Christian camping demands massive amounts of staff time and attention.  Make sure your ministry at camp does not infringe on your ability to ‘show up' at the big events in the lives of your own children.  Find the balance between family and ministry.  Our children and our campers both need identification, love and approval.

Prayer Requests

• 1. The Board of Directors of CCI-Romania has announced the hiring of Tudor Maracine as the new Executive Director. Please pray for him as he begins this exciting and challenging new role.
• 2. CCI-Philippines will hold its National Forum February 24-27. The theme of their conference is, ‘Igniting our Passion for God'. Please pray for good attendance, effective training and that the theme for the conference would become a reality for those who attend.
• 3. Africa Christian Camping (ACC) is headquartered in Kenya but serves Christian camps and camping leaders throughout eastern Africa. They will hold a two-day training event in Nairobi on March 5-6. Please pray for good attendance, new contacts, and effective training.
• 4. Australia's association - the Christian Venue Association holds its Board Meeting on February 25. Please pray for wisdom and direction in this meeting.
• 5. Camps throughout the northern hemisphere are selecting and training their staff members for this summer's camping season. Please pray for wisdom in the selection process and effectiveness in the training events as Christian camps prepare for the summer of 2010.
• 6. Please pray for the upcoming CCI-Worldwide board meeting in Panama in April.

One of the signs that an object is functioning as an idol is that fear becomes one of the chief characteristics of life.

Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods

A Slice of Fresh Bread
My wife is a brave woman.

Our cat usually sleeps in the garage and each morning he races into the house as soon as the door is opened.  Saturday night he slipped out of the garage when Cay went to town to get one last thing she needed for Sunday School the next morning.  Unbeknownst to us the cat stayed outside all night.

Sunday mornings are always a little exciting as Cay prepares for the 50 pre-schoolers and the 20+ volunteers who help her.  Last Sunday was especially crazy since I was drafted to preach at the last minute when our pastor underwent emergency gall bladder surgery on Friday afternoon.  I usually tell the Bible story to the 2-3-4 year olds but now that privilege fell to Cay.  Life was OK but we were up early and scrambling.

When I opened the door to let the cat in, he wasn't there.  Glancing out a window I saw the cat pacing outside in the cold.  I opened the backdoor and in he raced; only after he was inside did I notice the new toy in his mouth - a live mouse.  No leaf blower this time (See last week's Fresh Bread, February 10, 2010) this was a job for a fish net.  The mouse raced across the carpet with the cat and me in hot pursuit, underneath the television, behind the filing cabinet and eventually he cowered in the corner behind a large wooden desk. 

Courageous Cay arrived with the fish net.  Barefoot and brave she helped me move the desk away from the wall allowing me to scoop the little fellow into the net.  Much to the chagrin of the cat, I relocated the mouse back into the wild where he belonged.  Maybe he and the opossum will become friends.

Courage is a not the lack of fear - quite the opposite - it is the ability to act with wisdom and strength despite our fears.  Unaddressed fear can paralyze.  It can create disastrous inaction.  It can rob us of the power to do what God intends for us.  The third servant in the Parable of the Talent gave his master this account of his behavior (or lack thereof), "I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground." (Mathew 25:25)

Unaddressed, fear isolates, hides and paralyzes.  But when we see life through the lens of God's power, wisdom and love we can move forward and face the challenges of life with courage.  Not void of fear but in the face of fear. 

Prayer Requests

• 1. Please pray for safety, ease of repair for the camps in Queensland, Australia hit by the recent heavy rains. Also thank God for the much needed rain and pray for additional areas of that country that continue to experience drought.
• 2. CCI-Philippines will hold its National Forum February 24-27. The theme of their conference is, ‘Igniting our Passion for God'. Please pray for good attendance, effective training and that the theme for the conference would become a reality for those who attend.
• 3. Africa Christian Camping (ACC) is headquartered in Kenya but serves Christian camps and camping leaders throughout eastern Africa. They will hold a two-day training event in Nairobi on March 5-6. Please pray for good attendance, new contacts, and effective training.
• 4. Australia's association - the Christian Venue Association holds it Board Meeting on February 25^th. Please pray for wisdom and direction in this meeting.
• 5. Please pray for CCI-Ukraine. The recent election may create challenges for organizations that minister to children and young people in that country. Please pray for protection and continued opportunity to share the love of God and the truth of His Word freely in the Ukraine.
• 6. Please pray for the upcoming CCI-Worldwide board meeting in Panama in April.
• 7. Golden Sands Christian Camp in Fiji lost two girls dormitories, a bath house and a storage building to an arson caused fire.  Please pray for the leadership of Golden Sands Camp and that their ministry would be able to move forward despite this disruption.

We look to sex and romance to give us the transcendence and sense of meaning we used to get from faith in God.

Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods

A Slice of Fresh Bread

My wife opened the door to our garage and discovered an opossum helping himself to dinner at our cat's meal dish.  I was called to catch the critter but before I could get there he disappeared behind an array of tools, boxes and Christmas decorations.  For about three days we shared the garage with our new friend but on the weekend I set about to dislodge our new neighbor. 

I opened the outside doors to the garage and pulled boxes and tools away from the wall.  Then I started the leaf blower.  The noise alone should have dislodged the beast but I saw no sign of the critter.  Eventually he scampered out from behind a rack of tools and cowered in the corner.  Pointing the full force of the blower at him he finally surrendered and ran for his life down the driveway, through the woods and across the street. 

Life in the garage was dry, warm and comfortable, and the food was good.  Even though the opossum was not designed to live in the garage he had moved in and become comfortable.   The longer he stayed the more unlike an opossum he became and the more he wanted to stay.  The opossum had no motivation to leave and live life the way he was designed - until he faced the leaf blower.

Powerful emotions such as fear, sorrow or pain may be the tools God uses to get our attention and move us out of an area of comfort and in the direction he wants us to go.  Paul understood God's use of the painful Damascus Road experience to redirect his life; and he applied the same strategy to the Corinthians.  He wrote, Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it--I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while--yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance.  (2 Corinthians 7:8-9a)

Don't wait for the leaf blower or pain to redirect your life.  Take stock of your behaviors, thoughts and attitudes and be quick to move out of areas that provide comfort but do not help you become the person you were designed to be.  

Prayer Requests

• 1. Several Christian camps have been damaged or isolated by the recent flooding in the southeastern area of Queensland, Australia. Please pray for safety, ease of repair and a quick return to normal ministry in the area.
• 2. CCI-Philippines has rescheduled its National Forum for February 24-27. The theme of this conference is, ‘Igniting our Passion for God'. Please pray for good attendance, effective training and that the theme for the conference would become a reality for those who attend.
• 3. Africa Christian Camping (ACC) is headquartered in Kenya but serves Christian camps and camping leaders throughout eastern Africa. They will hold a day long steering committee meeting on February 17 and a two-day training event in Nairobi on March 5-6. Please pray for wisdom for the steering committee and for good attendance, new contacts, and effective training on March 5-6.
• 4. Eleven people from CCI-Korea are visiting camps in Hong-Kong February 9-13.Please pray for safety, networking and new insights during this trip.
• 5. Please pray for CCI-Ukraine. The recent election may create challenges for organizations that minister to children and young people in that country. Please pray for protection and continued opportunity to share the love of God and the truth of His Word freely in the Ukraine.
• 6. Please pray for the upcoming CCI-Worldwide board meeting in Panama in April.

The best minute I spend is the one I invest in people.

Ken Blanchard, The One Minute Manager

A Slice of Fresh Bread

Living 2,000 miles from where I went to school, I had never attended a high school or college reunion until this past weekend when I participated in my 35^th year college reunion.   Reconnecting with people whom I hadn't seen in decades, remembering events long forgotten and hearing 35 years of joy and pain compressed into four minute conversations brought both delight and introspection.

We all looked old - at least the men.  It was fascinating to fast-forward 35 years sharing only the most significant details of our lives from the early 20s through mid 50s. Some people had made deliberate, wise and godly choices, others bore the marks of foolish and painful decisions - sometimes their own and sometimes others.     Still others lived with the pain of illness and misfortune from life in a world marred by sin.

Some had enjoyed blessed lives with happy families and financial success.  Many more had blessed others with lives of sacrifice and service.   The happiest seem to be those who had invested their lives serving God, loving their families and helping others.  

Jesus gave the greatest commandments not to limit our lifestyle but to set a course for happy and productive lives.  He said, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30-31)

I couldn't help but think of Paul's directive to his friends at Ephesus, Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise. (Ephesians 5:15) Big consequences are the result of many smaller decisions.  We make choices and our choices make us.  There is too much at stake to foolishly fritter away the great gift of life that God has entrusted to us.  And too much to enjoy by following the simple pathway he has prepared for us.

Prayer Requests

• 1. Camps in Azerbaijan are facing the possibility of repressive legislation directed at limiting their work and effectiveness. Please pray that these laws will not be enacted and that the camping ministry in Azerbaijan will grow despite these obstacles.
• 2. Christian camping leaders in Uzbekistan continues to face significant legal challenges to their work. Please pray for their protection and for the courage to continue to share the gospel and to serve God through Christian camping
• 3. CCI-Russia holds its national conference this week. Please pray for a beneficial time of training, networking and inspiration.
• 4. Please pray for those who have attended recent CCI training events that the time and resources invested would benefit campers and guests around the world.
• 5. Please pray for the upcoming CCI-Worldwide board meeting in Panama in April.

Dan wasn't the slowest man alive, but he was going to give the guy who was a run for his money.

Tim Kimmel, Raising Kids for True Greatness

A Slice of Fresh Bread

I lost my cell phone a few weeks ago while on an out of town trip.  For about a week I couldn't make calls or receive calls and the freedom felt kind of nice.  Eventually all hope of retrieving it faded and I caved in a bought a new one.   Connected once again - that felt good too!

Something in us longs for isolation.  We want independence, freedom and autonomy.  But we were designed for relationships.  The first negative pronouncement in the Bible is, "It is not good for man to be alone."  We can only be fulfilled as we engage in healthy, responsible, loving relationships.

The writer of Hebrews understands the importance f staying connected.  Hebrews 10:25 says, Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  

I don't think the writer had cell phones in mind but the same principle applies.  Isolation and autonomy may feel good in the short run but we need to stay connected to benefit from the relationships God wants us to enjoy.

At time the Christian camping ministry can separate us from church, friends and even family.  Don't allow the busyness of life or the temporary pleasure of independence rob you of the joy and fulfillment of a life of rich relationship.

Prayer Requests

• 1. Ross Strader, Mark Brookshire and I are in the UK at the CCI-UK Directors and Managers conference. We leave tomorrow for Kiev to attend the CCI-Ukraine National Training Conference. Please pray for a safe trip and effective ministry.
• 2. CCI-Spain is holding is National Conference this week as well. Pray for Alexander Kharitonov the President of CCI- Russia who is speaking to this group of Christian camping leaders.
• 3. CCI-Russia and CCI-Philippines have CCI training events in the next few weeks. Please pray for good attendance, effective training and community building during these events.
• 4. Many camps in the northern hemisphere are beginning to select staff members for this summer. Please pray for wisdom and insight in the selection process.
• 5. Plans are being made for the annual CCI-Worldwide Board meeting in Panama this April. Please pray for wisdom and preparation for this strategic meeting.

Life without an eternal perspective trades living for longing, exchanges happiness for hurriedness, and gives up rest for restlessness.  When this life is all that we've got going for us, we're forced to grab all the gusto we can.  As fast as we can.

Tim Kimmel, Little House on the Freeway

A Slice of Fresh Bread

While traveling I like to send post cards to family and friends back home.  There is not much room on the back of the card so I try to capture a few reflections and express my feelings for the recipient.  The limits force me to the main issue and help me focus on what is important.

In the last chapter of Paul's last book he get to the point,  Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2)  He continues to give Timothy the information that is critical for ministry when he says, But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5)

Deadlines help us focus. And as time became scarce, Paul's priorities for Timothy came to the surface. Focus on God's Word.  Apply its truth to the specific needs of those you meet.  Stay calm. Keep on ministering no matter the obstacles. 

Good advice for Timothy and good advice for all of us who serve God in Christian camping.  Are we following Paul's direction?  Keep God's Word central to your ministry and look for ways to apply its truth to the unique needs of your campers and guests.  Keep your cool when problems arise.  Obstacles are part of life, endure them and keep going.

And send a post card of truth on to a friend or co-worker who needs some pointed encouragement and direction as well.

Prayer Requests

• 1. Camps in Azerbaijan are facing the possibility of repressive legislation directed at limiting their work and effectiveness. Please pray that these laws will not be enacted and that the camping ministry in Azerbaijan will grow despite these obstacles.
• 2. Christian camping leaders in Uzbekistan continues to face significant legal challenges to their work. Please pray for their protection and for the courage to continue to share the gospel and to serve God through Christian camping.
• 3. 340 Christian camping leaders from Ukraine and several other surrounding countries met last week near Kiev. Please pray that the information shared and the relationships established would produce effective ministry for years to come.
• 4. Many camps in the northern hemisphere are beginning to select staff members for this summer. Please pray for wisdom and insight in the selection process.
• 5. CCI-Russia and CCI-Philippines have training conferences in the next few weeks. Please pray for good attendance, effective training and community building during these events.
• 6. Plans are being made for the annual CCI-Worldwide Board meeting in Panama this April. Please pray for wisdom and preparation for this strategic meeting.

. . . Reasonable human beings do not need to get their way in order to support a decision, but only need to know that their opinions have been heard and considered.  Great teams ensure that everyone's ideas are genuinely considered, which then creates willingness to rally around whatever decision is ultimately made by the group.

Patrick Lencioni, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

A Slice of Fresh Bread

I recently visited a camp that maintained a wonderful menagerie of snakes, fish, birds and even a two-toed sloth.  Within the confines of his critter room this unique creature hangs upside down from ropes and moves across the room with glacial speed.  

To ensure that guests are not considered a threat, the staff feed him while campers pet his unique hairdo.  Keeping him well fed and comfortable makes the sloth less likely to feel threatened or defensive.

When I get my way I tend to cooperate as well.  When I have my needs met I can be a pretty nice person.  The challenge is when things don't go my way and when others are not meeting my needs.  Do I become grumpy, defensive, aggressive or dangerous, or do I rise above the self-centered, me-first tendency of my life? 

Paul enjoyed good days and faced miserable conditions as well and he learned to live above the circumstances.  He said, I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13)

Our contentment must not rest on our circumstances because eventually things will not go our way. Ultimately, we must ride above the highs and lows of this life and relax in the strength God provides.

Prayer Requests

• 1. Many camps in the northern hemisphere are beginning to select staff members for this summer. Please pray for wisdom and insight in the selection process.
• 2. Please pray for these upcoming training events. Pray for good attendance, effective training, valuable networking and spiritual commitment.
• a. CCI-Spain holds its national conference January 14-17.
• b. CCI-UK holds its Managers and Directors' conference January 18-20.
• c. CCI-Philippines holds its Members Forum January 20-23.
• d. CCI-Ukraine holds its national conference January 21-24.
• e. CCI-Russia holds its national conference February 1-4.
• 3. Christian camping is gaining a foothold in Egypt. Please pray for effective ministry in this emerging area of ministry.
• 4. Plans are being made for the annual CCI-Worldwide Board meeting in Panama this April. Please pray for wisdom and preparation for this strategic meeting.

. . . One question hovers above all others in importance for a person's functioning in life.  It is the question "Are you God, or not?"  The way that a person answers that one determines everything else. . .

Dr. Henry Cloud, Integrity

A Slice of Fresh Bread

2009 was a tough year for many of my friends.  Some lost love ones, others lost their jobs, some faced legal challenges and others were diagnosed with dreaded diseases. 

When trials come our way we often default to the same two questions that Habakkuk summoned when he faced tough times.  Habakkuk 1:2 begins, How long. . . ? The next verse begins, Why. . . ?  "How long?" and "Why?" are our two immediate responses to pain.  We want our trials to end as soon as possible and we want an explanation for our troubles.  But sometimes they linger and sometimes we never know why.

Ultimately, like Habakkuk, we need to come to peace with our circumstances and allow God to be God.  Habakkuk's final comments express his recognition of God's sovereignty and the strength and stability that God alone provides.  The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:19)

Whatever 2010 holds, don't fall into the traps of "How long?" or "Why?".  This year, when hard times come your way, trust the Sovereignty of God and depend on his strength and stability.

Prayer Request

• 1. Many camps in the northern hemisphere are beginning to select staff members for this summer. Please pray for wisdom and insight in the selection process.
• 2. UK, Spain, Ukraine and Russia have CCI training events in the next few weeks. Please pray for good attendance, effective training and community building during these events.
• 3. Plans are being made for the annual CCI-Worldwide Board meeting in Panama this April. Please pray for wisdom and preparation for this strategic meeting.

The battle for justice in the world is not fought where we think it is. . . In the end the battle against oppression stands or falls on the battlefield of hope.

Gary Haugen, Good News about Injustice

A Slice of Fresh Bread

I'm always amazed that people get so excited about New Year's Eve events.  I guess any excuse to have a party is a good excuse but I think there are deeper forces at work, more powerful influences that are moved by the end of one year and the start of another.

We all carry baggage.  We all have pain and problems that don't seem to go away.  The best lives in a fallen world are punctuated by sickness, conflict, scarcity and loss.  We all want freedom from the pain of the past.  Maybe we should call it an Old Year's celebration.

We all look forward with hope that tomorrow will be better than yesterday.  Hope, like faith, is only as good as its object.  Putting our hope in resolutions, the change of a calendar, the same human will-power that created our current problems may not be the answer.   Only when the object of our hope is God himself will our perspective change. 

Paul explains that hope when he says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit". (Romans 15:13)  Hope that finds it source in God is associated with joy, peace and power.  If 2009 has been short on joy, peace or power don't stay up late expecting a midnight transformation.  Put your hope in God and relax in the joy, peace and power he alone can provide.

Happy New Year.

Prayer Requests

• 1. About 20,000 college age students are in St. Louis, Missouri attending the Urbana Missions Conference sponsored by Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. Please pray that God would move in the hearts of many of these students to prepare them for lifetimes of ministry.
• 2. CCI-UK hosts its Centre Managers and Outdoor Centre Directors Conference on January 18-20. Please pray that this will be well attended and that it will be an effective time of training for the leaders of camping ministries throughout the United Kingdom.
• 3. CCI-Ukraine holds its Christian Camp Leadership Conference on January 21-24 near Kiev. Please pray for safe travel, good attendance, effective training and renewed inspiration.
• 4. Alexander Kharitonov, president of CCI-Russia will travel to Spain to speak at that country's VIII Annual Conference on January 15-18. Please pray for Alexander's travel and effective training.
• 5. CCI-Russia's Christian Camping Leaders Conference is scheduled for January 31 - February 4. Please pray for the success of this important training event.
• 6. The final days of 2009 will be important for the financial support of many camping ministries. Please pray for generous support for the work of Christian camping around the world.

But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law. 

Paul, Galatians 4:4

A Slice of Fresh Bread

The Christmas story often includes images of the Shepherds who were the first to hear the angelic announcement of the birth of Christ.  Sometimes the story focuses on Wise Men from the East who came bearing gifts seeking the newborn King.  Shepherds were the poorest, least educated and most socially isolated of all of Israel's citizens.  Wise Men were wealthy, highly educated, and socially well-connected. 

Christ's entrance into humanity was to connect with rich and poor, ignorant and educated, outcasts and influential.  He did not come to one class, one clan, one personality type, one denomination, or one occupation.  He came to the world.  From shepherds to wise men from street people to stock brokers Jesus came to all of us.

Christmas provides an opportunity to step back and reflect on events of 2000 years ago as well as events in our lives today.  Jesus' message of love and hope came to all people of all circumstances and of all times.  Yet I tend to associate with those who are like me, to stay in my comfort zone and to avoid the risks of reaching out to people different from me. 

John records the familiar words, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)  Shepherds and Wise Men need the message and love of Jesus but they may only see it in us.  Don't be afraid of reaching out to those who you consider above you or below you, they are all part of the ‘whoever'.

Merry Christmas.

Prayer Requests

• 1. The winter cold in Europe has disrupted transportation and killed many people. Please pray for a quick recovery and return to normal winter conditions.
• 2. Early next year national training events will take place in Spain, UK, Ukraine and Russia. Please pray for the planning and preparation for these meetings.
• 3. The Uzbek Christian camping leaders who were arrested, tried, fined and restricted from further ministry involvement had their convictions upheld but their fines reduced. Please pray for wisdom and direction for these men and for all who are subject to restrictive governmental regulations.
• 4. Many camps and many CCI associations depend upon year-end giving to maintain their financial support. Please pray for generous support for camping ministries around the world.

Fresh Bread, December 16, 2009

Effective teaching . . . involves explaining to our children what they're already observing in our lives by example.  We should never divorce biblical instruction from personal example.

C. J. Mahaney, Humility: True Greatness

A Slice of Fresh Bread

My normally tranquil morning jog was aggravated by an annoying pebble that found its way into the bottom of my right shoe.  It was a small stone that I could tolerate but it was a bother.  Eventually, I manipulated it to a safe spot in an opening next to my big toe.  Just as I became comfortable and regained my stride - it moved.  The distraction, pain, annoyance and possible injury returned. 

The only real solution was to stop, remove the stone and then resume my run. 

Life puts stones in our shoes.  A stone of selfish ambition, pride, greed, lust, anger or envy can turn up in the sole of our souls.  At first it is a distraction but then we find a way to become comfortable with the pebble knowing full-well it doesn't belong.  Eventually we need to deal with the issue and remove the stone that is distracting our attention and if unchecked do serious damage. 

The Apostle John understood the pebbles of pride and fear and anger.  He wrote, My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (I John 2:1-2)

If you have a pebble in your shoe, stop and remove it.  Maybe it is a new problem or maybe you have lived with it a long time.  Don't allow it to distract your attention or damage your future.  Jesus came to take the stones away so that we can walk with him step by step free from distraction and danger.

Prayer Requests

• 1. Please continue to pray for the two leaders of Camp Joy in Uzbekistan who were convicted of, "involving children in religious activity". The heavy fines and restrictions that were imposed are being appealed. Please pray for God's intervention on behalf of these brothers.
• 2. Early next year national training events will take place in Spain, UK, Ukraine and Russia. Please pray for the planning and preparation for these meetings.
• 3. Several CCI-associations are struggling with financial challenges at this time. Please pray that the necessary funding will be provided to continue training and networking around the world.

Western spirituality since Augustine has been mainly developed by Introverts.  Introverts will be much more at ease with meditation and contemplation than Extroverts.

Roy M. Oswald and Otto Kroeger, Personality Types and Religious Leadership

A Slice of Fresh Bread

The year's first Canadian cold front arrived in Texas sending me to the sweater drawer.  My favorite tan sweater felt good and kept me warm all day long.  Not until that evening did I realized that a moth had chewed a hole in it.

After my initial frustration over the damaged sweater, Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount echoed through my thoughts, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)

Sweaters get holes, tools and toys rust and occasionally bad guys take our possessions.  Things of this world wither, wear out or walk away but eternity plays by different rules.  And eternity doesn't start when we die; it runs parallel to the time and space that restrict this life and absorb our attention.   

One of the joys of working in Christian camping is that we deal with the things of eternity:  God, people, relationships and God's Word.  But too often we become absorbed with leaky cabins, new dining rooms, swimming pool repairs or broken copy machines.  Much of our attention is consumed with marketing plans, budgets, schedules and reports.  These are all good and necessary but they are only the tools we use to accomplish the grand purpose of ministry. 

Deal with the needs of today.  Don't shirk your responsibilities.  But keep one eye on the eternal impact of your ministry.  Be sure you focus on the real treasure - where moth and rust do not destroy. 

Prayer Requests

• 1. Recently two leaders of Christian Camp Joy in Uzbekistan were convicted of, "involving children in religious activity". Heavy fines and restrictions were imposed. The case is being reviewed this week. Please pray for God's intervention on behalf of these brothers who have been trained in Christian camping leadership at CCI-Russia events.
• 2. CCI-Jamaica holds its next board meeting on Thursday, December 10^th. They are facing significant decisions related to staff and budgets. Please pray for God's leading as they deliberate on the issues facing CCI-Jamaica.
• 3. Australia is moving into its dangerous fire season. Please pray for God's protection of the many Christian camping centers that may be at risk in the coming months.
• 4. Early next year national training events will take place in Russia, Spain, UK and the Ukraine. Please pray for the planning and preparation for these meetings.
• 5. Several CCI-associations are struggling with financial challenges at this time. Please pray that the necessary funding will be provided to continue training and networking around the world.

In the month of December, he strikes both the sacred and secular spheres of life with sledgehammer force.  Suddenly, Jesus is everywhere, his presence inescapable.  We may accept him or reject him, affirm him or deny him, but we cannot ignore him.

                                Brennan Manning, Above All 

A Slice of Fresh Bread
We were out-of-town guests at a wedding in a small town in south-central Texas.  After the, "You may kiss the bride", and the last grandmother was escorted out of the small country church, we piled into cars to drive a mile or so to the community hall for a dinner reception in honor of the new couple.

We followed a line of six cars that rolled north past the church through the county side and turned right at the first intersection.  About half a mile down the road the lead car did a U-turn and then we realized that they too had no idea where the reception would be held.   We were all heading in the wrong direction and didn't know it.  Eventually we found the hall and enjoyed a wonderful celebration but I was bothered by how easily I had been lead in the wrong direction.

Jeremiah records the painful truth, "My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place." (Jeremiah 50:6)

It is easy to lose our way by following the wrong person in the wrong direction.  Twenty-one times in the Gospels Jesus tells people to, "Follow me".  The best way to avoid being led astray is to keep our eyes on Jesus and to stay close to him. 

Following Jesus is important for ourselves but it is especially important as the leaders of Christian camps because so many young people look to us for direction and guidance.

 

Prayer Requests

• 1. This week CCCA (USA) is holding its national conference in Colorado Springs. Please pray for spiritual renewal, effective training, increased networking and refreshment for all who attend.
• 2. CCI-Brazil is holding its Board meeting this week. Pray for wisdom and guidance as they lead their association.
• 3. CCI-UK reports that God has provided a grant through a UK Trust to underwrite a newly appointed staff member and help them finish the financial year within budget. Praise God for his provision for CCI-UK.
• 4. December 7 is the date of CCI-Korea's annual national meeting. Please pray for good attendance and a wonderful time of encouragement and planning.
• 5. Early next year national training events will take place in Russia, Spain, UK and the Ukraine. Please pray for the planning and preparation for these meetings.
• 6. Several CCI-associations are struggling with financial challenges at this time. Please pray that the necessary funding will be provided to continue training and networking around the world.