June 26: Many things go into a week of camp. For the first two weeks in June, we spent every available moment training a team of 79 summer staff members how to work with over 2000 campers—starting at 7:00 a.m. with sessions on how to counsel and finishing our evenings with a time of prayer and devotions around 11:00 p.m. Our Homestead Team of about 20 has been doing a superb job of keeping us not only well fed but even spoiled as we have enjoyed some excellent feasts. Our Maintenance Team has been working around the clock to keep over 100 coolers and over 40 air conditioning units working at 100% efficiency.  

Our program teams have designed programs that are both fun and safe. Slogging in the bog (our own giant puddle) has been the sight of fun games for both Broken I Ranch and Rivertown. The hot walker swing, spotlight events, four-square volleyball, human piñata, lake lily pad, 20-person puppet stage, Nobody hunters, Doc Einwoodstien, family reunion, and counselor collector cards have all been huge hits in the fun department.

But more importantly than eating, sleeping, and playing is what happens each day in the service times. The Word of God is preached as each camp meets together. At the end of each service, campers have time to consider the needs of their own hearts. Camp is much more than an amusing time. It is much more than an adventure. Camp is a time to take a look at your life and make a decision that will help you grow more like Christ. I don't want to stay the same. I want to grow, but it takes time to consider what needs to change in order to grow. Last week we saw 20 young people accept Christ as their Savior. We have record of 119 decisions, but I know that everybody had the chance to eat, sleep, play, meet, and consider. Only God knows the work that was done in a heart. To God be the glory for what He has done!

May 16: Today we have the last group of the spring season here. This is the fourth camp in three days. It is always nice to finish with the excitement of a full schedule and lots of campers. The end of this season marks the beginning of the next one. Summer is just around the corner. We are in high gear to get all the details put together for an exciting summer. In front of me is a list of the things we are working on: spotlight events, four-square volleyball, human pinata, fresh bacon, the giant puddle, Einwoodstein family reunion, whiffle shuffle, BB gun Gatling gun target range, and a new scoring system for the Bible quiz. I assure you this summer will be filled with unique events . . . I can't wait.

A couple of weeks ago we had the Mother-Daughter Retreat. At the end of the retreat, one of our guys was out weed whacking when one of cars going by stopped. A little girl ran over and told him that she had gotten saved that morning and just wanted to tell somebody! What a blessing when God shares with us what is going on in another's heart. This spring has been full of individual testimony of God's work. It is why we state often that, "Service is a privilege!"

A few of you have mentioned things you wish our website would do. We are hoping to roll out a new look for the website sometime around late summer. We have spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out how to make it better, and I've seen some of the progress (that is not yet published)—I think you'll like the tweaks.

Please pray for the ministry as we try to figure out how to deal with all the things you are undoubtedly dealing with. Our food costs have gone up 30% since last year at this time. We have seen less campers here this spring, and we know that the unknowns of our economic situation have something to do with it. It was with great sadness that we had to ask Miss Geneva to move on. She has been with us since her days in Leadership Live. Her coworkers love her, and her smile in the kitchen is quite contagious. She is moving up to Marina and has a couple of job opportunities. We will miss her!

A little bit of family news: Laura and Naion are expecting a second. Jen and Ben should be proud parents of a fourth any day now. The Institute of Ministry Crew has been great this year. Graduation is on Saturday for Miss Amber. It is hard to believe she has been with us for three years. The new laundry room is such a blessing. My Biography of God is published. We have sold out of the first run and are now printing the second run. To God be the glory!