Phone:
760.257.3503

8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday

 

 

 Click for Newberry Springs, California Forecast

 

 Updated June 27, 2008

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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!  

. . . the staff encourages people to know Christ.  Robert Adams, Paintball Camp

. . . it's a great getaway in the middle of the desert . . . but mostly all the people God put here.  Debbie McElroy, Couples' Retreat

. . . the staff is loving, genuine, and fun.  Max Bravo, Men's Recharge

. . . [it is] a blessing to me as I go through life's journey, a place of growth and relaxation.  Jon Hedman, Men's Recharge

. . . it is a quiet, beautiful place to get away.  Jay Crosier, Couples' Retreat

. . . everyone serves and gives of their all to make sure we (guests) are comfortable and satisfied. Everything was wonderful!!  Bruce and Christina Bray, Couples' Retreat

. . . it is a great opportunity to take inventory of our lives and to re-focus our efforts to honor God in all things.  Patrick & Faye O'Keefe, Couples' Retreat

. . . it helps me keep serving the Lord and always helps me grow in the Lord.  Kris Erickson, Couples' Retreat

. . . it provides unchanging standards, preaching quality, and an un-compromising character and doctrinal position.  Bernard Gravel, Couples' Retreat

. . . we had a wonderful weekend!  The schedule is very relaxed, which helps us slow down and focus on our marriages and on God!  Kimberly Deans, Couples' Retreat

. . . it is a great asset to churches and families.  Gerry and Virginia Robinette, Couples' Retreat

. . . it is all-around awesome! Fletcher & Chandra Turcato, Couples' Retreat

. . . of the servant's attitude and wisdom of staff and speakers. Deets, Youth Leaders' Retreat

. . . it is great for all ages. Chuck Riley, Wild West Days

. . . the staff was great, joyful, knowledgeable, and a blessing. Tony Savoca, Father-Son Camp

. . . it is a great place to come with my kids and church. Walson Family, Father-Son Camp

. . . of the care the speaker and staff have for the campers. Jonathan Jones, Men's Retreat

. . . of your love for the Lord. Darlajean Moore, Women's Retreat

. . . I see God at work. Kathy Hert, Women's Retreat

. . . the staff is so friendly and helpful. I can see the light of God through their lives.  Heather Stockton, Women's Retreat

. . . it is one of my favorite places on the planet. I have so many wonderful memories here. Some of my toughest/best spiritual decisions were made here. Jerin Mason, Women's Retreat

. . . it glorifies God and takes focus off self. Lucia Ciuffetelli, Women's Retreat

. . . it is a great place to get refreshed. C'Belle Hansen, Women's Retreat

. . . of the humble, servant's heart of all the staff. Sharon Shull, Women's Retreat

. . . of their love and care for people. Carmen Dawson, Women's Retreat

. . . it gives me the opportunity to get away from the everyday and to really concentrate for a couple of days on things of the Lord. Janet Paine, Women's Retreat

. . .the people are all so wonderful and gracious and make our stay just absolutely terrific. Pamela Shannon, Women's Retreat

. . . it strengthened my love for God and my family. Dale McCree, Couples' Retreat

. . . it is a totally different atmosphere that allows you to ease your mind of city stress and focus on God. Kyoko Chenhalls, Couples' Retreat