Always Christmas when Todd is around

It doesn't get any better than Todd Rapp. I am grateful for his friendship, leadership, example, and most of all, his passion to be God's man. Todd's wonderful smile just melts kids hearts and begs them to come and be his best friend. As Christmas time rolls around, it's always a tradition to stop and recall our blessings and what we are thankful for at the Wiebe house. Today, I am deeply thankful to have Rapper providing leadership for the Kwest family. He is a ten talent man who pours out every ounce of himself every day to serve those around him. Whether he is at kamp, home, or in the office during winter hours, he is always the same. He makes Kwest special and makes every kid feel like a national hero. He makes every day feel like Christmas!

Keeping the Main thing, the Main thing.

I was filling up with gas today reveling in the fact that I was only paying $1.48 per gallon when a nice young college student approached me to solicit some funds. He had traveled to the United States from Eastern Europe and was raising money to do mission work back home. The pump was slowing drizzling fuel (probably because it was only 11 degrees) so I took some time to talk to him about Christ.
Although his English was not the best, we had a good conversation. When I asked him about Jesus, he said, "Oh yes, we believe Jesus" he replied with a genuine smile, "and we believe in the coming kingdom." Unfortunately his belief and my belief of Jesus are significantly different. Jesus may indeed be part of his belief background and the Unification church, but not the way John 14:6 describes our Saviour. He is "the Main thing and is the only way to come to the Father." My new friend believed other ways were possible.
It's funny how some can be so close but miss by so far when it comes to keeping Jesus Christ as the one and only main thing when it comes to salvation and the focus of our life. He is the reason we say Merry Christmas. He is why we celebrate like we do come next Thursday morning.
Keep the Main thing the main thing coming down the stretch. These next few days will be crazy. I went shopping yesterday with my oldest son and was nearly trampled in one store. My son later shared with Beth about how at least one person had occupied every square foot of the store we were trying to buy a gift in and it was impossible to make our way to a register. It felt like cabin 3 on opening night in our Klife gym!
Be on the lookout to keep things in focus. I pray that the Lord will give you many opportunities to tell others about why we really celebrate Christmas and of the life of Jesus, the one who was born to die for all of us.
Celebrating the true gift of the one and only way to heaven and forgiveness...

Merry Christmas from Balto

Just when you thought that Kwest's one and only Balto had disappeared (literally), he has now resurfaced with a Merry Christmas wish. As only Balto can do, he has arranged a heart warming message to help get all of us into the Holiday spirit and celebrate Christmas. If you are anything like me, you will find it difficult to fight back the tears as you hear Balto share his heart and love with the Kwest staff and Kampers. It's special...but then again, so is BALTO!

Check out His Merry Christmas wish:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvcU_YDtzPg

Good News Puts Fat on the Bones

Heard any good news lately?

If you watch the evening news, or the morning news for that matter, trying to find a story that includes "good news" is about as easy as finding your lost staff training week name tag after shooting the all kamp staff photo over at K2. You may never find it to get back into the Chuck Wagon at Kwest.

Proverbs 15:30 says, "Good news puts fat on the bones!" and we sure had some today in Kuk land.

Our lead mechanic Loren Butrick found out that he had a clean bill of health today. We had been praying about some suspicious spots on his lungs and had been battling fears of pending bad news. What a relief to hear good news about his health.

This morning a couple of the directors took him and the mechanics staff a box of donuts (with the Proverb written on top). As he was telling the story about the doctor sharing the good news with him, his face lit up like a 6 year old boy on Christmas morning opening his dream gift! Small tears found their way into the corner of his eyes as he spoke of the love, concern, and prayers of the Kanakuk family, and how much they had meant to him. He also gave credit to God's grace and handywork in it all.

Good news. We don't hear enough of it any more today. When we do, it literally puts "fat" on the bones. It's a pick me up feeling that strengthens all of us.

If you read this and have some good news to share, please leave a comment. I would love to rejoice with you the Christmas season and get a little extra fat on this skinny frame.

Home Town Hero

One of the blessings of living in the Ozarks is the fact that this place is like none other. People care and people do the right things. One our finest is Kwest's own Travis Hague. He is one of the reasons that this community is such a special place.

Travis's job is to lead Hollister Klife. The kids have embraced his passion and energy for life and the Lord, and love being around him where ever he winds up (school, a fast food restaurant, or klife club). Luke and Renee Crane have teamed up with him to make a difference in the live of kids who attend the Hollister Schools (Branson's hometown and next door neighbor).

In addition to Trav's job as a Klife man, he has tackled some coaching responsibilities at the school serving on the football and basketball staff. He also mentors, helps with school functions, and has the opportunity to be a Christlike influence on so many levels. It's unreal the doors that have been opened to him via the school system.

Last night Travis had the honor of leading the JV and Varsity basketball teams as the faced off against Branson. It was a definite "David and Goliath" sized task as Hollister is significantly smaller than it's cross town rival. Despite the daunting task, Trav looked like he was a Kwest Basketball specialty with lots of teaching, heavy doses of encouragement, and a never quit attitude.

He is one reason the Branson area is the best place in the world to live. It's our people who make all the difference. And when people live I'm Third, it changes not only a community, but lives as well.

It's Official!

My hats off to the Kwest staff. It looks like they have mashed through the mess of the BCS and have determined a winner for Big 12 representation in the National Championship game: Oklahoma wins!

I still find it hard to believe that Texas was bounced out but they say computers don't lie...maybe that's the problem. Being a Kansas fan, I am left out of the equation for a national title this year (at least in football) so I have to choose who I will be cheering for in all of the bowl games. I will release my predictions in a few days.

Other Kwest news: Travis Hague will be coaching the Hollister JV boys game tonight when they face BHS. It should be a fun night to catch lots of kamp people in the spot light.

Jared Smith is still in New York looking for work. He has had a few leads but is still grooming the Park Ranger video series as well as the Carter Rapp Klife videos. His agency has called him in for some meetings (which is very encouraging) but nothing solid yet. Rumor has it that He may replace Jay Leno...not sure though.

Speaking of Todd, you can be praying for his Mom (and the Rapp family). Dr. Rapp (Todd's father) is caring for his wife, and his mother, both whom are ill and not doing well. They need our prayers. Please pray for them this week.

Keep Seeking His Kingdom First....



Ward

What do you want to be?

What makes Kamp so incredible?

Can you put into one sentence why Kanakuk is so indescribably awesome?

A young man who came to K-2 last summer as an agnostic helps me answer these questions. Coming to Kamp, he didn’t know if there was a God or not. By the end of kamp, however, he met God. The final hour of Kamp he ran down with his dad to the lake to be baptized by Joe. When asked by Joe, “Why do you want to become a Christian?” he replied, “Because everyone here is the person I want to be.”

Isn’t that the truth. I am so thankful for Kanakuk, aren’t you? How blessed we are to be surrounded by people who love Jesus and love others…. Like the way my boys are influenced by their kid-sitters. The reason that my boys like Kamp so much is because of guys like Clay. In effect, they love Jesus because they get to know how awesome he is through Clay.

It happens all over kamp, all summer long, every year. The difference is life-changing for ALL of us. Jesus is put on the pedestal and we are centered on Him. “Let us keep our eyes on Jesus” Hebrews 12:2. God first, others second, and yourself third. The best life-plan ever.
Enjoy that plan not just at Kamp, but right where you are, and right now.

Oh, and don’t forget Him on His birthday!

Merry Christmas,

Todd
P.S. I can’t wait to be around you this summer! How fortunate I am.

Beyond Belief

Kwest has arrived!

Rapper, "B", Travis Hague and I just returned from KWest.
I couldn't believe my eyes...

1. Kwest has a huge beach area now. I found tons of spent bottles of Nate and Matt's sunscreen lotion, not to mention a few aqua skipper parts (there is still a pending mystery as to who broke one of the skippers this summer and didn't tell the repair man...no worries though).

2. Craig has a huge beard. He looks like a cross between Jeremiah Johnson and Matt Thomas, and he has been busy.

3. Kuk Cabin 11 and 12 have been transformed...beyond belief. I used to joke about the guys unreal deal having a hot tub, now we may have to put one in. Craig did a complete makeover with real tile, new flooring, and a good old fashion paint job to match. It looks like a 5 star hotel...for real.

As I walked through the pea gravel leaving the boys cabins today, Kwest was quiet and empty. It was also cold.

Out in front of bunkhouse 12 something looked different.

Craig mentioned that the big tree just 3 feet off the cabin had blown down in a storm. Although I was bummed, it actually gave way to a perfect view of the big cedars which jetted over the roof and offered a sharp contrast to the blue sky. It made me think one thing....

Summer is coming and it's going to be awesome!

Kanakuk Staff: End your year on a High Note

This past week the flu bug jumped on me and wrecked my post thanksgiving football/nap day.
I spent 24 hours with a stomach that was gurgling and a head that felt like it has just been banged around in the Kwest Water slide chute.

It didn't take long for me to get bored of the TV and I decided to take some time to write a few encouraging notes. Writing is not for the lazy man because it takes effort. When it was all said and done, I am glad I worked on my penmanship over another episode of Man vs. Wild. I know what I wrote had an impact. It even made me feel better.

As we come down the stretch finishing finals and then head home for Christmas, think about taking some time to write the people you care about the most. I took time to write one of my boys a two page letter recently just to tell him how proud I am of him. Sometimes family needs to hear and see our encouragement the most.

Your kampers love you and would love to hear from you too. Don't forget about them at Christmas time. Just a few words would mean so much. Check out https://www.kanakuk.com/Staff/ to find info you need to connect.
Hope you end your year on a high note...

Wreck 'Em

Where in the world is Texas Tech?

As I was going to bed last night and was thinking about TT and their "wreck 'em Tech" mentality, I felt bad about leaving them out of the Big 12 Championship race.

How come I haven't heard anything from Clay or Matt?

Maybe OU gets beat by Mizzou and Colt breaks his leg in a scrimmage, leaving Tech to represent us in the National championship game. Could it happen?

It's a Wonderful Life...don't miss it.

If someone asked me what my all time favorite movie is it would have to be the old Christmas classic, "It's a Wonderful life." Every time I watch that movie things seem to come into proper perspective. What I do to invest in helping people does matter, and it does make a difference.

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I was running to grab an oil change on our hefty suburban yesterday. On the way I passed by a broken down car on the side of the road with it's hood up. "Bummer" I muttered to myself as I rolled by taking a glance to see if they needed help. Too busy to stop and too dangerous I told myself. I wondered if I had missed an opportunity to help someone and make a difference.

Two blocks later at the car dealer, the mood seemed to be somber. I tried my best to strike up a conversation with the parts guy. "How's your day?" I asked cheerfully. "It's okay...just okay."
He seemed distant. I didn't want to really dig any more so I moved on thinking about why I didn't say something else to give him hope.

I grabbed an empty desk out front in the show room (now vacant due to slumping car sales) and I went to work on kamp calls waiting for the oil change. After working a few minutes, the salesman behind me on the phone broke down and begin to sob. Everyone in the lobby of the dealership just kind of pretended that it wasn't happening as he tried to limp through the call. I thought to myself, "Why doesn't someone check on him?" Maybe I should I thought, but then again I don't even know the guy. My named was called and my car was ready so I moved on.

As I drove out of the lot I couldn't make it more than a block without stopping. I turned around and went back to talk to the emotional salesman. He was gone. I left him a note with my name and number and told him to call me if I could do anything. The Holy Spirit had finally got my attention to follow through it just seemed too late.

I left the dealership feeling a better, but still felt I had missed several opportunities to stop what I was doing and start what God was doing (like trying to get my attention to help some folks). I hadn't driven 3 blocks when I saw a man stopped in the middle of the road. His pickup had lost a pallet of shingles and they were everywhere on the road.

I finally got it.

I wasn't going to miss this one. I jumped out and asked if he wanted some help to re-stack the shingles, and we started to reloading. I was met by another may who quickly jumped out and the three of us made quick work of the mess.

I reflected as I pulled away driving back to the office.

God never promised that our life and our walk with Him would be easy...but He did promise that our life could make a difference. We don't have to look very far to see hurting folks who need an encouraging word, a cheerful smile, or even a little bit of extra muscle.

Know that when Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians, he was probably thinking of George Bailey and the rest of us. We all have an opportunity to walk in good works that the Lord has prepared in advance (see Ephesians 2:10). It bugs me that it took 2 or 3 for me to be reminded that God was granting me opportunities to make a difference. Hope you get it more quickly than I did yesterday.

Sounds like Rapper and Clarkson

Why does Auburn get votes for the Big 12 Championship game? Is KKountry voting or what?

I checked the results for the poll this morning and Texas is leading. Why? I really believe that Texas may become it's own country before this is all over. With the President leaving office and heading back to Texas, the pieces might be in place for some interesting things to happen. I know Rapper would be pumped.

By the way, Branson Basketball won again last night. AJ and the Freshman team open tonight at Reed Springs. Stay posted.

For any old school followers, Tim Hensiek and I spoke this morning. He now has a job in Tennessee, Shawnda is expecting, and he is back in the weight room. He still is sans tee shirt where ever he goes...

Grinder in the Pool

One of Kwest's all time favorites has to be Mike Griener, Oklahoma State's energy packed soccer player who wowed all the staff and kids with his unreal skills with that funny black and white ball. Mike's warm smile and his passionate heart have landed him thousands of miles from the comfort of the Kuk Side soccer goal to the country of China where he forges friendships while coaching, teaching, and sharing his faith. I recently opened one of his letters sharing updates of his work and journey. He asked to keep him in our prayers as he lives out his calling and his dream. I love his passion. I love hearing how God is using him. I loved hearing the cheer, "Grinder in the Pool." (by the way, thanks Rees). He is one guy who is out there "telling" others (see my post from a few days ago).

Ambassadors

kwest staff devotional for novermber

Told anyone lately?

Being on the movie tour, I get paid to tell people things…things about kamp, things about kids, things about why it would be great to have a job at Kanakuk/KAA, and even if I’m fortunate, things about Jesus. In the past, I have always taken that for granted. But something changed this month.

I don’t know what life has been like for you the past few weeks, but if it has been at all like mine I know you have to be both encouraged and excited. Slugging it out on a college campus and not only walking out your faith, but also defending it, is no doubt a daunting task. After visits to over a dozen different campuses ranging from Division 1 schools all the way down to private Christian schools, I was painfully aware of how much our world needs Jesus (and how far we have wondered from Him).

If you haven’t been reminded lately, we are ambassadors for Jesus. We represent the King and are commissioned to tell others about His love (see 2 Cor 5:20). Have you and I told anyone lately?

Any ambassador worth his weight will tell you communication principles are important. One of the best ways to share truth with someone is to ask good questions, listen for specific answers, and then speak when appropriate. Can you imagine an ambassador for the United States not taking time to ask questions, listen carefully, and then be wise when choosing words that rightly represent the President and our country?

How do you grade out as an ambassador?

The great thing about being an ambassador for Jesus is that we carry such a great hope. We get to tell others about that hope. The thing I am most excited about is that by God’s grace, I wake up every morning knowing that I am in a love relationship with my heavenly Father. I desire to love Him with everything I have and especially love others more than myself. It’s been like Christmas morning for me and I am enjoying every moment.

This week I received several of letters from the Chiefs and Princesses who will be leading our kamp next summer. They had written in response to Todd’s challenge of being an appropriate representative for not just Kanakuk and their tribe, but also Christ. Being a leader means living like Christ during the two weeks they are kamp as well as the other 351 days of the year. The neat thing is that they are stepping up and responding. They are ambassadors.

You earned the right to be heard this summer with the kids in your bunkhouse. You have a platform of friendship that will exist for the rest of your lives. Thanks again for being available to be used to impact your kampers for the cause of Christ. Eternity looks different because of your choice to live for Jesus and tell others about your love for Him (and what He has done for you).

I was sitting at lunch today with a good friend mulling over the issue of telling others about Jesus. I am asking for opportunities today, yes TODAY, to be able to share my faith and lead someone to the Lord. Until then, I am trusting that God will give me the grace to faithfully live out my walk so that even when I don’t say a word, my life is telling others of His love.

I miss the front porch and 4th period.

I love you guys,

Ward

Why Not?

It's time to get hoops rollin' again. Branson High School kicks off the season this Tuesday night. I can't wait to see all of the kamp kids in action. Mike, Tate Unruh, Tee Helsel, and Josh Fletcher (just to mention a few Kanakuk kids) will be in action again. I love this time of the year. Mike's battle cry for his senior year has been, "Why not?" Why not kayak down Taneykomo today. Why not ride my bike to school and freeze. Why not have a great year and win state? I am thankful that Coops and Houston sent me out on the road the past few weeks so I could get my travels out of the way and not miss too many games. Former Kwest kamper and chief Graham Shadwick just made his JV and Varsity team up in the KC area. Andrew Hudiburg, former Kwester, is reloading for another year of AAU action. Kwest kids are ready to go and so am I. Lord willing, this could be the best season ever!

Divine Appointment II

It happened.

Least when anyone would expect it.

My day in Shawnee, Oklahoma will be forever remembered as the day when one of the Colossal of Clout returned. It occurred in the Holiday Express workout room, hardly a place where glory would show itself so vividly. As I was exercising my legs and burning some unwanted calories, a man walked into the room. We exchanged greetings and after a few minutes begin to share our backgrounds and story. Dan was a rodeo man. Tough, rugged, and from what I could see, bore the brand marks of his trade very well. He was a bull rider and proud of it. In fact he was not as normal as one would think. He had been led to the Lord at a rodeo school years ago and was pulling cowboys to the cross faster than most can tie a steer. He loved the Lord and loved the gospel.

I wanted to connect with this man on as deep of level as I could. I quickly fished for stories and experiences that I had so we could talk ministry. I proudly told him at one time, I had pulled gates for a rodeo school near Hutchinson, Kansas. I was honest. I told that I had never been on a bull but I did know of a cowboy named Lyle who could only be linked to legendary stories that few could even grasp as possilbly true. It was fun to share some cowboy guff.

We couldn't believe what happened next. Much like Indiana Jones when he found the grail, Dan and I both looked at each other in awe as the door to the room opened and in walked (more aptly put, limped) Lyle Sankey! We both froze. I quickly retreated off of my elliptical trainer and offered it to him. When I shook his hand it felt like a combination of BJ Forguson's power grip and the Incredible hulk. You might as well could of run over my arm with a steam roller. It was pure strength. No doubt this hand had gripped the best bulls in the world (including Bodacious...legend says that Lyle was one of the few that actually rode him out to the bell). I only had but a minute. I shared my USA Today with Lyle and quietly slipped out the door to leave him with Dan (who looked like he was talking with the President...Lyle had actually led him to the Lord at the rodeo school he attended when Dan was very young).

Being in the presence of greatness is awesome. My week of divine appointments was topped off by the best one any of us could ever imagine. As my friend Keith told me this week, all appointments are divine. God is always at work. He is right.

Bring on the Bee.

What next? Sparky and Nails at the breakfast bar?

Divine Appointments and Hampton Breakfast

When I am out on the road traveling with Kanakuk I never ceased to be amazed by how the Lord surprises me with divine appointments, not to mention fun food at Hampton Breakfasts.
This week has been another fantastic week of seeing God move people into my path (or maybe the other way around) giving me the opportunity to see more of how He works in the day to day life of those who follow Him. I just had lunch with my old programs director John Wooley. He sent me a random message after not hearing from him in months. The funny thing about it was that he was just 5 minutes away. We met at Jimmy Johns for a quick catch up. I love it when God works like that. Hampton breakfast are good but they are mostly predictable. Trust me, I have eaten there lots this past month. None the less, my time has been divine. I love being on trail because I am never sure how to predict God showing up.

Garrett Love a Jayhawk?

One of the highlight of my travels was seeing Garrett Love and the Washburn Ichabods take on the mighty Jayhawks in Allen Field house. I sat right behind the bench with Joel Thomason (Kwest Special Programs) as we waited eagerly for G Love to make his appearance. Garrett had a huge fan club in the upper deck that consisted of Kwest and K2 staff, along with family, friends, and even huge posters signed, "G-LOVE FOR PRESIDENT!" When Garrett made it onto the floor with cheers filling the bleachers, we all burst into next level excitement after he picked up the ball on a loose rebound and scored. More than basketball, I love Garrett's gift of leadership. He is impacting so many for the cause of Christ on both his team and campus. He is what makes traveling fun and also makes kwest such a special place. On another note, both Mike and his senior best friend Tate Unruh are navigating the start of basketball and thinking about next year. Who knows? Maybe we could see them running up and down the floor in Allen Field House. Wouldn't that be sweet? Anybody want to put in a good word with Bill Self?

On the Road...again

What a blast! The past three weeks have been incredible. Despite being completely disconnected from access to a working computer (the laptop was busted and hotels too busy) it has been a fabulous time visiting people. To be honest, after blogging about Priority and Priorities, my heart to stay electronically connected was overrun by my passion to hang out with people. I am excited that I made the decision, but step out today with new resolve to be more active on this blogging page. Not only that, I am asking Todd Rapp and even my wife, two of our fine directors from Kwest, to chip in with some comments every now and then. I visited OU, OSU, KU, KSU, William Jewell, Mid America Nazarene, Manhattan Christian College, Truman State, Central Missouri State (where gas was under $2 a gallon!) and even Mizzou (thanks for a wonderful time hooping Nate and Andy...you guys are both awesome and so is the rec center!).
I hope to catch up soon and want to be more diligent, so pardon the people interruption and welcome back!
Ward

Great News!

It's no secret that coming to K West is like coming to your second home. We are family. What makes us family is that everyone is so close to each other. We love working, playing, and doing ministry together.

I have some good news about one of our most important family members. Brent Clarkson will be forever a changed man. He got engaged last weekend!

On behalf of the family of the Westside, congratulations Brent! He and Jessica Rogers are officially engage to be married soon. As only Brent could do, he may have laid out the most impressive and creative proposal ever invented by a K West staff member (it brings back memories of Bob Bills rolling out his proposal sign on the Kwest rappelling tower when he ask Amy years ago). And of course, she said yes.

One of the neat things about their relationship is the fact that Brent was so careful to honor her every step of the way. He waited to tell her that he loved her until the day he asked her for her hand and shared about true love from I Corinthians 13. What a super leader!

We are excited! Great news for our family. Welcome to the Westside Jessica!

Facing anything difficult?

This morning I jumped on my trusty Specialized rock hopper and jetted over the the K-Institute to hang out with the guys for a little while. Precepts bible study is part of our curriculum and it's always a blast to hear guys share about what they have learned. When I arrived, notebooks were out, bibles were open, and the KI men were ready to learn. I pray I will never lose that hunger.
We looked at Genesis 16-18. I have been there so many times this past few weeks, the page is torn. I guess that's good. The key to this weeks lesson was, "Is anything too difficult for the Lord?" I am sure Abraham and Sarah found a deepened faith as God blessed them with a son as they both pushed the century mark in age, well past child bearing years. A son at 100 years old? God had promised and He always makes good on His word. When I read it, I don't know if I can grasp the full weight of His words.
It reminded me of two things: priority and discipline. I am trying to pass those two qualities onto my own sons now (not to mention nailing them down in my own life). Priority to me means seeking first His Kingdom and Righteousness. I can trust God and know that He can do anything. Nothing is too difficult for him. Discipline to me requires my focus on Godliness not just my own body workouts. I need to get after it every day.

Bring on the workouts.

Hope you have a great weekend...
Ward
Matthew 6:33, I Timothy 4:7-8

Summer Camp is not Priority?

Is Summer Camp Priority for you?

I stumbled across a little bit of information the other day that made me stop and think. What really is priority today? The word “priority” has been in existence since the 1400’s. Only in the last 100 years has the word become pluralized. In other words, people used to ask, “What is my priority?” not “What are my priorities?”

It’s a good question for me to ponder.

Will Kanakuk be a priority for you this summer? In a world where change not only seems inevitable, but also eminent, what really is my priority?

John Wooden is one man who I would place on my short list of heros, right next to my dad. I love listening to his wisdom. He helps me think about things to consider when I frame the answer to questions about what is important. Listen to what he says about life, winning, and priorities,

"There is only one kind of a life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior. Until that is done, we are on an aimless course that runs in circles and goes nowhere. Material possessions, winning scores, and great reputations are meaningless in the eyes of the Lord, because He knows what we really are and that is all that matters."

I like Coach Wooden. I like his focus.

I once heard that Coach's least favorite part of basketball was playing the games. He loved practicing more than anything else. The lesson that I learn is that it takes hard work every day to learn well. It takes repetition of things that I want to be great at to be able to use them effectively. Relentless practice is what makes a basketball player great on game day, and Coach certainly proved that over and over again.

Bottom line is this: our faith is what matters. Growing it and deepening it should be at the top of our list every day. What I like about kamp is it gives me a chance to focus on what matters most and learn about my daily practices to grow my faith. Summer camp is not the priority, but being at Kanakuk during the summer is what helps me get to my priority. What about you?

A Bite for a Friend

To be honest, my boys have typically been homeboys. That’s right, they like to be indoors more than outdoors. However, things have recently began to change. They have discovered God’s "Day 6" creation, namely: “things that creep on the ground.” This fall we have experienced deer, snakes, turtles, lizards, a tarantula, stray cat, bats, and turtles. I mention turtles twice because at one point we had 6 turtles held captive as pets in our plastic swimming pool, complete with rocks, leaves, branches, and water. We were the neighborhood petting zoo. Hunter even had a leash on a turtle to take him on walks. After running out of food (earthworms I'd dig up), and finding one turtle floating upside down because he was just about to pass away, we let them all go. Bronwyn was especially relieved, having eased her conscience of our “animal cruelty.”
Another one of God's creatures we often encounter in our front yard is the mosquito. I don't know why He created such an animal, but they love my 3-year-old, Carter. For several nights in a row, at 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning, Carter would come into our room and awaken us with a tearful yell, "I need some bug spray!" What he meant was, "lotion to make the itching sensation go away." Bronwyn and I really wanted his itching sensation to go away, too! We must have put Caladryl lotion on him 3 or 4 times each day for 7 days straight. Yes, we put bug repellant on him, but it didn't seem to repel mosquitoes. One day as the boys were playing outside, a ball went rolling down a hill into the woods, where the mosquitoes congregate. Carter began to descend the hill to retrieve the ball until he hears his considerate brother Connor say, "Carter, Don't go! I'll go get that ball for you." Bronwyn overheard this and later commended Connor for such kindness towards his brother. Connor's response was, " I didn’t want Carter to get any more bug bites—I would get the bug bites." As his parents, Bronwyn and I melted. Connor understands how to love others as Jesus loved others. Really, it is that simple! Love others the way you would like others to treat you. John MacArthur wrote a devotional book titled "Truth For Today." In it he writes a commentary on Philippians 2:4, "Let each of you not look out merely for your own interest, but also for the interests of others." To quote him, he says "Whose face do you wash in the morning? Whose hair do you comb? Whose wardrobe do you buy? You are concerned about your own self-preservation and self-comfort and should be concerned about others in the same way. Pay as much attention to them as you do yourself. That's loving your neighbor as yourself."
For whom can you "take a mosquito bite"? I have an idea for myself. Two of my best friends from college have recently lost their jobs, their wives, their money, their motivation, and now have to share custody of their kids. One of them recently wrote me, "My daughter keeps asking me, "Where is mommy?" I can only imagine how difficult it is to be in their shoes. My heart breaks for them, and so I am spending money and time to help them. It could have been me in their shoes except for the grace of God towards me.
God didn't call us to be careful and comfortable, but to care and comfort. Who can you care for today?
To transition to something fun…J one way to care for someone today would be that you contact your kampers, if you were a counselor this past summer! Our website makes it so easy for you! Log in to our website with your user name and password, and you can navigate to find the names, pictures, and contact information of all your kampers! It is awesome! It will impact your kids more deeply than you can imagine. I know, because I was one of those kids who received a postcard from my counselor. I still have it. If you have any trouble, email Mssnowden@kanakuk.com for assistance.

Hope to see you in Dallas!

Todd

Just like Kamp

After Branson High Football trampled the number 2 team in state Friday night to move to 6-0, we decided it was time to have some fun and celebrate. I joined 5 high school guys on some of Kanakuk's river front property and lit up a bonfire. We set up a half a dozen ENO's, grabbed some smores, and it was game on. It was a special night for sure. What is it about a camp fire that makes life so much better? I'm not sure, but I have a sneaky suspicion that's why we do it so often at Kwest. Year after year our camp fire night is the best thing we do. A little cedar, a box of food, and a short walk to the woods is a recepie that no one can top. We have tons of fun and loads of memories made as the fire seems to draw us together to laugh, share, and at times, just quietly stare at the flames while contemplating life and our Lord. This weekend we all agreed that we need to "do this" every Saturday night (one of the guys even suggested we do it during the week, canoe across the river, and pick up cars to go to school the next morning). After our time by the lake, I left refreshed, ready for another week, and longing for more time with the fellas. It's kinda just like kamp... I miss summer and I miss camp fire night. I miss Kwest.
Ward

Just around the corner...

Hey you guys……. It has been way too long since we were last together! We are missing you guys like crazy!! In fact, we are SO lonely to see you again, we are throwing a BIG BASH in your honor !! Now this includes everyone who has ever worked at Kanakuk, K-Kauai, and K-Life – and – oh, why don’t you all just bring your friends along too! Though Kids Across America has a reunion later in the Spring, KAA staff are more than welcome to come to this Reunion, of course! There will be lots of great food (of course), some really big prizes and give-a-ways - AND - the latest and greatest of all Kamp Highlight Movies - (that would be from the summer of 2008– YOU might even be in it!) We really want you to be there – so check your calendar and make your plans NOW! The date is on the same weekend as the big TX/OU game, so many of you will already be in town.


THAT’S OCTOBER 10th, FROM 7:00 PM TO 11:00 PM (just come and go as you can), at the Watermark Community Church, 7540 LBJ Freeway, in the Big D – Dallas! - A map is even attached so - NO excuses! We are SO EXCITED we can hardly wait to see you!!!

Time flys when you're having fun! I just hung up the phone from talking with one of our staff from the summer. We both agreed that our summer time days went way too fast! We were longing for more 4th periods, a little blob time at the pool, or just some time in the chuckwagon eating coffee cake. I think that's what makes kamp special: memories. Rapper sent me this photo yesterday and it reminded me of my favorite summer home. I think Allen Befort is standing on the front porch.
I'm ready for next summer....
Ward

Beyond the Bunkhouse

Welcome to our new blog! This is a way for Kwest to share about life "Beyond the Bunkhouse"and keep up with all of the close friendships we have developed over the summer. The only tough days for me at Kanakuk are when I see my friends leaving to walk out the gate. Now we have a way to live life a little closer even though we have moved out of our bunkhouses and headed home. Kwest has always been known for it's "family" feel. Coming together is important to me. We are family at Kwest. A good family will take time to share what's been happening, what's important, and what we have to look forward to that's just around the corner. We will also invite new friends to join our times together as well, just like any good family would do. The picture I posted above is from our 6th term Cross Talk night. It is an awesome reminder of how great the summer of 2008 was for all of us. My hope is that you will be encouraged, informed, and stay connected with us as we come together at the foot of the cross.

Taking time for family,

Ward