Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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!
Monday, December 22, 2008
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...
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...
Friday, December 12, 2008
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:
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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
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
Monday, December 8, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, December 5, 2008
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!
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!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
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...
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?
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?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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...
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...
Monday, December 1, 2008
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).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)