Staying Strong and Standing Firm

Most of the time, I don't like paperwork.



Following the closing of kamp and a short vacation, I came back to stacks of papers on my desk. One particular pile was several inches high and needed my attention. To be honest, I would rather be out on the courts teaching kampers about free throws and the verse of the day than sitting in my chair shuffling through papers.



I help oversee the safety of all of our kamps during the summer operation. I have now for over 25 years. Trust me, I have seen my fair share of reports, studies, and even safety tickets (email me if you want to hear more about that area). They make wonderful stacks of paper and make me wonder how many trees were sacrificed to make it all happen.



But not this pile. This one was different. The pile that was several inches high sitting square in the middle of my desk was a stack of letters. They were from kampers....kampers who were writing to tell me how they are doing with their year long Bible Study. Trust me...I was eager to tackle this mound and be blessed.



Every year thousands of kampers choose to sign up for Victors Crown and Champions Walk Bible study. They commit to reading their Bible daily and staying on track with memory work, application, and accountability. It may be one of the best kept secrets of our ministry.



Helping kids stay connected to the Word of God, applying it's principles, and having local accountability gets all of us here in Kuk Land excited to come to the office. It's what we dream will happen post summertime when everyone goes home for the year: they keep going and they stay strong.



From little towns where no Klife clubs exist, all the way across the ocean to places like France, I signed letters and wrote encouragement to kampers who are fighting to live out the I'm Third life at home, school, and with friends. It's not easy, but I sure am proud of those who are getting it done.



My hats off to you who are choosing to live out your faith back home. Be bold. Be strong. Know that we are proud of you and your journey.

Summer is Over but Kamp Keeps Going

Unofficially, summer is over...but Kamp has definitely not stopped.

Kids are back in school. Staff are back on their campuses. Our pools are drained and the blob is deflated.

Now what?

I hear that question frequently at parents ceremonies. What do you do when kamp is not in session? That's a fair question and it needs to be addressed.

Besides uncovering from a few weeks off and being smacked by dozens of emails and going through piles of letters, it is good to be back at my desk. I am by no means a desk guy, but I can take the trade off when we get to be at kamp for those 3 months of unreal fun.

I had several things remind me this morning that even though summer is over, kamp hasn't ended for any of us. Yes, our dock is empty and the dining hall is put away, but our vision continues to be carried out by kids and staff that have gone home. And that's how I spend my time during the off season: helping them keep momentum.

One parent I spoke to this morning, is dedicated to keep her kids going spiritually through her local Klife small group bible studies. I was excited to hear that despite the business of starting another year of school, their family priorities are including staying in God's Word year round: small group bible study is at the top of list. Every Tuesday they are gathering together with the Klife staff to dig into the Bible...and stay strong.

Another letter I opened today talked about how post kamp activity for one kamper has helped lay a foundation for a great school year of being I'm Third: stacking their Ipod with Christian music, posting encouragement on Facebook pages with kamp friends (and getting encouragement in return), carrying on the kamp traditions each day, and as her mom put it, "Filled up...to the brim" with a life that is centered around the Greatest Commandment*.

Even though summer is over, what happened at kamp is the fuel that feeds our fall, winter, and spring months here at Kanakuk central. We want to see kids have a great school year living lives that put God first and keeping Him there. And we get excited about doing everything we can to help make that happen.

*Matthew 22:37-40