March is Long Gone

Well, March madness is long gone, but basketball is still at the top of my list.
It was fun to watch all of the Kwest gang jump into things before North Carolina won it all. My hats off to Nate Bohon, Dan Crosby, and Allen Befort. All of them picked UNC to win it all and they were right. It's good to know that we have some knowledgeable guys in our mix. They did a super job at sorting through all of the chaff and figuring out the big picture. And for that, I tip my hat and say, "Join us for the 1st term Best Bunkhouse party!" We will celebrate with you!!

Hello K-West Family!

My two middle boys, Carter and Connor know how to push each other’s buttons. But tonight, their friendship was ignited. It all began when Carter asked Connor for help drawing Easter eggs. That was all it took for the two of them to embark on a mission together that would open their eyes to how wonderful a brother's friendship can be. After successfully completing the egg drawings under dad's time limit, the two raced up the stairs to brush their teeth, relishing their accomplishment. After reaching the top of the stairs, Carter commented on how cool it was "being a team," and how happy he was to have Connor's help. In response Connor says, "Carter, guess how long we are going to be friends." After a few guesses, Connor finally reveals the answer: "Forever." "Yeah!" replied Carter. The two of them interacted the rest of the night as if they were best friends--- patient, understanding, playful, and unselfish. It goes to show you how working on a project together with someone and helping each other can draw you closer and make your differences seem to disappear.
In less than two months you and I will have the privilege to work together on a most amazing project.

To revolutionize America’s youth culture by
developing Christian leaders through the
relentless pursuit of excellence in Christian sports camping.

We’ll be laughing, smiling, running, teaching, hugging, playing, serving, leading and sweating more than we probably ever have in our lives. And it is going to be the greatest summer of our lives. Just you wait and see what God does in you, and through you! It is impossible to explain how significant this summer will be for you and for those you interact with. Friendships will blossom in the fertile soil of Kanakuk as we embark on our mission together. My best friends—to this day—are the friends I met at Kanakuk 20 years ago or more. Most of them wish they could come back to serve!

Crazy how God works at this place.
Crazy that you and I GET to work at this place, isn’t it!

Thanks for being part of this summer at K-West. We are sooooo thrilled to you YOU on the team.

Todd Rapp
K-West Men’s Director

Encouragement

This morning I had the opportunity to speak to the Institute students. The men of this years class are preparing to graduate and be launched into ministry.

As they move onto the next step, we were challenging them one final time, painting a picture of what a true man of God looks like in today's world. I spoke on the component of encouragement. It has three basic forms: spoken, written, and what I call "just being there."

Sometimes the physical presence of an encourager is enough to change someones world.

That was our yellow lab. For a few moments, he did change our world.

Our family dog Trip just didn't wake up this morning. He had been sick recently and we all knew he was wrestling to stay alive.

I have fond memories of him bouncing through the back of the Klife gym as he ran up to the front to jump into my arms. That summer at kamp, we literally grew him up from a puppy to a rather large 6 month old yellow lab with huge paws and muscular shoulders.

As I walked home at the end of every kamp day into the yard or our house, he was always there to greet me. He was always happy. He was always glad to be a part of our family. He was always just there.

He was the ultimate encourager. I am going to miss him a ton, and so will our family. It's amazing how attached we can get to our pets.

But we do have great memories. My personal favorite is that every time I hugged Beth, he would give a big playful bark just to remind me not to neglect him. He would bark until we acknowledge him and granted a few head pats.

I am going to miss Trip. But you know what? I am still thankful I can hug my wife. She is my true encourager.