Week three is over already. I can't believe how fast the summer is going by. It seems like just yesterday I flew in. That was almost two months ago. But week three was an interesting week.
It all started Monday. I was sitting in the office and waiting for the campers to arrive. My computer had been having some issues due to some corrupted files, so I was working on backing up all my files. There was a noise as if a furnace was kicking on. But It was too warm for that, and the furnace in the main building doesn't make that kind of noise. I felt a little disoriented and felt a tremble in the floor. As I looked around the office, all of our computer screens were shaking. It lasted maybe 10 seconds. My first reaction was freeze. My second was cool, I just went through an earthquake.
It was an amazing week of trials and fun. The devil hit hard on Tuesday, but God worked in the hearts of over 30 campers that professed their faith in Christ. Friday was even more amazing as 62 campers came forward to say that they have either accepted Christ as their savior, or were going to live for Him 100%. I cannot explain how awesome it was.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
WEEK1
PART1:
Last night as a few of us were having a conversation about how to set up chapel for what will be the SAR (SALT, Alpine, Ranch) Chapel, we realized that it is already Friday. Where did this week go. And it was just the other day that I celebrated 1 month of being here for what is the summer camp season. And that 1 month has flown by. I also saw that in my fifth summer of being here, this was the best start so far. We had some bumps, but all in all, it was the best.
PART2:
Ok, now it is Monday. The weekend went by too fast. Saturday we went in to do some bank stuff, get some needed things, and to get some PA Turkey Hill Iced Tea. We couldn't believe it when we saw it. So we bought some, then e-mailed Turkey Hill. Response positive.
In other news, UP was amazing.
So campers arrived, and God kept a rain storm away until the campers were inside. Then it poured. Then we prayed. And as the campers were leaving chapel, it stopped. God at work.
PART3:
So far, the number 1 thing on the campers favorite list has been water front. When week one ended, Chapel took the #1 spot. It was amazing. The band, in which I am the drummer for, has taken worship to a whole new level. We put out so much energy into the music, and God continues to fill us up. Today was the first day that I felt drained. I hurt. A few of us are drained. We know that the devil is trying to take us out, but we have been praying continually for strength and wisdom.
PART4:
The weekends were once a time to get away, and when it came time for our Sunday evening prayer and praise, many people would want to skip out. But lately, we took the weekend to another level. With movies, outings, good food, and now a prayer and worship, we don't really want to leave. Sunday "connections" time was only scheduled for about an hour, but after three hours, we just wanted to keep going on in worship, prayer, and fellowship. It was truly an amazing time of reconnecting with God and praying for each other.
Last night as a few of us were having a conversation about how to set up chapel for what will be the SAR (SALT, Alpine, Ranch) Chapel, we realized that it is already Friday. Where did this week go. And it was just the other day that I celebrated 1 month of being here for what is the summer camp season. And that 1 month has flown by. I also saw that in my fifth summer of being here, this was the best start so far. We had some bumps, but all in all, it was the best.
PART2:
Ok, now it is Monday. The weekend went by too fast. Saturday we went in to do some bank stuff, get some needed things, and to get some PA Turkey Hill Iced Tea. We couldn't believe it when we saw it. So we bought some, then e-mailed Turkey Hill. Response positive.
In other news, UP was amazing.
So campers arrived, and God kept a rain storm away until the campers were inside. Then it poured. Then we prayed. And as the campers were leaving chapel, it stopped. God at work.
PART3:
So far, the number 1 thing on the campers favorite list has been water front. When week one ended, Chapel took the #1 spot. It was amazing. The band, in which I am the drummer for, has taken worship to a whole new level. We put out so much energy into the music, and God continues to fill us up. Today was the first day that I felt drained. I hurt. A few of us are drained. We know that the devil is trying to take us out, but we have been praying continually for strength and wisdom.
PART4:
The weekends were once a time to get away, and when it came time for our Sunday evening prayer and praise, many people would want to skip out. But lately, we took the weekend to another level. With movies, outings, good food, and now a prayer and worship, we don't really want to leave. Sunday "connections" time was only scheduled for about an hour, but after three hours, we just wanted to keep going on in worship, prayer, and fellowship. It was truly an amazing time of reconnecting with God and praying for each other.
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Final Countdown
Its about that time here. We realize that it is Friday, and "OH NO, CAMPERS COME MONDAY!" I look at my list of "To Dos" and notice that it hasn't shrunk as much as I wanted it to. With my puppet scripts written (soon to post an excerpt), I feel much better and relieved.
Ok, so I might not have explained the puppet dialogue I wrote. For each day that the Frontier (2nd-6th grade) Campers are here, I have a dialogue between a Narrator and a puppet named Link. During this dialogue, they share a Bible story that deals with connecting with God through Trusting, Obeying, Listening, and Praying. During the last day, we review the previous days and present the gospel. Ok, now back to what I was writing before.
With the scripts done, I just have to memorize them and get down the puppet voice. Then it is on to training the ministry team in skits, mimes, puppets and dramas. A lot of work to do in a few days. But I believe it can be done. I can't wait to see what God will do. The first week is going to be a little rough, but once we get into the groove of things and, the ministry becomes confortable with the material, we are going to have a great time.
For all of wondering... do they really go swimming up there? The answer is yes. I was going to go in with the ice still on the lake. A cold took that off the list of fun things to do. But today was the annual staff needs to take their swim test day. So, with little fear, and people on the dock shivering from the cold air, I bravely faced the water. It wasn't too bad. A little chilly, but good.
Prayer Requests:
-Chapel
-Setup and decorating - still to be done
-Ministry Team - learning teaching tools
-Staff - Preparation for camp
-Campers - Monday is the BIG DAY!
Ok, so I might not have explained the puppet dialogue I wrote. For each day that the Frontier (2nd-6th grade) Campers are here, I have a dialogue between a Narrator and a puppet named Link. During this dialogue, they share a Bible story that deals with connecting with God through Trusting, Obeying, Listening, and Praying. During the last day, we review the previous days and present the gospel. Ok, now back to what I was writing before.
With the scripts done, I just have to memorize them and get down the puppet voice. Then it is on to training the ministry team in skits, mimes, puppets and dramas. A lot of work to do in a few days. But I believe it can be done. I can't wait to see what God will do. The first week is going to be a little rough, but once we get into the groove of things and, the ministry becomes confortable with the material, we are going to have a great time.
For all of wondering... do they really go swimming up there? The answer is yes. I was going to go in with the ice still on the lake. A cold took that off the list of fun things to do. But today was the annual staff needs to take their swim test day. So, with little fear, and people on the dock shivering from the cold air, I bravely faced the water. It wasn't too bad. A little chilly, but good.
Prayer Requests:
-Chapel
-Setup and decorating - still to be done
-Ministry Team - learning teaching tools
-Staff - Preparation for camp
-Campers - Monday is the BIG DAY!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Leadership and Training
A lot is going on here at Victory. Summer staff members are starting to arrive. This week is certification week for those that want to be certified in archery and riflery. A few other counselors have arrived to help out with putting the docks in the lake and help out with getting camp ready. Recently, a group of about 200 from a church in Wasilla have rented out the facility to use as a church retreat.
Last week we held leadership meetings. All the directors and assistant directors form each camp, and the various directors that work behind the scenes, met to discuss scheduling, chapels, and other details of camp. When we weren't meeting as a whole, we were usually broken off into small groups for different areas. Leadership week ended with the whole leadership staff, plus the full-time staff, heading out to play 9 holes of captain and crew golf. Seeing that most of us haven't golfed before, this became an interesting day out on the fairways and greens, or should I say roughs, sand traps and other fairways and greens. Sadly to say, my team ended up around third with a +7 for the day.
In current news, my cold is finally breaking. At the end of last week, my throat started to get dry and my sinuses started to have troubles. Last night was the finally. I slept a total of about 13 hours, and with that, the head splitting headaches, soar throat, and the constant feeling of having to get sick have subsided enough for me to get some work done today. Prayer has been a huge help in all of this.
As I smell breakfast being finished up, I'll leave you with what is to come and some prayer requests. In the next week, the rest of the staff should be arriving. Camp orientation will get into full swing, and the fun will start. Lessons, mimes, dramas, songs, and various other activities and teaching tools will be finished, learned, and practiced in preparation for camp.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
-The health of the staff. When I got up here, there was a soar throat going around. But it has advanced to head aches and more.
-Preparation for camp. A lot has been accomplished, a lot still has to be done.
-The safety for the staff still or those going to be traveling.
-The campers that are going to be arriving in a week and a half. That their hearts may be receptive to the gospel.
Thank you all for your support and prayers. Until next time. Good morning, good evening, and good night. God bless,
Daryl
Last week we held leadership meetings. All the directors and assistant directors form each camp, and the various directors that work behind the scenes, met to discuss scheduling, chapels, and other details of camp. When we weren't meeting as a whole, we were usually broken off into small groups for different areas. Leadership week ended with the whole leadership staff, plus the full-time staff, heading out to play 9 holes of captain and crew golf. Seeing that most of us haven't golfed before, this became an interesting day out on the fairways and greens, or should I say roughs, sand traps and other fairways and greens. Sadly to say, my team ended up around third with a +7 for the day.
In current news, my cold is finally breaking. At the end of last week, my throat started to get dry and my sinuses started to have troubles. Last night was the finally. I slept a total of about 13 hours, and with that, the head splitting headaches, soar throat, and the constant feeling of having to get sick have subsided enough for me to get some work done today. Prayer has been a huge help in all of this.
As I smell breakfast being finished up, I'll leave you with what is to come and some prayer requests. In the next week, the rest of the staff should be arriving. Camp orientation will get into full swing, and the fun will start. Lessons, mimes, dramas, songs, and various other activities and teaching tools will be finished, learned, and practiced in preparation for camp.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
-The health of the staff. When I got up here, there was a soar throat going around. But it has advanced to head aches and more.
-Preparation for camp. A lot has been accomplished, a lot still has to be done.
-The safety for the staff still or those going to be traveling.
-The campers that are going to be arriving in a week and a half. That their hearts may be receptive to the gospel.
Thank you all for your support and prayers. Until next time. Good morning, good evening, and good night. God bless,
Daryl
Friday, May 15, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Getting Started
I arrived in Alaska on Monday, and got to camp that night around 7 PM. It wasn't too hard to sleep, but waking up at 3:15 AM Alaska time (7:15 AM Eastern) was the hard part. There have been some meetings, dish cleaning, planning, and more planning since arriving. There are currently school groups using the facility here. We do glacier tours and serve meals for them. Other than that, it is me planning chapel, exploring future possibilities and doing a little side work here and there. I was planning on posting a little video for you all, but there was an issue with the internet blocking some of my capabilities. I'll get back to you soon on the videos and pictures. More to come.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Victory
To give you all a brief idea about Victory, here is the "about us" part from Victory's website:
More than 50 years ago, in 1941, a few missionaries met together and discussed the benefits of meeting yearly for a time of spiritual refreshment. An extensive prayer list pinpointed the requirements for a camp and conference site, including such priorities as a high lake, good water supply and accessibility to a main road. Each of these items was found at a site by Index Lake, near the Matanuska Glacier.
For more information on Victory, feel free to visit their website at www.victorymin.org .
More than 50 years ago, in 1941, a few missionaries met together and discussed the benefits of meeting yearly for a time of spiritual refreshment. An extensive prayer list pinpointed the requirements for a camp and conference site, including such priorities as a high lake, good water supply and accessibility to a main road. Each of these items was found at a site by Index Lake, near the Matanuska Glacier.
Alaska was then a Territory, so it was necessary for bills to be introduced in the U.S. Congress to make the purchase of the first 80 acres possible. The camp was named Victory Bible Camp and now has facilities for more than 300 people, located on 389 acres in this beautiful valley.
Victory Bible Camps and Conference Center, located 95 miles northeast of Anchorage, in the Talkeetna Mountains, ministers mainly to the urban population of Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley (Palmer and Wasilla). Frequently though, campers come from the lower 48 states, Canada, and Russia. There are camping programs year-round and include: family camps, missionary conferences, weekend retreats, public school programs and summer camps for all ages.
http://www.victorymin.org/WPAboutUs/history.htmlFor more information on Victory, feel free to visit their website at www.victorymin.org .
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