Our Mind Blowing Week at Malibu

Our 19 campers we took from North Spokane to Malibu reminded us that most of teenagers are not just ‘doing fine.’ It is so apparent that kids are wrestling with very adult things like anxiety, depression, abandonment by parents, struggling to find faith when life is so wrecked, feeling insanely lonely, getting sucked into the soul-sucking wreckage of the Internet and ‘apps’, suffering while being subject to a narcissistic parent and even having a sibling murdered. This is what we walked with these kids we’ve known all year or longer. The beautiful headline though, is not the wreckage but the transformation that only God can do.

Of our group; 9 of our HS kids stood up on the last day to indicate they had made a major life and faith decision. And most others still had significant movement of healing and a do-over in their faith.

One our our guys, who was adopted from a drug abuser birth family, had been through a deeply, painful journey these past years. His sister ran away from home; one completely changed every aspect of their identity, and the other ran away from home with a bad-news boyfriends who allegedly murdered her in April. Dietrich and Jeff attended the funeral and have walked with him through this valley of the shadow of death. Jeff’s first one-on-one with the campers was with him, and it mostly comprised of his intentions to exact revenge on people responsible for the hurt he an nd his family experienced. A dark conversation indeed. All week, anger spewed, cabin times were high jacked by this angry teenager who badgered other kids as they shared. This week seemed to be on a fast track to no where.

After the camp speaker shared about what Jesus accomplished for us all on the cross, forgiveness, grace, love and justice, we were all given 15 minutes of silence to consider Gods love and even pray perhaps for the first time. We regathered after this 15 mins for cabin time. In fact, we split the cabin time for me to take him and 2 others in a separate cabin time to allow the other 7 kids to be more safe and free to share without being overwhelmed by this one angry, hurting, prickly young man.

As we started cabin time, we asked ‘what did you hear from the cross or during the 15 mins of quiet?’ Our hurting camper went first. “I felt God speak to me. He told me to forgive the murderer of my sister. To trust that vengeance is HIS not mine.’  And that a seal popped its head up and looked at him where he was sitting by the Oceanside. And God gave him A peaceful assurance that his sister is with God, that her profession of faith was accepted by God even though she had run away and made bad decisions’. He was a completely different kid, expressing a peace he’d never felt before.

The next night, after the resurrection message and 2nd 15 min quiet time, he came back and sense God’s presence and voice inviting him to trust God and forgive his other sister and his birth parents who abandoned him. What!? Then felt prompted to pray for his friend who was in our cabin time, who was full of anger and unforgiveness for his father who has deeply hurt him and contributes to his horrific mental health, to forgive his father too. Then THAT kid perked up and said reported that likely at that very moment he was being prayed for, he heard God speak to him to forgive his father and be filled with Gods peace. They were both blown away with how God moved in these past days. Two kids full of rage and empty of faith had been transformed before our very eyes.

When we split into two cabin times to create safety and room for all the kids to (hopefully!) open up, my co-leader and I agreed to let Mathias Nordstrom, a senior in HS, my first even ‘second generation YL kid’ (I led HIS dad Jeff at Everett HS 22 years ago) to lead the other 7 guys along with Dietrich as his backup. All the kids who had not felt safe to share authentically, totally opened up and fully engaged with each other. They shared about their real thoughts, doubts and desires. It was a breakthrough for each, as well as the whole group of Mead HS kids with each other.

As a bonus, helping lead cabin time was the highlight of Mathias’ (and Dietrich’s) faith journey. He had never had to lean on God like he did in leading these 2 cabin times. God moves in leaders sometimes just as much in those being led!

One girl came in with her guard up. She had a lifetime of experiences with her family, with parents who've left a sour taste in her mouth for what a life of faith is. One parent is completely relationally absent and another is fully immersed in alcohol abuse. She listened to the messages at Malibu and was blown away by what she heard and saw. Getting a clearer view of Jesus was a massive eye opener for her, that faith is not about maintaining a judgy, hypocritical religion, but about a life-giving relationship with God— this was so freeing. Before, prayer and reading the Bible and church was all so confusing because of all the hypocrisy she experienced. After a one on one with Tanya, she determined that she wanted a ‘re-do’ with God and committed to start over fresh. Such a joy to see!

Another kid had been through so much pain of unanswered prayers for an ailing parent all year and feeling incredibly lonely and isolated from having any friends. In a one-on-one conversation by the pool overlooking the Malibu rapids, a combination of attentive listening and timely words from the Lord helped him find hope. The Lord spoke into the conversation that he had been living in fear rather than knowing how to live into Gods live. I 1John 4, we learn that ‘there is no fear in love…perfect love casts out fear.’ That the constant patching himself out from growing closer to others, including God, could be approached by learning to love and receive love from God is a direction to go rather than live in fear of others, in fear of everything failing and being completely alone. He had a fresh, new outlook on enduring a challenging season of dire family health and a lack of having close friends. Continuing to pray for him and the others this week, especially the 9 kids who stood up to proclaim that God had done major transformation in their lives!

We meet this Sunday to begin following up all the steps of faith for them, and the kids who were not able to come. We will read 1 chapter of Philippians per week for the next 4 week; give them a chance to share and spur each other on in faith and create a ‘list’ of peers to begin praying for to encounter God this year and next summer too. We invite your prayers as we are in the midst of the Lord moving mountains in kids lives amidst all the have to wrestle through. God is good, am I right?! 

Thank you for listening. Praying. Partnering. And finding ways in your life to bring life to others stuck in messes, tossed by storms and in need of a fresh introduction to wipe away the misconceptions of God's amazing love. You are loved; thanks for loving us.

-Jeff and Tanya-

WEEK 4: Chains breaking!

Friends-

Such a great last week! Dietrich (pictured) was on the 'Real Life' panel of work crew kids, sharing elements of his life, to help the campers introspect their own lives by sharing elements of their 'story' including family, friends, etc.) He did great. We are still pinching ourselves, dumbfounded that OUR KID, Dietrich Huber, signed up for work crew, hasn't asked to go home, has been knocking the ball out of the park, has campers cheer for him every week, and volunteered to share about his life for 350+ campers.

God was was at work this week from the moment campers arrived. When one of the Cle Elum/Roslyn leaders arrived, she had a message to call home from one of the camper's families.  The camper's father had passed away that morning of a drug overdose. The leader and camper's family worked with the Head Leader and Camp Director to plan a face-to-face visit where the family could deliver the news to the camper, Mackenzie.  Mackenzie's grandparents drove al the way to the property. As non-christians who had no Young Life experience in a town that had just started in 'Upper Kittitas County' this Spring. Delivery of the news was handled with such care and tenderness that the camper's family wanted to offer for Mackenzie to stay at camp if she decided to. The grandparents were offered a stay for the day and overnight if needed by the property. They elected to stay the day. Mackenzie decided that camp was the best place for her to stay with a loving group of friends who cared for her very well. As the club messages Tanya gave unfolded, Mackenzie was particularly touched by Tanya's own personal story about the painful life and loss of her father.  The assignment team would watch as the girls would exchange glances with Mackenzie as Tanya would share different details about her dad.  Mackenzie had a powerful week, and we were so happy that she was surrounded with her leader and friends during this tender time, and messages spoke to her story.

One leader invited me to join her and a camper for a one-on-one.  The camper had been struggling to 'take control' of her own life (using the 'chair' visual) because of some past family trauma.  I sat and listened to this camper tell about her grandmother who suffered from mental illness, who had begun to mistreat her. This was particularly confusing as the grandmother was the spiritual leader of the family. After working through talking about the nature of sin and the purpose God has for each of his children. I was out of ideas. She just couldn’t imagine turning her chair to God. She said she felt like her chair was CHAINED, because of this dysfunctional person.  I had nothing to say to convince her. I felt like we had talked through everything I could think of.  I prayed.  Then the Holy Spirit revealed to me the answer… I reminded her that the she seems to have great boundaries in place with her grandmother-- her parents have a restraining order, she is not allowed to pick her up from school, she is not allowed to talk to her, etc.  She has great boundaries in her day-to day life, and I suggested that she use those same boundaries with her spiritual life- that protecting her ‘chair’/spiritual decisions could be done with the same care and boundaries as the rest of her life. This made perfect sense to her. When I left the table, she said that she was closer to turning her chair to begin a relationship with Jesus. The next morning this camper went to the new believer’s celebration and stood up at the ‘stand so’ of our last club. Praise the LORD for breaking these chains!

CHAINS release!

During the message on sin and the cross, Tanya used 'chains' as a visual for how choosing sin (turning away from life with God) itt leads to the opposite of freedom and joy. It leads to being stuck, heaviness and not getting the joy and full life that we were created to desire and receive when living face to face with God.

At Tanya's night 3 explanation of what Jesus did on the cross to set us free from sin, she unlocked heavy chains, which hold our 'chairs' in the turned away position. When she did this, the room FULL of 350+ campers ERUPTED in applause. This only happened 1 week, but it felt appropriate to cheer for God's act of grace to release us from the consequences of our choice to leave Him out of our lives, and receive us fully to do life together as He created us to do. This is amazing, cheer worthy grace!

The medical team was particularly present for every proclamation activity.  During club, cabin time and quiet times, we noticed the children of the camp doctor were enthusiastically participating-- having their own discussions for cabin time.    For the all camp quiet, all of the children read their own letters from God and wrote a response to to God on the back, just as the campers were invited to.  After all camp quiet, one of the children told her mother that she was ready to 'turn her chair to God'.  Her mother responded, "You don't have to unless you are ready". The daughter responded, "but God wants me to do it now!" So she began a relationship with Jesus and came to the new believer's celebration where we gave her her own bible and she put a tile in the sluice box with her name on it to mark the occasion.  I forget that there is also a ministry to the medical team families!

 

Serving alongside a great team was a joy. None of us serve alone, we are the body of Christ. A speaker, techs, MCs and leaders who set the stage for kids to be ready to hear the gospel, head leaders who support the leaders, prayers and supporters like you who fuel the ministry to keep moving ahead. Thank you for being a teammate in sharing the good news with around 2000 kids this past month, and 17,000 kids this year in the Mountain West Region! 

Creekside Week 3: Hardest Nuts to Crack, Kids standing UP to say YES!

Week 3 highlights!

This week we had 2 campers who were from the juvenile detention system. They were from 2 different areas. One of these campers, Joy, looked rough on the exterior. She yelled most of her communication, used profanities, had a number of tattoos on her 14 year old body--- and we were ready to love her as long as she was willing to stay with us at camp. We were told that every day she stayed and didn't get sent home would be a win. She became fast friends with a-team members and property staff as she refused to sit through club because she became anxious with the high energy songs/games. This provided an opportunity for us to care for her and give her positive attention. She would sit through REAL LIFE, but refused to go to cabin time because she lacked trust and "hated" those girls. In spite of all of the challenges, the love of Christ demonstrated through our actions penetrated her hurting heart. We found a sweet kid underneath who sat at all camp quiet and read the 'letter from God' I pass out to kids. She remained quiet for the 10 minutes-- a real miracle. And on her way back to her cabin-- by this time she was participating in cabin time, she handed me her pencil and her letter from God. I told her she could keep it, but she insisted on giving it back. You could imagine my surprise when I flipped the letter from God over to see that she wrote a response, "I love U too God. Love Joy". Joy woke up early to go to the new believer celebration, received her first bible and put her tile in the sluice box to symbolize the new change that had taken place. She will face a sentence of 2-3 years soon after she returns, but she does say she'd like to come to Creekside to work. :) I'm glad we made room for Joy, flexing the traditional model of a hyped up camp experience so that Joy could experience the love of Christ this week.

Always a JOY to see kids respond. Here is a 1 min video of the celebration moment of kids standing to say YES that they started a new relationship with God! video here ---> https://youtu.be/N25lumMF4vc

We saw multiple leaders and work crew who were here in 2018 five years ago when Jeff spoke here at Creekside. Taien, Pablo and 5 others. Pablo reminded me (Jeff) that I spoke his name out loud when personalizing who Jesus had in mind when he gave his life for us on the cross. Such a joy to visibly see the trajectory of kids’ transformed lives. We don't always get to see the fruit of faithfulness. Its a bonus!

Jeff is engaging with mini-sessions, which are groups of volunteers who come to serve, to shore up the shortage of young adults who come to serve on summer staff. We have 5 Spokane folks here, 3 Royal City, 3 Yakima and more. This week, Jeff is taking over for 3 days from Kent McDonald as the Director for mini-sessions at Canyon while he attends an event.

Pray for Tanya and for kids for this last week! Campers from Lake Stevens (including Kaden Schwenke!) and Zillah in Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities, Olympia and Cle Elum/Roslyn and more will be here these last 5 days we are here!

-jeff and tanya-

Creekside wk2: Kids Responded, 510 Campers, Belonging Speaks.

Overall, a GREAT week #2. We had 510 campers, the largest # of kids that Creekside has ever had. It was very difficult to calm kids down when gathering them each night for club. Tanya give her best shot as presenting the good news to kids in a way that clear, authentic to her and her story. God was faithful. Kids responded. 180 came to the new believer experience. 180, 145 bibles were given out and around 100 stood up at the very end to indicate their 'yes' to Jesus.

'Saygetta', a girl from Newburg, Oregon has also been to camp twice. I met her early in the week and we shared a love for Taylor Swift. She felt connected to the messages from the beginning feeling like I was talking right to her in all of the messages. The cabin times helped her to open up.  Her life is complicated. Her parents divorced and her mother married a woman. She lives with her dad and step mom. At the end of the week she put a tile with her name in the 'sluice box' to mark the beginning of a new relationship with Jesus. She had done that before and was CONFIDENT that this year would be different, with a strong sense that things are REAL about the relationship this time.  She was extra teary when leaving the last club, feeling both relieved and scared about starting a new life with Jesus. When she arrived home, she began to ‘come clean’ about her life and the stresses of living in two households with her father.  He was so thankful for having caring adults—leaders and speaker (me!) in his daughter’s life—and space for his daughter to process what it means to be new in Christ. He thanked the staff people in the area who relayed the last part of the story to us.  We are glad this young lady could be reunited with her heavenly father and her earthly father!  (* - sagetta is an alias)

 There was a theme of gratitude that Tanya kept hearing from kids and from leaders who were appreciative of her story groeing of being a mixed/multi-race kid growing up, not being Mexican enough (didn't speak Spanish) nor white enough (people constantly commented on her being brown.)

A kid from Puyallup, a student of color, came to camp as a 2^nd timer. Last summer he did not say 'yes' to a relationship God, with the reason being a lot of hurt from a church where he struggled to feel seen and belong as a young black man.  This week our messages about Jesus caring for and valuing ALL PEOPLE, and diversity of voices from up front (work crew kids from Yakima and Royal City, and me, and Azzy on program) spoke to his heart. From up front I speak a lot about belonging---and that we belong to GOD! which reinforced the message and helped inspire him to give his life to Jesus for the first time!

  Kids from North Idaho (in our region) were varied in story. Half of the kids grew up in strong families with deep faith roots. The other half were from broken homes, and having zero faith background. When Tanya spoke, and read words from Jesus straight from the bible, they had never heard that before. Some leaders described it this way: "my kids came in on a scale from -3 to +3, as -3's. They hated everything the first 2 days. Then, they began asking questions, their pride softened from the vulnerability of Tanya and those who shared and served. By the end, the kids were more like '-.5' -- like 'almost there' for wanting to start a relationship with God, but there was SO MUCH GROUND to cover in 5 days, which is why Young Life leaders keep meeting with kids after camp and helping them unpack faith and process through life's questions. We don't just celebrate kids saying 'YES' to God, we celebrate small steps and movement! 

Jeff is doing great. He loved cheering Tanya on, and  seeing his friends from college, Chris and Lisa Kaiser (pictured), who he interned with for 2 1/2 years in Bellingham at 'Cornwall' church before going on YL staff. Something special about long history with people and seeing how God's faithfulness has been so present in our lives over time, we hadn't seen each other in 25 years.

Dietrich is working hard, doing great, making friends. Growing as a person. We are amazed at his toughness and lack of complaints. He smiles, works seemingly tirelessly in the dining hall and has meaningful conversations daily with fellow work crew kids. And campers each week end up cheering for him, showing his 'charm.'

On to week #3 now. We have 460 campers here and are mid-week, pray for God to move, kids hearts to be open, and for health for our work crew, summer staff and strength for Tanya. :)  

-JEFF AND TANYA-

Tanya narrating Jesus inviting Zaccheus down from the tree to do dinner together! (relationship first!) 

WFR Creekside Camp 2023, week 1 stories!

This first week was electrifying. Tanya preparing for and delivering messages each day for 435+ campers was an opportunity to rely on Jesus, and finally get to clearly share the message of 'invitation to relationship with God' that has been welling up for 7+ months. At the end of the week, 170 kids came to the new believer's experience (<----1 minute highlight video here!) to learn first steps of faith and put a 'tile' with their name and date in the 'sluice box' to express their 'yes' to Jesus, and over 60 kids (it's fuzzy math, friends!) had the courage to stand up at the end.

A cabin of girls shared that really resonated with Tanya's illustration of chairs facing each other, representing God creating us to know and do life with Him (see pic to the right). The girls creatively answered to their leader, Emily Jamieson, that their upbringing kind of arranged them to face God, but they treat their chair like a swivel chair where they twist away and turn their heads away from God. But this week, they truly fell in love with Jesus and turned towards him because they want to and finally understand God's love and goodness.

Dietrich is serving on work crew- flourishing in his faith and relationally too. One of his 'fast friends' Mike, is a joyful kid, full of humor and 'rizz.' He shared his faith story with Dietrich and some boys, then volunteered to share at their first work crew presentation to the entire camp. He had never done it before, and felt God close to him as he shared. Here is a video clip of it, which includes Dietrich's intro and Yakima's "Alán" who is referred to below too.

Next door to Creekside, at WFR Canyon, one the YL staff Tanya trains, Jason Jordan, from Connell WA, on Day 3, had a powerful cabin time where kids said YES to Jesus (Day 3 is pretty early in the week for that, but, YOLO!) Then after cabin time, he proceeded to baptize 5 of these kids in the pond at WFR canyon. This is generally discouraged to do at YL camps (better done in a local church) but he insisted that ‘they were ready now.' Well...OKAY! PTL, right? 

Also at Canyon, our Omak staff, Jeffrey Chambers, shared about kids lives transforming before his eyes. It started night 4, when one kid, at 1am woke Jeffrey up and insisted on talking NOW. He was really disturbed. They talked until 3am, and then, now day 4, he was ready to say YES to relationship with God. As well as 3 native kids from the 'res' in Okanogan/Omak did too. So GOOD...and thank God for coffee

3 kids from Gig Harbor had never heard sin spoken of, in terms of being a broken 'relationship with God'. They even grew up going to a Christian school yet had not heard sin in a relationship sort of way. They had never heard the accounts of Jesus of the bleeding woman or Zacchaeus, and how relationship is actually God's top priority. All the pieces finally clicked for them, which is often the case for kids who grow up 'around' God. A relationship with God begins by a 'yes' to Him. They each 'turned their chairs' to God, saying yes to a relationship with Jesus! The leader shared this report with tears streaming down.

This story reminds me of Dr Mike Valente's son, 'little Mike' who went to Creekside 3 weeks ago. Mike Valente, a beloved friend and influence to many, Jeff's chiropractor in Spokane, man of God, and force of nature, who passed away suddenly one year ago. Little Mike was here with Spokane Valley at Wyldlife camp, hearing the gospel, having growing up in a Jesus-centered family with Jesus-loving people all around, but said yes for the first time, when it was his own decision to make. He shared that starting a relationship with Jesus. He shared that this joyful, personal decision made him feel closer to his dad. How SWEET that is!

Connecting with people here has been unbelievable and special: Heather Hopkins-Ruetschle, who was Apple Blossom Queen in '94, the year before Tanya was Princess, came to serve as mini-session work crew, and listened to two talks, and was a huge encouragement. Chris and Lisa Kaiser, who Jeff interned with in Bellingham at Cornwall Church of God during college in '96-'98 are here with all 3 sons (SS, WC and camper.) Royall City's Brea Diaz led this week. Then our friends' kids! Meghann Zenonian. Casey and Melanie Price's son. Jay Rinne's daughter. Gig Harbor friends' kids. Tanya's former teen mom YoungLives 'kid', Braelyn's, daughter Taylee. Jim and Michelle Robertson's kid. Ryan Prothero the longtime YL-er in Ellensburg and Kelso. Joel Boyer's step-son. Former Marysville YL 'kid' Priscillia's daughter from Mill Creek. And on and on. We feel both BLESSED...and OLD!

3 boys from Yakima are serving on work crew in the dining hall with Dietrich- Diego, Diego and Alán, each of whom their YL leader Gerardo Mendoza brought with him. All week, kids went wild cheering for them, especially Alán. They began to chant his name every time every time he carried food to tables, and during the work crew presentation (in the video link above.) As that week of campers left, TJ, our work crew coordinator, asked Alán and the Diegos how they will feel, if these new campers do not cheer for them and chant their name. They shrugged their shoulders, recognizing that it was just a special experience to be praised this way by others. TJ leaned in and invited them to now learn to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit cheering their name, "Alan! Alan! Diego! Diego!" as His beloved sons, every day as they serve. "Listen for the voice of God this week!" Wow. 

What a great reminder for each of us in our everyday grind, to listen to the voice of God to us as His beloved sons and daughters! (insert your name here x3!!!) "You are my beloved, with whom I am well pleased."

Join us in praying for week 2. Kids from Everett/Mill Creek, North Idaho, Boise, Tri-Valley in Cali, West Sound, Belllingham, Kirkland/Redmond, Snoqualmie, Puyallup and more.

God Stories From a 'Poggers' 8th grade YL Camp

Incoming 9th graders. What could REALLY happen in a short three days with a handful of six incoming freshmen. Two kids with ADHD, a couple jocks, all semi-addicted 'gamers,' one autistic, most have struggled already with anxiety or depression (especially my kid!) 

Seems like kids are so 'lost' these days. Would this be a trip to endure, or to see God move mightily? My hunch was the prior option. Yet I had made it my goal to invite as much prayer as possible to make sure we at LEAST gave God a shot.  And that we did!

After loading up in our North Spokane, 10 passenger, gas guzzling, 330K miler, non-air conditioned in 100 degree weather, mini-van, our 6 guys and I were on the road to Lake Roosevelt to Vic's cabin, laughing when one incoming 9th grader, with autism, and an avid 'gamer' belted out "this camp trip is POGGERS!" I had to  ask for the definition of that word. Apparently it is an adjective, meaning 'positive flow' or 'good times!' in the Minecraft gamer world. So, that became our theme for camp. 'Poggers.'

We arrived, settled in, I had to sneak in a zoom call with my regional team, and we headed out again for a pool party and dinner at our friends Jeannie and Herb's place overlooking Banks Lake in Coulee City. We played dunk hoops and an epic pool party and decided to create a music video. We captured scenes in the pool, a mild food fight using fruit pie, a scene in an 'Isaak Farms' hay field, and a synchronized dance scene at an abandoned barn. Can't wait to share it! (we will post it in here, the kids' YouTube accounts and on Facebook when its done in a few days.)

Upon returning back to Vic's cabin on Lake Roosevelt in Lincoln, we had our first cabin time. We read two passages in Mark about Jesus pulling his disciples away to rest and connect with Jesus. We asked what they wanted for these three days away. Every one of them had a variation of 'the grow closer to God' and 'experience adventure.' I guaranteed they'd experience this if they are serious.

Solo prayer times.

Day two, after breakfast, we had cabin time #2. We read the Lord's prayer, broke it down into how Jesus was showing us, in simple terms even ADHD 8th graders can understand, how to connect with God in prayer. Then we prayed using the P.R.A.Y. (acrostic) guide. P= Praise/thank. R= Repent. A= Ask. Y= Say "yes" to what God is asking. We prayed as a group for "p" trying to lift up as many praises and thankfuls as we could muster up. It was beautiful, and awkwardly random. Then we all shared things we wanted to repent from. I figured this would be super clunky, but it was flowed effortlessly for them. We then gave them a 10 minute time of quiet by themselves for "Ask" and "Say YES to God."  All in all, this went better than expected and when they reported how it was for them, they appreciated the simplicity of connecting with God. 

After praying hard, the rest of the day was playing hard. Paddle boarding, wave runner-ing, tubing behind Vic's watercraft, swimming, and of course, making more scenes for our music video, a parody version of Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' but a version where the word 'never' is edited out of the song so the lyrics say 'I'm gonna give you up, let you down, make you cry, hurt you, desert you, etc.' It's laughable, trust me. ;)

For the evening, things got hella poggers. I invited our host and longtime YL leader (with me in my former area) Vic Alinen, to co-lead cabin time with me. And if you know Vic, co-lead means 'he leads.' Cabin time started with our typical 'highs and lows,' followed by some hilarious improv, and then Vic took over and we went super deep very fast. From 0 to 90 MPH in 2.7 seconds. He covered a variety of topics including but not limited to angels and demons, how video games dull your senses, being men after God's own heart, allowing God to heal our open wounds and become scars, and if they were to die tonight how confident on a scale of 1-10 would they be that they  would enter heaven. A bit of a windy road towards what God would do next that night.

Vic asked each guy how we could pray for a breakthrough for them. They each were so deeply leaning in, and each shared the most authentic responses I would have imagined. Its like...people were praying for us, for this very moment. Guys shared about needing healing for open wounds in their hearts, to embrace their own faith rather than their parent's faith, to turn from their repetitive sin, to stop 'dabbling' with God but go all in, to get in the middle of God's will not the fringes, and to let go of things that they've been holding onto for security that has no power to save or satisfy. Phew! These are 8th graders, friends! Next, after they shared this, we prayed for each, one at a time. Let me pause and rewind back to moments just before starting cabin time. I had texted an invitation for people to pray for our time. One of my prayer people, Curtis, said 'take them to the Prayer 401 level.'  I scoffed back, "Yeah, not THESE guys. Sorry. not today, maybe in a few more years."

Have you ever eaten your words? Yep. Did that. During prayer for each kid, my 'no way Jose' faith-lacking comment echoed back to me. After Vic shared a series of inspired word pictures, anointed words and prophetic challenges, he invited me to lead prayer along with him. I decided to go for 'Prayer 401.' Others and I refer to this depth as 'listening prayer.' This is where all who are present in prayer to be invited to participate in listening for any leading from the Holy Spirit. This might be a word or bible verse, or a picture in one's head, or a strong sense that seems to be originating from God's leading. 401. Not beginner prayer stuff. But the kind of prayer we see Jesus refer to in John 14 and 16, and in Acts, and peppered throughout the Bible. So I invited the kids to say 'I have something' if anything seemed to be popping up for them as they pray. Risky for these 'kids'...right?

Also, after the kids shared how we could pray, and before Vic prayed for each guy, I remembered that I did some listening prayer of my own, while on my deck a week beforehand, praying in preparation for this camp. I asked the guys if I could read the prayers I felt God had led me to pray for them a week ago. Do you want to hear something nuttier than squirrel feces? The things in my journal were almost identical to the things that the boys had just asked for prayer about, AND the words Vic had spoken about each one. It was wild. One of them asked: "Raise your hand if you are really feeling the Holy Spirit right now?" All of them did, including Vic and me!

So each was prayed for, kids interjected verses that came to mind, words that they couldn't shake from their minds as they prayed, and they laid hands on each other, one at a time. Even our autistic, ADD gamer boy had a powerful word from God to another guy.  It was...poggers, y'all!  Let's not underestimate what God can do, it is immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. God is at work. Can we listen, take a risk, speak even when timid, pray even when we think nothing will happen? Y the L not?  We left changed. Our music video is almost done. We will be reading Romans 12 together this month. And meeting again, but prayer has taken a new meaning for these guys entering HS. Excited to see what God will do!  

Week 3: Healings, Hatings, Apologies and Miracles

Our 'Canyon session 2' assignment team!

 A healing! A leader came with a long struggle with endometriosis, and a desire to have a child. She had significant discomfort throughout the week. Our head leader, Gallo, from Sunnyside/Lower Valley area, asked if he could pray for healing for her. For the rest of camp, she felt relief, and two weeks later, we received a message from her back home that she has gotten back to 'regular' lady stuff and is experiencing a full healing. Glory to God!

One girl came, who's family insistent she go, and her anxiety level was visibly palpable from the very moment she set foot off the bus to a crowd of cheering work crew. She expected that God would be both expected and forced on her. Each time in club, Tanita's messages dispelled that, with her vulnerability, voicing doubts and cultural values she resonated with, and the invitational, non-forced approach for sharing Jesus' offer of life all week long. Such a joy to see her walls come down and receive!

Jim Stuck, Hans Liezen & Jeffrey at Creekside!

At Creekside our teammates Jeffrey, Hans, Jim, Claire, Gary, Kent W and WC kid, Max Hein, are leading mightily. At the end of the first camper (4 day) week, 120 kids stood up to say 'yes' to starting a relationship with Jesus. Being such a short week, with kids coming out of a year and a half of being stuck behind screens, and little visible cues throughout the week, jaws dropped and heaven celebrated! And 80 more the next week, with two more weeks to go!

Our experience in Mission-Community together. We had a clear mission, yet we leaned into how we do 'community' together with everyone amidst all our differences. It was healing. Focus on Jesus as the center of our selves and our community here, meaning, that we would go to Jesus first with our thoughts, feelings, conflicts and priority/purpose. And that we would be 'relationship people' where we move towards each other rather than move away from them. This is HARD and holy work for many of us where seeing understanding and being honest leads to fight or flight or freeze. This past year and a half has only ecxaserbated fear of reconciling and moving towards unity. Gosh it has been heard yet healing. As we kept sharing this value, some folks serving here noted "this would be a great value for my marriage too, not just leading together!

Last week I shared about 6 kids from Lake Oswego who I had to send home early due to repeat camp no-nos. Well, this week, I received three apologies from Lake Oswego kids via email. God is still at work in their lives, even after an early exit. Pray with me for the seeds to continue to spout and grow.

Janna was having a really hard day on the last week, and she struggled all evening, having an overwhelming feeling like she wanted to go home, was tired, drained and struggled feeling that she did not fit among the community of the work crew. She had been learning (after Gallo spoke) how to pray through sadness and and learn to lament and engage on this level with God. In prayer, God lifted up her sadness, negative feelings and God reminded her that he does belong here, with these people and for His purpose. She felt tangible relief after praying. Fast-forward to the next morning, the camp doctor's husband, Glenn Snyder, co-committee chair in Chelan Valley YL, went through Janna's breakfast serving line and he told her that he and his wife Dr Jenn felt led to pray for Janna late last night, and then her placed a reassuring hand on Janna's shoulder, looked her in the eye and said the same words God had reassured her with the night before, 'we are so glad you are here, you belong here,' and walked away, Janna said it confirmation of what was happening in her prayer time with God, and Glenn delivered it without even knowing the significance of the timing, exact words and reassurance. Wow. She was so elated to share how God worked in HER life.

We had 5 of our region's DFLs here at camp at the same time. DFLs are 'Developing Future Leaders.' Our next generation of staff we are investing in as a region. Jesenia (Jess) from Wenatchee. Kali from Yakima Valley. Rissto from Lower Yakima Valley. Norma from Tri-Cities. And Nikki Mack from Spokane. Tanya helps train them throughout the year in partnership with the area directors, and our goal is that at least half of them continue on year 3 to launch a new ministry or area and we continue to match funds to help make it possible for a smoother on-ramp into full time staff and new growth. What a blessing to have so many in one place!

Last week, a kid who identifies as one of the rarer letters on the LGBT+ spectrum, came to camp, and when I was given a heads up, I prayed that they would have an incredible experience, free from any foolish words, awkward looks, and any other distraction from hearing the good news of Jesus clearly.  At the end of the week, their trip leader confirmed that indeed, 'he' had the best week of his life in every way, with not a single hint of negativity. After a year of turmoil hard pressing against YL, this added weight to our intention to love EVERY kid and welcome all.

On day 3, one kid, Kiernan, told his leader after cabin time on night 2, 'I f-ing hate you!' The leader was doing his best with a challenging group of guys who were not taking cabin time seriously and were fiercely skeptical of everything at camp. Fast forward to two days later, Kiernan and the leader had a one-on-one time together, and the leader guided him to pray to receive Christ in his heart, and he showed up to the new believers walk. God still moves mountains! And somehow, his name ended up on the cross twice. Probably that poor leader wanted to make double sure, he must have written it the second time, where 'Kiernan' was spelled incorrectly.

As Tanita, our camp speaker, prayed early in the week for kids, the Lord gave her a name of a kid to pray for-Jacob. She Did not know who this was, but was led to pray for him, whoever he was. Carson, our head leader from Coeur d'Alene, walked up to Tanita and I sharing about an amazing conversation he had with a kid named Jacob. Tanita belted" JACOB??!!" Carson looked confused, he didn't know what God had prompted her with in prayer. Carson reported about how during Tanita's message describing sin, us turning our life away from God and trying to fill the emptiness with all kinds of things that do not satisfy, Jacob said that all this sounded exactly like his life and that it was a wake up call for him to look at his life in a new, fresh way.  

Ping Pong. As though anyone cares, or my pride needs an excuse to inflate itself, I left camp undefeated in ping pong. There was a best-of-five series where a few games were taken from me by Mason Keller our WC Coordinator. Yet, Mason, Etu our musician, Nick Harris from Gig Harbor, Stan the Man Price and a kid from Pendleton were all the worthiest of opponents.

During our time off between camps, we were blessed to have Eduardo Gallo and Jillian Debritz speak to all our team of 100 folks here. Gallo spoke on praying with both lament and authenticity, and Jillian spoke on wise ways to pray through anxiety, depression and whatever you're going through. Here's Jillian sharing: https://youtu.be/U6VPgUrD5Yk  

Pacific Islander kids loved Tanita and our musician, Etu Vala

A group of Pacific lslander kids and leaders came from Salem Oregon this week. From the moment club started with Etu Finau Vala masterfully leading songs from up front, they were so dialed into camp, with the rare experience of having 'one of us Islanders' represent them up front at something like this. After they all walked up on the last morning to place their name upon the cross, they asked Etu for a picture with all of them together, thanking him for being a big part of their impact here.

Dietrich was part of 'program' as a t-rex and 'demi-gorgon' during days 2 and 3 lunch walk-ons. He made sushi, musubi for staff parties, he hosted shows for the kids on the TV there, played a lot of ping-pong, rode bikes and loved being part of the community life at camp. This was our biggest prayer (other than kids meeting Jesus, of course!) and God came through big with Dietrich enjoying this whole time serving her. 

My YL leader, DAVE! And his daughters.

My 2 YL leaders when I was in high school was Joel and Dave. Dave came this past week with his wife Kris as an adult guest. So thankful we are still together. His daughters Hannah and Sarah served on Summer Staff and WC. Such a joy! 

Over 80 kids said "YES!" to Jesus this 3rd week. Leaders had each of these kids on their 'lists' all year long, some for longer. It was an absolute honor to have front row seats as servant-leaders for them to help the kids they brought to taste and see that the Lord is good. I am tired, as is the team I served alongside. Pray for them (pictured above,) and for the property team who welcomes in the next session today. Pray for kids returning home with leaders, that the seeds fall on good soil. And pray for the kids Tanya and I are each bringing to camp experiences in a few weeks. And our biggest (selfish) prayer request was that God would sustain Dietrich over these 3 weeks, where he often comes unraveled in these assignments. This prayer was anxswered beyond our wildest imaginations! Thanks!