Solid Say-So Stories and N. Idaho YL here

'Say-So' Shout Outs!

Say-so, the gathering on the last night where kids pass the mic to share if they made a significant decision of faith during the week, was powerful. Of the 350+ campers, over 100 kids stood up. One camper this week had been wrestling with gender uncertainty. She self-identified to be in a female cabin. All week she tried out going by her preferred 'male' gender name. No matter, he/she was loved deeply and accepted by all. As they listened to the message of Jesus, the good news of being loved, belonging 'with' God, and having full access to God and all He has in store, SHE responded. As the mic went around at say-so, she introduced herself as her female name and shared she found herself in God and has 'come home' (reference to Luke 15.)

Of the 100 more, there was Takalina and Danny from Lynnwood, each 'finally' decided after years of resisting God, to finally follow Jesus. Maddie from Hood River exclaimed being excited for this new life in Jesus. Fabian decided to finally open up and live for Jesus instead of for himself. Padey expressed thankfulness to her leaders and those who served at camp who helped her finally be ready to connect with God and receive his love. Big tough 'Brandon', through tears, proclaimed that his life has been saved by God numerous times in the past, and he is finally going to live for the one who keeps saving me.  

Janna is back at Malibu, broken foot and all, with an amazing attitude!

One more highlight is quite a bit deeper. Rewind back to our first night here, before any campers had arrived, when Tanya led the whole camp on a prayer walk, which included praying for every cabin and the kids who will inhabit them the coming week. Elizabeth a Summer Staff girl, prayed with Tanya outside one of the Nootka cabins. She felt led to pray specifically for one girl, one of course that had no idea who it was. She felt God prompt her that there is a girl coming who has really been 'in a dark place and very lost'. They said 'amen' knowing full well that they may never know if this prayer would be revealed to be true or just a feeling. Well, fast forward to the end of the week, at say-so. One girl from Portland West, got the mic and said “I was in a dark place and very lost for a lot of years and this week, I finally gave my life to Jesus." Elizabeth caught eyes with Tanya and with tears and a crystal clear certainty only the Holy Spirit brings, that THIS WAS THE EXACT GIRL WE PRAYED FOR! (Insert chills) 

Tanya welcoming leaders, Day 1, along with Marcus E and Dooley

Our team is gelling well, Tanya has served with excellence as camp director, alongside a solid team, including Head Leaders, Bill Dooley and Marcus Eiland, from our region. And also from Spokane, Kolby Schoenrock on program, my running partner and friend, and work crew bosses, the Linquists too.

And...North Idaho is here this week. A great group of 50+ guys and girls, including Area Director Molly Starch who brought my Cheez-Its, and Natalie from Post Falls YL and P/T staff Braden and Mekole too. 

Lastly, the teenage children from our assignment team families continue to bond well. This pic below is the biggest game of Apples to Apples I've ever seen. :) 

Next week all our Spokane and Spokane Valley friends, as well as Yakima/Selah and Leavenworth who will be here. Excited!

Thanks for listening and praying!