"Are You Kidding Me, God?"

Just...wow!

These are the last and arguably most wow-like God stories to share. Thank you for your prayers and leaning in with us as we served at Malibu (Tanya, as 1st time camp director)

A tough Latino girl was here this week at Malibu...she lived in Texas with her siblings and mom, but her dad was imprisoned. Had to move around a lot because her mom worked for a Mexican drug lord, El Chapo. They ended up moving to Mexico. There, one day, she and her siblings were playing and she pushed one of her brothers off the bed. The fall took a tragic turn, resulting his death from the injury. Her mom was so angry, she exclaimed she would never talk to her again. The next day her mother was arrested (unrelated cause) and the kids were sent to an orphanage in Guadalajara. 

Later on, she was adopted by a family in Woodinville. She got into trouble and the adoptive family dissolved the adoption (this part of the story made her cry as she shared it with me.)

So, a dear family in Woodinville took her in and offered to send her to Malibu. She made it clear to all that she didn't believe in God but would go. She thought, 'I have such a crappy life, how could there be a God?' In her orphanage, she was force-fed religion and resented all of it.

After I (Tanya) shared my story during 'Real Life' she connected with me, relating to part 1 and 2 of my life story about my absentee Mexican dad, growing up in Wenatchee in poverty/welfare and being turned off by the supposed 'wonderful plan' God had for my crappy life. 

Another breakthrough for her was a great convo with her leader, who explained how we all (including her parents) have free choice; that God doesn’t just ‘do stuff TO’ us. For the first time, she could see that God is for her. Her leader asked, "Do you believe in God, Jesus and his love for you?" She answered, "yes." When she realized that it was the religion she had rejected all along, and that she could start a relationship with God now, she described that her 'throat relaxed', and it was the first time she ever felt she could 'really, actually breathe.' On the last night, she stood up at say-so and committed her life to God, saying on the mic "I am now a part of GOD'S family." 414 campers heard and cheer, but had no idea the depth behind her story. Wow, God, are you kidding me?!

Another 'WOW'!

A young man from Gonzaga prep also really resonated with my story.  He has felt alone for so long, as he is adopted from Asia, and has carried unanswered questions about his value as a person in this life.  While on the ropes course, he told me he appreciated my story. I remembered him during Q&A from the crowd. When the host, Scott, asked the crowd what they thought I was chasing after instead of God to fill me life, he shouted out the word, 'confirmation.' I had never thought of my own pursuit of wanting to feel confirmed/affirmed, but it felt true.

Leavenworth boys

Then, after the third 'Real Life' session and cardboard testimonies, through tears, he and his leader, Stewart, prayed and he accepted Christ into his life. At say so, he said, "this week I joined God's family and now I am no longer alone." He was at the new believers experience and told me his story.  What an articulate and appreciative young man.  I have a feeling this young man will do great things for the kingdom of God.  He is smart as a whip and his face is BEAMING with the love of God in his life. 

Feast of the UnLeavenworth
Two boys from Leavenworth were resistant to God all week. They were hung up on how much ‘religion’ has done to divide and hurt our world. As the gospel became more clear, as their cabin times with TJ brought more understanding, and quiet times allowed Jesus to speak to them, they both took the mic at Say So to say they decided to follow Jesus (relationship, not religion.) 

                                                                                            A Final, Mind-blowing WOW!

A work crew girl here, whom we shared about 4 posts ago, from a muslim family, took great courage to be involved with YL in Spokane and follow Jesus. Her home town came up this last week, North Central HS, which one of the campers was her little brother, Ali. She has been praying for him ever since she became a Christian. He loved camp and the messages, and made a special bond with the camp doctor. He sat beside him during songs and the message. Scott, our speaker, shared John 10:10. Ali asked Dr. Deon for a pen, then wrote John 10:10 on his arm, exclaiming that he really liked it.  Then, later that night Ali stood up at say-so and proclaimed that he is now a part of Jesus' family.  His sister was there to witness it. We are delighted that Ali and his sister can continue their relationships with Jesus at home-- together.  It will take great courage for them to continue to grow. Unlike so many of us, they are risking everything to follow Jesus. They have a great support team in their YL family, Jenna and Kolby, were on our assignment team, as well as Gio, the cabin leader who brought Ali to camp.

Please continue to hold these kids and all the kids who encountered Jesus up in prayer and join me in giving glory to God!

Do want a little more details?  Let us know, email or text Jeff.

-Jeff and Tanya-

On the 3rd Day, Freeman kids and Guac O Clock

A seven day YL camp like Malibu is designed to allow kids a chance to process the gospel with enough information to be able to say 'I'm in' or 'No thanks' (not yet) by day 6. Well...day 3 we had our first two kids here say 'yes' to start a relationship with God. Both Spokane girls heard our speaker share how we fill our lives with and chase things other than God, hoping they will fulfill us in a way only God designed for us to experience. One sobbed through the entire cabin time, and when called upon, she expressed this was what she had been trying to figure out for years and is ready. The other was more matter of fact, articulating to her leader that she had always had been close but never knew how to actually start living into a relationship with God. Jesus’ invitation to do life fully with God and not live all for oneself is really good news to teenagers.

Kids from Freeman HS are pictured here, dressed like M&Ms. Freeman is where the school shooting took place a year and a half ago, many of these girls were in the hallway in view of the horrific event. They are encountering Jesus amidst all the trauma they’ve been through. Thankful for Makinzie, Mary and Ernie who teamed up to make sure these kids can be kids, find Jesus amidst their trauma and rediscover hope and future. Praying the same for young people in El Paso, Dayton and Gilroy who also endured a mass shooting. Jesus draw near to those who've seen the worst.

Ever heard of "Guac O'clock?" It is ANYTIME guacamole is served. As part of Tanya’s Latina roots,  is the passio for making guacamole for guests, alongside Janna. Bringing the assignment team together with guac is a way that Tanya, as camp director, has aimed to serve with excellence. Here’s a time lapse of guac o’clock: https://youtu.be/MWbFICYg_cw

The next two days, kids will hear how Jesus gave his life that we could fully live knowing we are loved and having no barrier between us and God, and that he is alive and well. Kids get two 15 minute time of quiet to sit, listen, pray and consider Gods offer to them. Pray!

In fact, after I posted this, during the 15 min time, this scene of Spokane kids from Rogers and North Central kids who climbed up on the rooftop of the Totem Inn. Reminds me of the gospel story of the four friends taking their paralytic friend up on the roof to try to get get them in up close and in front of Jesus. Success. And side note, the mountains in the background is a spot where I first heard God speak to me when I was on a Beyond Malibu hiking trip. Word of God speak!

An update from previous prayer requests...camp director Tanya's and musician Maddie's voices are much better, and they are gaining strength by the day. Janna's broken foot is a bummer but her resilient spirit is keeping her trucking along and fully engaging with campers and the team here. 

Tattoos, Impact of Suicides, and New Believers at Malibu

We just had the grand arrival of our most eagerly awaited week: Spokane (North and South/NW), Spokane Valley, Leavenworth, Yakima/Selah, and Bellingham. Wanted to share some highlights from this past week with Coeur d'Alene/Post Falls, West Linn and Olympia here.

A female camper was icing her head with a visible tattoo. One of our leaders here, asked about the tattoo, making conversation. She shared the story of the tattoo, and it was to honor her brother who committed suicide and left a deep sadness for her. As it turns out, the leader who initiated the conversation happened to have a brother who took his own life too. A sweet conversation of connection and healing took place that next while on the bench on Malibu Main Street. Incredible how God orchestrates healing with JUST the right person in unexpected moments. 

A student from North Idaho lost their father, a high profile leader in CDA, to suicide last year. Coming from a family that does not believe in God, it truly was miraculous that he signed up for camp. After Molly Starch, N. Idaho Area Director shared her faith story using both sides of a piece of cardboard, that she was abandoned by both of her parents committing suicide yet adopted into God's family (see picture), this boy broke down crying, finally having a release of emotions after trying to stuff them down for the past year-plus. Right afterwards, he and his leader had a long one-on-one talk on a bench facing Desolation Island at Malibu, discovering for the first time that God does not abandon us, leave us desolate, and offers a hope and a future and life to the full even if parents did not. 

One from camper from Coeur d'Alene/Post Falls has been intrigued, hearing of God’s love for her and Jesus’ invitation of relationship to us. On day 4, she pulled aside her leader and asked, ‘What are the steps to start this relationship with God?’ Amazing how when kid’s eyes are opened, they begin to ask basic questions they’ve never thought to ask before.

One boy is here, from a Muslim background. Being here opened his eyes to what a relationship with God could be like. He has been actively evaluating his faith, spending time alone trying to hear God’s words to him as he has been introduced to Jesus, and getting in real talks with his leader and cabin of guys. Pray for him as he heads home, still considering God’s invitation to him through Jesus. 

There is a group of Samoan guys here from Washington. They expressed that they’ve been having a hard time relating to all the people around here, with the trauma and abandonment  they have experienced. Something finally related during the 'Real Life' panel, as Tanya shared about her life as a bi-racial kid with an absentee dad, on welfare, with her haunting feeling as a kid that there was not a safety net if she did not do everything right. I (Jeff) watched the three boys all catch eyes with each other, nodding their heads to one another as Tanya shared her story. Later, their leader shared how much relatable stories helped them sense that the gospel was good news to them too, not just for rich kids or those who have it easy. Thankful for how our mess can become a message.

This morning at the new believers reception, speaker Scott and crew gave out 60 bibles to kids who did not have one. This scene is where they were taught how to read it, where to start, how to have a time with God, and some of the basics of what to do when they get home and take their next steps with God. Love seeing kids come to know Jesus and take their first steps of faith. The old is gone, and there is SO much new to come (2Corinthians 5:17.)

On a personal note, Dietrich, who often struggles to find joy and connection at places like YL camps, insisted on working at the Totem Inn, the ice cream store here. It was a joy to see him being involved, hands on, serving kids as they meet Jesus.

Prayers:
Pray with us for Spokane. In particular, Rogers HS in the Hilllyard district of Spokane, which includes the highest level of poverty of any zip code in the state. One kid here is homeless and upon arrival, had no clean clothes in his sack (not a suitcase) he brought. Our team here washed them all for him to help him feel comfortable and clean. Let's pray for a fresh start for his soul this week as well! 

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!

Malibu Week 1: Broken, broken, and Unbroken!

Hi Friends! We're just finishing up Malibu week #1. Dietrichs thriving, Tanya too.

On Day 6 (today) I had to take Janna out on a water taxi to Sechelt, BC to the emergency room for an x-ray on her foot. She rolled her ankle, breaking her 5th metatarsal bone, during...the (non-treacherous) Virginia Reel dance, while sachay-ing down and back. After breaking it, she kept dancing, not wanting the experience to end abruptly. She's such a little warrior.

A powerful element during the week has been 'Real Life.' This is a panel of four, that shares moments of their lives in HS and leading up to HS. These four brave folks on our team here share honestly and with vulnerability about the hard things they walked through, which helps our 375+ high school friends to have an example that a) they are not alone and others have gone through hardships b) God is able to transform our broken stories in powerful ways and c) helps campers to open up about their stories with their leader and friends. Tanya shares about her growing up without presence or affirmation from her father, and the pressure of succeeding as a mixed race girl struggling to be 'seen' and to be a success. Others share of overcoming betrayal from parents and friends and the struggle to find faith amidst pain. One teammate, Maddie Z, shares of making it deep into Americal Idol only to be dropped in a late round, and plummeting her back into an even deeper depression that temporary popularity could not fulfill. Kids are really processing deeply, excited to share specific stories of kids.

ONE CAMP STORY! 

One girl here at Malibu, from a Middle Eastern country and a really broken, tough life story, had been describing some never-before-feelings she’d been having here, during cabin times and the 15 min quiet times. She shared of hearing a voice that seemed like the way God has been described. Some ways that she has heard this voice: a) realizing clearly as to how she has pushed God away (realizing sin) from her b) receiving comfort from her many fears she's struggled with, c) feeling a sense of forgiveness like never before, d) feeling ‘led’ to share things she would not normally with others, e) feeling a peace she can’t explain. She had known of God growing up, addressing Him as Allah, but never feeling any closeness or relationship. As she shared her experiences with her leader, her leader showed her in the Bible where Jesus describes the Holy Spirit who is fully available to all who would receive God. This sweet girl realized that she was hearing and recognizing it was God, personally pursuing her. The Holy Spirit, as described in John 14 and 16 (and many other places) lined up to this new experience. Isn't that SO God! Personally speaking to a girl who had not known God in a personal way, she went from a broken young lady to 'unbroken' spirit. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound."

And...both kids got to be in the epic Malibu 'Opera' on night 4, look closely and you'll see Janna in the middle/right in pink, dressing as a main character from the week, and Dietrich is dressed at a maple leaf. Here's a short video clip of it, only to be shared with you, don't share this to those from Everett/Mill Creek, Spokane or Wenatchee, Walla Walla, Tonasket and Leavenworth who are still coming in the next few weeks. :)

God moments for ‘us’ and ‘them’

God sightings so far. 

Tanya continues to thrive, as she leads well alongside of this talented team we have here. Twice yesterday, people here stopped her and said during their morning prayer time that God wanted her to know how deeply loved she is, and how God delights in her. 

Don’t you love how God can get something across to us? 

A girl from Lynnwood introduced herself, sharing she was at Creekside camp last year when I spoke. She remembers ‘everything’ and appreciated how Janna was an object lesson and how I knocked at her door on the stage and she finally opened it, and hugged me, like how Jesus knocks on our door and we can open it, and open our life to God. Fun to see how the seed planted last year is still growing in one kid! 

Marcus, one of our head leaders, took one on one time to connect with a camper here who self professes they are Satanic. It’s a joy to listen to, spend time with and express value to every kid regardless of any uniqueness. I’m glad that when I was an early teen and did not want anything to do with God, people like Dick Conner, a NW University student named Tony Cloud and others reached out to me too. Praying! 

I pulled together some of the kids here for the month for a cabin time after club day 2. Dietrich called it ‘manpaigners’. (Like YL’s ‘campaigners’). The speaker, Scott Didrickson, shared about the adoption of their daughter from an orphanage in Ghana. I asked these boys, first, who they know who is adopted, and how ‘adoption’ relates to God’s love for us. 

One boy, 11 years old, shared about how a kid in an orphanage is lost, doesn’t know if they belong or are fully accepted, like we feel until God takes us in and we experience all those things we didn’t have.’  Nice insight, kid!  Then Dietrich, 13, shared something I never thought of. He explained, ‘God’s adopting and love for us is like the story Jesus told, where the two men walked past the man who was beaten, robbed and left unconscious. They are like the parents who couldn’t or wouldn’t keep their kids they had, or like those around who did not help the child who was born. Yet God’s love is like the 3rd person, the Samaritan man who helped him, took him in, used their money and care to restore him. That’s like how I think God adopting us is like. He takes us in no matter what condition we are, to be with him instead of on our own, ignoring or avoiding us.’  Uh....yep. Think he pretty much nailed it.

Dietrich also jumped in to help run a field games station (see Dietrich, pointing, below), giant Jenga, along with Conor Dooley. 30 groups of HS came through. He helped lead like a champ. I didn’t see that coming! 

Praying for the campers to have a powerful week...A

and for those of us serving too. Sometimes the message is for the messengers too! 

Kids arrive: this never gets old!

Seeing 375 high school aged campers and their leaders exit the Malibu Princess boat never gets old. I tried to pray for every single one as they enthusiastically ran up the camp and into camp. God is more excited for them than they have any clue, so the ‘welcome’ always feels like a foretaste of heaven. Here’s a time lapse of the welcome 

 Join us this week praying for kids from Lynnwood-Terrace, Hood River, Issaquah, Eugene and a few others.

Before campers arrived, Tanya, serving as camp director, addressed the entire team of work crew, summer staff, leadership (“A”) team and property staff, inviting them to pull together to grasp how high wide long and deep the love of God is for them, and then extend it to over 1,300 campers over 4 weeks. After speaking in the breathtaking new Malibu club room, Sequoia, she invited them to go on a prayer walk to pray-pare their hearts. She is slaying it.

One guest, the Yacht Host, Tom Culp, overflowed with nostalgia today. He shared that 50 years ago today, the sound was hooked up to the radio in the dining hall so all the campers could listen to the broad-cast of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin taking a ‘small step’ of the first moon walk. I can tell already, this week and month will be out of this world. 

And PS, Janna and a crew of 7 other teenage girls have immediately bonded and formed a small group for the month. Amazing. And Dietrich is already diving right in.