I'm back again at Java Cup with an Italian cream soda and I just got out of the thrift store we all come to once a week or so. This was actually the first time I've been there when I haven't gotten a 5 cent t-shirt from the kids rack or something.
It's kind of strange to actually be in town when all week you are away from phone service, DSL, paved roads, and people you don't know.
Thanks for your prayers. It's hard to believe I've been here over a month now.
Here is a passage that has been really big in my life over the past week and a half. sorry such a short entry--more soon, maybe?
James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Leadership training week and staff training week are now over at Camp Good News, and the campers come for the first time tomorrow afternoon.
The past two weeks have been huge. I wish I could share it all. But restricting me more than the time I need in order to write is the fact that the details of discipleship and relational ministry can’t really be up on the web.
When you’re talking about campers, you say things like, “God really worked and two children began lives of faith in Jesus.” When you’re talking about counselors and staff members, you speak more in terms of addressing long-term issues and rejoicing in Spirit-given softening and repentance and growth.
Some things that I can say, however, that have gone on recently—
--My cousin Cory got married last Saturday, and it was a really fun weekend. For the first time, I participated in the whole decorate/mar the car thing. Nothing permanent, of course.
--This past week I got to teach a few classes for the counselors. I really enjoyed teaching and I think the sessions went well. I team-taught one on camper issues (counseling campers of a non-Christian faith, how to handle bedtime, fighting & child protection policies, etc.) and then I taught one on counselor relationships.
--God made one important conversation and two counseling opportunities go really well. I am excited to see things happen in people’s lives that I doubted would ever happen. My faith was pretty weak. I know God owes nothing to the man who prays doubting, but I am very thankful that He is merciful and still grants answers to poorly done prayers.
Right now I’m sitting in a coffee shop here in downtown Claremont, NH, which is about 20 minutes from camp. I was asking someone at camp about finding wireless and everyone laughed. I didn’t realize how accustomed I have become to city life.
But I guess the joke’s on them, since I actually found it.