Camp Director Interview: Kraig Cabe Camp direct for FCA camp
This week was very laid back. Definitely the most laid back week of the summer. The week’s camp was for Fellowship of Christian athletes at Indiana Wesleyan University. It lasted from Monday through Wednesday. We didn’t do any counseling; we as a worship team were simply in charge of the worship through songs for 160 teenagers. Are consisted of waking up…breakfast wasn’t mandatory since we weren’t doing any counseling and making sure we were set up, practiced and ready to go for the service at 1:00pm. This week for the services I was in charge of all the tech. stuff. I did power point and videos and pictures throughout the service. This week I stretched myself by being behind the scenes because that was where I was placed. I felt a whole new side of ministry this week through that. They had afternoon games called competition. We as a band weren’t mandatory to go to those either but they encouraged us to. I showed up to all of those in hope to build relationships with the kids. My job didn’t rub shoulders with the kids at all so I took every opportunity I could to talk with them. At competition I met a few teens but not to strong of relationships were built. At lunch and supper I was able to get away from my team and sit with some kids by myself, which was the best one on one time I had with kids this week. They did their own things that didn’t involve us as a band at night time so I was unable to connect with any teens at that time either. Our main job was focused around the songs for worship. During an ice cream social one night I gained a decent relationship with one boy and had the best one on one talk with him about living for the Lord. To be honest this camp was so relaxed and so short that I felt that my ministry was very limited. I did feel that I help the teens worship strongly through power point; I even got some compliments on how people liked my power point. Through this week I feel like I helped the staff see someone who can do there best in the Lord no matter what the job is. The staff were really appreciative of my small works and really uplifted me by complimenting on my heart in doing behind the scene things.
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 1:00pm-2:30pm service
3:00pm-4:30pm activities/competition
Personal Reflection:
This week was a little too workless. I didn’t like how I didn’t get to hang out with the teens. I didn’t build any great relationships with any of the kids. I found out how much I like to be involved. I did more behind the scenes work and that truly helped me humble myself done in order to help people worship from a whole new perspective. In general the week was simply ok. All the girl wore incredibly short shorts and were kind of flirty so that was something that only wanted me to have the week end. The kids were fun to play games with and the worship continued to pick up as the days went by. I just felt like not near as much was done spiritually that could have been done but at the same time I do this the camp truly helped the teens become stronger in their faith. Personally I wish I could have been more involved.
Spiritual Reflection:
Spiritually I felt that some of the teens were pretty mature in their walk with the Lord. I don’t know how much growth I saw in the kids specifically because I wasn’t connected enough with them to see that. For me I truly stretched myself by being a behind the scenes man. Working the power point was different for me because I am usually in front of the teens doing all the seen things. By doing tech. stuff it showed me a whole other side to ministry and it helped me humble myself in knowing that these kids would be able to worship as well if it weren’t for me getting the words on the screen. Spiritually I grew through doing quieter ministry. I am used to being loud and rowdy but in this I was able to allow myself to not need all eyes on me in order to help people see Christ. It was pretty cool. So through that my spirit was exercised in a whole new way.
Camp Director Interview: Kraig Cabe
1.) How long have you been in youth ministry for?
10 ½ years
2.) When ministering to the opposite sex what do you find to be the most difficult part about it?
For the most part I can’t directly be involved. I find somebody else I can trust to sit in and handle it. I’m responsible for finding staff to take care of needs and that is hard to focus on.
3.) What is the hardest part about youth ministry?
Funding the ministry. Relying on people for money. Seeing kids that know the right answers and just don’t care.
4.) What is the most fun part about youth ministry?
Seeing kids really get it…understanding how much God loves them or the worship. Seeing their gifts tie with Christianity.
5.) What do you find is the best way to help teenagers grasp a message?
Not just teach biblical principles but read it straight up. Have them read it. Also, Illustrations that are complex.
6.) What is your greatest success?
Remaining very basic yet very deep. Fundamentals yet deep in the faith. And remaining faithful to our mission.
7.) What is your greatest failure?
Determining if their sex is male or female. I have messed up in the past where I accidentally mistaken a girl for a boy and that didn’t help.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Report #7
Discipleship I felt was a huge part of this past week. This was my absolute favorite camp of the summer hands down. We showed up knowing it was a family camp but we weren’t aware of our responsibilities. We found out we were staying with some of the teens in the dorm. We were in charge of playing the worship for the teen services of Corse. We found out that we weren’t really in charge of any teenagers really but we were able to hang out the whole week non stop with the kids. Everyday’s schedule looked like this, breakfast at 8am then morning activities at 10:30am. These activities were something for me personally to have a lot of fun with the kids and build a great relationship with them through simply having fun. At noon was lunch, the meals were an excellent way for me to build great relationships with the kids as well…possibly the best time of the day to do so. I really enjoyed this camp so much because we were able to hang out with the kids on free time so much. Free time hang outs are a huge part of ministry with teenagers. The next thing after lunch was the teen’s service in the teen tabernacle. The services started out rough, the kids weren’t giving us much response whatsoever. As the team (the worship band for IWU that I’m traveling with) played the worship the kids were barely even blinking. Doing my job by using my crazy character, I ran up and jumped around and encouraged the teens to go crazy and express themselves. At first, in the beginning of the week they were hardly responsive to worshiping God; by the end of the week just about every teen was jumping and shouting for the Lord at the services. After the service we had supper at 5pm and from there the night service with the whole camp adults and all. Following the night service we had night games with the teens then we headed to bed where we had devotions then slept.
I felt the best ministry was brought out of the teens services. Through these services I did everything within my power to show these kids that I was a fool, surely a fool for Christ. My goal was to help the teens feel better about themselves and to know they wouldn’t look the dumbest in the room if they were to praise God with all they had. I was also able to give my testimony to the teens in one service, for this I went all out doing it in the middle of the music portion of the worship…that way it would strongly encourage them to be all they could or Christ and immediately express it through going crazy during some songs of praise. It was explosive and I felt like it truly bursted the kids to a whole new level for the rest of the week. Through these services I was also able to pray and encourage kids as well. The other part of ministry that I felt was the best for me was the free time. Through the free time I was able to disciple kids hardcore, which was great! I was able to build strong relationships with two teenage boys who ended falling in love with Gods word. Both of them bought their first Bibles ever and they seriously could not put them down. I was able to have one on one conversation’s with them able the Lord and reading the Bible, they would ask questions and I was able to help them in that. There was another girl who found the Lord and gave her life to God Wholeheartedly. She allowed me to know that it was because of my example that I lived throughout the week. That was very encouraging. Out and around others in public I was able to sit with her at a one on one level and help her understand some things she should do when she leaves camp such as accountability that found the Lord and gave her life to God Wholeheartedly. She allowed me to know that it was because of my example that I lived throughout the week. That was very encouraging. Out and around others in public I was able to sit with her at a one on one level and help her understand some things she should do when she leaves camp such as accountability and prayer and bible reading. That was a great and very sincere conversation. So many of the teens (just about everyone) allowed me to know that because of me they were changed for the Lord. It was a great week hanging out and helping the kids grow in the Lord. I was able to pray for the big, night tabernacle service for everyone which was a blessing!
All in all this week was full of discipleship and helping teens be stretched in their lives with Christ. The opportunity to hangout and praise the Lord with kids was amazing. I feel like God definitely placed me at Frankfort Family Camp for a huge reason! It was an amazing week!
Hours Mon-Fri Activities 10:30am-12:00pm and 9:00pm-11:00pm
Services 3:00pm-5:00pm and 7:00pm-9:00pm
Personal Reflection:
This week was amazing because I was able to invest my time and character into the teens. I saw teenagers truly surrender their hearts over to the Lord in different areas of their lives. Some became dedicated by being bolder in the faith outside of camp, some dedicated their lives to more prayer, some dedicated their lives to being unashamed in their worship during services and one girl even dedicated her life over to the Lord for the first time. It was great being able to not just help people find God period but to disciple them to get ready to overcome evil with good on their own. The teens were a blessing to hang out with and they helped me through encouraging me with their words by letting me know how I have helped them. I was able to see and discover more things about myself through this camp experience.
Spiritual Reflection:
Spiritually these keep were resurrected in heart for the Lord. I was greatly blessed to see how God truly used my character in order to help the teens grow in Him. Just my simply ways of living were noticed by these people and they allowed me to know that they were deeply encouraged by that. It was hard to get off alone this week due to kids finding me walking to a spot to spend alone and interfering, even when I told them I was going to spend time with the Lord. It was possible yet it was hard. I did have times alone with God but I felt that this week my devotion was pored out into the kids so it was great and encouraging for me. The experience I had this week was definitely what I love!
Youth Director Interview: Ryan Vanmatre – ICD Family Camp
1.) How long have you been in youth ministry for?
4 years
2.) When ministering to the opposite sex what do you find to be the most difficult part about it?
Knowing your limits on how to talk and help them. Being way more cautious.
3.) What is the hardest part about youth ministry?
Connecting with all students.
4.) What is the most fun part about youth ministry?
Seeing students turn around. Seeing kids being dedicated to the Lord over top of their other priorities.
5.) What do you find is the best way to help teenagers grasp a message?
Each student gets an outline of the message. Something to physically take home with them.
6.) What is your greatest success?
Starting a discipleship group. Being able to mentor students.
7.) What is your greatest failure?
Not being cautious enough on looking into big events involving the teens-things that will only uplift them.
I felt the best ministry was brought out of the teens services. Through these services I did everything within my power to show these kids that I was a fool, surely a fool for Christ. My goal was to help the teens feel better about themselves and to know they wouldn’t look the dumbest in the room if they were to praise God with all they had. I was also able to give my testimony to the teens in one service, for this I went all out doing it in the middle of the music portion of the worship…that way it would strongly encourage them to be all they could or Christ and immediately express it through going crazy during some songs of praise. It was explosive and I felt like it truly bursted the kids to a whole new level for the rest of the week. Through these services I was also able to pray and encourage kids as well. The other part of ministry that I felt was the best for me was the free time. Through the free time I was able to disciple kids hardcore, which was great! I was able to build strong relationships with two teenage boys who ended falling in love with Gods word. Both of them bought their first Bibles ever and they seriously could not put them down. I was able to have one on one conversation’s with them able the Lord and reading the Bible, they would ask questions and I was able to help them in that. There was another girl who found the Lord and gave her life to God Wholeheartedly. She allowed me to know that it was because of my example that I lived throughout the week. That was very encouraging. Out and around others in public I was able to sit with her at a one on one level and help her understand some things she should do when she leaves camp such as accountability that found the Lord and gave her life to God Wholeheartedly. She allowed me to know that it was because of my example that I lived throughout the week. That was very encouraging. Out and around others in public I was able to sit with her at a one on one level and help her understand some things she should do when she leaves camp such as accountability and prayer and bible reading. That was a great and very sincere conversation. So many of the teens (just about everyone) allowed me to know that because of me they were changed for the Lord. It was a great week hanging out and helping the kids grow in the Lord. I was able to pray for the big, night tabernacle service for everyone which was a blessing!
All in all this week was full of discipleship and helping teens be stretched in their lives with Christ. The opportunity to hangout and praise the Lord with kids was amazing. I feel like God definitely placed me at Frankfort Family Camp for a huge reason! It was an amazing week!
Hours Mon-Fri Activities 10:30am-12:00pm and 9:00pm-11:00pm
Services 3:00pm-5:00pm and 7:00pm-9:00pm
Personal Reflection:
This week was amazing because I was able to invest my time and character into the teens. I saw teenagers truly surrender their hearts over to the Lord in different areas of their lives. Some became dedicated by being bolder in the faith outside of camp, some dedicated their lives to more prayer, some dedicated their lives to being unashamed in their worship during services and one girl even dedicated her life over to the Lord for the first time. It was great being able to not just help people find God period but to disciple them to get ready to overcome evil with good on their own. The teens were a blessing to hang out with and they helped me through encouraging me with their words by letting me know how I have helped them. I was able to see and discover more things about myself through this camp experience.
Spiritual Reflection:
Spiritually these keep were resurrected in heart for the Lord. I was greatly blessed to see how God truly used my character in order to help the teens grow in Him. Just my simply ways of living were noticed by these people and they allowed me to know that they were deeply encouraged by that. It was hard to get off alone this week due to kids finding me walking to a spot to spend alone and interfering, even when I told them I was going to spend time with the Lord. It was possible yet it was hard. I did have times alone with God but I felt that this week my devotion was pored out into the kids so it was great and encouraging for me. The experience I had this week was definitely what I love!
Youth Director Interview: Ryan Vanmatre – ICD Family Camp
1.) How long have you been in youth ministry for?
4 years
2.) When ministering to the opposite sex what do you find to be the most difficult part about it?
Knowing your limits on how to talk and help them. Being way more cautious.
3.) What is the hardest part about youth ministry?
Connecting with all students.
4.) What is the most fun part about youth ministry?
Seeing students turn around. Seeing kids being dedicated to the Lord over top of their other priorities.
5.) What do you find is the best way to help teenagers grasp a message?
Each student gets an outline of the message. Something to physically take home with them.
6.) What is your greatest success?
Starting a discipleship group. Being able to mentor students.
7.) What is your greatest failure?
Not being cautious enough on looking into big events involving the teens-things that will only uplift them.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Report #6
Prayers were answered this week! This week it felt like God went out before us! We were at Wispering Pines Family Camp in Northern Michigan. The weeks lay out went like this, we slept with the teenagers in their cabin and woke them up around 8:00am every morning for breakfast, from there we had the teens morning service at 10:30am. This was the service we led through worship music and helped with games and whatever else they needed help with. These morning services usually included about 20ish minutes of worship music. After the service we would go to lunch yet we were free until the afternoon activity at 2pm. Every activity we showed up to we helped with, they were usually a fun game in a feild or on the courts. That would last until at least 4pm. We weren't in charge of the teens through out the day because it was a family camp so the next thing we were required to show up at was supper, straight to the tabernacle service, straight into the Afterglow for the teenagers at 9pm to 11pm. The afterglows were always night time activities we helped out with as a team. One afterglow we played a concert for the kids. Throughout the week we were able to just be friends to these kids, helping and counseling them. One particular things that happened was after a service in the big tabernacle for the afternoon service. One of the campers in our cabin was deeply touched by the sermon and allowed me to talk and pray with him. It was my privalage to be able to help him understand what rededicating his life to Christ is and I was able to lead him through a prayer in order to do so. I made sure he knew what he had done and it was good. The week was actually very relaxing and laid back yet a powerful spiritual rivival took place! THIS WAS AWESOME! God is showing me amazing this about me this summer that I probably would have never discovered without going on this tour. On Wednesday night our band played a concert for the afterglow for the teenagers. Before the afterglow is the main tabernacle service, from that service I was overwhelmed with the Holy Spirit. I felt such a heavy sense of Gods glory over me. As I went to the concert I couldn't possibly ignore this feeling. As the worship became more calm and heart felt I saw the kids begin to really worship the LORD. My heart was overwhelmed. I went down to the band and inbetween songs I went up to the microphone, when I got up to it I couldn't speak, I began to weep uncontrolably. When I gathered myself I (not really remembering what I said) mentioned how heavy Gods glory was in that place and I encouraged them to truly worship with all they had and to (like at camp man-o-lan with that revival service) get on their knees before the Lord. Long story short, the kids willingly dropped to their knees before the Lord of All. Before I knew it kids were weeping, kids were in huddled groups on their knees crying out to the Lord. Bellowing, shouting, yelling prayers and praises to the Lord Almighty! Kids were broken all over the room. A rivival had, once again this summer, broken out. This was a concert that turned into an amazing God fearing revival for group of teenagers. One group of boys that were in a band together had truly changed their focus around to glorify God with all they had within their band! Another girl had shared with me how much that "service" had changed her. Kids lives were truly changed!
Hours
8:00am to 12:00pm Breakfast, Service to Lunch.
2:00pm to 4:00pm Afternoon Activity
9:00pm to 11:30 pm Afterglow with teens
Personal Reflection:
I honestly wish we could get more camps where we were with the teens 24/7. It would be nice to spend more quality time with them. Family camp is so layed back that we arent in charge of the teens as much. I don't like not being with the teens through the whole day. It would be nice to connect with them more. This week was great because we had a lot of time to relax on the side but I feel like I drain myself for the Lord better at teen camps and not just family camp. This week some great business went down though and I really felt like God made a big impact on the whole camp through me. I was also able to give my testimony in front of the whole entire camp in the main tabernacle service and so many of the older people were so appreciative of it and let me know that. That was a blessing. The week was very benificial and relaxing at the same time so it was a great week!
Spiritual Reflection:
Spiritually I feel like God is rising so much more within my soul and vibing all the more strongly through me! It's been amazing because I have been seeking after Gods own heart so much and praying that He would do amazing, big things within me. This is the second camp that I feel that God has used me to start a revival! I am pressing on towards my goal to become a youth evangelist and I know and feel that God is going to use my in the future in such extreme, large ways through my speaking. I feel that way God works through me is that of the way Paul explains he is used in 1 Corinthians 2. Paul stated that he doesn't speak with high, intelligent words but he is use by the Holy Spirits Power within him. I feel like God is opening my eyes and showing me that He uses me in a very special way. I feel like God is answering my prayers super strongly as I have been praying for supernatual works to flow through me. I am discovering that my prayers of just my presents in a room can truly overflow others with the Holy Spirit! It's been incredibly humbling to see and notice. Through this week God has shown me that I am following Him strongly and He is visibly allowing me to see samples of what He has for me in the future. It's setting my in awe. It really is.
Youth Pastor Interview: Andrew Thompson Youth Director at Wispering Pines Camp.
1.) How long have you been in youth ministry for?
2 1/2 years
2.) When ministering to the opposite sex what do you find to be the most difficult part about it?
Having a conversation on a level of privacy. Being alone makes it difficult to communicate with them.
3.) What is the hardest part about youth ministry?
Trying to get all different kinds of kids together without them judging eachother and without the clicks. The most difficult part would be their appathy.
4.) What is the most fun part about youth ministry?
Not having to worry about politics. I love talking to the older people about accepting those kids that may do things like smoke. Redifining gaps and braking bridges.
5.) What do you find is the best way to help teenagers grasp a message?
My ability to make up or tell true stories. I always shoot for an applictaion they can easily grab out of the story.
6.) What is your greatest success?
I count success by counting the amount of kids that I can say are actually Christians in public. "Managing to stay out of Gods way"
7.) What is your greatest failure?
Feeling God move my heart to act and approach a subject and not do it. Failure to acknowledge the moving of the Spirit in my life.
Hours
8:00am to 12:00pm Breakfast, Service to Lunch.
2:00pm to 4:00pm Afternoon Activity
9:00pm to 11:30 pm Afterglow with teens
Personal Reflection:
I honestly wish we could get more camps where we were with the teens 24/7. It would be nice to spend more quality time with them. Family camp is so layed back that we arent in charge of the teens as much. I don't like not being with the teens through the whole day. It would be nice to connect with them more. This week was great because we had a lot of time to relax on the side but I feel like I drain myself for the Lord better at teen camps and not just family camp. This week some great business went down though and I really felt like God made a big impact on the whole camp through me. I was also able to give my testimony in front of the whole entire camp in the main tabernacle service and so many of the older people were so appreciative of it and let me know that. That was a blessing. The week was very benificial and relaxing at the same time so it was a great week!
Spiritual Reflection:
Spiritually I feel like God is rising so much more within my soul and vibing all the more strongly through me! It's been amazing because I have been seeking after Gods own heart so much and praying that He would do amazing, big things within me. This is the second camp that I feel that God has used me to start a revival! I am pressing on towards my goal to become a youth evangelist and I know and feel that God is going to use my in the future in such extreme, large ways through my speaking. I feel that way God works through me is that of the way Paul explains he is used in 1 Corinthians 2. Paul stated that he doesn't speak with high, intelligent words but he is use by the Holy Spirits Power within him. I feel like God is opening my eyes and showing me that He uses me in a very special way. I feel like God is answering my prayers super strongly as I have been praying for supernatual works to flow through me. I am discovering that my prayers of just my presents in a room can truly overflow others with the Holy Spirit! It's been incredibly humbling to see and notice. Through this week God has shown me that I am following Him strongly and He is visibly allowing me to see samples of what He has for me in the future. It's setting my in awe. It really is.
Youth Pastor Interview: Andrew Thompson Youth Director at Wispering Pines Camp.
1.) How long have you been in youth ministry for?
2 1/2 years
2.) When ministering to the opposite sex what do you find to be the most difficult part about it?
Having a conversation on a level of privacy. Being alone makes it difficult to communicate with them.
3.) What is the hardest part about youth ministry?
Trying to get all different kinds of kids together without them judging eachother and without the clicks. The most difficult part would be their appathy.
4.) What is the most fun part about youth ministry?
Not having to worry about politics. I love talking to the older people about accepting those kids that may do things like smoke. Redifining gaps and braking bridges.
5.) What do you find is the best way to help teenagers grasp a message?
My ability to make up or tell true stories. I always shoot for an applictaion they can easily grab out of the story.
6.) What is your greatest success?
I count success by counting the amount of kids that I can say are actually Christians in public. "Managing to stay out of Gods way"
7.) What is your greatest failure?
Feeling God move my heart to act and approach a subject and not do it. Failure to acknowledge the moving of the Spirit in my life.
Report #5
This week was so stretching. We were at Joy El Day Camp. Caught off guard, my team and I were surprised with working with elementary kids aging from 5 to 10. The incredibly tiring week ended out like this…
The schedule was we woke up at 8 am for breakfast, had an immediate meeting and at 9 am met our campers in the gym. From there we started out our hectic day. I was in charge of six 6 years olds and 0ne 8 year old. Each day we were placed with the same schedule with different afternoon activities. It was my responsibility to make sure these guys had fun and were safe, making it to every activity. The days would all start out with a skit at 9:15 am; along with the skit was a short tie in message. From there we had group games at 9:30 am. For these games I made sure all my kids were participating and having a fun time. 10 am we memorized our verse for the day. 10:15 am we had activity one, our first assigned activity. The activities varied from archery to pool to water slide. Missions and chapel time started at 11 am running straight into lunch. The discipline of these kids was really tough during these times. The whole job was like being a parent for 7 hours. At lunch it was my responsibility to make sure the kids ate everything and drank enough water. Activity two started after lunch which ran straight into activity three so this was a really fun time for the kids. After these activities, we had Bible study time. I was in charge of putting together a Bible study for these kids each day. I would sit them down and we would learn about Jesus. That led directly into Canteen. Canteen is snack shop. This was one of the hardest times of the day to keep a good eye on my kids. From 2:45 pm to 3:15 pm we had group game and group review where the game tied into a lesson. From there we got their stuff together and they left to doors for home by 4 pm.
After these long, draining afternoons we were put straight to work on some camp jobs in clean up. We did much service stuff like cleaning bathrooms and trash duties. These lasted all the way until supper. Supper we could finally sit and just simply eat. After supper we attended a staff meeting which led straight into Junior High Chapel. We as the worship team had an 8 pm chapel for the teens to play for so that went all the way until 9ish pm. Then we could finally have freedom until bed time. This is the day in the life of the past week for me.
In the long run, I saw an amazing mountain moved from a 6 year old in my group. The very first day this little guy immediately began crying and continued throughout the whole day really wanting his mommy. This little boy was broken. That night all of us staff prayed sincerely for him. Our prayers were strongly answered. He came in the next day completely different! His whole attitude was changed and he was able to enjoy himself and not even think on home. It was great! Also I was able to talk with another 6 year old of mine who simply couldn’t put his faith in Jesus because he couldn’t Him. He didn’t know enough about Jesus to believe in Him. I was able to sit down and have great informational conversations with him on Jesus and Faith. By the end of the week he didn’t put his faith in Jesus but he knew a lot more about Jesus from our conversations. The greatest victory this week was my little buddy Glen. Glen is a 6 year old with a rough home life who accepted the Lord into his heart this week!!! Glen was an awesome amount of joy with funny stories and a great character. After having a great one on one conversation with him I was able to help him find the Lord!
Hours Mon-Fri
With campers- 9:00am to 4:00pm
Camp work- 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Night Chapel- 8:00pm to 9:00pm
Personal Response:
The work was a little much to be honest. It was draining, tiring and exhausting but in the end it was all worth it. I didn’t mind how much I was being used or drained as long as I was helping kids draw nearer to God. A few times I snapped due to the craziness of the kids. It definitely stretched me in a healthy way. I was physically exhausted by the end of every day. I was happy I was being used so much yet I also wanted a brake so much. We didn’t get much of brakes. Honestly this week was tough but I fought it and found the right solutions and did my best to keep my heart calm, right and pure and fought of a lot of frustration. Sometimes the frustration did get the best of me but I fixed it all in the end. By the end of the week I had found out all my campers really enjoyed me and that I had really, truly helped them.
Spiritual Reflection:
Spiritually I was super stretched. I was stretched to my thinnest point and further. I am not gifted with younger kids but I am willing to give it my all. Through the kids and there actions I was caused to see new weaknesses in myself that I had never known before. I was FORCED to suck it up, taken some struggles and draw nearer to God in ways I had never seen in my life before. I was strongly humbled and I learned so much from working with such a young age group. I learned how to truly rely on the Lord for physical and emotion strength. I had one really good strong time with God this week. It’s so beautiful out here in P.A. so I have beautiful sky sites and mountains and it’s been so awesome to look out and see how God has worked. By the end of this week I felt that I had learned a whole knew outlook on the term servanthood.
Youth Pastor Interview: Aaron Meredith Youth Pastor Needmore Bible Church
1.) How long have you been in youth ministry for?
8ish years
2.) When ministering to the opposite sex what do you find to be the most difficult part about it?
Allowing my wife to handle a lot of it. Have to be careful of what other people could think when talking to the opposite sex.
3.) What is the hardest part about youth ministry?
Always having to find new spiritual stuff to capture peoples attention.
4.) What is the most fun part about youth ministry?
Discipling people then seeing them doing leadership later on.
5.) What do you find is the best way to help teenagers grasp a message?
One thing is movie clips. Every 10 minute I try to have something different. Another thing; Small groups to discuss things at the end. Power point for visuals. Lastly, keeping a theme for every message not getting off topic with it.
6.) What is your greatest success?
Mentoring a man and seeing him go into the ministry.
7.) What is your greatest failure?
Burnt out feeling where I don't feel like doing anything else anymore and not involving others in my ministry.
The schedule was we woke up at 8 am for breakfast, had an immediate meeting and at 9 am met our campers in the gym. From there we started out our hectic day. I was in charge of six 6 years olds and 0ne 8 year old. Each day we were placed with the same schedule with different afternoon activities. It was my responsibility to make sure these guys had fun and were safe, making it to every activity. The days would all start out with a skit at 9:15 am; along with the skit was a short tie in message. From there we had group games at 9:30 am. For these games I made sure all my kids were participating and having a fun time. 10 am we memorized our verse for the day. 10:15 am we had activity one, our first assigned activity. The activities varied from archery to pool to water slide. Missions and chapel time started at 11 am running straight into lunch. The discipline of these kids was really tough during these times. The whole job was like being a parent for 7 hours. At lunch it was my responsibility to make sure the kids ate everything and drank enough water. Activity two started after lunch which ran straight into activity three so this was a really fun time for the kids. After these activities, we had Bible study time. I was in charge of putting together a Bible study for these kids each day. I would sit them down and we would learn about Jesus. That led directly into Canteen. Canteen is snack shop. This was one of the hardest times of the day to keep a good eye on my kids. From 2:45 pm to 3:15 pm we had group game and group review where the game tied into a lesson. From there we got their stuff together and they left to doors for home by 4 pm.
After these long, draining afternoons we were put straight to work on some camp jobs in clean up. We did much service stuff like cleaning bathrooms and trash duties. These lasted all the way until supper. Supper we could finally sit and just simply eat. After supper we attended a staff meeting which led straight into Junior High Chapel. We as the worship team had an 8 pm chapel for the teens to play for so that went all the way until 9ish pm. Then we could finally have freedom until bed time. This is the day in the life of the past week for me.
In the long run, I saw an amazing mountain moved from a 6 year old in my group. The very first day this little guy immediately began crying and continued throughout the whole day really wanting his mommy. This little boy was broken. That night all of us staff prayed sincerely for him. Our prayers were strongly answered. He came in the next day completely different! His whole attitude was changed and he was able to enjoy himself and not even think on home. It was great! Also I was able to talk with another 6 year old of mine who simply couldn’t put his faith in Jesus because he couldn’t Him. He didn’t know enough about Jesus to believe in Him. I was able to sit down and have great informational conversations with him on Jesus and Faith. By the end of the week he didn’t put his faith in Jesus but he knew a lot more about Jesus from our conversations. The greatest victory this week was my little buddy Glen. Glen is a 6 year old with a rough home life who accepted the Lord into his heart this week!!! Glen was an awesome amount of joy with funny stories and a great character. After having a great one on one conversation with him I was able to help him find the Lord!
Hours Mon-Fri
With campers- 9:00am to 4:00pm
Camp work- 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Night Chapel- 8:00pm to 9:00pm
Personal Response:
The work was a little much to be honest. It was draining, tiring and exhausting but in the end it was all worth it. I didn’t mind how much I was being used or drained as long as I was helping kids draw nearer to God. A few times I snapped due to the craziness of the kids. It definitely stretched me in a healthy way. I was physically exhausted by the end of every day. I was happy I was being used so much yet I also wanted a brake so much. We didn’t get much of brakes. Honestly this week was tough but I fought it and found the right solutions and did my best to keep my heart calm, right and pure and fought of a lot of frustration. Sometimes the frustration did get the best of me but I fixed it all in the end. By the end of the week I had found out all my campers really enjoyed me and that I had really, truly helped them.
Spiritual Reflection:
Spiritually I was super stretched. I was stretched to my thinnest point and further. I am not gifted with younger kids but I am willing to give it my all. Through the kids and there actions I was caused to see new weaknesses in myself that I had never known before. I was FORCED to suck it up, taken some struggles and draw nearer to God in ways I had never seen in my life before. I was strongly humbled and I learned so much from working with such a young age group. I learned how to truly rely on the Lord for physical and emotion strength. I had one really good strong time with God this week. It’s so beautiful out here in P.A. so I have beautiful sky sites and mountains and it’s been so awesome to look out and see how God has worked. By the end of this week I felt that I had learned a whole knew outlook on the term servanthood.
Youth Pastor Interview: Aaron Meredith Youth Pastor Needmore Bible Church
1.) How long have you been in youth ministry for?
8ish years
2.) When ministering to the opposite sex what do you find to be the most difficult part about it?
Allowing my wife to handle a lot of it. Have to be careful of what other people could think when talking to the opposite sex.
3.) What is the hardest part about youth ministry?
Always having to find new spiritual stuff to capture peoples attention.
4.) What is the most fun part about youth ministry?
Discipling people then seeing them doing leadership later on.
5.) What do you find is the best way to help teenagers grasp a message?
One thing is movie clips. Every 10 minute I try to have something different. Another thing; Small groups to discuss things at the end. Power point for visuals. Lastly, keeping a theme for every message not getting off topic with it.
6.) What is your greatest success?
Mentoring a man and seeing him go into the ministry.
7.) What is your greatest failure?
Burnt out feeling where I don't feel like doing anything else anymore and not involving others in my ministry.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Report #4
This week was very relaxing. We were the band for the teenagers at Chambers Wesleyan Family camp. The weeks schedule was at 9 am we run the service for the teenagers through worship song and through speaking. The service would end at about 10:30 am, and then following that was field games until about 12 pm which helped out and ran. The whole afternoon was free to hang out with kids all the way until 9 pm where we had an after glow for the kids which we were also in charge of.
Saturday night we played an hour long concert outside for the teenagers and who ever else wanted to come. On Sunday night I was placed to speak Monday the very next morning. I spent an hour or two throwing something together for a kick off message for the week since I had such a short notice. The following morning at 9 am the first service was started and I gave a 20 minute message on not playing any more games on God and how the week was going to encourage them to get serious. The message went very well. Everyday was about the same. The same schedule was laid out for each day. We had a different person from our IWU team speak each morning and we helped lead the worship through song. My main excel was in the games and the free time with the teenagers. It’s hard to explain this past week because we had so much free time. I used as much free time as I possibly could to poor into those kids. Throughout the week on my free time I played soccer for about 2 to 3 hours, volleyball for about 3 hours, a water balloon fight mixed with a mud volleyball game for about 3 hours, and helped the teens make their own designed shirts for about 3 to 4 hours. I helped out with the night games by being spotters for certain games like mattress hunt in the dark and Mission Impossible. My favorite night out of them all was Friday night. I hosted a root beer float eating race with four teams starting out with straws, graduating to spoons, and then using your hands to see who could finish first. I was on top of the world. While kids were racing I was swinging from the rafters screaming at them! It was so much fun.
On a more serious note, I build a relationship with a kid that, within the second day, opened up to me about some serious issues. With out giving his name, he explained to me his past with abuse and so thoughts of suicide. I did my best to encourage him and pray for him and share scripture with him. I reported it to the director and we sat down with him and helped him in his understandings and encouraged him and prayed for him. That was the deepest spiritual thing that I could visibly see out of this week. The services were services and they didn’t seem to really bring a huge impact but I KNOW they brought a bigger impact than what I will ever know.
Hours Mon-Fri Morning Service and activities 9am to 12pm
Night games 9 pm to 10:30 pm and a lot of free time that was spent with the teens.
Personal Reflection:
This week was very relaxing. We had a lot of time to ourselves to allow our bodies to catch up on rest. As long as my body wasn’t collapsing I was out with those kids. But overall it was great building some strong relationships with some of the kids. Hanging out with the teenagers outside of services and planned games is one of the best times to build awesome, fun relationships. I was able to rest my body and spend valuable time with the Lord so this week was a very good week.
Spiritual Reflection:
I decided this week to fast breakfast because we were less active than usual so my body could take it. I woke up at about 7 am before the rest of my team woke up and I would go spend silent time and prayer, and Bible reading with God for about 2 hours in the morning. I would check my heart and do my absolute best to see that my heart was pure. In those times I did searching and acknowledged Gods awesome wonder by the clouds in the mountains that we were surrounded by. It was an amazing time of me and God loving each others presents! I had a few really good times of fellowship with some guys from the other IWU team that was at the same camp for that week and we encouraged one another and prayed for one another. This week has been eye opening to me because I have had the time to spent sincere time with the Lord in the midst of my ministry. It’s been very refreshing!
Youth Pastor/Youth Director Interview: Alex Ruffer Youth Director of Chambers Family Camp
1.) How long have you been in youth ministry for?
Almost 5 years
2.) When ministering to the opposite sex what do you find to be the most difficult part about it?
Not being able to be physically close. Not knowing how far it is to be to close. Following up effectively is hard; someone else needs to do it and not me.
3.) What is the hardest part about youth ministry?
Feeling powerless to help. Not seeing ongoing transformation.
4.) What is the most fun part about youth ministry?
The ongoing challenge of trusting and growing in the Lord personally. Seeing new grow, people drawing closer to God.
5.) What do you find is the best way to help teenagers grasp a message?
Being able to apply things as soon as possible. Strong application for them to do.
6.) What is your greatest success?
Knowing that I myself have sought out Gods will and have been faithful to the Lords calling in my life. Also connecting with parents and family through teens.
7.) What is your greatest failure?
Forgetting my family, they come before ministry. I fail when I place ministry before my family.
Saturday night we played an hour long concert outside for the teenagers and who ever else wanted to come. On Sunday night I was placed to speak Monday the very next morning. I spent an hour or two throwing something together for a kick off message for the week since I had such a short notice. The following morning at 9 am the first service was started and I gave a 20 minute message on not playing any more games on God and how the week was going to encourage them to get serious. The message went very well. Everyday was about the same. The same schedule was laid out for each day. We had a different person from our IWU team speak each morning and we helped lead the worship through song. My main excel was in the games and the free time with the teenagers. It’s hard to explain this past week because we had so much free time. I used as much free time as I possibly could to poor into those kids. Throughout the week on my free time I played soccer for about 2 to 3 hours, volleyball for about 3 hours, a water balloon fight mixed with a mud volleyball game for about 3 hours, and helped the teens make their own designed shirts for about 3 to 4 hours. I helped out with the night games by being spotters for certain games like mattress hunt in the dark and Mission Impossible. My favorite night out of them all was Friday night. I hosted a root beer float eating race with four teams starting out with straws, graduating to spoons, and then using your hands to see who could finish first. I was on top of the world. While kids were racing I was swinging from the rafters screaming at them! It was so much fun.
On a more serious note, I build a relationship with a kid that, within the second day, opened up to me about some serious issues. With out giving his name, he explained to me his past with abuse and so thoughts of suicide. I did my best to encourage him and pray for him and share scripture with him. I reported it to the director and we sat down with him and helped him in his understandings and encouraged him and prayed for him. That was the deepest spiritual thing that I could visibly see out of this week. The services were services and they didn’t seem to really bring a huge impact but I KNOW they brought a bigger impact than what I will ever know.
Hours Mon-Fri Morning Service and activities 9am to 12pm
Night games 9 pm to 10:30 pm and a lot of free time that was spent with the teens.
Personal Reflection:
This week was very relaxing. We had a lot of time to ourselves to allow our bodies to catch up on rest. As long as my body wasn’t collapsing I was out with those kids. But overall it was great building some strong relationships with some of the kids. Hanging out with the teenagers outside of services and planned games is one of the best times to build awesome, fun relationships. I was able to rest my body and spend valuable time with the Lord so this week was a very good week.
Spiritual Reflection:
I decided this week to fast breakfast because we were less active than usual so my body could take it. I woke up at about 7 am before the rest of my team woke up and I would go spend silent time and prayer, and Bible reading with God for about 2 hours in the morning. I would check my heart and do my absolute best to see that my heart was pure. In those times I did searching and acknowledged Gods awesome wonder by the clouds in the mountains that we were surrounded by. It was an amazing time of me and God loving each others presents! I had a few really good times of fellowship with some guys from the other IWU team that was at the same camp for that week and we encouraged one another and prayed for one another. This week has been eye opening to me because I have had the time to spent sincere time with the Lord in the midst of my ministry. It’s been very refreshing!
Youth Pastor/Youth Director Interview: Alex Ruffer Youth Director of Chambers Family Camp
1.) How long have you been in youth ministry for?
Almost 5 years
2.) When ministering to the opposite sex what do you find to be the most difficult part about it?
Not being able to be physically close. Not knowing how far it is to be to close. Following up effectively is hard; someone else needs to do it and not me.
3.) What is the hardest part about youth ministry?
Feeling powerless to help. Not seeing ongoing transformation.
4.) What is the most fun part about youth ministry?
The ongoing challenge of trusting and growing in the Lord personally. Seeing new grow, people drawing closer to God.
5.) What do you find is the best way to help teenagers grasp a message?
Being able to apply things as soon as possible. Strong application for them to do.
6.) What is your greatest success?
Knowing that I myself have sought out Gods will and have been faithful to the Lords calling in my life. Also connecting with parents and family through teens.
7.) What is your greatest failure?
Forgetting my family, they come before ministry. I fail when I place ministry before my family.
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