TRUE TREASURES

Treasure....those who know me know I live in an aging house (provided by my parents), don't have a large bank account, or a regular salary, but in my mind I am rich beyond measure. Not only do I have the Lord in my life, but I have been blessed by some wonderful friends and mentors over the years. Two of these have now 'finished their race' and have left this world. The first (see earlier blog entry) was Ps. Richard Holland, the second - pictured - is Earl Murphy who passed away earlier this week. I first met Earl and his wife Nancy in the early sixties, when I was fresh out of college and teaching in primary school. They became friends, mentors, prayer partners. Each year I send them newlsetters and schedules, knowing that wherever I am, they would be praying for both Sue and myself. I will miss Earl's cheeky grin, his love of gourmet foods, particularly the 3 C's - coffee, cheese and chocolate. I feel so far away at this time - I pray for Nan to know God's comfort and love, and look forward to seeing her when I return. Thank you Lord for Earl - I will miss him very much.

LIGHTS - CAMERA - ACTION!

Gracie and Tom - aka Minnie and Mickey

Everybody loves Rainbow - even Dillon!

Carolyn, Larry and Rainbow

We always try to plan new and relevant programs for those we minister with. This year we developed the Lights-Camera-Action theme. Light - God's light in our lives. Camera - He is watching us to care over us and direct our steps. Action - our response to fulfilling His purpose in our lives. The week long VBS with the Nazarene Church at Colfaz was filled with fun, great music, excited kids, and amidst all the fun and games the "Quiet on the Set" segment some relevant stories from the Bible. Each night children responded during prayer time ...and even some adults joined in, inviting Christ into their lives or joining in a prayer for help in times of challenge and the storms of life. We enjoy the people of Colfax, their great hospitality, and the way EVERYONE gets into the act! The Palouse is a unique area of the northwest - rolling hills of oats, hay, wheat, lentils and more, a patchwork quilt of provision. And the Nazarene Church is a great place of provision too - love, joy, peace, compassion - a church who places value on youth and kids.

KIDS in TOUCH with GOD

The New Hope International Church (Mercer Island, WA) holds their Family Camp at Warm Beach Conference Center, Stanwood. We have a great relationship with these kids, and many of the first children we ministered to in this camp are now leadership material in the youth group. This year we included a segment on "How God Speaks To Us Today". The children entered into worship and prayer and many drew visions and dreams that the Lord had placed in their hearts. It was powerful stuff! Justin explained his drawing to Sue: "God is simple, not fancy." And went on to explain his drawings: "Wind = calmness Water = wiseness Rock = power Trees = friendship Sun = holiness Grass = sweetness Flowers = love."

On the Tuesday the children went up onstage to sing and share with the adults. To our surprise we were asked to stay while the church honored the senior pastors, guest speakers and us. We were given Hawaiian orchid leis (beautiful) and then the song "Thank You " by Ray Boltz was sung by Vangie, the worship leader, accompanied by a powerpoint with photos of us all. It was quite overwhelming and the first time this has happened this way. It culminated in all the kids surrounding us with hugs (Sue ended up on the floor!) I wouldn't miss this for the world! :)

A CAMP FULL OF "KEEPERS"

"It's a keeper!" was the catch cry at the annual fishing trip half-way through the RFK Camp in McCall, Idaho. Every child caught a fish - amazing! - with the help of a great band of volunteer counsellors and staff. This camp is the model for the camps we commenced (with a great team beside me) in Australia. Children within the foster care system are referred to camp via case workers. These kids have very diverse backgrounds - abuse, family breakdown, abandonment, inoccent victims of broken relationships. At camp they experience an environment of unconditional acceptance and trust, 'safe' people who genuinely care, and the opportunity to enjoy a week of childhood - something many of them have almost forgotten. Sue and I are privileged to be the speakers at this camp and we are always blessed by the way the children connect with the stories and the life-lessons they provide. We think THESE KIDS ARE "KEEPERS" - filled with the potential to be the person they were created to be.
Check out the RFKC blog at http://www.rfkcboise.blogspot.com/

Camps that give hope...and a whole lot of fun!

As I write this I am back in Seattle (having flown over mid June) after two camps and a Vacation Bible School in Idaho and Washington states. At the Mountain Kids' Day Camp held over a week in Idaho City (a town totally out of the wild west!) the theme was "Construction - Strong Foundations" Held in the wilds of Camp Ivydale the chapel area is outdoor - a rough built stage with a pine tree backdrop, the chatter of squirrels and birds - beautiful!
Sue (picture) and I were joined by a great team who provided music, a great construction site drama, and fun activities and crafts. Our job was the storytelling, some puppetry (Larry Funzel) and object lessons all pointing to the importance of making good life choices and building lives that are strong and grounded. As Christians we understand the sure foundation of Jesus Christ in our own lives - storms come in all shapes and sizes, and without Him, I don't know where I would be. But my conviction is that HE is my rock and my deliverer (see Psalm 18) and He has proven never to fail.
By the way, the camp director is Michelle Alden - check out Isaiah's Ranch at www.isaiahsranch.org providing great options for kids of all ages.