We're back from Canada and we've all gone our separate ways for Christmas break. Two weeks' worth of doing the Lord's work has been incredibly satisfying as well as humbling. Both weekends of Snow Camp at Eagle Bay gave us the opportunity to "do camp" which everyone seemed to enjoy quite a bit. We like the ebb and flow of Outdoor Education, but what a blessing it has been to plan a program and see it come to fruition through our hard work and the opportunities the Lord has given us.
The first and second weekend seemed to be quite different from each other. The first programmed weekend we had a younger kids weekend of Snow Camp and the second we had older kids. Some of the differences are obvious for age and needs that come along with those ages. But when we got into the second weekend's program, we realized that these kids truly felt hopelessness and depravity in their lives.
As most of the children in the area are growing up, they have certain opportunities that most kids have. Some of these things are given them by the government and some by their community. But as they get older, many of these opportunities are taken away since with age, the kids become more of a liability. For instance, there are several Hockey leagues that younger kids are encouraged to participate in. In fact, many of the tribes, although very poor, have Hockey rinks for their kids to come and play their favorite sport. Because of fights and poor behavior in the past, Hockey leagues stop when Native kids in the area reach the age of 11 or 12. So, in this situation, the next step for the kids is to either have their parents drive them approximately 2 hours away for a league, or they have to find something else to fill up their time.
This is a common occurrence with many of the activities that are offered in the Tribes and often times the choice that teens make is to turn to drugs and sex to fill the purpose of their existence.
We had several teens who came out on our second weekend who were starting to fit into that mindset. It is the mission of Eagle Bay Camp to express the hope that is found in Jesus Christ through camp weeks and weekends like these.
So our first weekend, we learned how basic of a need this is, and that these kids really responded well to someone offering themselves to them in love. Through those simple relationships, we were able to share the Gospel in small ways. The second weekend was, in ways, much more difficult due to the hard heartedness of some of the campers. Although the Gospel was shared in Chapel and through cabin talks, we also had to remember that this age group (and this demographic) was in tune with what you do more so than what you say. Through our interactions with some of the kids, we were certain this was true.
During the week, it was our goal to concern ourselves with how we could be a blessing to the camp and those local Christians around the area. We spent some time cleaning, painting, and organizing things around camp in the shop, lodge, and craft store among other places. We helped a local farming family cut and gather wood to heat their wood burner heated house for the entire winter. They told us that the job we did in 4 hours would have taken them more than a week to accomplish, and they didn't have the time to do the work themselves. We had gym nights encouraging kids to come to camp for the weekends and, through our time there, had the opportunity to share the gospel with them through a skit and with a small message that explained what we had acted out.
Each thing that we were a part of seemed to give us the impression that the Lord was at work throughout the trip. We felt blessed to be a blessing to the people that we served alongside of and we were humbled that the Lord would choose to use us for that purpose. It was a great experience and I thank you from my heart that you were able to support us with your gifts and prayers.
Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 says
What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
We're thankful to God for satisfying us through the work that he provided us.
By His Grace,
Andy Hodges
LCM Director
Friday, December 18, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Another Weekend of Camp Begins
*A Post from Last Night*
The first half of the day, Chad and John took us around to see three different reservations in the area. The three reservations we went to were Pinaymootang, Little Sask , and Lake St. Martin. Eagle Bay has kids come to camp from all three of these reservations. As we drove around and looked at the reservations, we got a bigger picture of where these kids are coming from and what their daily lives consist of. Chad and John were our tour guides and told us more about the reservations. It was a great time where we all learned more about the First Nation's Youth and their living situations.
For lunch, we went to a local burger place, where were able to experience some of the culture here. The food was delicious and fish was the special :) After lunch, we all worked hard on preparations for the weekend. We made ice blocks for the fort building that the campers will be doing tomorrow. The counselors got situated into their cabins. And a few people finished the girl's bathroom! The music team also made sure that the music was all ready to go for the weekend! It was a very productive afternoon!
Campers started showing up at 6:30 PM and the fun began! We had a total of 23 campers show up, which was more than we had originally thought! We started the weekend with singing and chapel. Heather gave the message at Chapel--she talked about the the Father's love and related it to the prodigal son. All the campers were quite attentive during the message! Then the campers watched a skit about Jingle and Jangle, who are the theme characters of the weekend. Then the campers split into two teams for the weekend, Team Jingle and Team Jangle. They each did a team cheer and then received their flags. Now the campers will stay in their teams for the rest of the weekend.
We ended the night with a wonderful snack of nachos, with cheese and salsa. Both the campers and the staff enjoyed the snack!
It was a great first night of camp, and we look forward to the rest of the weekend!
The first half of the day, Chad and John took us around to see three different reservations in the area. The three reservations we went to were Pinaymootang, Little Sask , and Lake St. Martin. Eagle Bay has kids come to camp from all three of these reservations. As we drove around and looked at the reservations, we got a bigger picture of where these kids are coming from and what their daily lives consist of. Chad and John were our tour guides and told us more about the reservations. It was a great time where we all learned more about the First Nation's Youth and their living situations.
For lunch, we went to a local burger place, where were able to experience some of the culture here. The food was delicious and fish was the special :) After lunch, we all worked hard on preparations for the weekend. We made ice blocks for the fort building that the campers will be doing tomorrow. The counselors got situated into their cabins. And a few people finished the girl's bathroom! The music team also made sure that the music was all ready to go for the weekend! It was a very productive afternoon!
Campers started showing up at 6:30 PM and the fun began! We had a total of 23 campers show up, which was more than we had originally thought! We started the weekend with singing and chapel. Heather gave the message at Chapel--she talked about the the Father's love and related it to the prodigal son. All the campers were quite attentive during the message! Then the campers watched a skit about Jingle and Jangle, who are the theme characters of the weekend. Then the campers split into two teams for the weekend, Team Jingle and Team Jangle. They each did a team cheer and then received their flags. Now the campers will stay in their teams for the rest of the weekend.
We ended the night with a wonderful snack of nachos, with cheese and salsa. Both the campers and the staff enjoyed the snack!
It was a great first night of camp, and we look forward to the rest of the weekend!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Pizza & Broomball
Tonight we went to Panaymootang where we had fun and fellowship with the youth who attended. We also brought pizza and played broom-ball while trying to get more teens to come out for snow camp this weekend. A lot of kids were excited to have us there, and they ate all 12 of the pizzas that we brought. We got several kids to commit to coming up for the weekend, but as of right now, our numbers this weekend are very low (less than 20). So we would really appreciate your prayers as we love on these kids and try our best to recruit more youth for this weekends program.
Derek for the LCM team
Derek for the LCM team
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Preparations
Today the LCM group and I are preparing for campers to come to this weekend's program. We're doing some final winterizing on a few places around camp, painting some bathrooms, and fine tuning the messages that we're going to be giving and the games that we'll be playing for the weekend. Although we planned very well thought out program for the weekend, we know that we have to be "dynamic" in our approach, knowing that things can and probably will be changed.
There are a few factors that we're thinking might require us to be "dynamic," and we would be blessed if you would join us in prayer for these things. First of all, we've only got 9 campers signed up for this weekend's program. Although we're not far off in numbers from where we were at this time last week, we're praying that we have a larger number of kids so that we could minister to that many more. Last weekend we had 35, so we're hoping to have something comparable for this weekend's program.
Another factor that we're considering is the temperature. Currently, here in Hilbre it's close to -2 degrees Fahrenheit and this weekend, the high is expected to be around -4 with a low of -20. So, if these weather predictions stay the way they do, our games and activities will have to be tweaked to minimize the amount of time campers and staff are outside.
Finally, we would covet your prayers for our health. We've had several of us who have struggled with not feeling well both physically and emotionally. Although almost all of those people are on the upturn of those struggles, please pray for them. There's some potential for us to need to rearrange staffing schedules if health problems arise or get worse.
Apart from laboring to get the camp and program prepared for the weekend, the group and I have decided to spend part of our labor in prayer and reading God's word. We spent time in prayer today walking from each building we have here at camp. We recognize that He is in control of this weekend and it is our desire to serve Him in the ways that he calls us to do so. We know that God has gifted us in certain and specific ways, and we're blessed to be used in those ways. We're also humbled knowing that although we have many flaws and weaknesses, God still uses us in spite of that weakness so that we can be a blessing to Him and to other people.
We've spent a significant amount of time preparing things for our weekend programs and facilitating what goes on during the weekend. But each day, we've spent time making sure that our faith is the foundation of what we're doing here.
Luke 10:38-42
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Although we're concerned with preparations that need to be made and with what our programs will look like, we first and foremost are concerning ourselves with sitting at the Lord's feet.
Andy for the LCM team
There are a few factors that we're thinking might require us to be "dynamic," and we would be blessed if you would join us in prayer for these things. First of all, we've only got 9 campers signed up for this weekend's program. Although we're not far off in numbers from where we were at this time last week, we're praying that we have a larger number of kids so that we could minister to that many more. Last weekend we had 35, so we're hoping to have something comparable for this weekend's program.
Another factor that we're considering is the temperature. Currently, here in Hilbre it's close to -2 degrees Fahrenheit and this weekend, the high is expected to be around -4 with a low of -20. So, if these weather predictions stay the way they do, our games and activities will have to be tweaked to minimize the amount of time campers and staff are outside.
Finally, we would covet your prayers for our health. We've had several of us who have struggled with not feeling well both physically and emotionally. Although almost all of those people are on the upturn of those struggles, please pray for them. There's some potential for us to need to rearrange staffing schedules if health problems arise or get worse.
Apart from laboring to get the camp and program prepared for the weekend, the group and I have decided to spend part of our labor in prayer and reading God's word. We spent time in prayer today walking from each building we have here at camp. We recognize that He is in control of this weekend and it is our desire to serve Him in the ways that he calls us to do so. We know that God has gifted us in certain and specific ways, and we're blessed to be used in those ways. We're also humbled knowing that although we have many flaws and weaknesses, God still uses us in spite of that weakness so that we can be a blessing to Him and to other people.
We've spent a significant amount of time preparing things for our weekend programs and facilitating what goes on during the weekend. But each day, we've spent time making sure that our faith is the foundation of what we're doing here.
Luke 10:38-42
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Although we're concerned with preparations that need to be made and with what our programs will look like, we first and foremost are concerning ourselves with sitting at the Lord's feet.
Andy for the LCM team
Monday, December 7, 2009
TIMBER!!!
(Post written for yesterday, Monday December 7th)
Today was spent in good ole' Canadian fashion. A local farmer and his wife were in need of some firewood (as their entire heating system is based on burning wood.) We woke up and had a wonderful lumber-jack breakfast of pancakes and sausage. Chad and John both informed us that it was -17 degrees C. Basically it was going to be pretty chilly all day. The LCM's suited up in true Wisconsin style. One has never seen so much North Face and Carhart gear in one place. The drive was only about 10 minutes up the road. We arrived at the home stead and once the trailers were attached we were off to chop some wood. Amidst the roar and snarls of the chain saws, we got the opportunity to make an assembly line of log tossers. The family made us a wonderful lunch after our industrious morning. After lunch we got to tour the farm. They have about 70 head of cattle and bees. The wife showed us her operation. It is a fascinating process with an evening cooler product. Some LCM's invested in some yummy treats to bring home. The rest of the evening was spent in relaxation and fellowship. Everyone is pretty tired after our exertions this morning but most of us our feeling that satisfaction of hard earned muscle aches. Tomorrow looks to be a fun day of experiencing a day in the city of Winnipeg. Please pray for opportunities to continue to bless the residential staff and their families. Also pray for health. A few more members are feeling ill this evening. But also please pray thanks to God for all of His blessing and faithfulness to us on our journey thus far. Also lift up the coming weekend and the hearts of the teens that God has ordained to attend. Many thanks for your continued prayer and support.
Emily for the LCM team
Today was spent in good ole' Canadian fashion. A local farmer and his wife were in need of some firewood (as their entire heating system is based on burning wood.) We woke up and had a wonderful lumber-jack breakfast of pancakes and sausage. Chad and John both informed us that it was -17 degrees C. Basically it was going to be pretty chilly all day. The LCM's suited up in true Wisconsin style. One has never seen so much North Face and Carhart gear in one place. The drive was only about 10 minutes up the road. We arrived at the home stead and once the trailers were attached we were off to chop some wood. Amidst the roar and snarls of the chain saws, we got the opportunity to make an assembly line of log tossers. The family made us a wonderful lunch after our industrious morning. After lunch we got to tour the farm. They have about 70 head of cattle and bees. The wife showed us her operation. It is a fascinating process with an evening cooler product. Some LCM's invested in some yummy treats to bring home. The rest of the evening was spent in relaxation and fellowship. Everyone is pretty tired after our exertions this morning but most of us our feeling that satisfaction of hard earned muscle aches. Tomorrow looks to be a fun day of experiencing a day in the city of Winnipeg. Please pray for opportunities to continue to bless the residential staff and their families. Also pray for health. A few more members are feeling ill this evening. But also please pray thanks to God for all of His blessing and faithfulness to us on our journey thus far. Also lift up the coming weekend and the hearts of the teens that God has ordained to attend. Many thanks for your continued prayer and support.
Emily for the LCM team
Sunday, December 6, 2009
When the last car pulls away...
"I love you!" Three words used so often, yet when coming from a camper giving you their last hug before they have to return home, it seems to tug your heart strings.
Joy whispered this in my ear as I was scooping her up in my arms for a final hug.
The weekend could easily be labeled as a success just from the amazing way everything went smoothly. Laughter was always filling the air, either during chapel when Emily was teaching a Bible story, or campers and staff were jumping up and down during worship. The activities were always enjoyable for both the campers and staff, even when we couldn't feel our fingers or toes while outside in the snow. Even in times when some campers were struggling with listening and following directions or were overcome with homesickness, the weekend continued to flow smoothly as all the LCM's worked together to be a light for the Lord. Even though we could label this a successful weekend, we know it was only because the Lord was working in us and through us.
It was such a blessing to see the God-given gifts come out in every LCM as the team worked together to show how much God loves them. We had many opportunities to connect with each other while playing with the campers, or even playing a riveting game of 'kung-pow' with the staff which had many laughing until they were crying.
It was made very clear this weekend that God hand picked every single LCM to be in this team just by the way we all worked together using our gifts to let God's light shine.
It is always difficult to see the campers off at the end of any amazing experience, especially knowing that their home situations are more often than not filled with struggles and the darkness of this world. Though our hearts may break for these children and families here, we know we can trust that the Lord goes with them as they return home.
As you pray for our team, please remember Erin Pauley in your prayers. She has had some stomach pain and went to the doctor on Friday. She is feeling much better now, but she is returning to the doctor tomorrow to have a final check up to make sure everything is okay.
Please continue to pray for unity and growth for our team.
Please pray for the campers that will be coming next weekend.
Please pray for the campers we sent off today.
The last car pulled away from camp and the weekend has come to an end, but not without hearts being changed, both campers and ours.
Jenny for the LCM team
Joy whispered this in my ear as I was scooping her up in my arms for a final hug.
The weekend could easily be labeled as a success just from the amazing way everything went smoothly. Laughter was always filling the air, either during chapel when Emily was teaching a Bible story, or campers and staff were jumping up and down during worship. The activities were always enjoyable for both the campers and staff, even when we couldn't feel our fingers or toes while outside in the snow. Even in times when some campers were struggling with listening and following directions or were overcome with homesickness, the weekend continued to flow smoothly as all the LCM's worked together to be a light for the Lord. Even though we could label this a successful weekend, we know it was only because the Lord was working in us and through us.
It was such a blessing to see the God-given gifts come out in every LCM as the team worked together to show how much God loves them. We had many opportunities to connect with each other while playing with the campers, or even playing a riveting game of 'kung-pow' with the staff which had many laughing until they were crying.
It was made very clear this weekend that God hand picked every single LCM to be in this team just by the way we all worked together using our gifts to let God's light shine.
It is always difficult to see the campers off at the end of any amazing experience, especially knowing that their home situations are more often than not filled with struggles and the darkness of this world. Though our hearts may break for these children and families here, we know we can trust that the Lord goes with them as they return home.
As you pray for our team, please remember Erin Pauley in your prayers. She has had some stomach pain and went to the doctor on Friday. She is feeling much better now, but she is returning to the doctor tomorrow to have a final check up to make sure everything is okay.
Please continue to pray for unity and growth for our team.
Please pray for the campers that will be coming next weekend.
Please pray for the campers we sent off today.
The last car pulled away from camp and the weekend has come to an end, but not without hearts being changed, both campers and ours.
Jenny for the LCM team
Friday, December 4, 2009
Once Upon A Time...
Once upon a time there were campers lots of campers and they were soooo excited to be at camp. We’re not sure how exactly but they all attacked Zane and began wrestling within minutes of stepping foot on camp. They crowded around Jenny and Renee and played games with lots of hand gestures. Kavin amused her girls by just being Kavin. The campers laughed and jumped and sang their lungs out. Marty practiced being photogenic and amusing his kids with sheer wit. Emily captivated the crowd and quickly warned them to watch out for weasels and skunks while discussing Daniel and the lions’ den. Kara was relieved to find out that due to Jesus death on the cross she would not have to die according to Jesus and Ty. Jenny led songs with world class actions to Lions from Lost and Found and Pharaoh Pharaoh while Andy drummed along. Two campers had a birthday and were given a slice of chocolate cake with flaming sparklers and blue frosting bravely carried by Heather. Brad, Justin, Erin P and Derek made some delectable juice and assisted with snacks and Erin J snapped some photos. All in all it was a good day.
How humbling it has been to be a part of what God is doing at Eagle Bay Ministry Centre and Camp. Just to love the kids that are here…I mean our job this weekend is to love these kids…how exciting! Thank you for all your prayers. God has answered prayers for restored health, unity, safety, kids’ excitement over songs, focus during the message and many more things.
In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
How humbling it has been to be a part of what God is doing at Eagle Bay Ministry Centre and Camp. Just to love the kids that are here…I mean our job this weekend is to love these kids…how exciting! Thank you for all your prayers. God has answered prayers for restored health, unity, safety, kids’ excitement over songs, focus during the message and many more things.
In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
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