Crooked Creek, CO

Sorry it has taken so long to get out this update! Things have been super busy these past few months. I’m finding myself running into a tension between doing ministry things and the need to inform my supporters of what ministry things I am actually doing. Obviously I need to do ministry but I also need to keep you all updated so that you can be praying and know how to better support Jessie and I in this ministry.

So here’s the deal.  In an effort to keep you dear supporters better informed, I am going to put up a new blog up every couple days for the next week or two until you are all caught up on this summer’s many activities.  Sound good?

First off I have to fill you in on all the things that happened at Crooked Creek Ranch in Colorado!  From June 15-25, myself and 90 high-schoolers from all over Greensboro drove to Colorado, spent seven days at Crooked Creek, and drove back.  It sounds like such a simple trip when I explain it like that but trust me, this was the end-all-be-all of trips. I was the cabin leader for 13 guys, and I saw God move in such powerful ways during that camp. I wish I could share them all with you, but then I would have to write a small novel. Instead, I will share the top highlights.

St. Lous Arch on the way to CO

Horseback Riding

1    Leading 16-year-old guys into a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. I had the immense privilege of leading two of my friends, Bradley and Dalton, to Christ. I saw several more guys, Austin and Eric, turn over their lives to Christ as well. Towards the end of the week, the camp hosts a “say-so” where all those who have become followers of Christ stand up and say so. It was such a joy and encouragement to see my guys proudly declare their newfound faith, and it made all my ministry efforts even more worth it.

Preparing for the ropes course

2    Cabin Times. Seeing a bunch of walled-off, closed-up, insecure guys open up about the deep aspects of their lives – their joys, sorrows, fears and questions – made me feel honored and humbled. I was given a rare glimpse into who these teenagers really are, openly vulnerable and real. The bonds that we formed were deep and lasting. This was some true work of the Holy Spirit.

At the top of Lookout Point

3    Seeing my Young Life work pay off. After a year of working with Young Life, it was encouraging to see it all culminate into something beautiful and life-changing for these high-schoolers. After the months of personal investment, weeks of fundraising, and days of sleep deprivation, it made my heart glad to know that it was worth it. Young Life believes in living out the extravagance of Christ’s love in such a way that it makes teenagers sit up and pay attention. It was inspiring to see their philosophy of excellence so clearly depicted in every aspect of the camp.

Cabin guys on dress-up night

Be on the lookout for my next blog post, talking about how these teenagers have started to learn and grow post-Colorado!