Adventure through Jonathan's mind

Refer back to an incident where you went through a team building process in a job.

2011-01-18T21:21:00.000-08:00

All the jobs that I have had part in, have never been team building experiences. Whether it's construction, factory work, or fast food, my employers were never big on team building processes. I know that is why I enjoy working at camp so much.

Most of the time here at camp we work as a team. Everyone is different with particular roles. There are many oppotunities where I have the cahnce to build relationships with my team members or build up camp in some way. There is a purpose in every situation that arises.

Some members of the team do get frustrated at times along with myself. Camp can be stressful, but it change if the team has the goal of serving for the Lord. God is the only way that we can work in unity and with a purpose. Other jobs do not offer a purpose in serving the Lord. I want to look at every single day as an opportunity to serve the Lord. Whether I'm coming up with ideas, cleaning dishes, or creating a comforting environment, I need to remember that I am part of a team that needs to be building camp and lost souls towards God.

My Personal assesment score: The three things I agree with and one that I do not.

2011-01-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

     According to this assessment I am labeled as a Protector (ISFJ). One of the characteristics that I agree with is the desire to prevent problems. I can say with certainty that I do not like being around abusive conflict. Helping others and promoting harmony is a wonderful experience. It's depressing to see others argue out of hatred and difference in opinions. I remember one time as a counselor that two of the boys in my group almost started a fistfight. My reaction was grab one of them before it escalated. I wanted them to get along, but it was a difficult task.

     The second interest that I know I have and agree is that I enjoy working with photography. Taking pictures of day to day activities and capturing the outdoor life is fascinating. When I was in college I took a photography class and absolutely loved it. Just going through the process of developing the film and enlarging the photograph was enjoyable. I think being a protector involves a certain care for nature and outdoor involvement.

     The last evaluation that I agree with is that I might bite off more than I should. Seeing people around me that do not get along is a burden to me, though I need to realize that I can not solve every dispute I see. God is the ultimate Protector and has His hand in every situation. I need to allow Him to work and learn how He would handle a stressful situation. I want to involve God in every aspect of my life.

     The one assessment statement that I disagree with is that the protector is least likely to seek positions of leadership. Someone who is a protector does have a leadership position. Keeping others safe and teaching others to live in harmony is a perfect example of being a leader. God calls everyone to lead whether their own lives or being a representative of Christ. I want to lead others to Christ and to live in harmony.

Blog # 20 Knowing that I am amiable, how would I relate to guests, staff, and the development of camp?

2011-01-07T13:08:00.000-08:00

      Knowing that I am amiable, I have a laid back approach on guests. I'm glad that they are here and I try to interact with them as much as I can. However, I need to be a little more expressive towards the guests. This would include having more interaction with the guests that come in. Showing the guests that I'm glad they are here and interacting with them more is a good way to start expressing myself.

     Working around the Hidden Acres staff gives me an opportunity to see the different characteristics that each individual holds. Being amiable with the staff is a part of my day to day life. I am slow to mention solutions or new ideas. My laid back character hinders me sometimes when expressing new ideas. I don't want my ideas to be shot down or believe that my idea is more important than it actually is. Expressing my viewpoint is difficult because I don't know if others want to hear it. I am okay with that, but I think I need to learn to take the risk of offering my opinion when asked.

     The way I relate to the development of camp is similar to the way I relate to the staff. I know that the ideas I have to improve or add to camp might be valued, but I'm afraid that these ideas will be shot down. I should probably write down some ideas and present them at the right time.

Questions for Story City Lutheran Bible Camp.

2010-12-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

What is the greatest attraction you have at the camp that draws in guests? I'm curious to find out what the camp offers guests of all ages. Camp attractions are key in drawing guests to your camp. Hidden Acres have attractions like the pool, climbing tower, blob, paintball, etc.

Why did you choose to be involved in camp ministries? This questions gives me an insight of why certain people enjoy working at camps. I like to know the reason and background of people involved in camp ministry.

How have you seen the Lord bless the camp in the last year? I love hearing testimonies of how God works through His servants.

Does most of your summer staff come from the kids who have grown up with camp? I went to camp in Wisconsin once and had a rough time. It makes me wonder do others kids have a great time that they want to work a camp or just be involved with ministry.

Strengths,Weaknesses,Opportunities,Threats, An analysis on Hidden Acres

2010-12-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

Strengths. Looking at Hidden Acres I see the results of summer camps, retreats, and weekend events. It is great to see people at camp having a great time. I believe that one of Hidden Acres strengths is service. Hidden Acres wants each guest that visits to experience a fun and exciting time while they are here. Hidden Acres does a great job at making sure group and individual needs are met.

Weaknesses. One weakness that I have noticed at camp is miscommunication. I think that all of us who work at camp get caught up in a project and forget to communicate needs, ideas, and the importance of upcoming events or retreats. Frustration is a result when miscommunication takes place. One suggestion I would make to improve communication, would be to allow more staff to be involved in the planning and explain what needs to be accomplished.

Opportunities. Every time we have a group or individual at camp, an opportunity arises. The staff at Hidden Acres can choose to serve them or ignore them. Thankfully, Hidden Acres teaches their staff to take care of their guests. These opportunities can lead people to Christ.

Threats. I'm glad that we have not had any deaths here at camp, but accidents do occur at times and this can be a threat to camp. Improving ways to keep families safe and secure is essential to camp. I think we do a good job at making activities safe.

Three measurable visions for camp Hidden Acres

2010-12-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

I think the buildings here at camp are and were measurable visions of Hidden Acres. Each building that camp has built or plans to build can be measured through the use and feedback from the many guests. Knowing that the purpose of the building meets guests expectations is a good way to measure that building's accommodations and success.

New aactivities are another item worth measuring. The use of each activity at camp shows Hidden Acres that guests enjoy participating in fun activities. Once an activity is outdated we know it is time to replace it or improve it. This is a way to measure activities.

Food service is yet another measurable vision. Does the food appeal to everyone? What will we do to accommodate those who want to eat? Are we providing healthy choices to the guests? These are just a few ways that we need to view camp from the guest's perspective. The success of meals can be measured and should be changed if we lack in quality food.

The three actions I would take as new director of the example camp.

2010-12-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

First, I find it important that in this new job I need to go to the Lord in prayer. His will and response is how I would want to run the camp. This would include meeting with the camp's staff. Allowing them to be a part of a prayer meeting would help them bring their requests and concerns to the Lord. So many times, I think we get caught up in the activities and responsibilities of a camp that we forget to honor the Lord and thank Him for all the opportunities He places within a camp. I would also like to involve the camp board members so they would be able to see God's plan for the camp.

Second, there seems to be issues on where the camp needs to recover in some areas and how to go about those changes. I would love to go around the camp and see what the people that come to camp enjoy the most. Is it the food, activities, lodging, the outdoors. What brings people to camp? As I walk around I would ask the staff here what changes have they tried, have these changes worked, what do they see as the biggest enjoyments of camp? Knowing how a camp operates and changes to trends is important in order to find out why the camp might be dying or improving.

The last action I would take is to create and run a camp fundraiser accordingly. Fundraisers do not have to make a huge profit I would allow people to donate as they feel, but never force them. Allowing the public to come in for a day would give them an opportunity to share their concerns and ideas for camp. These people are the ones who use the camp regularly, they know what excites them at camp. A fundraiser not only allows for the opportunity in giving, but also an opportunity for ideas. I want to hear the ideas of camps fans.

Why am I here at camp?

2010-12-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

Since the summer of 2003, I have kept coming back every summer. My first summer here was one filled with new friendships and camp experience. I had a great time and the friendships I made last forever. However, the rest of that year back at home was one of my hardest years coping. A couple of months after I returned home I lost contact with my closest friends, thanks to lies that corrupted a church. I trusted no one and awaited for the next summer eagerly.

The second summer came and I was placed into a junior counseling position. I loved it. This opportunity allowed me to be there for kids going through hardships in their life and it gave me a chance to see kids come to Christ. It was wonderful to see. Along with my relationship with the campers my relationships amongst the staff grew as well.

I graduated high school in 2006. The next two years I worked in construction for four months, camp, and Winnebago. It was obvious to see that the people who I worked with, outside of camp, wanted nothing to do with God. They lived for the weekend. Alcohol, sex, and parties is the only thing that these people wanted in life. I didn't want this.

In the years of 2008-2010 I attended a community college in Northern Iowa called NIACC. It was a good two years of school work and knowledge. However, college focused on individual success. College didn't care about the truth. The only thing was to succeed in life and tolerate any one's actions no matter how wrong they were. I saw single mothers just out of high school. I observed young men as they searched for pleasure. It was messed up, yet we sit back and allow the children in our community and even churches to go after their desires no matter the horrible outcome.

I wanted to be a part of camp in order to reach out to those who came here. God has given me so many opportunities here at camp to minister to people through my actions. A good attitude is not always present at times, but I am learning the importance of representing Christ no matter how hard the task. God is good!

Blog # 14 Who am I, Whose am I, Why am I here, Where do I belong?

2010-11-16T10:08:00.000-08:00

1.) Who am I?

    Knowing who I am is essential in my life. It might sound like a no-duh question, but thinking about what my characteristics, inabilities, qualities, and shortcomings are helps me to understand who I am. I know that I am a child of God. This privilege does give me freedom and a reason to live. The Lord is my King and I need to be ready to serve Him in everything that I work towards. The abilities that Lord has blessed me with allow me to carry out His will for my life and allow me to understand who I am.

2.) Whose am I?

     Like I said above, I belong to the Lord. I have a responsibility to fulfill to Him. I should be living for Christ in everyday opportunities and have my mind set on how to please my Savior and glorify Him in my actions. The Lord calls His believers to live a life according to His purpose. So many times I have thought how a situation may or may not benefit myself. I should be focused on living for Christ with every breath I take.

3.) Why am I here?

    I believe that I am here on this earth to serve God and glorify Him. The world around me views the world as a place to follow your own desires and to live with the intention of earning respect for yourself. Today, hero is the ultimate goal in life. Having people look to you. As you lead this life you become a god. We have a God, who is a hero. He sent His only son to die for us. We do not need the pleasures of this world if we follow Him. I am part of God's family and will follow His calling to help reach the lost and lead them to Christ. I can not save anyone, only Christ has that power, but I will be here for Him.

4.) Where do I belong?

     I belong in God's hands. Where that leads me, I am not always sure. However, I believe that right now I am at camp because the Lord made it possible for me and I am learning to have an understanding of camp ministry. I want to strengthen my walk with Him as I continue serving the Lord at Hidden Acres.

Blog # 13: Explain three traits or qualities about myself. Explain how I would relate to someone completly opposite to my own traits.

2010-11-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

I would say that three traits that I try to hold are compassion, joy, and entertaining others.

Compassion is a trait that does not always exist in my life, but I try to do my best at helping others and I try to be there for those in times of insecurity and hardship. This would involve being a friend to someone when they feel distraught. I don't want people going through life unable to trust others around them.

I see the opposite of compassionate as well, uncompassionate. There are those who do not have compassion on others experiencing hardship. A lot of the time these types of people are more focused on the tasks around them and hold the attitude that life is tough to everyone and getting over it should be dealt on their own. There is a time when experiencing hardship one will have to push through the situation on their own, but its nice to know that people stand ready to help.

Having joy helps me keep an eager readiness for any task. Now I do not have joy all the time, but I try to in order to help those around me. The reason I have joy is because my relationship with Christ. He showed the ultimate way to have joy in every situation even leading up to his death. I want to try to keep a joyful spirit in everything that comes my way.

Sorrow is the opposite of joy. Holding the belief that there is no purpose in a task or that people are irritating would be the opposite of having joy. Now I know there are times I have felt like this, but the Lord reminds me that I need to need to go through the hard tasks having joy. I want those around me who might not have joy see that through Christ I can live each moment with joy in my heart.

Entertaining others is just a trait I truly enjoy. I want my friends and family to have a great time when their around me. I hope this is not a prideful attitude, but I want people to remember the fun we had in any situation.

Dull or boring is the words that always come to mind when I think about the opposite of entertaining. Now if I'm around someone who holds a dull aspect on a task I try to think of a way that same task can be fun. Any situation can be entertaining if you make it that way.

Assignment #12: Ask four questions while at Twin Lakes.

2010-11-10T06:44:00.000-08:00

While visiting the Twin Lakes Bible Camp in Twin Lakes Iowa, the Launch students were to ask four questions to the camp director. These are my four questions and reasons for asking them.

First, I was curious to receive the view of another camp director on being in this ministry. I asked Scott, what has been the hardest part of being in camp ministry? He told me that so many times camp has been invasive towards his family and out of camp life. Scott loves working at Twin Lakes camp, but being involved with camp pulls him away from personal time sometimes.

The second question I asked Scott was, is the summer staff paid or does it volunteer without pay? I know some camps can not afford to pay a summer staff. Scott told me that they do get paid similar to what Hidden Acres summer staff receives.

The third question that came to mind was, what is the biggest reason campers come to Twin Lakes camp? Scott explained that families that have been involved with camp have been sending their kids for years. He said that new kids that come hear about camp and are interested in the lake and other activities.

The last question I asked Scott was, what has been a situation where you have seen God move this last year at camp? He told me that he saw the Lord working on the summer staff. Scott said he saw a maturity in the staff through healthy relationships. I always love hearing how the Lord works at camps.

How do I relate cross-culturally locally, nationally, and internationally?

2010-11-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

I believe relating cross-culturally to people is a difficult task for me. I am always used to my own cultural that opening myself to other cultures is difficult. The different cultures around me do not have a lot in common with me.

I guess locally the way a relate to people is through the similarities that I have with certain people. Basic beliefs, morals, characteristics, and specific traits that are similar to my own draw me to converse and learn about others. Living at camp is probably the most local way for me right now in interacting with cultures.

Nationally and internationally are difficult to describe the way I relate to others cross-culturally. I realize that nationally I am used to the many different cultures. I see that cultures are different from state to state whether its the most conservative state to the most liberal state. I have noticed that politics plays a big role in the culture around me. It seems that the national cultural outlook is one of material gain. The culture in the U.S. tends to run towards the latest fad and the newest trend.

I think the different cultures around the world are diverse in every way. All countries have different values, expectations, beliefs, governments, trends, and lives. My relationship with other cultures in the world would be difficult to describe. I think that if I spend more time learning and maybe even visiting other cultures around the world, it would be a great experience for me. I did have an opportunity last week while cooperating the zip line with two other Launch students to meet bussiness me from other international cultures. I found it amusing how these men were fascinated and a littel weary of the riding the zip line. Once the first rider went down they were snapping away pictures on their cameras to remember and perhaps show their families their experiences in America. This wasn't a suprise to me, but some times I forget how the day to day activiteies that I deal with are different and new to others. Learning how and why other cultures seek out worldly desires would help me in my journey to reach the lost.

I need to go into every situation with the mind set that not everyone around me was brought up with the same cultural beliefs and values.

Blog # 10: A growing trend in Christian Camping

2010-10-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Many christian camps have a continuous trend on their grounds. Buildings are built every so often, new outdoor activities are set up for the people who come. The question is; are these trends good?

     I'm sure most people would agree that a camp that keeps up with the latest trend is going to bring in more groups. Their is something about trends that draw people away from the old and into the new. I see it all the time whether it's some new clothing item to the latest new cereal. However, trends can be dangerous.

     I see how Hidden Acres operates and what trends grow within camp. I believe that the trend of building is seen on a regular basis. I do not see this trend as a danger. However, as camp goes about these changes it is important to keep in mind the purpose of each building and the cost.

     So many people in the world today think that whatever they want they should be able to have. Every day businesses feed that lie to everyone. Commercials tell kids that they need the latest toy or game. I feel that even though camp may have a trend for new buildings that they go about it in the right way.

     The latest edition to camp was the Inn. People at camp thought about the new building, prayed about the new building, and raised the money to pay for the building. Many buildings around camp are built with the funds from an individual or family. This action shows us at camp that people appreciate the camp's influence on those who attend Hidden Acres.

     I see the leaders at camp use what God has given the camp to further His kingdom. Sometimes debate goes on between the decision of a new building and the opinions of the people coming to stay on the grounds. The buildings at camp are built with the intention of accommodating the guests, having sufficient funds, and to further the kingdom of God.

     God does amazing work here and I think that the trend of adding new buildings is a trend worth considering for any camp. Though, I think that through God's will, prayer, and the sufficient funds brought about by good stewardship, camp is able to provide these new buildings.

Blog # 9 International CCCA Camp

2010-10-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

From my searching of oversea camps related to CCCA, I came across the CCI Russia page. It sounds similar to camps within the states, but is more of a leadership training based ministry.

This camp is focused on training those to go and spread the gospel to the lost. In doing so they offer materials and resources to strengthen the growth in their new leaders. I think this camp differs from what we in the U.S. are used to. Many people come to christian camps in the U.S. in order to get together with church groups, family, and other retreaters. It seems that CCI Russia has a greater purpose in training the people about God more than just a family get away.

The site wasn't too detailed in telling what facilities they have their, but I expect it is not as convenient as our buildings and facilities.

This assignment has given me a taste at the way oversea camps yearn to spread the word of Christ in their countries.

Blog # 8 Philosophical Tension. separation vs. accomodation

2010-10-18T14:23:00.000-07:00

A philosophical tension that camps experience is between separation vs. accommodation.

Ministry has different presuppositions, which is the view of a given situation, different core values, the foundations of beliefs that an individual or a group does not stray away from, and different ministry methods, the way a group or individual focuses their core values to meet their goals.

All of these areas link together leading to an appropriate ministry activity. An appropriate ministry activity is the working purpose that is a result of presuppositions, core values, and a ministry method. However, when a philosophical tension arises, the conflict between two parties presuppositions, it makes it difficult for the links to work.

When a camp looks at separation it tries to keep the incoming campers apart from the world and it's fads. One such issue would be allowing retreaters the use of their phones. It seems that in today's society cell phones are a distraction for people. Camps want to keep as many distractions from their retreaters as they can in order to allow a focus on God and His creation.

On the other hand many camps tend to allow retreaters to bring their technology as the camp offers the many comforts of home. This would be accommodation for the retreaters. Accommodation gives the retreaters comfort that they experience daily. However, this comfort may not give retreaters the attraction to God, but on worldly expectations.

I believe that an appropriate ministry activity in this situation would result in an outdoor setting allowing a separation from the normal, but also allowing the retreaters comfort in the buildings provided. The Lord will work according to His plan and I think camp needs to allow a separation from the world and make the guests feel comfortable about the separation.

Blog #7 How do I see God through natrue?

2010-10-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

These last few days I was able to enjoy the beauty of God's handiwork. The Launch students went on a camping trip to Backbone State Park in Iowa. It was an enjoyable excursion. I took time to just experience God in everything. It was amazing to see God's hand everywhere.

     The first beauty I came across on this trip was the vast colors of leaves throughout the park. I though to myself someone must care that we enjoy our time here on earth through seeing the diverse trees and leaf colors. Fall is my favortie season, because I love the temperature that surrounds me. God is so careful and percise in how His creation prepares for the next chapter of it's life. God has to have a purpose for placing all that He has done on this earth.

     The next great outdoor attraction I saw was the many vultures in that area. A few of us students came upon around 40 or so vultures near a stream. It was amazing to see all the vultures fly off together. I was reminded in how God provides for all of His creatures.

     Hiking around the park, I came upon many rocky clifs. I climbed on a few of them and crawled through some other openings. My first reaction was am I still in Iowa? I was very surprised to find all the beautiful areas that we did in this flat farming state.

     This was a great chance for me to look at God in everything. I learned how much He does care for us and loves us.

Assignment # 6: Look up a camp that is associated with CCI and give a description of that camp.

2010-10-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Pine Lake Christian Camp is located in Eldora, Iowa. Like many other christian camps around the country this camp it offers an outdoor environment for the families, retreaters, and campers that attend Pine Lake throughout the year. Pine Lake is owned by an estimated 220 Baptist churches.

     Though, Pine Lake opened in 1957 it became a member of CCCA in 1960. Pine Lake holds 49 acres and invites youth and adults to enjoy the campgrounds. The camp was bought for $5,000 that was raised after the prayers of members of the IBC Annual Meeting. By the end of the meeting the money was raised. During the these last years the camp has 34 current buildings and borders 585 acres of Pine Lake's State Park.

     Pine Lake Christian Camp offers a variety of activities to the campers who come. A large swimming pool, high ropes course, basketball, volley ball, lake activities, and a game field awaits those interested in experiencing Pine Lake's camp. Pine Lake Christian Camp wants the people who come to get away from the worldly distractions and come closer to a realization in God and His Son Jesus Christ. People experience God's creation as they walk around the camp and see His amazing beauty.

     The camp uses the Bible towards every aspects of it's work. Pine Lake is an environment that allows people to experience God.

How do I know I'm being called by God?

2010-09-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

     I've heard how people have actually heard God speak to them directly in their call to ministry and some who have known that they were being called without a direct voice. However, knowing how I am called by God is an explanation in it's self.

     I believe that anyone who is a believer in Christ has a specific calling from God. Jesus clearly states in the Bible that we who are followers of Him have a calling; spread His love to all and help them grow in the Lord. I have felt that camp is where the Lord was leading me to serve him. It is a feeling that is hard to describe. I want to be surrounded by Him and give Him my all. I know here I have the opportunity to serve the Lord and grow in my walk with Him. Camp's LAUNCH program has given me a better understanding in the way the Lord works through a parachurch ministry. I know I have a lot left to learn, but I'm eager to get started and move closer to my Lord and my Savior.

     There is a peace and a feeling of security that, I believe, the Lord has given me. I'm willing to go where He leads me.

What is the relationship between a church and a parachurch?

2010-09-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

     The church and parachurch both have unique roles in spreading the love of Christ. Though the parachurch is not the church, it does come alongside the church as a ministry set out to reach the lost. As both work to give hope to the lost, by presenting the love of Christ, a relationship between the two becomes visible.

     A parachurch such as a camp, Awana, and vacation bible school are ministries that do come alongside the church and help in that ministry. A parachurch has a close relationship with the church. If the church fails as a ministry the parachurch is also hurt. If a parachurch fails the church does not suffer as much as the previous scenario. Now there are many church institutions that are very close with certain parachurches. Awana may be a churches parachurch, but if the program fails in one church building the organization still goes on in many other churches.

     I look at the church as the parent and the parachurch as the child. I think it is important to take care of their parachurch as a parent would care for their child. The church should have a strong relationship with it's parachurch. The parachurch needs to be obedient towards the church as it carries out God's will.

Blog # 3

2010-09-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

Explain the pros and cons of being a denominational camping organization.

     Being apart of Hidden Acres camping organization has allowed me to realize that at many times the different groups that attend this camp bring with them diverse beliefs and opinions.

     Some of the cons of this denominational camp appear to me as I tend to camp needs alongside my fellow Launch classmates throughout the week. One con is that groups looking forward to using the Hidden Acres facility may be uncomfortable associating with a camp of another denominational opinion. Situations may arise where traditions from one denomination differs from the camp's traditions or beliefs on certain matters. One such example would be on using real wine apart from the use grape juice. What does wine do for a denomination that grape juice can not symbolize in communing with God. Allowing wine to be used during communion at a camp may lead to others viewing the camp as allowing alcohol to any group coming into camp.

     Hidden Acres carries more than one retreat at a time on many occasions. This in itself allows for disputes especially when diverse denominations share the grounds throughout the week or weekend. This is also a con that camps experience. Many of these disputes can come from traditions, music, apparel, and other beliefs. A camp needs to be understanding as a ministry, but if the beliefs and actions of the incoming retreaters offend others or go against the Bible the camp has the responsibility to put an end to these actions.

     Along with it's cons there are also pros in being a denominational camp. Being a denominational camp allows this organization to set rules according to the Bible. Setting rules allows the camp to offer terms to upcoming retreats and gives them the authority in saying what will not be allowed and what is allowed.

     Camp allows the growing of families in their bond with each other, but more importantly camp tries to create a stronger relationship with Christ. I see this as a wonderful pro for camp. Denominations should not matter, but when man tries to conform their beliefs towards that of the worlds denominations fall away from the Lord and create for themselves beliefs that contradict the words of God.

Blog#2

2010-09-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

How does understanding the worldview of other religions help you minister to others' needs, even if you never meet someone from those particular faiths?

If I do not have an understanding of the other views and beliefs that people hold, it will be very difficult for me to reach out to them and bring them to Christ. Learning about other cultures and beliefs other than my own, I hope, will strengthen my core beliefs and allow me to obtain the ability to refute the false beliefs around me.

Sharing the biblical views and beliefs that I hold dear is important, but if I do not allow myself an understanding, not an acceptance of the many false beliefs that invade our world, it will be difficult if not impossible for me to unveil the lies of the world. I want to use the knowledge that I learn here at Launch to strengthen my biblical view and bring others to the Lord.

Blog #1

2010-09-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

Why should everyone understand a ministry's statement of faith?

       It is important for anyone involved in ministry to take the time to understand their statement of faith. A statement of faith is the belief that certain ministries, such as a camp or church, hold to explain why they hold their specific beliefs. Students involved in the LAUNCH program at camp Hidden Acres were asked the question: Why should everyone understand a ministry's statement of faith?

       Understanding your ministry's statement of faith will give you an insight of what the ministry believes and why your ministry holds it's beliefs. It will also put you on the same page with the other members within the same ministry. If the members of a ministry do not agree on a specific statement of faith there will be conflict within that ministry and your strong foundation you thought you held will be demolished. This is not healthy for a ministry. Setting a strong, biblical foundation for your ministry allows for a close relationship with God and a mutual understanding of beliefs with other members and co-workers.

       In camp ministry it is important that the campers coming in and using the facilities understand the camp's statement of faith. Allowing the people to understand that the ministry's beliefs and rules gives them assurance of what is allowed and what is not. It also provides an opportunity for clients to refuse the use of the facility if their beliefs hinder them in any way.

       Ministry is an opportunity to allow others to experience the enjoyments the Lord has blessed you with. This experience may the change lives of those needing the Lord.

2010-08-11T17:41:00.001-07:00

Wandering through a tutorial

2010-08-11T17:20:00.001-07:00

So, I'm at camp and Ryan Graden hands me this piece of paper descibing how to create a blog spot. Now I'm thinking, Ryan I know nothing about these types of things, but as it turned out it was a very easy step by step process.