Well it's our first Christmas "back" in Germany. After a busy but great semester it's good to experience some downtime. Amanda, Cameron and Amanda's fiance Brad are in town so we haven't had too much "down" down time yet - but it will come.
A few days ago Diane and I got to attend the Janz Team Germany Christmas dinner party. I found out what it was lie to be a part of Diane's world over at JTG. Held at a local restaurant (The Ochsen for those in the know regarding Kandern)we had our choice of pork schnitzels, curried turkey chunks or a vegetarian dish. The entertainment was interspersed throughout the evening. Early on everything was translated but that soon fell by the wayside and I got to feel what Diane does when she attends the daily prayer meetings at her work conducted entirely in German.
A few blogs ago I mentioned finding joy in the unlikely things. Well, the unlikely thing at the Janz Team Germany's Christmas bash wash the main entertainment. Had you asked before what sort of entertainment I might expect here in southwestern Germany I could have listed all sorts of possibilities. One of Janz Team's core ministries is musical outreach so there' be many choices there. BFA has all sorts of talented folk to draw from and , in fact, some did perform but not as the main event. There are some local forms of music that would be available from accordian bands to vocal harmonist ensembles but no - those were not chosen. Surprise of all surprises the headline act consisted of four middle aged German men who ad a love for and decent (for Germans) skill with American Bluegrass music. Bluegrass music - come on!, how could we have predicted that? Well, it was delightful. Merry Christmas.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Living Naturally - Not!
Of late in my "Worldviews" class we've been examining the worldview of "Naturalism" - the basic view that all which exists is material - there is no supernatural, no God, no miracles, no soul. It's a view greatly advanced in academia and, consciously or unconsciously, incorporated into much of our cultures modern outlook. But just because it doesn't allow for God doesn't make it not a religious view. Take the following statements from a leading naturalist whose web video before the "Freethinkers Society"
for example:
- "We are citizens of the cosmos."
- “When we postulate the supernatural we rob the cosmos of its glory.”
- “There but for circumstance go I.” (reference to why criminals can't help what they do)
These sound very theological in tone (while leaving out the theos)and they should because they are part of a set of worldview/religious statements.
I can go these more than one better - infinitely better:
- "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ," (Philippians 3:20)
- "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse…" (Romans 1:20)
- "There but for the grace of God go I" (in reference to anyone else I may desire not to be and the answer to anyone who desires to become what God desires for them).
I left one thing out regarding the naturalist worldview - after death, nothing (without a soul and a supernatural - what option is there?)
Living Naturally (as if all there was was Nature) - I think not!
Living Supernaturally - sign me up!
for example:
- "We are citizens of the cosmos."
- “When we postulate the supernatural we rob the cosmos of its glory.”
- “There but for circumstance go I.” (reference to why criminals can't help what they do)
These sound very theological in tone (while leaving out the theos)and they should because they are part of a set of worldview/religious statements.
I can go these more than one better - infinitely better:
- "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ," (Philippians 3:20)
- "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse…" (Romans 1:20)
- "There but for the grace of God go I" (in reference to anyone else I may desire not to be and the answer to anyone who desires to become what God desires for them).
I left one thing out regarding the naturalist worldview - after death, nothing (without a soul and a supernatural - what option is there?)
Living Naturally (as if all there was was Nature) - I think not!
Living Supernaturally - sign me up!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Delighting in God
Just this week I received a request in my school mailbox from some folks working with our middle school students youth ministry called "Chrysalis" They were looing for submissions to the questions "What does it mean to delight yourself, (or in this case myself), in the Lord?" So here's what came to me on another walk to work:
The first thing it means to me is that I have to expect delight, I have to be ready to recognize it when delight comes my way and that starts with reflections on all that God is, and that starts with worship. Not necessarily praise songs, reflective and heartfelt prayers – these are good things – but, as my pastor back home put it in a recent online sermon (and I quote as best I can recall) worship involves “responding with all that we are to all that He is”. Diving deeply into the character and track record of God and giving over those parts of me I’d hold onto if God wasn’t so good – that’s the start of delight.
One thing I delight in God is His unlikeliness. It’s unlikely that the God of the universe, the God of six and a half billion people (that’s just right now) would love and care for me BUT HE DOES – delightful! It’s unlikely that in this messy fractured world God has a grand scheme for all and a particular and meaningful role for a messy and fractured me BUT HE DOES – delightful! It’s unlikely that God would become man to clean up man’s problems for the glory of Himself BUT HE DID – delightful! It’s unlikely that God would choose me to become a brother (and friend, and servant, and disciple, and delight) of Christ BUT HE DID – delightful! So, delight in God’s unlikeliness, in His total uniqueness and otherness, in I guess what we can view as the delightful aspect of His holiness. And then keep on looking for unlikelinesses great and small – today, walking to work, I passed a rose in full bloom, a rose whose buds were, last week, to the day, encased in the season’s first snowfall. Beauty past the point where it should exist – unlikely, indicative of what God does in our lives, delightful!
The first thing it means to me is that I have to expect delight, I have to be ready to recognize it when delight comes my way and that starts with reflections on all that God is, and that starts with worship. Not necessarily praise songs, reflective and heartfelt prayers – these are good things – but, as my pastor back home put it in a recent online sermon (and I quote as best I can recall) worship involves “responding with all that we are to all that He is”. Diving deeply into the character and track record of God and giving over those parts of me I’d hold onto if God wasn’t so good – that’s the start of delight.
One thing I delight in God is His unlikeliness. It’s unlikely that the God of the universe, the God of six and a half billion people (that’s just right now) would love and care for me BUT HE DOES – delightful! It’s unlikely that in this messy fractured world God has a grand scheme for all and a particular and meaningful role for a messy and fractured me BUT HE DOES – delightful! It’s unlikely that God would become man to clean up man’s problems for the glory of Himself BUT HE DID – delightful! It’s unlikely that God would choose me to become a brother (and friend, and servant, and disciple, and delight) of Christ BUT HE DID – delightful! So, delight in God’s unlikeliness, in His total uniqueness and otherness, in I guess what we can view as the delightful aspect of His holiness. And then keep on looking for unlikelinesses great and small – today, walking to work, I passed a rose in full bloom, a rose whose buds were, last week, to the day, encased in the season’s first snowfall. Beauty past the point where it should exist – unlikely, indicative of what God does in our lives, delightful!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Walking to work - Russ
What a treat it is to be able to walk to work in a place like Kandern, Germany. Parts of town those manmade and those put here by the hand of God are postcard pleasing to the eye. Comically steep hills, some wooded with a Germanic sense of forest (well tended and organized), some pastures for sheep ring the town. A mix of architecture stretching from the late middle ages to recent modernism crowds the narrow streets. Flowers – everywhere. Others walking, biking, driving towards their purposes for the day. Cool, cloudy but not, at the moment, raining. The chance to listen to three songs on the iPod during the 1.2 km walk to BFA - it’s a great way to start the day. I get a chance to reflect on my purposes for the day, for our purposes in being here through the direction of God and the generosity of those He’s called to send us here. How will I be trying to direct the thoughts and hearts of my classes today? How can a town and population with such a tradition of religion allow that tradition to replace living faith. The traditions are wonderful – last Saturday we attended the Glockenfest – the pouring of a new bell for the state church in Kandern (replacing the one that’s worn out after only 450 years!)- see photo above. What a cool thing to see. The accordion band played songs from “Mama Mia” and the city men’s choir and the city band’s performed, wursts were consumed – all the usual things followed by the spectacle of molten bronze being poured into the buried form made from an impression of the old bell. Even though the process was proceeded by prayer very few of the people will be in their churches next week. The traditions are powerful but the faith is often absent. As I walk to work I pass one house dedicated to witchcraft – it has enough artifacts to qualify as a witchcraft museum but if it is a museum, it’s a working one. The occult has a powerful foothold in this region. As it is here in Kandern, it is through much of western Europe. Our school here exists to speak to this condition through the work of our kids’ parents – beyond western Europe into eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia and we have the privilege of participating in that. Yeah, walking to work is great!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Good start
A few shots: Opening Day at BFA and two home photos - the view from Carl's room and the back yard.
It's been "crazy busy" but "good busy". Each day is full and never quite finished with business but we move ahead. The practical issues of living are ironing themselves out. After a few months of schleppen (authentic German word) groceries up our significant hill we've obtained affordable wheels.
The house itself is quite comfortable and more than adequate for our needs. We've conquered ordering heating oil despite language barriers and next we'll tackle ordering firewood for the winter. It's sort of refreshing to live without the intrusions of TV and we're finding ways to get our news fix through internet radio and publications. Food, an important consideration for this family, is working out. Apart from most meats and a few other items, groceries are quite affordable and the lettuce, potatoes and carrots here are the best we've ever had. Daily routines are becoming more routine and that facilitates normalcy overall.
In terms of work I (Russ) am adjusting to teaching something that is not, after all these years, pure history. My Word Views course is for all Seniors. In it we explore the foundational "lenses" through which people observe and understand their worlds and by which they act, decide and live their lives. My goals for the class are that each of my 79 kids leave BFA with a strong, well-reasoned, and effective Biblical worldview, a true sense of their identity in Christ, the ability to "understand (and cope) with the times" and a personal mission for the next chapter of their lives. In addition to all these things we'll do much in the way of practical knowledge and wisdom for their enormous transition from MK life at BFA to the wilds of post high school campus and community.
I'm already so fond of my students. The classroom climate that's developing is wonderful and I pray it spills outside of the classroom as well.
Friday, August 15, 2008
English Camp -is it ever over?
We've spent a relatively quiet week here in Kandern since closing up shop at Maugenhard last Sunday. We held on to a dorm van (big blue for you veterans) to take care of some details on Monday after new staff conference meeting were over. We also snuck in a trip to Schliengen Pizza Grotto, home of the Monday night 3 euro (now 4.50) pizza, a meal shared with a family that worked at the Swiss camp. I foolishly left the van's lights on and ended up with a dead battery. So the Kraines'got to make some more memories, pushing big blue through the streets of Schliengen and finally successfully popping the clutch before cruising back to Maugenhard for final camp inspection (we did well, by the way).
Diane spent some time online with our campers since getting back to our house on the hill in Kandern. The upshot is one of our campers has already arrived for a visit (JB) - he's got nothing but good to say for all aspects of the camp (quote for our cooks: "the eating at English Camp is Paradise"). Those veterans of te last few EC6 camps at Maugenhard - pray for this guy as he continues to process the love he received from staff and the love God wants to extend to him, pray that he'll realize none of us ever starts out good enough or valuable enough for God -that it's God that makes us good and valuable in Him. Pray that he'll get into the Word and vice versa.
Our location in Germany could turn into many opportunities for follow-up like this time with JB. In the meantime BFA staff conferences start on Monday and then we're off on the next whirlwind.
Diane spent some time online with our campers since getting back to our house on the hill in Kandern. The upshot is one of our campers has already arrived for a visit (JB) - he's got nothing but good to say for all aspects of the camp (quote for our cooks: "the eating at English Camp is Paradise"). Those veterans of te last few EC6 camps at Maugenhard - pray for this guy as he continues to process the love he received from staff and the love God wants to extend to him, pray that he'll realize none of us ever starts out good enough or valuable enough for God -that it's God that makes us good and valuable in Him. Pray that he'll get into the Word and vice versa.
Our location in Germany could turn into many opportunities for follow-up like this time with JB. In the meantime BFA staff conferences start on Monday and then we're off on the next whirlwind.
Monday, August 11, 2008
The end - not!
Monday –
Saturday the goodbyes began. Campers don’t want to leave, they just don’t. Some are returning to fine situations, some are returning to some rough situations – neither population wants to go home. Diane has been on Facebook with a few of our campers already and it sounds like they’re making plans to come and visit within the next few days! (for EC veterans S.O. and J.B. may be spending some time with us). And then it’s Sunday and goodby to the staff – if you personally know a staff member pray for them now – it’s a hard transition back to the real world.
We’ve been perusing the camper evaluations of camp – the reviews are in! We did very well in the campers eyes. Teachers, cooks, counselors, Activities leaders and even the Bible teacher got some really positive feedback. From the staff’s point of view, I think we saw some real spiritual progress with the campers (which many also self-reported - 9@”first step with Jesus”; 8@”fresh start with Jesus”; 18@”took a new step with Jesus” and if you do that math you’ll figure out that some kids indicated more than one choice but I’m so pleased so many were stirred spiritually).
It’s been the usual end of camp whirlwind over the past few days – you’d think once the campers left it would ease up but there’s tons to do to wrap up camp. If you plan that the tasks will take X time, you need to then multiply by a factor of 3 to get the accurate estimate.
Our clean-up went fairly well and the day was perfect for the visit to Freiburg. The train trip itself is only about 5 minutes long but that was plenty of time for about half of our folks to nod off. Early Sunday I made the first of two runs into the Basel Train station to drop folks off for the direct trip to Zurich airport. Apparently I’ve set a new record for getting two different folks to the trains with 30 seconds to spare – nothing like a shot of panic and adrenaline to end a camp.
We arrived back at our home in Kandern about 6PM last night – absolutely spent – we slept well last night – and today new staff conference began – time to change hats.
May God continue to grow and bless the fruit of English Camp Maugenhard ’08 for years to come – to His honor and glory – AMEN!
Saturday the goodbyes began. Campers don’t want to leave, they just don’t. Some are returning to fine situations, some are returning to some rough situations – neither population wants to go home. Diane has been on Facebook with a few of our campers already and it sounds like they’re making plans to come and visit within the next few days! (for EC veterans S.O. and J.B. may be spending some time with us). And then it’s Sunday and goodby to the staff – if you personally know a staff member pray for them now – it’s a hard transition back to the real world.
We’ve been perusing the camper evaluations of camp – the reviews are in! We did very well in the campers eyes. Teachers, cooks, counselors, Activities leaders and even the Bible teacher got some really positive feedback. From the staff’s point of view, I think we saw some real spiritual progress with the campers (which many also self-reported - 9@”first step with Jesus”; 8@”fresh start with Jesus”; 18@”took a new step with Jesus” and if you do that math you’ll figure out that some kids indicated more than one choice but I’m so pleased so many were stirred spiritually).
It’s been the usual end of camp whirlwind over the past few days – you’d think once the campers left it would ease up but there’s tons to do to wrap up camp. If you plan that the tasks will take X time, you need to then multiply by a factor of 3 to get the accurate estimate.
Our clean-up went fairly well and the day was perfect for the visit to Freiburg. The train trip itself is only about 5 minutes long but that was plenty of time for about half of our folks to nod off. Early Sunday I made the first of two runs into the Basel Train station to drop folks off for the direct trip to Zurich airport. Apparently I’ve set a new record for getting two different folks to the trains with 30 seconds to spare – nothing like a shot of panic and adrenaline to end a camp.
We arrived back at our home in Kandern about 6PM last night – absolutely spent – we slept well last night – and today new staff conference began – time to change hats.
May God continue to grow and bless the fruit of English Camp Maugenhard ’08 for years to come – to His honor and glory – AMEN!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Almost finished
Friday-
I think we are finishing well. From the feedback sheets the kids turned in to the strong connections between campers and staff to the questions raised I think this little battle in te spiritual war for the universe was well fought to the credit of the God who has motivated and empowered those working with and for Him. As I write the kids are making smores around the firebowl and having just a grand time enjoying each other. Earlier I challenged them on two fronts. Once again I asked if they were ready to live dangerously for God and added the challenge that living dangerously for God means you give yourself away to others. We listened to two great songs (The Last Jesus, and Declaration) from Kirk Franklin’s new CD The Fight of my Life – great songs really underscoring so many of the points God led me to raise over eight nights of teaching – te cool thing is I had never even listened to them before Wednesday and it’s as if they were written to preach the last night’s message.
Tomorrow they leave – it will be a long morning of long goodbyes and lots of cleaning. Debriefing is also on the agenda – it’s so important to reflect on what God’s done, what to expect as we reenter the real world and what we need to do with our experience. In the afternoon we take the train to Freiburg for sightseeing, souvenirs, and German chow.
Guten Appetite!
I think we are finishing well. From the feedback sheets the kids turned in to the strong connections between campers and staff to the questions raised I think this little battle in te spiritual war for the universe was well fought to the credit of the God who has motivated and empowered those working with and for Him. As I write the kids are making smores around the firebowl and having just a grand time enjoying each other. Earlier I challenged them on two fronts. Once again I asked if they were ready to live dangerously for God and added the challenge that living dangerously for God means you give yourself away to others. We listened to two great songs (The Last Jesus, and Declaration) from Kirk Franklin’s new CD The Fight of my Life – great songs really underscoring so many of the points God led me to raise over eight nights of teaching – te cool thing is I had never even listened to them before Wednesday and it’s as if they were written to preach the last night’s message.
Tomorrow they leave – it will be a long morning of long goodbyes and lots of cleaning. Debriefing is also on the agenda – it’s so important to reflect on what God’s done, what to expect as we reenter the real world and what we need to do with our experience. In the afternoon we take the train to Freiburg for sightseeing, souvenirs, and German chow.
Guten Appetite!
Pure contentment
Thursday-
To the pool today – the first time I’ve not been sweating all week. The plan to open up the schedule worked out fine and it was great to enjoy the cool waters of Kandern’s spring fed (and therefore refreshingly cool) pools and slide and relax for a bit while the kids kept themselves entertained. Camp has really achieved its unique flavor and energy as we proceed into the last days.
Tonight we had our talent show (or should I say “talent” show in some cases) and it was pretty much the usual hoot. The quiet campers all of a sudden become outrageous extroverts and the staff does embarrassing things – all I all what you’d expect if what you expect is expert teachers and counselors spitting toothpaste-frothed water at each other.
Tonight’s message was about the sufficiency we have in Christ (Colossians 2) and the power of pure contentment (Philippians 4). Some of our counselors are experiencing the great breakthroughs that I asked you to pray for in my last entry. We’re seeing the hand of God at work over time preparing the counselors to be in the right place of mind, heart and experience to be ready to handle the questions and concerns they’re receiving. And it’s not just the counselors. Teachers have formed some strong bonds and have had great chances to speak into these kids hearts and lives.
Tomorrow is the last full day. Pray that we will finish well.
(Sorry about the late posting - internet down last night)
To the pool today – the first time I’ve not been sweating all week. The plan to open up the schedule worked out fine and it was great to enjoy the cool waters of Kandern’s spring fed (and therefore refreshingly cool) pools and slide and relax for a bit while the kids kept themselves entertained. Camp has really achieved its unique flavor and energy as we proceed into the last days.
Tonight we had our talent show (or should I say “talent” show in some cases) and it was pretty much the usual hoot. The quiet campers all of a sudden become outrageous extroverts and the staff does embarrassing things – all I all what you’d expect if what you expect is expert teachers and counselors spitting toothpaste-frothed water at each other.
Tonight’s message was about the sufficiency we have in Christ (Colossians 2) and the power of pure contentment (Philippians 4). Some of our counselors are experiencing the great breakthroughs that I asked you to pray for in my last entry. We’re seeing the hand of God at work over time preparing the counselors to be in the right place of mind, heart and experience to be ready to handle the questions and concerns they’re receiving. And it’s not just the counselors. Teachers have formed some strong bonds and have had great chances to speak into these kids hearts and lives.
Tomorrow is the last full day. Pray that we will finish well.
(Sorry about the late posting - internet down last night)
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Adventure Day
Wednesday –
After last night’s entry and gain this morning I’m getting reports from my counselors that God is working in the hearts of many of out campers. They’re beginning to exhibit their hunger for truth and practical applications of these truths as they impact a relationship with God. This is always a great time at camp but also a time where prayer is welcome to hold back the things that would discourage real growth.
Adventure Day has happened. I got to lecture on Lewis and Clark, the kids watched some video on it, lunch was eaten with team members hands tied together (I don’t remember that about L&C but OK, and a long hike was undertaken. The kids arrived at the designated cookout site on time and wolfed down 80 hamburgers and 30 hot dogs (the kind from a jar – I know, sounds nicht gut but they’re not bad. Afterward the joint worship service was held with the other camps at a local church and it was back to camp. We’re letting the kids sleep in an extra hour tomorrow morning and, if the weather cooperates, compressing our English classes into the morning so as to have the whole afternoon at the pool. Speedo time guys – I know TMI!
We’ll just have small groups tonight before bed. I’m praying for great discussions and breakthroughs and also some good sleep afterwards.
After last night’s entry and gain this morning I’m getting reports from my counselors that God is working in the hearts of many of out campers. They’re beginning to exhibit their hunger for truth and practical applications of these truths as they impact a relationship with God. This is always a great time at camp but also a time where prayer is welcome to hold back the things that would discourage real growth.
Adventure Day has happened. I got to lecture on Lewis and Clark, the kids watched some video on it, lunch was eaten with team members hands tied together (I don’t remember that about L&C but OK, and a long hike was undertaken. The kids arrived at the designated cookout site on time and wolfed down 80 hamburgers and 30 hot dogs (the kind from a jar – I know, sounds nicht gut but they’re not bad. Afterward the joint worship service was held with the other camps at a local church and it was back to camp. We’re letting the kids sleep in an extra hour tomorrow morning and, if the weather cooperates, compressing our English classes into the morning so as to have the whole afternoon at the pool. Speedo time guys – I know TMI!
We’ll just have small groups tonight before bed. I’m praying for great discussions and breakthroughs and also some good sleep afterwards.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Bulletproof
Tuesday-
A perfectly normal day at camp. Meals served, classes held, activities run, shopping done, testimonies given, message delivered – a perfectly normal day. Our prayer is that it is anything but normal in the hearts of our campers. Some of the walls have come down and the camp seems to have gelled into its particular personality. Tonight we spoke on living in God’s promises of peace, provision, joy and suffering. The heroes of Hebrews 11 did and it took faith to integrate the seemingly dis-similar promises of joy and suffering, and if we do it and understand God’s perfect and eternal plan His promises render us bulletproof. How dangerously can you live when you’re bulletproof?!
Tomorrow is Adventure Day – Lewis and Clark, hiking cookouts and joint worship with the other camps. I’m tired already.
A perfectly normal day at camp. Meals served, classes held, activities run, shopping done, testimonies given, message delivered – a perfectly normal day. Our prayer is that it is anything but normal in the hearts of our campers. Some of the walls have come down and the camp seems to have gelled into its particular personality. Tonight we spoke on living in God’s promises of peace, provision, joy and suffering. The heroes of Hebrews 11 did and it took faith to integrate the seemingly dis-similar promises of joy and suffering, and if we do it and understand God’s perfect and eternal plan His promises render us bulletproof. How dangerously can you live when you’re bulletproof?!
Tomorrow is Adventure Day – Lewis and Clark, hiking cookouts and joint worship with the other camps. I’m tired already.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Turkey!
Monday-
Christmas has come and soon will be gone. The staff opened the day serenading the campers with “Chestnuts Roasting on an open Fire…” and each camper received a handmade stocking full of sweets after breakfast. Classes and activities ran as usual – if anything is ever usual while Herr Director (Russ) Team Leader (Diane), and a few of the counselors went off to town to food shop for the trip and take part in what’s been dubbed “Manpri Monday” – the search for cheap guy capris – all the Euro-rage. The great laugh in this is that the only one to find a suitable (although not in Hannah’s eyes) pair was Herr Director (€3.98) – I know, hard to imagine! Lunch was turkey with many of the “fixins” followed by turkey soup for dinner. The kids were well fed today and the cooks are doing a super job.
Tonight we do some How To’s on spiritual warfare – the full armor of God and such. Pray that the kids will be open to what God has for them here this week and that we’ll be sensitive enough to them and to God to act in providing it.
Christmas has come and soon will be gone. The staff opened the day serenading the campers with “Chestnuts Roasting on an open Fire…” and each camper received a handmade stocking full of sweets after breakfast. Classes and activities ran as usual – if anything is ever usual while Herr Director (Russ) Team Leader (Diane), and a few of the counselors went off to town to food shop for the trip and take part in what’s been dubbed “Manpri Monday” – the search for cheap guy capris – all the Euro-rage. The great laugh in this is that the only one to find a suitable (although not in Hannah’s eyes) pair was Herr Director (€3.98) – I know, hard to imagine! Lunch was turkey with many of the “fixins” followed by turkey soup for dinner. The kids were well fed today and the cooks are doing a super job.
Tonight we do some How To’s on spiritual warfare – the full armor of God and such. Pray that the kids will be open to what God has for them here this week and that we’ll be sensitive enough to them and to God to act in providing it.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Sunday
We made it to church on time and the kids seemed to enjoy it largely due to today’s speaker, Larry Parsons, a former ER doc who now teaches science at BFA. Larry spoke on “Why I am not an Atheist” and really engaged those listening in either German or English.
After lunch the camp viewed The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe followed by a snack of Rudy’s (one of our teachers) birthday cake – now her second birthday in a row at English Camp. Then off to the soccer field. Camp seems to be reaching the point where the kids are mostly very comfortable with each other and the staff is exhibiting the craziness necessary to make camp memorable. We’ve been laying a running game of “Assassin” (everyone give a straw and a victim – if your assassin catches you without your straw in your hand – you’re dead and need to identify who you were supposed to kill so the carnage can continue.) – and it would surprise you how well mature kitchen ladies can adopt the role of cold-blooded killers! All in fun – I died when I put my straw behind my ear in order to assist one of the dishwashers who then, of course, killed me.
We continued on the topic of spiritual warfare – looked at Acts 19, the story of the founding of the church in Ephesus – what a crazy story starring the Apostle Paul who is such a dangerous guy that even fellow believers thought he was too much. With this story in mind what the book of Ephesians has to say about spiritual warfare takes on a cool dimension.
Right now the gang is decorating for tomorrow’s theme, Christmas. We sent the kids off with a reading, complete with interpretive movements by the Activities gals, of the Night Before Christmas – now if they’ll all QUIETLY snuggle in bed, we’ll have it made.
After lunch the camp viewed The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe followed by a snack of Rudy’s (one of our teachers) birthday cake – now her second birthday in a row at English Camp. Then off to the soccer field. Camp seems to be reaching the point where the kids are mostly very comfortable with each other and the staff is exhibiting the craziness necessary to make camp memorable. We’ve been laying a running game of “Assassin” (everyone give a straw and a victim – if your assassin catches you without your straw in your hand – you’re dead and need to identify who you were supposed to kill so the carnage can continue.) – and it would surprise you how well mature kitchen ladies can adopt the role of cold-blooded killers! All in fun – I died when I put my straw behind my ear in order to assist one of the dishwashers who then, of course, killed me.
We continued on the topic of spiritual warfare – looked at Acts 19, the story of the founding of the church in Ephesus – what a crazy story starring the Apostle Paul who is such a dangerous guy that even fellow believers thought he was too much. With this story in mind what the book of Ephesians has to say about spiritual warfare takes on a cool dimension.
Right now the gang is decorating for tomorrow’s theme, Christmas. We sent the kids off with a reading, complete with interpretive movements by the Activities gals, of the Night Before Christmas – now if they’ll all QUIETLY snuggle in bed, we’ll have it made.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Baseball Day
Saturday
Baseball day today! Pennants, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” performed by the staff at breakfast, hot dogs (from a jar!) for lunch – but on bakery buns and baseball in the afternoon. (If this makes no sense at all, I’m trying to write it before the evening meeting while sitting in the room while “Cotton-Eyed Joe (techno party version) is playing, along with kids line dancing, billiard balls clacking, another camper banging away on a different tune on the upright, ping pong and foosball. The there are the conversations held at a decibel level loud enough to compete with all of the above. It’s the golden hour between dinner and the evening meeting I which I’m supposed to get focused on what I’ll be sharing as Bible teacher. As you might get it’s not so easy to gain that focus but the good side to that is I have to leave it up to god to direct my thoughts and words. Tonight we speak of spiritual warfare in general terms – how we live in a dangerous world and have no ultimate choice except the ultimate choice to join God or His enemy. All else flows from that. I thought much about war as a metaphor for the Christian life as well as the fact of Christian life. It really helps you get things in perspective. Here are some things we looked at:
We live in a state of spiritual warfare.
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
We live in enemy territory
1 John 5:19 19We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
We act as infiltrators
2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
We can win because God has won.
1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
You are at war
War is by nature dangerous, confusing, frustrating, exhilarating, sometimes boring, sometimes too much at one time.
War is episodic – battles form and conclude, some are won, some are lost and all the while the war continues.
War has major conflicts and minor skirmishes.
War has casualties - dead, wounded, missing, captured.
War can be hard on family and friends who love the soldier but don’t understand the nature of the war. War tests the heart of the warrior.
War is so much bigger than the individual warrior. “The fog of war” describes the difficulty in making sense immediately of the mess you’re in.
Tomorrow we take the gang of 47 to church – and you thought it was tough getting your family out the door!
Baseball day today! Pennants, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” performed by the staff at breakfast, hot dogs (from a jar!) for lunch – but on bakery buns and baseball in the afternoon. (If this makes no sense at all, I’m trying to write it before the evening meeting while sitting in the room while “Cotton-Eyed Joe (techno party version) is playing, along with kids line dancing, billiard balls clacking, another camper banging away on a different tune on the upright, ping pong and foosball. The there are the conversations held at a decibel level loud enough to compete with all of the above. It’s the golden hour between dinner and the evening meeting I which I’m supposed to get focused on what I’ll be sharing as Bible teacher. As you might get it’s not so easy to gain that focus but the good side to that is I have to leave it up to god to direct my thoughts and words. Tonight we speak of spiritual warfare in general terms – how we live in a dangerous world and have no ultimate choice except the ultimate choice to join God or His enemy. All else flows from that. I thought much about war as a metaphor for the Christian life as well as the fact of Christian life. It really helps you get things in perspective. Here are some things we looked at:
We live in a state of spiritual warfare.
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
We live in enemy territory
1 John 5:19 19We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
We act as infiltrators
2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
We can win because God has won.
1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
You are at war
War is by nature dangerous, confusing, frustrating, exhilarating, sometimes boring, sometimes too much at one time.
War is episodic – battles form and conclude, some are won, some are lost and all the while the war continues.
War has major conflicts and minor skirmishes.
War has casualties - dead, wounded, missing, captured.
War can be hard on family and friends who love the soldier but don’t understand the nature of the war. War tests the heart of the warrior.
War is so much bigger than the individual warrior. “The fog of war” describes the difficulty in making sense immediately of the mess you’re in.
Tomorrow we take the gang of 47 to church – and you thought it was tough getting your family out the door!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Friday - first full day
Today has been a relatively quiet day. Overcast and cool which is actually perfect for the first full day of camp where everything happens indoors anyway and it’s way more comfortable than the 90Fº of the last few days running up to camp. All programs are now in place. The teachers had a successful first day, the counselors seemed to establish a good initial rapport with their kids and everybody else seems on the ball.
Tonight, after team cheers, signs, etc., we talk about Gideon. Gideon, the “Safe”, Gideon, the “Dangerous”, and Gideon, the “Reckless”. It will also serve as an entrance into the fact of the “unseen reality” that believers often have to deal in and with but sometimes forget is there.
Tonight, after team cheers, signs, etc., we talk about Gideon. Gideon, the “Safe”, Gideon, the “Dangerous”, and Gideon, the “Reckless”. It will also serve as an entrance into the fact of the “unseen reality” that believers often have to deal in and with but sometimes forget is there.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
They're here!
They’re here! All but one of the campers made it on time. The standout is a guy who’s repeating but had a wedding (not his) to attend first. It was great to see some old faces – David, Ruben at their fourth camp with us, others on their second or third plus many new faces.
We’re off to a good start. Not too many appear lost and lonely – always a potential problem but it usually doesn’t last long. Tonight’s messagelaid out the theme of living dangerously by giving three choices of how to live our lives:
“safely” – never risking, covering all our bases, taking out the necessary insurances – BUT doesn’t work in a dangerous fallen world.
“recklessly” – living without thought to consequences, without thought to others, randomly, selfishly – BUT works to well in a dangerous fallen world if you don’t mind falling yourself.
“dangerously” – living as a chosen, effective agent of a loving powerful God successfully doing battle in a dangerous, fallen world
Pray for God to lead and move in all areas.
We’re off to a good start. Not too many appear lost and lonely – always a potential problem but it usually doesn’t last long. Tonight’s messagelaid out the theme of living dangerously by giving three choices of how to live our lives:
“safely” – never risking, covering all our bases, taking out the necessary insurances – BUT doesn’t work in a dangerous fallen world.
“recklessly” – living without thought to consequences, without thought to others, randomly, selfishly – BUT works to well in a dangerous fallen world if you don’t mind falling yourself.
“dangerously” – living as a chosen, effective agent of a loving powerful God successfully doing battle in a dangerous, fallen world
Pray for God to lead and move in all areas.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Staff Roadtrip
Today was staff outing to Lucerne, Switzerland. A 1.5 hour bus ride to the city followed by the sights on an uncharacteristically hot day for a city nestled in the edge of the Alps. Back to Kandern and a tour of BFA ten back up the hills to the now standard Apenblick restaurant for the schnitzel specials. After 12+ hours we’re back at camp and looking forward to showers and sleep. Final prep tomorrow and, after 1PM the campers arrive!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Prep Day
At the close of this first full day of prep at camp I’m well pleased with the tone, attitude and spirit of our staff. They’re focused on their responsibilities, creative in their problem solving, responsive to requests for help and relationships among them seem quite promising and harmonious.
This morning we shared the essential things about us that others have to know in order to really know how to work with each other. Health concerns, who most needs coffee, when to leave the Director alone, warning signs of impending meltdown – all those things which serve to give early warning to each other. Previewing the detailed schedule for camp allows all to see exactly how it all fits together and hoe crucial each one’s job is. I did some driving instruction in a local parking lot using our ridiculously long vans and some human traffic cone volunteers (we dealing with very slow speeds here – don’t worry) and I think we’ll have enough drivers to ferry our campers to various venues. In between these bookends the staff worked on preparing for Thursday when the kids arrive.
After dinner (8PM) we drove the serpentine roads of the Black Forest to the town of Vogelbach (Google Earth that one!) and hiked into the forest for about a half mile to the ruins of Sausenburg castle. Their we climbed the restored tower for a view that stretched over Dreilandereck (Three country corner). The city of Basel Switzerland, the Vosges mountains of France, the Rhine Valley, and, of course the Black Forest all in spectacular sunset view. These guys earned it!
This morning we shared the essential things about us that others have to know in order to really know how to work with each other. Health concerns, who most needs coffee, when to leave the Director alone, warning signs of impending meltdown – all those things which serve to give early warning to each other. Previewing the detailed schedule for camp allows all to see exactly how it all fits together and hoe crucial each one’s job is. I did some driving instruction in a local parking lot using our ridiculously long vans and some human traffic cone volunteers (we dealing with very slow speeds here – don’t worry) and I think we’ll have enough drivers to ferry our campers to various venues. In between these bookends the staff worked on preparing for Thursday when the kids arrive.
After dinner (8PM) we drove the serpentine roads of the Black Forest to the town of Vogelbach (Google Earth that one!) and hiked into the forest for about a half mile to the ruins of Sausenburg castle. Their we climbed the restored tower for a view that stretched over Dreilandereck (Three country corner). The city of Basel Switzerland, the Vosges mountains of France, the Rhine Valley, and, of course the Black Forest all in spectacular sunset view. These guys earned it!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Full day 1
Well, the end of a long day of orientation is here. We’ve learned about German culture, German garbage regulation, camp rules and expectations and met in groups of teachers, counselors, activities leaders, cooks, directors and covered all the angles. It’s a long day when much of the staff is jet-lagged but it’s also much necessary stuff. Our staff arrived in good shape yesterday – all connections made and luggage accounted for. Not much to tell otherwise (but pray against the rise of a bad cold that seems to be threatening some of the staff.) Tomorrow we prep the site itself. Classrooms set up, lessons discussed, activities planned, rooms decorated, organization of all kicked up a few notches – that’s what we hope tomorrows report will be.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Boy and His Lunch
The boy and his lunch 5-31-08
I have heard the story of the boy and his lunch several times. I have even heard sermons on it. I love the story of the boy who was there with Jesus and His disciples when it was lunchtime and there were thousands of others there with no lunch. What did he have? Two fishes and fives pieces of bread. He was a fortunate young man- he had all of that. While the rest of the people had followed Jesus to this remote place to hear Him speak and learn more and more of what He had to say. They weren’t aware of the time- they just wanted to hear more. Maybe His words became their “bread” so they didn’t need anything else.
The disciples were concerned. They needed to feed this crowd. One finds a boy with a lunch. Well, I read this recently in my devotions. I am the person with the lunch. I like my lunch. I have been looking forward to it. My stomach is growling and I’m looking for a quiet place to sit and enjoy my lunch- alone. Why would I give my lunch to Jesus? At that moment, it feels like the most valuable thing in the world and it is mine! Why would I let Him take it? I am hungry! What is He going to do with it? I am afraid!
Well, I have to reflect on what Jesus does with that lunch- that is offered freely to Jesus. Jesus takes it and blesses it and then turns and feed thousands and thousands of others. Just like that!
So what is Jesus asking of me? I have a “lunch”. Right now my lunch is my gifts and abilities- I organize people and events. I like doing that! I like getting to know people and seeing what their gifts are and plugging them into those events. That’s something I can offer Jesus. Right now, the call is to do that in Germany with English Camps. (I could take time to tell you how that call came to be- but that’s for another day) Jesus is asking for my lunch!
Well, that means I have to give it to Him doesn’t it? I have to give up my treasures: my home in the nice neighborhood, my secure lifestyle and employment, my church family and the people so dear, my time with my Mom, lunch with my sisters, my time with my big girls, my time sitting on the floor reading a book or rolling a ball (or in Evan’s case a toy car) with my grandsons. I give up all that is easy, all that is familiar.
Along with that, I have to give up my fears: where will we live? How will we pay for it? What will happen to my family here, will my friends forget me? Will my grandsons forget me? Then living in Germany: I look forward to living in our town because I like to walk and I’ll walk everywhere- to work, to the grocery store, to school, to church, - everywhere. But it never fails that someone driving by in a car will stop and ask for directions. Do I look German? I am wearing my white New Balance shoes- telltale sign that I am “American”- but they always seem to pick me and I trust it is because of my friendly face and they ask…something. I have no idea what these people are saying!
I digress.
I am reminded we all have a lunch. Jesus is asking us for our lunch. He is fully trustworthy! He will take our lunch if we offer it. He will bless it and it will be multiplied – for His glory. Pray for our family as we freely offer “our lunch” – our lives, our gifts, our talents- that He would take and multiply it for His glory!
Blessings!
Diane Kraines
I have heard the story of the boy and his lunch several times. I have even heard sermons on it. I love the story of the boy who was there with Jesus and His disciples when it was lunchtime and there were thousands of others there with no lunch. What did he have? Two fishes and fives pieces of bread. He was a fortunate young man- he had all of that. While the rest of the people had followed Jesus to this remote place to hear Him speak and learn more and more of what He had to say. They weren’t aware of the time- they just wanted to hear more. Maybe His words became their “bread” so they didn’t need anything else.
The disciples were concerned. They needed to feed this crowd. One finds a boy with a lunch. Well, I read this recently in my devotions. I am the person with the lunch. I like my lunch. I have been looking forward to it. My stomach is growling and I’m looking for a quiet place to sit and enjoy my lunch- alone. Why would I give my lunch to Jesus? At that moment, it feels like the most valuable thing in the world and it is mine! Why would I let Him take it? I am hungry! What is He going to do with it? I am afraid!
Well, I have to reflect on what Jesus does with that lunch- that is offered freely to Jesus. Jesus takes it and blesses it and then turns and feed thousands and thousands of others. Just like that!
So what is Jesus asking of me? I have a “lunch”. Right now my lunch is my gifts and abilities- I organize people and events. I like doing that! I like getting to know people and seeing what their gifts are and plugging them into those events. That’s something I can offer Jesus. Right now, the call is to do that in Germany with English Camps. (I could take time to tell you how that call came to be- but that’s for another day) Jesus is asking for my lunch!
Well, that means I have to give it to Him doesn’t it? I have to give up my treasures: my home in the nice neighborhood, my secure lifestyle and employment, my church family and the people so dear, my time with my Mom, lunch with my sisters, my time with my big girls, my time sitting on the floor reading a book or rolling a ball (or in Evan’s case a toy car) with my grandsons. I give up all that is easy, all that is familiar.
Along with that, I have to give up my fears: where will we live? How will we pay for it? What will happen to my family here, will my friends forget me? Will my grandsons forget me? Then living in Germany: I look forward to living in our town because I like to walk and I’ll walk everywhere- to work, to the grocery store, to school, to church, - everywhere. But it never fails that someone driving by in a car will stop and ask for directions. Do I look German? I am wearing my white New Balance shoes- telltale sign that I am “American”- but they always seem to pick me and I trust it is because of my friendly face and they ask…something. I have no idea what these people are saying!
I digress.
I am reminded we all have a lunch. Jesus is asking us for our lunch. He is fully trustworthy! He will take our lunch if we offer it. He will bless it and it will be multiplied – for His glory. Pray for our family as we freely offer “our lunch” – our lives, our gifts, our talents- that He would take and multiply it for His glory!
Blessings!
Diane Kraines
The relative calm before the storm
Well, we've arrived in Kandern and settled into our home for the next year - a sweet house, very comfortable. After a relatively quiet week of moderate activity and realization of just how tired we were, we're looking at the start of English Camp duty. It officially begins tomorrow although we've dabbled a bit over the last few days. Helping in the shopping for the camp, preparation of Bible teachings, Diane doing some cleaning at one of the sights this morning.
Keep posted!
Keep posted!
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