When 14 I worked for a month as a dishwasher (3 tank sink) and potato peeler (by hand for 150 people) at Young Life’s Silver Cliff Ranch. The male support staff lived above the stable in a simple but nice bunk house. Those four weeks were an incredible experience. The older staff treated me like their younger brother – they really looked after me!
Three years later I worked in another camp where the male support staff lived in large, windowless army wall tents - no natural light, no breeze, and no good place to put clothes and other “stuff”! The contrast was incredible. Staff housing reflected the over-all attitude towards those on the support staff.
When I arrived at DL for staff training I was really frustrated, perhaps angry, when I saw where DL’s support staff stayed: un-used Woodsmen cabins – sometimes with more people in the cabin than NYS regulations allowed. The housing was bad and the location of the cabins was bad. Woodsmen (8-11) campers had lights out between 9 – 10 PM. Try to keep 15 single guys quiet at 9:30! There was also the reality that the support staff had almost no place to go and very little to do when not on the job.
While a pastor, I came to realize the wisdom and the challenge of living as equals within the body of Christ. In I Corinthians 12 the Apostle Paul explained how the Body of Christ, His Church, was a unit of people equipped by God to function together. The gifts/functions were different – but each person was needed. Paul was inclusive when speaking of the believers that made up the body: it did not matter if a person was a Jew or Greek, slave or free. Later in the chapter Paul wrote: “those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable. Each part should have equal concern for the others.” As the Director of DL, I worked at hiring a healthy body of believers…all the parts…who would work together…under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Based on the previous summer and camper registrations to date, I projected that in Sessions I and IV there would be about twice as many staff (47) as campers (24). For Sessions II and III there would be 47 staff and 74 campers. When hiring I had to tell this reality to everyone, because it meant that almost every counselor would be working Session I or IV in the kitchen or on maintenance.
It was difficult to decide who should begin the summer as a counselor and who should begin the summer working in the kitchen or on maintenance. I knew we had to get the camper part of camp off to a good start and this required experienced counselors. I also knew the counselors assigned to work in the kitchen or on maintenance needed to be able to work comfortably with those hired for the summer in these areas – plus bring some additional strength. Placing the right people in the right places is a major challenge in every organization. In the Christian organization, people not only need to be able to work together but also to “love one another” – for this is the mark of Christ’s disciples. John 13:35
Through working in a different area of camp, the staff learned how tough every job was – if done properly. The position shifts worked so well that future summer counselors could ask to work on maintenance or in the kitchen for one session, and those hired for the kitchen or on maintenance, if properly trained, could ask for a session as a camp counselor.
Whereas we could not change the support staff housing location for six long summers, every effort was made to have the DL staff see themselves as the Body of Christ – each member a unique creation of God, each equipped to do God’s work in a different way, and each a necessary part of the Body of Christ lived out at Deerfoot Lodge.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
IPWG What Has Been Done?..What Could Be?..What Should Be? #123
What Has Been Done? What Could Be? What Should Be?
It was not difficult for me to do the above prior to the beginning of camp. From January to May, as I traveled about the North East talking with former staff and members of the Deerfoot Board of Directors, there were hours to consider what had been done, the suggested options, and what were likely to be best one or two options of what should be done.
It was more difficult for the returning staff to reconsider almost everything about camp. It was “their Lodge”. They pretty much liked DL the way it was, or they would not have returned, some of them for 10 summers. During staff training, staff input was continual, options often needed to be considered quickly, and decisions were made so the results could be implemented during staff training or when camp began. With almost every decision I would also say that we would stick with my decision only until I had received information that indicated it was time to change the previous decision.
It must have been incredibly difficult for Dave (25 summers at DL) and Elaine (17 summers) Naysmith, Dean (20 summers) and Lee (6 summers) Dover, and Jim and Sherri Van Buren to return to DL with open minds. These experienced Deerfooters returned to provide the quality leadership needed, particularly during my first summer. The Van Burens returned for only one summer, but “Grundy” (Jim) knew the flex time, all camp, sectional, and cabin activities better then anyone else, and he brought contagious enthusiasm! These six people were able to clearly tell me what had been done in every area of camp, and able to make very constructive suggestions, particularly in the areas of program and food service. Each person knew I needed their wisdom if DL was going to survive this transition summer.
- By knowing What Had Been Done, insight is gained as to options for the future. What was working? What was not? By knowing the present and past history, the likelihood of making the same mistake twice is reduced, and if something has worked, it is time to built upon the fact – and not reinvent the wheel.
- By knowing What Could Be Done careful consideration can be given to all options suggested by history, the insights of others, the leader’s insights.
- By knowing What Should Be Done the challenge becomes matching the best option to the desired result. There comes a time when the leader must choose and act! It is necessary to make timely decisions so other people will not be unnecessarily delayed in their action. The only reason to delay any decision is if, by delaying a decision, additional information will likely be received which can alter the final decision.
It was not difficult for me to do the above prior to the beginning of camp. From January to May, as I traveled about the North East talking with former staff and members of the Deerfoot Board of Directors, there were hours to consider what had been done, the suggested options, and what were likely to be best one or two options of what should be done.
It was more difficult for the returning staff to reconsider almost everything about camp. It was “their Lodge”. They pretty much liked DL the way it was, or they would not have returned, some of them for 10 summers. During staff training, staff input was continual, options often needed to be considered quickly, and decisions were made so the results could be implemented during staff training or when camp began. With almost every decision I would also say that we would stick with my decision only until I had received information that indicated it was time to change the previous decision.
It must have been incredibly difficult for Dave (25 summers at DL) and Elaine (17 summers) Naysmith, Dean (20 summers) and Lee (6 summers) Dover, and Jim and Sherri Van Buren to return to DL with open minds. These experienced Deerfooters returned to provide the quality leadership needed, particularly during my first summer. The Van Burens returned for only one summer, but “Grundy” (Jim) knew the flex time, all camp, sectional, and cabin activities better then anyone else, and he brought contagious enthusiasm! These six people were able to clearly tell me what had been done in every area of camp, and able to make very constructive suggestions, particularly in the areas of program and food service. Each person knew I needed their wisdom if DL was going to survive this transition summer.
Monday, January 17, 2011
A Sinking Feeling, A Thankful Heart #122
Deerfoot is a very big place to see on a cold December day when walking on a foot of snow, yet this was my total exposure to DL prior to my arrival for staff training. Between January and May, while talking with staff from the previous summer and DL Board members, I came to the conclusion that DL was a well equipped wilderness camp and thus gave no further thought to equipment needs for the summer.
When I arrived in June for staff training, as camp was being unpacked from winter storage, I began a serious equipment inventory. Vans are big and hard to miss! Slowly I realized DL did not have the vans needed for the hiking program I envisioned, and I had no clue where to get two safe, working vans quickly and cheaply.
When I went into the tripping area, I was greeted with very sober faces. As the packs and tents were taken from their storage bins, the counselors had come to realize that many of the packs and tents were worn out from years and years of use, and others were in obvious need of serious repair: tears, broken zippers, and missing straps. They did find plastic which had been used the previous summer in place of tents, but everyone knew from personal experience that even if the plastic kept the campers dry, it would did not keep away the insects…like black flies. DL had been through several years of slowly declining enrollment and decreasing contributions. New program equipment had been low on the essential expenditure list.
The DL Board had made it clear to me: Be sure DL has what is necessary to have an excellent summer camp. We all knew the dollars were tight.
Somehow we located two cheap, safe, working vans from Canada. By phone we were told the vans were old, boxy, 16 passenger school buses used the previous school year. As promised, French Connection I & II worked well, but it was not very comforting to sit in a seat and look through rusted out places to the ground below. A lot of salt is used on the roads in Canada! But, they worked and somehow passed their NY vehicle inspections. For the next several years DL used these reliable, rusted out, ugly machines – they got the job done.
I priced new tents and back packs – ouch! Then into camp came the Director of Gordon College’s outdoor recreation program, La Vida. He welcomed me to the area and asked if there was anyway he could help. When asked about sources for back packs and tents, he told me the name and phone number of the person who could help us become dealers for Johnson Camping, who made Timberline Tents (DL now has 73!) and Wilderness Experience, which made back packs and sleeping bags. I made the call and DL became a dealer for both companies. I placed the order and we were promised delivery by the first hike day.
How God provides that we may accomplish His work is not our concern. Our concern is to continue working at what we believe God has given it to do. It is when God steps into our otherwise hopeless situation with a workable solution that we realize His greatness…and we rest a bit more easily in His care.
We often grow in faith because we have to – if we are to live In Partnership With God.
Hebrews 11 has been called “The Roll Call of Faith” and begins with “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” and then gives the names of many people who lived by faith, with a sentence or two about each: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sara, Isaac and Jacob, Joseph, Moses and his parents, Joshua.
In that same chapter we read “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." -- Hebrews 11:6
When I arrived in June for staff training, as camp was being unpacked from winter storage, I began a serious equipment inventory. Vans are big and hard to miss! Slowly I realized DL did not have the vans needed for the hiking program I envisioned, and I had no clue where to get two safe, working vans quickly and cheaply.
When I went into the tripping area, I was greeted with very sober faces. As the packs and tents were taken from their storage bins, the counselors had come to realize that many of the packs and tents were worn out from years and years of use, and others were in obvious need of serious repair: tears, broken zippers, and missing straps. They did find plastic which had been used the previous summer in place of tents, but everyone knew from personal experience that even if the plastic kept the campers dry, it would did not keep away the insects…like black flies. DL had been through several years of slowly declining enrollment and decreasing contributions. New program equipment had been low on the essential expenditure list.
The DL Board had made it clear to me: Be sure DL has what is necessary to have an excellent summer camp. We all knew the dollars were tight.
Somehow we located two cheap, safe, working vans from Canada. By phone we were told the vans were old, boxy, 16 passenger school buses used the previous school year. As promised, French Connection I & II worked well, but it was not very comforting to sit in a seat and look through rusted out places to the ground below. A lot of salt is used on the roads in Canada! But, they worked and somehow passed their NY vehicle inspections. For the next several years DL used these reliable, rusted out, ugly machines – they got the job done.
I priced new tents and back packs – ouch! Then into camp came the Director of Gordon College’s outdoor recreation program, La Vida. He welcomed me to the area and asked if there was anyway he could help. When asked about sources for back packs and tents, he told me the name and phone number of the person who could help us become dealers for Johnson Camping, who made Timberline Tents (DL now has 73!) and Wilderness Experience, which made back packs and sleeping bags. I made the call and DL became a dealer for both companies. I placed the order and we were promised delivery by the first hike day.
How God provides that we may accomplish His work is not our concern. Our concern is to continue working at what we believe God has given it to do. It is when God steps into our otherwise hopeless situation with a workable solution that we realize His greatness…and we rest a bit more easily in His care.
We often grow in faith because we have to – if we are to live In Partnership With God.
Hebrews 11 has been called “The Roll Call of Faith” and begins with “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” and then gives the names of many people who lived by faith, with a sentence or two about each: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sara, Isaac and Jacob, Joseph, Moses and his parents, Joshua.
In that same chapter we read “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." -- Hebrews 11:6
Monday, January 10, 2011
God's Guidance? #121
Prayer is a constant when interviewing and hiring staff. I was continually aware that hiring the wrong person can have a very negative impact upon the other staff members, upon the campers, and upon the reputation of Deerfoot Lodge. With this in mind, I developed a series of questions through which I really did try to scare off every counselor!
1. Do you love the out of doors? You will be living there....walking to your cabin in the dark when it is pouring....perhaps sleeping in a tipi that never leaks unless it rains, and it can seem to rain forever! Rain or sunshine, you will be a role model for the campers you are protecting, teaching, challenging, guiding, encouraging.
2. Do you have really enjoy kids? Are you able to love those who are not easy to love, but have a desperate desire to be recognized, loved, and cared for?
3. Do you desire to be God's man, and to build godly men? If not, stay home, for you will be out of place. Being God’s man at DL does not mean you will be able to have a 45 minute quiet time each day. Life just keeps coming at you and you are thankful for just a few minutes during the camper quiet time or during rest period. You will learn to pray throughout the day. You cannot fake being God’s man for 11 weeks!
4. Are you a self starter with a good energy level? You, and the other DL staff, will be miserable if you must be continually told what to do! When out of camp no one will be able to tell you what to do. The high energy level is essential because you will be on 24/6 - really! You do learn to pace yourself, but at the end of summer, if you have done your job, you will be almost crawling out of camp – and so will I.
Though his picture was on his application, I was not mentally prepared for this guy coming toward me: ragged Levi shorts with patches, a faded T shirt with no sleeves, a bushy beard, and solid muscle. He looked like a wild man. “Chief...I'm Steve!” My first year…and I had hired this?
Steve learned about Deerfoot through a list of Christian camps - DL was listed as a wilderness camp. At his request I mailed him the 4 page staff application. Through his application and our second telephone interview I learned Steve was 28, a recreation major at the University of Wisconsin in need of working at a summer camp for his field work assignment. When asked what he had done between high school and college, Steve told me that in high school he began to smoke, drink, and do drugs. When he graduated he got a job...in fact had 4 or 5 different jobs and attended 3 different colleges. At some time during these years he attended a Navigator Bible Study for several months and had learned about Jesus Christ and the salvation He offered. But Steve continued heavy into alcohol and drugs.
One morning Steve found himself alone in the woods coming off a really bad drug trip. He quickly realized his “friends” had left him and he also realized this was a good way to die. And as he put it, “no way to live either”. Alone in the woods, Steve asked Jesus Christ to forgive him, to save him...just as he had been told he could do by the Navigators. Steve then enlisted in the army, and upon the completion of his tour of duty, he entered the U. of Wisconsin where he was an honor's student.
Several weeks into camp Steve told me how, when he first saw the DL sign, he just kept on driving! He was not afraid of much, but Steve was afraid DL would not accept him – “he knew he was older and a bit different!” Steve proved to be golden! His third year on staff he was the Guide leader. He eventually became a youth pastor. Now Steve is the associate pastor of a church in Wisconsin. His four sons became DL scholarship campers, and the oldest, Steve Jr., was a counselor this past summer.
Every time Steve has returned to bring his sons to DL he has driven to the same bridge over the Hudson River he found his first year on staff....to jump down 60' into the river, just to be sure he still can. Steve Tramp is still a wild man, even as he continues to live In Partnership With God.
(Steve approved the above)
1. Do you love the out of doors? You will be living there....walking to your cabin in the dark when it is pouring....perhaps sleeping in a tipi that never leaks unless it rains, and it can seem to rain forever! Rain or sunshine, you will be a role model for the campers you are protecting, teaching, challenging, guiding, encouraging.
2. Do you have really enjoy kids? Are you able to love those who are not easy to love, but have a desperate desire to be recognized, loved, and cared for?
3. Do you desire to be God's man, and to build godly men? If not, stay home, for you will be out of place. Being God’s man at DL does not mean you will be able to have a 45 minute quiet time each day. Life just keeps coming at you and you are thankful for just a few minutes during the camper quiet time or during rest period. You will learn to pray throughout the day. You cannot fake being God’s man for 11 weeks!
4. Are you a self starter with a good energy level? You, and the other DL staff, will be miserable if you must be continually told what to do! When out of camp no one will be able to tell you what to do. The high energy level is essential because you will be on 24/6 - really! You do learn to pace yourself, but at the end of summer, if you have done your job, you will be almost crawling out of camp – and so will I.
Though his picture was on his application, I was not mentally prepared for this guy coming toward me: ragged Levi shorts with patches, a faded T shirt with no sleeves, a bushy beard, and solid muscle. He looked like a wild man. “Chief...I'm Steve!” My first year…and I had hired this?
Steve learned about Deerfoot through a list of Christian camps - DL was listed as a wilderness camp. At his request I mailed him the 4 page staff application. Through his application and our second telephone interview I learned Steve was 28, a recreation major at the University of Wisconsin in need of working at a summer camp for his field work assignment. When asked what he had done between high school and college, Steve told me that in high school he began to smoke, drink, and do drugs. When he graduated he got a job...in fact had 4 or 5 different jobs and attended 3 different colleges. At some time during these years he attended a Navigator Bible Study for several months and had learned about Jesus Christ and the salvation He offered. But Steve continued heavy into alcohol and drugs.
One morning Steve found himself alone in the woods coming off a really bad drug trip. He quickly realized his “friends” had left him and he also realized this was a good way to die. And as he put it, “no way to live either”. Alone in the woods, Steve asked Jesus Christ to forgive him, to save him...just as he had been told he could do by the Navigators. Steve then enlisted in the army, and upon the completion of his tour of duty, he entered the U. of Wisconsin where he was an honor's student.
Several weeks into camp Steve told me how, when he first saw the DL sign, he just kept on driving! He was not afraid of much, but Steve was afraid DL would not accept him – “he knew he was older and a bit different!” Steve proved to be golden! His third year on staff he was the Guide leader. He eventually became a youth pastor. Now Steve is the associate pastor of a church in Wisconsin. His four sons became DL scholarship campers, and the oldest, Steve Jr., was a counselor this past summer.
Every time Steve has returned to bring his sons to DL he has driven to the same bridge over the Hudson River he found his first year on staff....to jump down 60' into the river, just to be sure he still can. Steve Tramp is still a wild man, even as he continues to live In Partnership With God.
(Steve approved the above)
Monday, January 3, 2011
We Had No Choice! #120
Every member of the staff had asked to work at Deerfoot Lodge for the summer of 1982. We had all said that Jesus Christ was our Savior and we desired to have Him as Lord…to be godly men. Beyond that, the diversity was incredible.
27 of the 36 in camp when we began staff training:
Diverse as we were, We Had No Choice but to work together well if we were going to survive – and to work together required the 75% that were new depend upon the 25% returning staff for knowledge, and in many ways, initial leadership. This would have been much easier if the 25% agreed on everything. I remember spending over an hour trying to come to agreement on what skills should be included in the row boat test! There were 3 different tests… apparently all in use the previous summer. I remember saying in desperation “I do not care which test we use! This is a crazy use of time!”
We began with a very sobering tour of camp. In 1982 there was no Memorial Day Work Weekend. Everything was dirty, particularly the camper cabins. Repairs were necessary from camper use and winter storm damage. None of the instructional areas were set up and we could already see equipment shortages. In every area of camp we had to think through what had to be done – while thinking through the programming questions of what should be accomplished in each area, and how best to do this.
Always in our minds was the reality that Campers Were Coming, and we were far from ready for their arrival!! During the days we unpacked and cleaned every one of the 27 buildings, 4 gudges, and 3 instructional area shelters – while learning the content and how to teach in each of the 11 instructional areas. Almost everyone was trained in CPR, good swimmers took ARC Life Saving, and 3 became National Riflery Association instructors. We had to learn how to prepare and lead a cabin devotional, and appropriate ways of discipling campers. We had to learn the DL songs, and about camp fires, testimonies, banquet night, skits, and hike procedures. We knew we had to be ready! The days were long and hard! We knew We Had No Choice!
After listening to knowledgeable DL campers, staff and board members in the previous five months, I knew some patterns had to be changed – and I also knew these changes would have to be well-received by the staff. They included discontinuing the following: biking camp, cross country camp, kayaking as an instructional area, bringing in a different Bible study leader every session, the 5:00 Bible study, using sandwiches and frozen leftovers as tripping food, and having all of the campers and counseling staff out of camp on the same day.
We were all living in our stretch zone, and I think would have moved into our panic zone apart from the fact that God had brought to the DL staff many exceptional people. These included four young men who today are on the Deerfoot Lodge Board of Directors: Brent Karner, Jeff Littauer, John Fox and Steve Mayer.
In reality, we did have many choices. We could have formed two distinct groups – the returning and the new staff. We could have been resistant to changing our understanding of the right way of doing things. We could have quit…feeling too much was being expected of us. We could have become proud of what we were accomplishing.
To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done…through us, because we chose to work In Partnership With God
27 of the 36 in camp when we began staff training:
- did not know another person in camp
- did not know the location or content of any building
- did not have any reasonable understanding of the uniqueness of the DL program
- did not know the difference between boss and beak, or what the Waldorf was, or a gudge, or 3000-12
Diverse as we were, We Had No Choice but to work together well if we were going to survive – and to work together required the 75% that were new depend upon the 25% returning staff for knowledge, and in many ways, initial leadership. This would have been much easier if the 25% agreed on everything. I remember spending over an hour trying to come to agreement on what skills should be included in the row boat test! There were 3 different tests… apparently all in use the previous summer. I remember saying in desperation “I do not care which test we use! This is a crazy use of time!”
We began with a very sobering tour of camp. In 1982 there was no Memorial Day Work Weekend. Everything was dirty, particularly the camper cabins. Repairs were necessary from camper use and winter storm damage. None of the instructional areas were set up and we could already see equipment shortages. In every area of camp we had to think through what had to be done – while thinking through the programming questions of what should be accomplished in each area, and how best to do this.
Always in our minds was the reality that Campers Were Coming, and we were far from ready for their arrival!! During the days we unpacked and cleaned every one of the 27 buildings, 4 gudges, and 3 instructional area shelters – while learning the content and how to teach in each of the 11 instructional areas. Almost everyone was trained in CPR, good swimmers took ARC Life Saving, and 3 became National Riflery Association instructors. We had to learn how to prepare and lead a cabin devotional, and appropriate ways of discipling campers. We had to learn the DL songs, and about camp fires, testimonies, banquet night, skits, and hike procedures. We knew we had to be ready! The days were long and hard! We knew We Had No Choice!
After listening to knowledgeable DL campers, staff and board members in the previous five months, I knew some patterns had to be changed – and I also knew these changes would have to be well-received by the staff. They included discontinuing the following: biking camp, cross country camp, kayaking as an instructional area, bringing in a different Bible study leader every session, the 5:00 Bible study, using sandwiches and frozen leftovers as tripping food, and having all of the campers and counseling staff out of camp on the same day.
We were all living in our stretch zone, and I think would have moved into our panic zone apart from the fact that God had brought to the DL staff many exceptional people. These included four young men who today are on the Deerfoot Lodge Board of Directors: Brent Karner, Jeff Littauer, John Fox and Steve Mayer.
In reality, we did have many choices. We could have formed two distinct groups – the returning and the new staff. We could have been resistant to changing our understanding of the right way of doing things. We could have quit…feeling too much was being expected of us. We could have become proud of what we were accomplishing.
To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done…through us, because we chose to work In Partnership With God
Monday, December 20, 2010
Day One - At the Lodge #119
It is easy to think of DL only as it is now: a full camp, a large staff, a sufficient supply of camper and staff scholarships, a beautiful, functional facility including a “boulderless” ball field, lots of boats, excellent vans, all desired maintenance, kitchen, and office equipment, a complete staff manual, 100 people for each work weekend, good salaries for the full time staff and a large number of financial contributors.
I am hopeful that as I tell my experiences at DL, you will remember that it has taken 28 years to go from where DL was in 1982 to where DL is today. As you read my perspective of these years, I trust you will be encouraged as you learn how God has guided and provided... and He has! I trust you will also be encouraged to remember that it has taken a total of 80 years, even with God’s guidance, provision, and just plain old hard work by the staff, board of directors, and many, many volunteers, for DL to become what it is today. So if you are in a very difficult position, and it is where you believe God would have you to be, hang in there. On my desk I keep the words Winston Churchill spoke during World War II: Never Give Up, Never, Never Give Up, Never, Never, Never Give Up.
In the nine months before I walked into DL to begin my first summer as Director, my mom died, I had been asked to resign as the Director of a large camp/conference center in TX, was Chairman of the Christian Camping Convention, turned down several jobs, and when our money was just about all gone, was asked to become the Director of DL. I spent two of the next five months away from my family who remained in TX, sold a house, bought a house, flew back to Texas to drive with our family to the new house, arriving on June 2. The movers arrived in pouring rain on June 5, a day later than scheduled, giving us more time to scrub walls, floors, cabinets and counters. Between the 5th and 7th of June 16 family members or Deerfooters had come to help clean and get things settled. On June 8 Sally Jo and I drove our oldest daughter to La Guardia Airport in NYC for a flight back to Dallas where she would rejoin her high school orchestra for the long anticipated high school orchestra competition in Vienna, Austria, and stay on to work in Christ Camp of Germany, where Sally Jo and I had previously worked two weeks as consultants. On June 11 I took a day trip to Massachusetts and Vermont where I picked up DL staff. On June 12 the counselors and I left for camp.
As we headed for DL I was tired, excited and very aware that I had only been at DL once before, in December for two hours when there was deep snow!
Upon arrival, the first person I saw was Jeff Littauer, a senior at Wheaton College and the only person I had previously known with DL experience who would be at DL for the summer. Jeff had agreed to open the facility and be Guide leader. Here he was, mowing the ball field, with drops of blood on his face – my introduction to black flies.
I do not remember what I did during those first hours, but at 10:00 that night I was heading for the Lookout when the generator was turned off – as it was every night. Suddenly it was pitch dark. I did not have a flashlight with me. I tried to work my way down the “S” shaped path to the cabin where I had only been once before. It was hopeless.
Into the darkness I called “will somebody please come and take me home!” The person who came was also without a flashlight, and he almost walked me into the lake.
Lord, Help!
I was exhausted and had no clue where I should begin the next day – when 30 people were looking for my leadership as the new Director of Deerfoot Lodge.
What a difficult way to begin, even if I was living In Partnership With God.
I am hopeful that as I tell my experiences at DL, you will remember that it has taken 28 years to go from where DL was in 1982 to where DL is today. As you read my perspective of these years, I trust you will be encouraged as you learn how God has guided and provided... and He has! I trust you will also be encouraged to remember that it has taken a total of 80 years, even with God’s guidance, provision, and just plain old hard work by the staff, board of directors, and many, many volunteers, for DL to become what it is today. So if you are in a very difficult position, and it is where you believe God would have you to be, hang in there. On my desk I keep the words Winston Churchill spoke during World War II: Never Give Up, Never, Never Give Up, Never, Never, Never Give Up.
In the nine months before I walked into DL to begin my first summer as Director, my mom died, I had been asked to resign as the Director of a large camp/conference center in TX, was Chairman of the Christian Camping Convention, turned down several jobs, and when our money was just about all gone, was asked to become the Director of DL. I spent two of the next five months away from my family who remained in TX, sold a house, bought a house, flew back to Texas to drive with our family to the new house, arriving on June 2. The movers arrived in pouring rain on June 5, a day later than scheduled, giving us more time to scrub walls, floors, cabinets and counters. Between the 5th and 7th of June 16 family members or Deerfooters had come to help clean and get things settled. On June 8 Sally Jo and I drove our oldest daughter to La Guardia Airport in NYC for a flight back to Dallas where she would rejoin her high school orchestra for the long anticipated high school orchestra competition in Vienna, Austria, and stay on to work in Christ Camp of Germany, where Sally Jo and I had previously worked two weeks as consultants. On June 11 I took a day trip to Massachusetts and Vermont where I picked up DL staff. On June 12 the counselors and I left for camp.
As we headed for DL I was tired, excited and very aware that I had only been at DL once before, in December for two hours when there was deep snow!
Upon arrival, the first person I saw was Jeff Littauer, a senior at Wheaton College and the only person I had previously known with DL experience who would be at DL for the summer. Jeff had agreed to open the facility and be Guide leader. Here he was, mowing the ball field, with drops of blood on his face – my introduction to black flies.
I do not remember what I did during those first hours, but at 10:00 that night I was heading for the Lookout when the generator was turned off – as it was every night. Suddenly it was pitch dark. I did not have a flashlight with me. I tried to work my way down the “S” shaped path to the cabin where I had only been once before. It was hopeless.
Into the darkness I called “will somebody please come and take me home!” The person who came was also without a flashlight, and he almost walked me into the lake.
Lord, Help!
I was exhausted and had no clue where I should begin the next day – when 30 people were looking for my leadership as the new Director of Deerfoot Lodge.
What a difficult way to begin, even if I was living In Partnership With God.
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Finest Product Deserves the Best Packaging #118
Twenty one years before becoming the Director of Deerfoot Lodge I received a life changing challenge.
While driving back from my admissions interview for Baylor Medical School, I remember thinking “I can be a doctor... but do I really want to be a doctor?” My father was an MD and my older brother, and our mutual friend, Paul Groen, were in Baylor Medical School. I had never really given any thought to being anything but a doctor.
One evening while at a concert, Mr. Garret Groen invited me to come to his home so he could talk with me. It was an easy yes for me as Mr. Groen lived a block from our home. The Groen’s home was set back on property with several large trees, and impressive due to its modern design. I was warmly greeted at the door and we went into the living room. We were still standing when Mr. Groen said “Chuck, I just cannot get it out of my mind – I think you should consider going into the ministry, not into medicine. So often we present the finest product in shabby packaging. I believe that Jesus Christ is “the finest product” and we should present Him to the world in the best packaging. I challenge you to do this!”
Our Lord never asks anyone to do anything “half way”:
The Lord does good work: consider the design, the inter-relatedness, the beauty of creation. Remember the detail God went into when it came to building His portable temple. How He directed the tribes to stand around the temple. How He led the children of Israel by day, by night. How He directed King Solomon to build His beautiful temple.
The Lord asks for our best! Who we are, inside and out, and what we do is how we bring this “finest product” to our sinful world. Our Lord asks us to “Be holy, because I am holy." -- I Pet 1:16, to “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him” -- Ps 37:7, to work hard: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” -- Ecc 9:10, to take time for reflection: “consider the lilies of the field” -- Mt 6:28, and to “run with perseverance the race set before us." -- Heb 12:1
My challenge at DL: Finest Product, Best Packaging. As Director of Deerfoot Lodge, I had the privilege of working at this challenge with the full support and guidance of the DL Board of Directors. The underlying question in every Board discussion was/is “what is best for the ministry of Deerfoot Lodge?” Building godly young men requires DL to work at modeling excellence in every area of camp: program development, selection, training, and compensation of summer staff, food service, nursing care, equipment, marketing, camper scholarship provisions and facility. I mention facility maintenance and development last so I can bring special focus on the 2000 hours given each work weekend by volunteers to provide the beautiful, functional facility.
There are many differences between the Lord and us! One is... the Lord does it right the first time!! The DL Board was very comfortable with my sending them a report the week before their next meeting – and then my giving them an amended report at the meeting. They were pleased that I had continued to think through the best way to do something. Their openness encouraged me to say to the campers and staff “show me a better way to do something, and we will do it.” At the end of every summer I walked one on one with every male summer staff member. They knew the questions I would ask. What were the goals for the summer you wrote down in staff training? How did you do? How could we have prepared you better for your work this summer? If you were Director, what would you do differently? How can I do my job better? The staff knew I wanted straight answers and they gave them! Because of their suggestions, changes were made.
The finest “product” is Jesus Christ. We have the joy of working In Partnership With God as we bring Him into the lives of people – and through people, to a world in great need. Let us do all for the Glory of God.
While driving back from my admissions interview for Baylor Medical School, I remember thinking “I can be a doctor... but do I really want to be a doctor?” My father was an MD and my older brother, and our mutual friend, Paul Groen, were in Baylor Medical School. I had never really given any thought to being anything but a doctor.
One evening while at a concert, Mr. Garret Groen invited me to come to his home so he could talk with me. It was an easy yes for me as Mr. Groen lived a block from our home. The Groen’s home was set back on property with several large trees, and impressive due to its modern design. I was warmly greeted at the door and we went into the living room. We were still standing when Mr. Groen said “Chuck, I just cannot get it out of my mind – I think you should consider going into the ministry, not into medicine. So often we present the finest product in shabby packaging. I believe that Jesus Christ is “the finest product” and we should present Him to the world in the best packaging. I challenge you to do this!”
Our Lord never asks anyone to do anything “half way”:
- “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” -- Mt 6:33
- "No one can serve two masters” -- Mt 6:24
- "If you love me, you will obey what I command. -- Jn 14:15
- “Forgive ...seventy-seven times.” -- Mt 18:21-22
- "Love your neighbor as yourself” -- Lk 10:27
The Lord does good work: consider the design, the inter-relatedness, the beauty of creation. Remember the detail God went into when it came to building His portable temple. How He directed the tribes to stand around the temple. How He led the children of Israel by day, by night. How He directed King Solomon to build His beautiful temple.
The Lord asks for our best! Who we are, inside and out, and what we do is how we bring this “finest product” to our sinful world. Our Lord asks us to “Be holy, because I am holy." -- I Pet 1:16, to “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him” -- Ps 37:7, to work hard: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” -- Ecc 9:10, to take time for reflection: “consider the lilies of the field” -- Mt 6:28, and to “run with perseverance the race set before us." -- Heb 12:1
My challenge at DL: Finest Product, Best Packaging. As Director of Deerfoot Lodge, I had the privilege of working at this challenge with the full support and guidance of the DL Board of Directors. The underlying question in every Board discussion was/is “what is best for the ministry of Deerfoot Lodge?” Building godly young men requires DL to work at modeling excellence in every area of camp: program development, selection, training, and compensation of summer staff, food service, nursing care, equipment, marketing, camper scholarship provisions and facility. I mention facility maintenance and development last so I can bring special focus on the 2000 hours given each work weekend by volunteers to provide the beautiful, functional facility.
There are many differences between the Lord and us! One is... the Lord does it right the first time!! The DL Board was very comfortable with my sending them a report the week before their next meeting – and then my giving them an amended report at the meeting. They were pleased that I had continued to think through the best way to do something. Their openness encouraged me to say to the campers and staff “show me a better way to do something, and we will do it.” At the end of every summer I walked one on one with every male summer staff member. They knew the questions I would ask. What were the goals for the summer you wrote down in staff training? How did you do? How could we have prepared you better for your work this summer? If you were Director, what would you do differently? How can I do my job better? The staff knew I wanted straight answers and they gave them! Because of their suggestions, changes were made.
The finest “product” is Jesus Christ. We have the joy of working In Partnership With God as we bring Him into the lives of people – and through people, to a world in great need. Let us do all for the Glory of God.
Monday, December 6, 2010
We Found the Right Home for Our Family #117
There was a tremendous difference between our home in TX and the house I bought in Greenville, NY. Each has proven “perfect” for the lives we have lived in each location.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” -- Psalm 37:4. It has taken hours of work, many given by Deerfooters, but look at what the Lord has provided. We consider our home and its location a gift from God.
Our location provided hundreds of acres behind our five acres where we could walk, horse back ride, dirt bike, snow mobile and cross country ski. A half mile away is a PGA certified golf course. Within easy walking distance is a resort for young families. We are encouraged to bring our grand children to use their playgrounds off season.
And our house? Today all floor coverings, windows, kitchen cabinets, interior doors and trim, siding, and roofing have been replaced, and three large bay windows have been added to the west side of our house – great views and sunsets. The damp basement is now dry, and has two 4’X 6’ south facing windows, a nice play room, a great little study, and a large wood working shop. The sorry deck on the back of the house has been replaced with a screened porch, deck and patio which together have almost as many square feet as the first floor of our home. From our kitchen and family room we look over beautiful flower gardens and a scruffy lawn to a wall of 15’ Colorado Blue Spruce and beyond, to the woods. On the south side of our home is large natural slate patio, made private with a stone wall, berm, and extensive tall grasses - creating an out-door room which we use for a month before, and a month after the deck/patio are comfortably useable. To the north-west of our home are the vegetable garden, rhubarb, blueberry and raspberry patches. This year we froze a winter’s supply of blue berries, red raspberries, and organic vegetables.
This year the garden club asked if they could include our home on their tour. Our children cannot imagine that we would ever sell the place! Our son Dirk, the associate pastor of a church 25 minutes away, and his wife and three sons come frequently to our home... their home. Hardly a week goes by that we do not have “visitors” of some kind, many of them Deerfooters. This week a tree surgeon, three pastors, and an Albany County highway worker and their families have cut Christmas trees on our property – and enjoyed a meal or hot chocolate. While I was Director of Deerfoot, for the 2 or 3 days before staff training began, the 3 section chiefs and my assistant for the summer came to review details for the summer and to finalize staff training.
When in a difficult situation, let us not be too quick to turn from “giving thanks in every situation”. God’s hand was integral to my being asked to resign in TX and to being hired by DL as Director at a critical time in DL history. We also believe that God’s hand was integral to the quick sale of our home in TX and the purchase of our home in NY. As I continue to tell the DL story, my expectation is that you, like me, will see God’s involvement historically, and to this day. Often there is an incredible amount of work involved in what the Lord asks us to do. Consider the experiences of Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, David, Nehemiah... James, John, Peter, Paul – they all had to trust God and use every bit of preparation, brain power, and physical strength they had. The result? God’s work was done, and the people involved had the satisfaction, the joy of experiencing God using them in His work.
Have I seen every tough situation turn into a satisfactory result? Absolutely not. There are times when my biblical understanding tells me how things should work out, but my logic continues to say “impossible”. Yet, I must push on, for I seek to live In Partnership With God.
We can smile now at the tears we shed when our family arrived at our new house on a rainy, gray day and was greeted with the smell of cat urine and cigarette smoke. God knew that he had provided the right house for us, and this fact has become increasingly obvious as we have lived in our home.
If you are going to live In Partnership With God, you too must push on, earnestly seeking His wisdom.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” -- Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” -- Psalm 37:4. It has taken hours of work, many given by Deerfooters, but look at what the Lord has provided. We consider our home and its location a gift from God.
Our location provided hundreds of acres behind our five acres where we could walk, horse back ride, dirt bike, snow mobile and cross country ski. A half mile away is a PGA certified golf course. Within easy walking distance is a resort for young families. We are encouraged to bring our grand children to use their playgrounds off season.
And our house? Today all floor coverings, windows, kitchen cabinets, interior doors and trim, siding, and roofing have been replaced, and three large bay windows have been added to the west side of our house – great views and sunsets. The damp basement is now dry, and has two 4’X 6’ south facing windows, a nice play room, a great little study, and a large wood working shop. The sorry deck on the back of the house has been replaced with a screened porch, deck and patio which together have almost as many square feet as the first floor of our home. From our kitchen and family room we look over beautiful flower gardens and a scruffy lawn to a wall of 15’ Colorado Blue Spruce and beyond, to the woods. On the south side of our home is large natural slate patio, made private with a stone wall, berm, and extensive tall grasses - creating an out-door room which we use for a month before, and a month after the deck/patio are comfortably useable. To the north-west of our home are the vegetable garden, rhubarb, blueberry and raspberry patches. This year we froze a winter’s supply of blue berries, red raspberries, and organic vegetables.
This year the garden club asked if they could include our home on their tour. Our children cannot imagine that we would ever sell the place! Our son Dirk, the associate pastor of a church 25 minutes away, and his wife and three sons come frequently to our home... their home. Hardly a week goes by that we do not have “visitors” of some kind, many of them Deerfooters. This week a tree surgeon, three pastors, and an Albany County highway worker and their families have cut Christmas trees on our property – and enjoyed a meal or hot chocolate. While I was Director of Deerfoot, for the 2 or 3 days before staff training began, the 3 section chiefs and my assistant for the summer came to review details for the summer and to finalize staff training.
When in a difficult situation, let us not be too quick to turn from “giving thanks in every situation”. God’s hand was integral to my being asked to resign in TX and to being hired by DL as Director at a critical time in DL history. We also believe that God’s hand was integral to the quick sale of our home in TX and the purchase of our home in NY. As I continue to tell the DL story, my expectation is that you, like me, will see God’s involvement historically, and to this day. Often there is an incredible amount of work involved in what the Lord asks us to do. Consider the experiences of Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, David, Nehemiah... James, John, Peter, Paul – they all had to trust God and use every bit of preparation, brain power, and physical strength they had. The result? God’s work was done, and the people involved had the satisfaction, the joy of experiencing God using them in His work.
Have I seen every tough situation turn into a satisfactory result? Absolutely not. There are times when my biblical understanding tells me how things should work out, but my logic continues to say “impossible”. Yet, I must push on, for I seek to live In Partnership With God.
We can smile now at the tears we shed when our family arrived at our new house on a rainy, gray day and was greeted with the smell of cat urine and cigarette smoke. God knew that he had provided the right house for us, and this fact has become increasingly obvious as we have lived in our home.
If you are going to live In Partnership With God, you too must push on, earnestly seeking His wisdom.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” -- Psalm 37:4
Monday, November 29, 2010
Finding the Right Home for Our Family #116
The day our Dallas home was listed it sold for the asking price of $117,000. We were not surprised as the house was located in a “preferred” neighborhood ½ block from an excellent grade school, 4 blocks from the junior high/high school, 5 minutes from the LBJ freeway and close to shopping. Now it was time to find a house in New York.
We decided we should buy a home in the area where I had been staying when in NY. This location was near I 87 and I 90 and enabled me to be at DL in 2 hours, to Boston and New York City in 3 hours, and to the Albany airport in 30 minutes. From this location I could travel conveniently to where most DL campers, staff, and alumni lived.
With $72,000 in cash I began to look for a suitable home, believing that the Lord would provide the right house for us as He had done in the five previous locations where He had called us to serve. But there were some real challenges:
1. My compensation package was 1/3 less than our package in TX where there was no state income tax, no sales tax, and property tax was about ½ what it was in NY. Out of $30,000 had to come both halves of Social Security, medical insurance, state income tax, and we had always given 10% to the Lord for ministry. Retirement fund? Forget it! Don’t be tough on the DL Board of Directors. They were guaranteeing this package while also contributing to keep the camp alive until, hopefully, campers and contributions significantly increased.
2. Our family wanted a home with 4 bedrooms, a larger dining room and located on property suitable for horses.
3. Our oldest daughter would be a senior in high school – heading for college in one year.
Bottom line: I knew I would have to buy a house for cash as there would be no $ for a mortgage. My options were limited: a remodeled old house was far too costly, an old house that had not been remodeled would require an investment of time and money we knew we would not have, and a newer home in good repair would be expensive.
After weeks of looking, the two best options were a house located on five acres next to an active railroad track – with a bar a block away on a busy road, or a house located on five acres with a small barn, 75’ from busy NY state route 32. This house was in poor condition even though they said it had been “remodeled”.
One day the realtor called to say she was quite sure she had found our house. The snow was falling heavily when I was taken to a house located in Greenville with an asking price of $54,000. Greenville itself was not too impressive: at the main intersection was a blinking light – and a burned out gas station. We drove on a slippery side road to the house which had 4 bedrooms and a larger dining room than we had in TX. Traffic was certainly no problem, and I could see the house had copper wiring and pipe, and was reasonably well insulated. But there were some negatives: the windows were aluminum with no storm windows…I could feel the cold drafts. The house was finished out with what I called early American mobile home – in this case, the cheapest of everything you could buy: cupboards, doors, trim, and floor coverings. And the totally unfinished basement with 4 very small windows was damp to the place where the washer and dryer were on skids. There was a large wood stove in one end of the family room – the electric heat was very expensive for daily use. Out the small kitchen window I could see the 4X8’ deck was coming apart, and through the snow…a burning barrel 50’ behind the house. This house could work, though it was NOTHING like our home in Dallas. I paid $52,000 – leaving money to build a pole barn and extend the garage to have a mud room/laundry room.
Our family arrived in June, the day before the moving van. It was raining hard. As we walked through the house, Sally Jo and daughter Carla started to cry. In addition to what I have described above, we could smell cat urine and see the white walls were yellowed due to cigarette and wood stove smoke. My heart was in my throat as we began scrubbing. When the moving van arrived the next day, it was still raining. Oh Lord, What Have I Done?
“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 - see # 2 above
We decided we should buy a home in the area where I had been staying when in NY. This location was near I 87 and I 90 and enabled me to be at DL in 2 hours, to Boston and New York City in 3 hours, and to the Albany airport in 30 minutes. From this location I could travel conveniently to where most DL campers, staff, and alumni lived.
With $72,000 in cash I began to look for a suitable home, believing that the Lord would provide the right house for us as He had done in the five previous locations where He had called us to serve. But there were some real challenges:
1. My compensation package was 1/3 less than our package in TX where there was no state income tax, no sales tax, and property tax was about ½ what it was in NY. Out of $30,000 had to come both halves of Social Security, medical insurance, state income tax, and we had always given 10% to the Lord for ministry. Retirement fund? Forget it! Don’t be tough on the DL Board of Directors. They were guaranteeing this package while also contributing to keep the camp alive until, hopefully, campers and contributions significantly increased.
2. Our family wanted a home with 4 bedrooms, a larger dining room and located on property suitable for horses.
3. Our oldest daughter would be a senior in high school – heading for college in one year.
Bottom line: I knew I would have to buy a house for cash as there would be no $ for a mortgage. My options were limited: a remodeled old house was far too costly, an old house that had not been remodeled would require an investment of time and money we knew we would not have, and a newer home in good repair would be expensive.
After weeks of looking, the two best options were a house located on five acres next to an active railroad track – with a bar a block away on a busy road, or a house located on five acres with a small barn, 75’ from busy NY state route 32. This house was in poor condition even though they said it had been “remodeled”.
One day the realtor called to say she was quite sure she had found our house. The snow was falling heavily when I was taken to a house located in Greenville with an asking price of $54,000. Greenville itself was not too impressive: at the main intersection was a blinking light – and a burned out gas station. We drove on a slippery side road to the house which had 4 bedrooms and a larger dining room than we had in TX. Traffic was certainly no problem, and I could see the house had copper wiring and pipe, and was reasonably well insulated. But there were some negatives: the windows were aluminum with no storm windows…I could feel the cold drafts. The house was finished out with what I called early American mobile home – in this case, the cheapest of everything you could buy: cupboards, doors, trim, and floor coverings. And the totally unfinished basement with 4 very small windows was damp to the place where the washer and dryer were on skids. There was a large wood stove in one end of the family room – the electric heat was very expensive for daily use. Out the small kitchen window I could see the 4X8’ deck was coming apart, and through the snow…a burning barrel 50’ behind the house. This house could work, though it was NOTHING like our home in Dallas. I paid $52,000 – leaving money to build a pole barn and extend the garage to have a mud room/laundry room.
Our family arrived in June, the day before the moving van. It was raining hard. As we walked through the house, Sally Jo and daughter Carla started to cry. In addition to what I have described above, we could smell cat urine and see the white walls were yellowed due to cigarette and wood stove smoke. My heart was in my throat as we began scrubbing. When the moving van arrived the next day, it was still raining. Oh Lord, What Have I Done?
“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 - see # 2 above
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
IPWG... from Israel
Greetings from Israel.
I am here with son, Dirk, on two week study tour - a tremendous experience. We had a reading list of 7 books before we left. I read 4, worked on two others...but have not touched the Source by Michener. Maybe when I get home!
The days begin with breakfast at 6:45 and end with a time of sharing / summary of the day about 8:30. The last two nights have also had hour before dinner - I wrote Sally Jo...now you...and Dirk is waiting for computer.
He is doing blog about the trip: pastor-dirk.blogspot.com. He posts every day.
Walked in Jordan River this AM...in Nazareth this afternoon. Truly a beautiful place.
After 5 days in this area where Jesus lived / worked, tomorrow we head for Jerusalem. Because Dirk works on the computer for blog, you may not hear from me again for at least 10 days.
You are special...though I do not know who all of you are!
Chuck
I am here with son, Dirk, on two week study tour - a tremendous experience. We had a reading list of 7 books before we left. I read 4, worked on two others...but have not touched the Source by Michener. Maybe when I get home!
The days begin with breakfast at 6:45 and end with a time of sharing / summary of the day about 8:30. The last two nights have also had hour before dinner - I wrote Sally Jo...now you...and Dirk is waiting for computer.
He is doing blog about the trip: pastor-dirk.blogspot.com. He posts every day.
Walked in Jordan River this AM...in Nazareth this afternoon. Truly a beautiful place.
After 5 days in this area where Jesus lived / worked, tomorrow we head for Jerusalem. Because Dirk works on the computer for blog, you may not hear from me again for at least 10 days.
You are special...though I do not know who all of you are!
Chuck
Monday, November 1, 2010
Finding Jo Nurse... And More! #115
Finding a summer camp nurse is one tough job! I knew that DL would need one and I also knew that the DL housing for a camp nurse was very limited; the money to pay a nurse was also very limited! The nurse would have to make most patient care decisions on her own. DL did not have a telephone which the nurse could use to call a doctor. Speculator was six miles down the road, and there was no doctor or clinic in the town. There were hospitals in Amsterdam and Johnstown – both about an hour from camp. DL needed an experienced nurse, someone comfortable providing the nursing/medical care of boys from 8 to 23. I did not know one person qualified, much less willing, to come.
John Engstrom, the athletic director at Stony Brook Academy knew Bill and Lynn Gosling. Bill was in capital development at Stony Brook. When a new Director of Development was hired, Bill had been asked to resign. John told Bud Williams, a professor at Wheaton College who taught in the P.E. department and at Honey Rock Camp, of the availability of Bill and Lynn. Bud, a friend of mine, knew I had just become the Director of Deerfoot Lodge and called me to see if DL needed a camp nurse. I called Lynn and learned she had 17 years of nursing experience and was an EMT. Lynn, Bill and their two daughters and two sons arrived at DL in June. DL needed a nurse and the Goslings needed a place to go for the summer. Talk about God having a plan!
The Goslings moved into the Health Center. At that time there was no second floor so Bill and Lynn lived in what is now the isolation ward (10’ X 12”). Their daughters moved into the small area where the stairs now go up to the second floor. When John or David was in camp, the other slept on the floor in the “clinic” room, the room where every sick or injured camper came, day and night. It was wild, yet the Goslings kept their cool through it all.
O yes, I should mention that Lynn was legally blind! We had a letter from her ophthalmologist saying Lynn, with the aid of magnifying devices, was able to see sufficiently to perform the duties of a registered nurse. Lynn Gosling was “Jo Nurse” at DL for 15 summers! She was terrific!!!!
As Lynn worked hard in the Health Center, Bill looked for ways in which he could help. During the first session he added outlets to Antlers so we could have fish tanks, he made town trips, he drove hikes – he never stopped.
As Bill had considerable writing experience, he agreed to develop the first DL staff manual. His resources: a small DL tripping manual, the staff manual we had developed over seven years at Sky Ranch in TX, my copy of the Honey Rock Camp manual from 1961 – and the “oral tradition” available to him. Bill sought to include everything fundamental to DL: the camp philosophy, job descriptions and standards of performance, daily schedules, the camper and staff policies and much more! Camper attendance was up only 4 per session from the previous summer (52), so I had inadvertently hired one more counselor than proved necessary. Bill asked a counselor with DL experience, Tom Coleman, to write the instructional area section of the manual.
I knew DL needed a nurse. I had given little thought to the development of a DL staff manual, but obviously God had! In six weeks Bill put together a staff manual of over 100 pages – I wish I still had a copy. Through the years the manual grew to an indexed 616 pages. Chief Ron continues to seek suggestions for the improvement of the DL manual from campers and their parents, staff and DL Board members. The entire manual remains open to revision as an updated copy is printed each year. Today this manual has been purchased by or given to, upon their request, over 700 camps throughout the world. Camps are encouraged to use its content in any way that will strengthen their ministry.
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory ….throughout all generations!” -- Ephesians 3:20-21
John Engstrom, the athletic director at Stony Brook Academy knew Bill and Lynn Gosling. Bill was in capital development at Stony Brook. When a new Director of Development was hired, Bill had been asked to resign. John told Bud Williams, a professor at Wheaton College who taught in the P.E. department and at Honey Rock Camp, of the availability of Bill and Lynn. Bud, a friend of mine, knew I had just become the Director of Deerfoot Lodge and called me to see if DL needed a camp nurse. I called Lynn and learned she had 17 years of nursing experience and was an EMT. Lynn, Bill and their two daughters and two sons arrived at DL in June. DL needed a nurse and the Goslings needed a place to go for the summer. Talk about God having a plan!
The Goslings moved into the Health Center. At that time there was no second floor so Bill and Lynn lived in what is now the isolation ward (10’ X 12”). Their daughters moved into the small area where the stairs now go up to the second floor. When John or David was in camp, the other slept on the floor in the “clinic” room, the room where every sick or injured camper came, day and night. It was wild, yet the Goslings kept their cool through it all.
O yes, I should mention that Lynn was legally blind! We had a letter from her ophthalmologist saying Lynn, with the aid of magnifying devices, was able to see sufficiently to perform the duties of a registered nurse. Lynn Gosling was “Jo Nurse” at DL for 15 summers! She was terrific!!!!
As Lynn worked hard in the Health Center, Bill looked for ways in which he could help. During the first session he added outlets to Antlers so we could have fish tanks, he made town trips, he drove hikes – he never stopped.
As Bill had considerable writing experience, he agreed to develop the first DL staff manual. His resources: a small DL tripping manual, the staff manual we had developed over seven years at Sky Ranch in TX, my copy of the Honey Rock Camp manual from 1961 – and the “oral tradition” available to him. Bill sought to include everything fundamental to DL: the camp philosophy, job descriptions and standards of performance, daily schedules, the camper and staff policies and much more! Camper attendance was up only 4 per session from the previous summer (52), so I had inadvertently hired one more counselor than proved necessary. Bill asked a counselor with DL experience, Tom Coleman, to write the instructional area section of the manual.
I knew DL needed a nurse. I had given little thought to the development of a DL staff manual, but obviously God had! In six weeks Bill put together a staff manual of over 100 pages – I wish I still had a copy. Through the years the manual grew to an indexed 616 pages. Chief Ron continues to seek suggestions for the improvement of the DL manual from campers and their parents, staff and DL Board members. The entire manual remains open to revision as an updated copy is printed each year. Today this manual has been purchased by or given to, upon their request, over 700 camps throughout the world. Camps are encouraged to use its content in any way that will strengthen their ministry.
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory ….throughout all generations!” -- Ephesians 3:20-21
Monday, October 25, 2010
Rehire John Fox? #114
Four months before the beginning of staff training, Chief Dave Naysmith, my primary source of information about the previous summer’s DL staff and Guides, took me through the lists, person by person.
John Fox had considerable Deerfoot experience, was an Eagle Scout, and basically a solid person. However, while a counselor the previous summer, he had been involved with those who had at least a few beers. DL has a strict no-alcohol policy. If the DL Director learns that a staff member has had any alcoholic beverage between the first day of staff training and his last day in camp, he is history, at least for the rest of the summer.
When I faced these hiring situations, I always remembered some of the stupid things I have done, and been given a second chance!
As the Director of Deerfoot Lodge, my greatest responsibility was the hiring of summer staff. To the very best of my ability I had to learn where each staff member was at the time of hiring on the following questions. With regard to John:
I met with John for a lengthy conversation, and then hired John to be a counselor for the next summer. John did well through the three weeks of staff training. At the end of staff training I asked John if he would like to be the leader for the Adirondack High Peaks two week Voyageur hike. He was excited about the opportunity.
I then asked another counselor to be John’s assistant on the trip. Not interested. So I asked another. Not interested. Having worked with John the previous summer, they had no interest in going on a Voyageur trip with John.
When I explained this situation to John, I suggested that he had a couple choices. He could go home, feeling like a failure. Or he could stay and demonstrate to the staff he had learned from his bad decisions of the previous summer.
John stayed, was an excellent counselor, became a DL Lone Eagle, an orthopedic surgeon and today is on the Deerfoot Board of Directors. After I had written the first draft of the above, I sent it to John for his approval, suggestions, etc. His response: “When you list my “accomplishments” please make sure to give God the glory for these, not me. I am where I am because He was faithful… Otherwise, run with it.” John Fox lives In Partnership With God.
Jesus taught his disciples to pray: "Jesus, forgive our sins, as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us." -- Matthew 6:12
Jesus also told us how often we are to forgive: "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." -- Luke 17:3-4
Because Jesus Christ forgives me, and I forgive others, I can live In Partnership With God.
John Fox had considerable Deerfoot experience, was an Eagle Scout, and basically a solid person. However, while a counselor the previous summer, he had been involved with those who had at least a few beers. DL has a strict no-alcohol policy. If the DL Director learns that a staff member has had any alcoholic beverage between the first day of staff training and his last day in camp, he is history, at least for the rest of the summer.
When I faced these hiring situations, I always remembered some of the stupid things I have done, and been given a second chance!
As the Director of Deerfoot Lodge, my greatest responsibility was the hiring of summer staff. To the very best of my ability I had to learn where each staff member was at the time of hiring on the following questions. With regard to John:
- Does John have Jesus Christ as his Savior, and desire to have Him as the Lord of his life? Dave thought John could say yes to both questions. I would ask John.
- Does John enjoy the out of doors and kids/campers? Yes
- Was John physically and emotionally able to serve through an eleven week DL summer? Yes
- He was a gymnast, and seemed to be emotionally solid. Good energy levels.
- Does John have the camping and personal relationship skills to be a great DL counselor? Yes
- Would John abide by the DL staff standards of conduct? Dave thought John would be true to his word.
I met with John for a lengthy conversation, and then hired John to be a counselor for the next summer. John did well through the three weeks of staff training. At the end of staff training I asked John if he would like to be the leader for the Adirondack High Peaks two week Voyageur hike. He was excited about the opportunity.
I then asked another counselor to be John’s assistant on the trip. Not interested. So I asked another. Not interested. Having worked with John the previous summer, they had no interest in going on a Voyageur trip with John.
When I explained this situation to John, I suggested that he had a couple choices. He could go home, feeling like a failure. Or he could stay and demonstrate to the staff he had learned from his bad decisions of the previous summer.
John stayed, was an excellent counselor, became a DL Lone Eagle, an orthopedic surgeon and today is on the Deerfoot Board of Directors. After I had written the first draft of the above, I sent it to John for his approval, suggestions, etc. His response: “When you list my “accomplishments” please make sure to give God the glory for these, not me. I am where I am because He was faithful… Otherwise, run with it.” John Fox lives In Partnership With God.
Jesus taught his disciples to pray: "Jesus, forgive our sins, as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us." -- Matthew 6:12
Jesus also told us how often we are to forgive: "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." -- Luke 17:3-4
Because Jesus Christ forgives me, and I forgive others, I can live In Partnership With God.
Monday, October 18, 2010
If Money Was No Object... What Should Deerfoot's Ministry Look Like? #113
Money was tight, even with significant contributions from DL Board members who made it possible for DL to move from having a summer-only director, to a person who could focus on the DL ministry throughout the year. But the fundamental question was the right one to ask: What should the DL ministry look like? If the desired end result was kept in mind, this would impact the decisions made in every area: program development, staff selection, facility and equipment maintenance, and capital improvements.
It was agreed that DL should remain a ministry committed to building godly young men, to its theological statement, to its location, and to its basic program elements. All agreed excellence should be the mark of every aspect of the DL ministry. I was charged with the responsibility to build the finest possible ministry through which godly young men could be developed.
In February, 1982, equipped with a legal pad (years before lap top computers), I spent hours/days with DL people, asking each to share their knowledge and evaluation of the DL program, past and present. I began talking with my dad, a DL counselor in the second and third years of DL history, 1931 – 32, when one of the sessions had 12 campers. I spent hours talking with two of Mom and Dad Kunz’ daughters and one of their grandsons, with six DL Board members who had been part of DL from its earliest years, and with men and women who had been key people at DL for at least the past 25 years. I talked with the first Lone Eagles, with the person who developed the Guide program, and with Jack Gill, the DL Director 12 years prior to my coming.
I was told about the wonderful DL food, and that there was never a shortage of meat in the earliest years – deer meat thanks to Cal Wilbur. From its beginning, there was an after breakfast Bible study taught by the Director, Dad Kunz. The Circle of Friendship was from the beginning, when each group of campers left – yet somehow this had disappeared. I learned hikes were weekly and camp fires were frequent.
Through these “interviews” I also learned Dad Kunz had spent a summer prior to his beginning Deerfoot Lodge on the staff of Pioneer Camp in Canada. I was a camper at this same Pioneer Camp for twelve weeks.
I make the changes to the DL program deemed necessary to incorporate what I had learned. Rather than bring in an outside Bible teacher, the Board of Directors said that I, as Director, would teach the after breakfast Bible studies. There would no longer be a 5:00 Bible study. Following Dad Kunz’ example, I focused my time on the DL program and not on maintenance. The cross country and bicycle camps were discontinued, enabling greater focus on the remaining rewards program. The Circle of Friendship was reinstated to end each session.
Interestingly, none of the changes made were resisted by campers, staff or parents. DL was becoming more like the Deerfoot of yesteryear. The early and current Deerfoot leadership worked at living In Partnership With God. The results of this working relationship have been evident throughout Deerfoot’s history.
“To God Be The Glory – Great Things He Has Done”
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” -- Romans 15:5-6
It was agreed that DL should remain a ministry committed to building godly young men, to its theological statement, to its location, and to its basic program elements. All agreed excellence should be the mark of every aspect of the DL ministry. I was charged with the responsibility to build the finest possible ministry through which godly young men could be developed.
In February, 1982, equipped with a legal pad (years before lap top computers), I spent hours/days with DL people, asking each to share their knowledge and evaluation of the DL program, past and present. I began talking with my dad, a DL counselor in the second and third years of DL history, 1931 – 32, when one of the sessions had 12 campers. I spent hours talking with two of Mom and Dad Kunz’ daughters and one of their grandsons, with six DL Board members who had been part of DL from its earliest years, and with men and women who had been key people at DL for at least the past 25 years. I talked with the first Lone Eagles, with the person who developed the Guide program, and with Jack Gill, the DL Director 12 years prior to my coming.
I was told about the wonderful DL food, and that there was never a shortage of meat in the earliest years – deer meat thanks to Cal Wilbur. From its beginning, there was an after breakfast Bible study taught by the Director, Dad Kunz. The Circle of Friendship was from the beginning, when each group of campers left – yet somehow this had disappeared. I learned hikes were weekly and camp fires were frequent.
Through these “interviews” I also learned Dad Kunz had spent a summer prior to his beginning Deerfoot Lodge on the staff of Pioneer Camp in Canada. I was a camper at this same Pioneer Camp for twelve weeks.
I make the changes to the DL program deemed necessary to incorporate what I had learned. Rather than bring in an outside Bible teacher, the Board of Directors said that I, as Director, would teach the after breakfast Bible studies. There would no longer be a 5:00 Bible study. Following Dad Kunz’ example, I focused my time on the DL program and not on maintenance. The cross country and bicycle camps were discontinued, enabling greater focus on the remaining rewards program. The Circle of Friendship was reinstated to end each session.
Interestingly, none of the changes made were resisted by campers, staff or parents. DL was becoming more like the Deerfoot of yesteryear. The early and current Deerfoot leadership worked at living In Partnership With God. The results of this working relationship have been evident throughout Deerfoot’s history.
“To God Be The Glory – Great Things He Has Done”
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” -- Romans 15:5-6
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Another side of the story #112
Chuck is at Deerfoot for the work weekend – he asked me to tell another side of the story. I wanted to start out “meanwhile, back at the Ranch…”, but for our family there was no more ranch. Our life of nearly seven years had been turned upside down. No more weekend trips to work at the ranch, no more fellowship with the staff there, no more enjoying country life and seeing dear friends we had made – we were now living in Dallas full time and adjusting to a whole new life style.
In the fall I had talked to the various music teachers – piano, viola and cello – asking if they would teach our kids even though we did not know how much longer we would be in Dallas or how many months we would have the money to pay for lessons. Music lessons started, Dirk joined a soccer team, Jenna had baby sitting jobs, sleepovers become part of our life and Carla traveled daily to feed her horses located on the way to downtown Dallas and started teaching riding lessons every weekend. Chuck and I were co-chairman of the high school orchestra parent’s board. With the orchestra (Carla was first chair cellist) planning a trip to a competition in Vienna, Austria, we were into a busy year of meetings, fund raising, publicity and a banquet.
Then, on January 15, Chuck left for New York. Please factor into what follows that all this predates cell phones, e-mails and inexpensive long distance calls!
And so the weeks continued with orthodontist appointments, music competitions, concerts, track meets, a huge orchestra fund raising garage sale, flat tire, starting the packing process, Chuck leaving and coming back several more times. The house sold the end of February – the first day it was on the market. Jenna started looking for a buyer for her many pigeons and her chickens (yes, they lived in our backyard). As I read through my diary I wonder – how did I keep going? How did our children survive? Chuck and I were on an emotional see-saw – a good thing, when one of us was down the other was up.
There were many fun moments –once we met Chuck at the airport dressed as hillbillies – patches on our clothes, teeth blackened, mismatched boots. Poor man – in sport coat, carrying his attaché case, looking like he wanted to disown us and then breaking up with laughter!
And there was a special friend God had brought into my life. Since our future was so uncertain, I had stopped teaching a weekly Bible study I had led for several years. Judy Cole had joined the group a year before, a newcomer to Dallas who lived just north of us. Through all the months of turmoil, Judy and I met most Wednesdays for lunch. We talked, we prayed, she listened, we studied the Bible, I shared, she encouraged. She provided a much needed safe place for me. In God’s amazing timing, on the day our moving van left for New York, the Cole’s moving van left for California!
On May 29th our family left Dallas driving two cars, one pulling a horse trailer with four of Jenna’s pigeons and some of my favorite plants plus Chuck’s tools in it, the other pulling a small trailer containing our library. The older car had a habit of breaking down which provided some interesting stops along the way. Each car had a CB – all of us had “handles” as we set off on the journey to New York, looking forward to the “hope and future” God had planned for us.
In the fall I had talked to the various music teachers – piano, viola and cello – asking if they would teach our kids even though we did not know how much longer we would be in Dallas or how many months we would have the money to pay for lessons. Music lessons started, Dirk joined a soccer team, Jenna had baby sitting jobs, sleepovers become part of our life and Carla traveled daily to feed her horses located on the way to downtown Dallas and started teaching riding lessons every weekend. Chuck and I were co-chairman of the high school orchestra parent’s board. With the orchestra (Carla was first chair cellist) planning a trip to a competition in Vienna, Austria, we were into a busy year of meetings, fund raising, publicity and a banquet.
Then, on January 15, Chuck left for New York. Please factor into what follows that all this predates cell phones, e-mails and inexpensive long distance calls!
- The first week a neighbor backed into our car as the girls were driving to school. He did not want to call his insurance company so I got estimates for repairs and he paid. I got a letter from the gas company saying our gas would be cut off because we had not paid bill. They were wrong, gas stayed on.
- The second week, as Carla and I were driving home from the stable in rush hour traffic we were pulled over by the police. Our out of date, Illinois plates (we had brought back Chuck’s mom’s car after her death) had attracted his attention. But then the car came up as stolen and he would not believe we were mother and daughter. While we were trying to prove our innocence, Jenna and Dirk were at home wondering why we had not come home for supper. An hour later, ticket in hand but not in jail for thievery, we were on our way.
- The third week I was involved with a realtor, starting to get the house on the market. Carla was buying a horse to use for teaching which meant I was involved in horse trailers and transportation. Said horse was found to have a serious foot problem – a pre-existing condition. So began the process of getting her money back….
- The fourth week we were all counting the days until Chuck came back!
And so the weeks continued with orthodontist appointments, music competitions, concerts, track meets, a huge orchestra fund raising garage sale, flat tire, starting the packing process, Chuck leaving and coming back several more times. The house sold the end of February – the first day it was on the market. Jenna started looking for a buyer for her many pigeons and her chickens (yes, they lived in our backyard). As I read through my diary I wonder – how did I keep going? How did our children survive? Chuck and I were on an emotional see-saw – a good thing, when one of us was down the other was up.
There were many fun moments –once we met Chuck at the airport dressed as hillbillies – patches on our clothes, teeth blackened, mismatched boots. Poor man – in sport coat, carrying his attaché case, looking like he wanted to disown us and then breaking up with laughter!
And there was a special friend God had brought into my life. Since our future was so uncertain, I had stopped teaching a weekly Bible study I had led for several years. Judy Cole had joined the group a year before, a newcomer to Dallas who lived just north of us. Through all the months of turmoil, Judy and I met most Wednesdays for lunch. We talked, we prayed, she listened, we studied the Bible, I shared, she encouraged. She provided a much needed safe place for me. In God’s amazing timing, on the day our moving van left for New York, the Cole’s moving van left for California!
On May 29th our family left Dallas driving two cars, one pulling a horse trailer with four of Jenna’s pigeons and some of my favorite plants plus Chuck’s tools in it, the other pulling a small trailer containing our library. The older car had a habit of breaking down which provided some interesting stops along the way. Each car had a CB – all of us had “handles” as we set off on the journey to New York, looking forward to the “hope and future” God had planned for us.
Monday, October 4, 2010
A New Beginning! #111
On December 18, 1981, Dale Harro called to say the selection committee was recommending me to the DL Board as the next Director of Deerfoot Lodge at their meeting. This meeting would be January 15, and would I please come. During the next five weeks the reality of my situation began to sink in.
I was going to meet the twelve members of the Board of Directors. To date I had met five, and only in the context of my interviews. I knew almost nothing about the camp philosophy of ministry, program, facility, equipment, finances, campers or staff. I began to wonder if I could direct a camp without a secretary, business manager, marketing director or program director. It was just me! I kept reminding myself….I was God’s man for the job. From the Bible I knew God did not put people into situations where they would fail if they were determined to live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
On January 15 I left home, knowing I would not return to be with Sally Jo and our children for four weeks. This was really tough because Sally Jo had been my rock for the previous five months. When I arrived at the Newark Airport Dale Harro took me to meet with the DL Board of Directors. After talking a couple hours I was asked to leave the conference room while they met in executive session to decide if they would accept the selection committee’s recommendation.
I left the room and took a seat at the end of the hallway and waited…and waited…and waited. I finally got up and started walking up and down the hallway. When the Board Chairman came to get me, he was very apologetic. He explained that the Board had quickly confirmed my becoming the camp director – and then somehow moved into the discussion of another subject, totally forgetting about me!
When I returned to the conference room, everyone clapped and shook my hand with a big smile. The Chairman said they would put me on the DL payroll as of January 1. He then made it very clear this was a policy making Board, not a Board of Directors who would be involved in day to day camp operations. He went on to say they realized I would need considerable help to be ready for summer camp in five months. They believed by working together we would get DL up to speed. Then several told what they were prepared to do. John Landis, the VP of Thomas J. Paul Advertising, said he would help produce the summer camp brochure. Jack Gill, a former DL camp director, said he was prepared to serve as treasurer, receiving contributions, writing checks, and keeping the books. Ed Hawkins said he would continue to manage the DL mailing list and mailings. Jim Masterson had a Mercury station wagon for my use. Dale Harro said his daughter-in-law would serve as camp registrar, and so it went. Each gave me a page with their name, DL experience, contact information, wife’s name, children’s names and ages, their vocation and how they thought they would be able to help. On the back of the page each had drawn a map to their home. Talk about feeling accepted, affirmed, and supported in every possible way.
After the meeting I went with Dale to his home where my bedroom and the Mercury were ready and waiting. I immediately went to meet the former DL camp director and his wife. Ray was a teacher and track coach. After perhaps an hour they gave me a box the size to hold a bulky sweater. The box contained all of the DL records they had for me. Ouch. For the next four weeks I learned as much as I could about DL. I talked hours with the Harro boys, and began spending a night in the home of almost every Board member. In their homes I asked questions and took pages of notes. I also met with Dave Naysmith who had earned a great reputation as head cook, and been involved with DL for many years. He was a wealth of information and encouragement. Gradually I learned about Deerfoot’s present and past.
Everywhere I went people wonderfully cared me. This was 1982 – no cell phones, no e-mails. Long distance calls were expensive. I remember spending an evening with Fred Long and his wife. After dinner we talked into the evening. He then encouraged me to use the telephone in my room to call anyone and talk as long as I wanted. What a gift.
“We are one body in Christ” -- Romans 12
“Carry each other's burdens” -- Galatians 6
“anyone who gives you a cup of water” -- Luke 9
I was In Partnership With God, and also with an incredible group of men!
I was going to meet the twelve members of the Board of Directors. To date I had met five, and only in the context of my interviews. I knew almost nothing about the camp philosophy of ministry, program, facility, equipment, finances, campers or staff. I began to wonder if I could direct a camp without a secretary, business manager, marketing director or program director. It was just me! I kept reminding myself….I was God’s man for the job. From the Bible I knew God did not put people into situations where they would fail if they were determined to live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
On January 15 I left home, knowing I would not return to be with Sally Jo and our children for four weeks. This was really tough because Sally Jo had been my rock for the previous five months. When I arrived at the Newark Airport Dale Harro took me to meet with the DL Board of Directors. After talking a couple hours I was asked to leave the conference room while they met in executive session to decide if they would accept the selection committee’s recommendation.
I left the room and took a seat at the end of the hallway and waited…and waited…and waited. I finally got up and started walking up and down the hallway. When the Board Chairman came to get me, he was very apologetic. He explained that the Board had quickly confirmed my becoming the camp director – and then somehow moved into the discussion of another subject, totally forgetting about me!
When I returned to the conference room, everyone clapped and shook my hand with a big smile. The Chairman said they would put me on the DL payroll as of January 1. He then made it very clear this was a policy making Board, not a Board of Directors who would be involved in day to day camp operations. He went on to say they realized I would need considerable help to be ready for summer camp in five months. They believed by working together we would get DL up to speed. Then several told what they were prepared to do. John Landis, the VP of Thomas J. Paul Advertising, said he would help produce the summer camp brochure. Jack Gill, a former DL camp director, said he was prepared to serve as treasurer, receiving contributions, writing checks, and keeping the books. Ed Hawkins said he would continue to manage the DL mailing list and mailings. Jim Masterson had a Mercury station wagon for my use. Dale Harro said his daughter-in-law would serve as camp registrar, and so it went. Each gave me a page with their name, DL experience, contact information, wife’s name, children’s names and ages, their vocation and how they thought they would be able to help. On the back of the page each had drawn a map to their home. Talk about feeling accepted, affirmed, and supported in every possible way.
After the meeting I went with Dale to his home where my bedroom and the Mercury were ready and waiting. I immediately went to meet the former DL camp director and his wife. Ray was a teacher and track coach. After perhaps an hour they gave me a box the size to hold a bulky sweater. The box contained all of the DL records they had for me. Ouch. For the next four weeks I learned as much as I could about DL. I talked hours with the Harro boys, and began spending a night in the home of almost every Board member. In their homes I asked questions and took pages of notes. I also met with Dave Naysmith who had earned a great reputation as head cook, and been involved with DL for many years. He was a wealth of information and encouragement. Gradually I learned about Deerfoot’s present and past.
Everywhere I went people wonderfully cared me. This was 1982 – no cell phones, no e-mails. Long distance calls were expensive. I remember spending an evening with Fred Long and his wife. After dinner we talked into the evening. He then encouraged me to use the telephone in my room to call anyone and talk as long as I wanted. What a gift.
“We are one body in Christ” -- Romans 12
“Carry each other's burdens” -- Galatians 6
“anyone who gives you a cup of water” -- Luke 9
I was In Partnership With God, and also with an incredible group of men!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Life, for the Christian, can be Hard! #110
It is hard to lose my job because someone lied about me.
It is hard for God’s people, in any situation, to lose their job because someone lied about them.
It must have been hard on Joseph when he lost his job because someone lied about him.
It is hard to wait for a job.
It is hard for God’s people if they are out of work for months, unable to make house payments.
It must have been hard for Moses to leave a palace to live in the wilderness 40 years – no job.
It is hard to be away from family for three week stretches – work requires it!
It is hard for God’s person to spend weeks away on job assignment, or a year away - in Iraq or Afghanistan.
It must have been hard for the apostle Paul to continually live on mission trips – with no family to return to.
It is hard to sit at a desk in an empty office and call every boy (180) who attended DL the year before – please return!
It is hard for the Christian sales person to call prospect after prospect seeking a sale – knowing their income is at stake.
It must have been hard for Jeremiah to plead with God’s people to repent, to turn for their sinful ways. No sale!
It is hard to eat another meal in a restaurant or at McDonalds - alone.
It is hard to be God’s person, who, in the line of their work, eats another meal in a restaurant, or at McDonalds – alone.
It must have been hard for Caleb to be stuck in the wilderness eating manna – even when he had trusted God for victory
It is hard to hire 50 employees on the basis of one or two recommendations and one personal interview.
It is hard to open a new franchise, and, even after considerable prayer, to hire people – knowing they could do poorly.
It must have been hard for Jesus to have Peter deny him three times – even though Jesus knew Peter would do it.
It is hard to be the director of a camp, when you are unsure of how the camp should function.
It is hard for a believer to begin a new job when they have not observed the person who previously had the position.
It must have been hard for Timothy when Paul asked him to remain in Ephesus to teach the truth to a developing church.
Life, for the believer, will have periods of time when it is hard to know what is God’s best for the situation.
It does not matter if the believer is in full time Christian vocation or working for a “secular company”.
It does not matter if the believer lives today, or 2000 years ago.
When we live In Partnership With God, we may have situations that stretch our bodies, minds and faith.
Through history, God has let this happen to His people.
Perhaps God has chosen challenges for His people – that we may grow in our confidence of God’s faithfulness.
It is hard for God’s people, in any situation, to lose their job because someone lied about them.
It must have been hard on Joseph when he lost his job because someone lied about him.
It is hard to wait for a job.
It is hard for God’s people if they are out of work for months, unable to make house payments.
It must have been hard for Moses to leave a palace to live in the wilderness 40 years – no job.
It is hard to be away from family for three week stretches – work requires it!
It is hard for God’s person to spend weeks away on job assignment, or a year away - in Iraq or Afghanistan.
It must have been hard for the apostle Paul to continually live on mission trips – with no family to return to.
It is hard to sit at a desk in an empty office and call every boy (180) who attended DL the year before – please return!
It is hard for the Christian sales person to call prospect after prospect seeking a sale – knowing their income is at stake.
It must have been hard for Jeremiah to plead with God’s people to repent, to turn for their sinful ways. No sale!
It is hard to eat another meal in a restaurant or at McDonalds - alone.
It is hard to be God’s person, who, in the line of their work, eats another meal in a restaurant, or at McDonalds – alone.
It must have been hard for Caleb to be stuck in the wilderness eating manna – even when he had trusted God for victory
It is hard to hire 50 employees on the basis of one or two recommendations and one personal interview.
It is hard to open a new franchise, and, even after considerable prayer, to hire people – knowing they could do poorly.
It must have been hard for Jesus to have Peter deny him three times – even though Jesus knew Peter would do it.
It is hard to be the director of a camp, when you are unsure of how the camp should function.
It is hard for a believer to begin a new job when they have not observed the person who previously had the position.
It must have been hard for Timothy when Paul asked him to remain in Ephesus to teach the truth to a developing church.
Life, for the believer, will have periods of time when it is hard to know what is God’s best for the situation.
It does not matter if the believer is in full time Christian vocation or working for a “secular company”.
It does not matter if the believer lives today, or 2000 years ago.
When we live In Partnership With God, we may have situations that stretch our bodies, minds and faith.
Through history, God has let this happen to His people.
Perhaps God has chosen challenges for His people – that we may grow in our confidence of God’s faithfulness.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Self Doubt! #109
Sally Jo and I had waited somewhat patiently for God’s next assignment. We were both excited about the opportunity to work with Deerfoot Lodge, and when we went to see Deerfoot for the first time, this excitement was further kindled as we drove up I-87 from New Jersey to Albany, NY. It was beautiful: the Hudson River, the Swangunk and Catskill Mountains, the fresh snow. We were back to the area of the country we had so enjoyed during our four years in Connecticut.
Later, as I met with the selection committee and learned more of the ministry of Deerfoot Lodge my heart was thankful to the place of bursting. But as I flew from Newark back to Dallas, self doubt began to push the excitement aside. Would I get the job – this job that seemed so right to us.
And then the call came: “Chuck, the committee believes that you are God’s choice for the new Director of Deerfoot Lodge”. Our first response: excitement. My second response: Can I really do this?” How would I do without a supporting staff?” Could I do a good job as a camp director without a staff member with an MBA of Business, and another with an MBA in marketing? How would I do without an excellent secretary, without an excellent program man, and without a year around maintenance man? How could I direct a camp that I had never seen in operation, never seen except under a foot of snow? And where would I find sixty staff? I only knew one potential staff member well.
My uneasiness increased as it began to sink in that I would spend most of the next five months alone. Sally Jo and our three children would be remaining in Dallas through the end of the school year while I traveled out from the Harro’s home to visit other DL Board members, potential staff, and to make DL presentations – presentations about a place I knew very little about. And what had I done to us financially? We had a daughter heading for college the next year and I was taking a cut of a third in my compensation package, and we were moving from Texas where there was no sales tax, no state income tax, and property taxes were three times what they were Texas.
“Lord, did I misunderstand your leading?” Yes, I had experienced God’s provisions for our family and for the ministries I had been a part of in the past, but I could not help but wonder if these provisions would continue. I knew I should be able to trust in the Lord, to have confidence in God’s dependable guidance and provision, but in this situation, it was a stretch. It did not help that I was still struggling with occasional visual distortion of the real world around me.
Through the Bible I knew my feelings of inadequacy, of doubting God’s sufficiency, had been experienced by others God had chosen for specific tasks. God said to Moses, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses responded: Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt? If I go to the Israelites and say to them, the God of your fathers has sent me, and they ask, what is his name?, what shall I tell them? What if they do not believe me? O Lord, I have never been eloquent, I am slow of speech and tongue?” --Exodus 3 and 4
At such times, if we want to live “In Partnership With God”, we must continue to go forward, doing what we believe God would have us do, regardless of how impossible the task truly is – apart from the Lord’s continual guidance and provision.
In this situation, I never did hear God’s voice, or have Him speak to me through a dream. But as I worked hard at seeking to do the job others, as well as Sally Jo and I, believed God desired for us to do, I did experience God’s guidance and provision. Yes, God was being God, and I only needed to be His faithful servant.
Later, as I met with the selection committee and learned more of the ministry of Deerfoot Lodge my heart was thankful to the place of bursting. But as I flew from Newark back to Dallas, self doubt began to push the excitement aside. Would I get the job – this job that seemed so right to us.
And then the call came: “Chuck, the committee believes that you are God’s choice for the new Director of Deerfoot Lodge”. Our first response: excitement. My second response: Can I really do this?” How would I do without a supporting staff?” Could I do a good job as a camp director without a staff member with an MBA of Business, and another with an MBA in marketing? How would I do without an excellent secretary, without an excellent program man, and without a year around maintenance man? How could I direct a camp that I had never seen in operation, never seen except under a foot of snow? And where would I find sixty staff? I only knew one potential staff member well.
My uneasiness increased as it began to sink in that I would spend most of the next five months alone. Sally Jo and our three children would be remaining in Dallas through the end of the school year while I traveled out from the Harro’s home to visit other DL Board members, potential staff, and to make DL presentations – presentations about a place I knew very little about. And what had I done to us financially? We had a daughter heading for college the next year and I was taking a cut of a third in my compensation package, and we were moving from Texas where there was no sales tax, no state income tax, and property taxes were three times what they were Texas.
“Lord, did I misunderstand your leading?” Yes, I had experienced God’s provisions for our family and for the ministries I had been a part of in the past, but I could not help but wonder if these provisions would continue. I knew I should be able to trust in the Lord, to have confidence in God’s dependable guidance and provision, but in this situation, it was a stretch. It did not help that I was still struggling with occasional visual distortion of the real world around me.
Through the Bible I knew my feelings of inadequacy, of doubting God’s sufficiency, had been experienced by others God had chosen for specific tasks. God said to Moses, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses responded: Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt? If I go to the Israelites and say to them, the God of your fathers has sent me, and they ask, what is his name?, what shall I tell them? What if they do not believe me? O Lord, I have never been eloquent, I am slow of speech and tongue?” --Exodus 3 and 4
At such times, if we want to live “In Partnership With God”, we must continue to go forward, doing what we believe God would have us do, regardless of how impossible the task truly is – apart from the Lord’s continual guidance and provision.
In this situation, I never did hear God’s voice, or have Him speak to me through a dream. But as I worked hard at seeking to do the job others, as well as Sally Jo and I, believed God desired for us to do, I did experience God’s guidance and provision. Yes, God was being God, and I only needed to be His faithful servant.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Being God's Choice! #108
In the context of being interviewed for the position of Director of Deerfoot Lodge I learned all I could about the ministry. Sally Jo and I had visited the facility; I had reviewed a variety of reports and asked many questions. The situation was not good. Camper attendance over a 15 year period was down about 50%. The facilities were in need of considerable repair. Annual contributions were down to $13,000 annually. The camp was operating in the red, and there had been some discussion about closing Deerfoot Lodge.
But then again, I was not in a good situation either!!!!
Almost five months earlier I had been asked to resign – for reasons I did not know. I had a wife and three children, and our money was running out. Emotionally I was not doing real well either, though I was not in as bad a shape as Elijah when “He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord’". I Kings 19:24, and my wife was supportive, not like Job’s wife who said: “Curse God and die!" Job 2:9
During several hours of meeting with the selection committee there were many questions and considerable discussion. I remember being asked something like “Chuck, you have moved five times during your 17 years of ministry. At Sky Ranch you had a year around staff of at least 9. At Deerfoot Lodge you will have a year around staff of 1 - you. What reason do we have to expect that you can adjust to this change, and will stay for more than a few years?”
I had thought through my answer to this question. “I have told the Lord that I would like to spend my life building lives, not building another camp or helping to “fix” another ministry. I would like to remain the Director of Deerfoot Lodge for 25 years, until I retire.”
After being hired as the Director of Deerfoot Lodge, the head of the selection committee, Dale Harro, told me that the selection committee had interviewed eleven candidates, most of whom had Deerfoot experience as camper or staff member. At the end of all the interviews, each member of the selection committee was asked to write down the name of the person they believed should become the Director of Deerfoot Lodge. Every member of the committee wrote down my name. Then he said: “Chuck, always remember when things get tough, and they will, you are God’s choice for this position.”
During the 23 years I served as Director of Deerfoot Lodge, there were many difficult times. Often I would think back to what Dale Harro said: “Remember Chuck, you are God’s Choice”.
Living In Partnership With God is both a comfort…and a challenge!
But then again, I was not in a good situation either!!!!
Almost five months earlier I had been asked to resign – for reasons I did not know. I had a wife and three children, and our money was running out. Emotionally I was not doing real well either, though I was not in as bad a shape as Elijah when “He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord’". I Kings 19:24, and my wife was supportive, not like Job’s wife who said: “Curse God and die!" Job 2:9
During several hours of meeting with the selection committee there were many questions and considerable discussion. I remember being asked something like “Chuck, you have moved five times during your 17 years of ministry. At Sky Ranch you had a year around staff of at least 9. At Deerfoot Lodge you will have a year around staff of 1 - you. What reason do we have to expect that you can adjust to this change, and will stay for more than a few years?”
I had thought through my answer to this question. “I have told the Lord that I would like to spend my life building lives, not building another camp or helping to “fix” another ministry. I would like to remain the Director of Deerfoot Lodge for 25 years, until I retire.”
After being hired as the Director of Deerfoot Lodge, the head of the selection committee, Dale Harro, told me that the selection committee had interviewed eleven candidates, most of whom had Deerfoot experience as camper or staff member. At the end of all the interviews, each member of the selection committee was asked to write down the name of the person they believed should become the Director of Deerfoot Lodge. Every member of the committee wrote down my name. Then he said: “Chuck, always remember when things get tough, and they will, you are God’s choice for this position.”
- Noah was God’s choice, and he built an ark for over 100 years.
- Joseph was God’s choice, and he was sold as a slave and later thrown into prison unjustly.
- Moses was God’s choice, and he was leader of the Israelites in the desert for 40 years.
- Nehemiah was God’s choice, and he had to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem.
- Daniel was God’s choice, and went to the lion’s den.
- John the Baptist, Stephen, Peter, and Paul were God’s choices too.
During the 23 years I served as Director of Deerfoot Lodge, there were many difficult times. Often I would think back to what Dale Harro said: “Remember Chuck, you are God’s Choice”.
Living In Partnership With God is both a comfort…and a challenge!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Waiting... As Life Goes On! #107
Having received the information brochure telling that Deerfoot Lodge was seeking a new camp director…and seeing that the application deadline was past, I called the Chairman of the Selection Committee. Dr. Dale Harro and I talked briefly. He confirmed that the application deadline was past, and then encouraged me to complete and mail my application to him. I would be considered for the position. The application was in the mail the next day – November 2.
Receiving the Deerfoot Lodge application was an incredible experience. Though I had never seen Deerfoot Lodge, I had heard much about this wonderful place. My father had worked as a camp counselor the summers of 1931-2 while in medical school. These were special years as his father had died when he was a teenager and Dad Kunz had been like a father to him. My father told me about the kind of man Dad Kunz was, what the early years of the camp were like, and also…about very carefully sewing up a counselor who had accidentally sat down on a sharp double-bitted ax.
The stated purpose and philosophy of Deerfoot Lodge were essentially what Sally Jo and I had written down two months earlier: We wanted to help young people grow spiritually while providing for them the opportunity to learn skills that people had used through history – fire building, cooking out doors, hiking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, archery, riflery, survival, etc. Sally Jo and I had also written down that we did not want to have offices in two locations which required a weekly commute between the two. Sally Jo and I felt we were a good fit with Deerfoot Lodge.
Meanwhile, life had to go on. On November 6 we had a garage sale. On November 8, Sally Jo was exhausted so stayed home from church, was up only for meals. On the 15th and 16th my dad came for a visit, and, as you can imagine, serious conversation. On the 18th we went out to Sky Ranch to visit the cook and his wife, Dennis and Linda Rice – great people, great friends. Every visit flooded us with memories, both wonderful and tough. On November 19 Sally Jo wrote in her diary “so tired”. On November 25th we made another day trip to the Ranch, this time to help Dennis and Linda move into their new home on the ranch – a beautiful home nearing completion when I was asked to resign. On that trip we also spent time with Walter Hodges. Walter, a retired insurance man, lived just up the road and had worked side by side with Sally Jo as they developed the five acre garden. When his wife, Bonnie, had a stroke, our friendship deepened. We also spent time with Glad, the widow who had financially helped in the development of the new camp facility – another wonderful friend. We would be leaving these friends soon…for somewhere.
Life had to go on - music lessons, soccer practice, horses at the barn, church activities, an orchestra concert, Sally Jo’s weaving class, the teaching of my Sunday school class…and shopping, ironing, and phone calls that included a lengthy conversation with the Deerfoot Lodge selection committee. Through this telephone interview process I learned the committee was talking with many people. As I had no confidence that Deerfoot was the place God would have us – or to put it differently, that the committee would select me, I continued to meet with people whose organizations were interested in hiring me. Emotionally all of this was extremely difficult. It is wonderful to say, even to believe, that God is in control, but we must also acknowledge that human beings make mistakes. I am a human and the selection committee: humans also. Yes, we do live In Partnership With God, and yes, God does work together for good – but there are often huge bumps in the road!
Then came the telephone call we had hoped and prayed for! Would we both fly to NY on December 9 so we could see, for the first time, the Deerfoot Lodge facility, and for my first face to face meeting with the selection committee. So we flew from Texas to see Deerfoot Lodge which had at least a foot of snow. It was a bitter cold day when Dale, and his son, Clayton, took us on a tour of the facility – out to the Island and out to the Point and through innumerable empty cold buildings. Dale later said they were freezing, but thought we wanted to see more, and we were freezing and wondering why they thought we should see it all!
After returning to Dallas I was called: “You are in the final three. Would I please return on the 18th for a second meeting with the selection committee. After the meeting I flew home. Late that night we received a call from Dale Harro: “You will unanimously be recommended to the Deerfoot Lodge Board of Directors as the new Director of Deerfoot Lodge.”
Receiving the Deerfoot Lodge application was an incredible experience. Though I had never seen Deerfoot Lodge, I had heard much about this wonderful place. My father had worked as a camp counselor the summers of 1931-2 while in medical school. These were special years as his father had died when he was a teenager and Dad Kunz had been like a father to him. My father told me about the kind of man Dad Kunz was, what the early years of the camp were like, and also…about very carefully sewing up a counselor who had accidentally sat down on a sharp double-bitted ax.
The stated purpose and philosophy of Deerfoot Lodge were essentially what Sally Jo and I had written down two months earlier: We wanted to help young people grow spiritually while providing for them the opportunity to learn skills that people had used through history – fire building, cooking out doors, hiking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, archery, riflery, survival, etc. Sally Jo and I had also written down that we did not want to have offices in two locations which required a weekly commute between the two. Sally Jo and I felt we were a good fit with Deerfoot Lodge.
Meanwhile, life had to go on. On November 6 we had a garage sale. On November 8, Sally Jo was exhausted so stayed home from church, was up only for meals. On the 15th and 16th my dad came for a visit, and, as you can imagine, serious conversation. On the 18th we went out to Sky Ranch to visit the cook and his wife, Dennis and Linda Rice – great people, great friends. Every visit flooded us with memories, both wonderful and tough. On November 19 Sally Jo wrote in her diary “so tired”. On November 25th we made another day trip to the Ranch, this time to help Dennis and Linda move into their new home on the ranch – a beautiful home nearing completion when I was asked to resign. On that trip we also spent time with Walter Hodges. Walter, a retired insurance man, lived just up the road and had worked side by side with Sally Jo as they developed the five acre garden. When his wife, Bonnie, had a stroke, our friendship deepened. We also spent time with Glad, the widow who had financially helped in the development of the new camp facility – another wonderful friend. We would be leaving these friends soon…for somewhere.
Life had to go on - music lessons, soccer practice, horses at the barn, church activities, an orchestra concert, Sally Jo’s weaving class, the teaching of my Sunday school class…and shopping, ironing, and phone calls that included a lengthy conversation with the Deerfoot Lodge selection committee. Through this telephone interview process I learned the committee was talking with many people. As I had no confidence that Deerfoot was the place God would have us – or to put it differently, that the committee would select me, I continued to meet with people whose organizations were interested in hiring me. Emotionally all of this was extremely difficult. It is wonderful to say, even to believe, that God is in control, but we must also acknowledge that human beings make mistakes. I am a human and the selection committee: humans also. Yes, we do live In Partnership With God, and yes, God does work together for good – but there are often huge bumps in the road!
Then came the telephone call we had hoped and prayed for! Would we both fly to NY on December 9 so we could see, for the first time, the Deerfoot Lodge facility, and for my first face to face meeting with the selection committee. So we flew from Texas to see Deerfoot Lodge which had at least a foot of snow. It was a bitter cold day when Dale, and his son, Clayton, took us on a tour of the facility – out to the Island and out to the Point and through innumerable empty cold buildings. Dale later said they were freezing, but thought we wanted to see more, and we were freezing and wondering why they thought we should see it all!
After returning to Dallas I was called: “You are in the final three. Would I please return on the 18th for a second meeting with the selection committee. After the meeting I flew home. Late that night we received a call from Dale Harro: “You will unanimously be recommended to the Deerfoot Lodge Board of Directors as the new Director of Deerfoot Lodge.”
Monday, August 23, 2010
God's Provisions #106
After Mom’s memorial service we headed back to Dallas. School was starting for our three children, there were two horses, pigeons and chickens to take care of, the girls were into their music lessons, Dirk was practicing with his soccer team, I was teaching a seminar for a Sunday school convention, Chris Phillips, a member of our Bakerville CT church was coming for five days, and two days after he left, the Depuhls were arriving from Christ Camp in Germany for four days on their way to the Christian Camping International Convention in Glorietta, New Mexico – of which I was Chairman.
Yes, it was a crazy three weeks, but the seemingly necessary pace of life kept us focused on current and future events. There was very little time to think about what had happened to us in the previous month. Chris’s visit was therapeutic. He had been a college freshman when we left Connecticut, I was the minister for his wedding, and now he was in the pastorate. The Depuhl’s visit was brain stretching. They had asked Sally Jo and me to come to Germany two years before to help them turn the German farm that he had inherited into a Christian camp. This had been an incredible experience – the old farm buildings were stone, the roof was tile, and they enclosed a large cobble stone court yard. Now they wanted guidance on programming, their brochure, etc.
As for the camping convention - I had delegated everything possible to proven people and they had carried out their assignments incredibly well. Glorietta is the Presbyterian Church’s camp and conference facility. Their staff knew their business, their facility was beautiful and functional, and the hundreds of participants could stay in 1st class rooms, dorms, bring their own trailer or tent, whatever their budget or preference, and we could all eat together in their large cafeteria.
Apart from checking with key people, I was free to be with Sally Jo. During the five days of the convention we were able to spend time with camping friends from around the country, really the world, and meet with people who were interested in our coming to work for them.
It was a wonderful week. I remember sitting in the front row of the auditorium when the photo summary of the convention was completed – and as everyone stood and clapped, I sat and hung my head in tears, tears of thankfulness: the convention had gone well! I had been God’s provision to direct this first International Christian Camping Convention. And the convention was God’s provision to me – I had to see the convention through to a successful conclusion, and did. Meanwhile, Sally Jo, who had watched from the back, was also in tears – tears of pain, confusion and hurt. Camping friends hugged and comforted her.
The drive home was a long one. I remember sitting with Sally Jo in a motel in Wichita Falls, Kansas, at the end of a long day’s drive. We looked at each other – both exhausted – and realized that we had decided to decline every potential job opportunity. Now what? No choice. Get up the next morning and finish the drive to Dallas. It was a long, quiet ride. My mind would go to verses I lived by, that I believe:
Great verses, but…
We had gone to the convention fully expecting to leave with God’s quiet peace in our hearts, the confirmation of what we should do next. Nothing. “God, where is your guidance, where is your provision?”
We got up early the next morning, drove through horrendous rain (description from Sally Jo’s diary) and arrived home for lunch. It was Saturday, October 31, and as we ate together, we all had stories to tell. But when our children asked about a job, laughter turned to silence. It is tough to tell your children – “sorry, but we still do not know what we should do next.”
At the end of the day we sat down and opened the accumulated mail. In the mail – Deerfoot Lodge, in Upstate New York, was seeking a new Director. I met their qualification requirements. Then my heart sank. The deadline for applying was past.
Yes, it was a crazy three weeks, but the seemingly necessary pace of life kept us focused on current and future events. There was very little time to think about what had happened to us in the previous month. Chris’s visit was therapeutic. He had been a college freshman when we left Connecticut, I was the minister for his wedding, and now he was in the pastorate. The Depuhl’s visit was brain stretching. They had asked Sally Jo and me to come to Germany two years before to help them turn the German farm that he had inherited into a Christian camp. This had been an incredible experience – the old farm buildings were stone, the roof was tile, and they enclosed a large cobble stone court yard. Now they wanted guidance on programming, their brochure, etc.
As for the camping convention - I had delegated everything possible to proven people and they had carried out their assignments incredibly well. Glorietta is the Presbyterian Church’s camp and conference facility. Their staff knew their business, their facility was beautiful and functional, and the hundreds of participants could stay in 1st class rooms, dorms, bring their own trailer or tent, whatever their budget or preference, and we could all eat together in their large cafeteria.
Apart from checking with key people, I was free to be with Sally Jo. During the five days of the convention we were able to spend time with camping friends from around the country, really the world, and meet with people who were interested in our coming to work for them.
It was a wonderful week. I remember sitting in the front row of the auditorium when the photo summary of the convention was completed – and as everyone stood and clapped, I sat and hung my head in tears, tears of thankfulness: the convention had gone well! I had been God’s provision to direct this first International Christian Camping Convention. And the convention was God’s provision to me – I had to see the convention through to a successful conclusion, and did. Meanwhile, Sally Jo, who had watched from the back, was also in tears – tears of pain, confusion and hurt. Camping friends hugged and comforted her.
The drive home was a long one. I remember sitting with Sally Jo in a motel in Wichita Falls, Kansas, at the end of a long day’s drive. We looked at each other – both exhausted – and realized that we had decided to decline every potential job opportunity. Now what? No choice. Get up the next morning and finish the drive to Dallas. It was a long, quiet ride. My mind would go to verses I lived by, that I believe:
- “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your path.” -- Proverbs 3:5-6
- “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” -- Romans 8:28
- “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not lack any good thing.” -- Psalm 23:1
- “Be still, and know I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." -- Psalm 46:10
Great verses, but…
We had gone to the convention fully expecting to leave with God’s quiet peace in our hearts, the confirmation of what we should do next. Nothing. “God, where is your guidance, where is your provision?”
We got up early the next morning, drove through horrendous rain (description from Sally Jo’s diary) and arrived home for lunch. It was Saturday, October 31, and as we ate together, we all had stories to tell. But when our children asked about a job, laughter turned to silence. It is tough to tell your children – “sorry, but we still do not know what we should do next.”
At the end of the day we sat down and opened the accumulated mail. In the mail – Deerfoot Lodge, in Upstate New York, was seeking a new Director. I met their qualification requirements. Then my heart sank. The deadline for applying was past.
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Results of Stress #105
- Perhaps I could have cast more of my burden upon the Lord so He could have better cared for me – Psalm 55:22
- Perhaps I could have trusted in the Lord more, confident that he would direct my path – Proverbs 3:5-6
- Perhaps I could have put more of the recent past behind me so as to better press on for God’s high calling– Philippians 3:13-14
- Perhaps I could have forgiven more completely – Matthew 18:21-22
- Perhaps I could have more completely been still before the Lord, waiting patiently for Him – Psalm 37:7
Honest, I was doing my best to do all of these things. I had experienced God’s care and provision many times. I had experience in casting my burden, in trusting the Lord, of pressing on through difficult experiences, forgiving when it seemed impossible, and experience in resting in God’s care.
Nevertheless…I went crunch sometime in the fall of 1981
- Having lost my job and been unable to learn why
- Having to be part of a family that suddenly had its focus of time and energy stripped away
- Having to give up our recently completed home at the ranch
- Having to walk away from the Sky Ranch secretary and business manager who were good friends
- Having to talk with all manner of people about “it all”, which was good, but exhausting
- Having been with my mom when she died
- Having turned down excellent job opportunities because neither Sally Jo or I believed them God’s will
- Having to go to our church, where five Sky Ranch Board members attended – and many others who knew what had happened and did not know why
- Having the responsibility for the Christian Camping International Convention in New Mexico in two months
- At some point I realized that my blood pressure had gone way up and I had to go on blood pressure medication
- At some point I realized that, at least weekly, when in bed with my eyes closed, our bedroom would turn on its side and I would have to open my eyes to get re-oriented
- At some point I realized that, at least weekly, I was not seeing my physical environment like it really was, but rather as a picture distorted and stretched out – like some Salvador Dali paintings. At the same time I realized that, most often when driving, I would feel like I was in a tunnel - and the area around my tunnel was very dark and closing in on me. As I drove on, gradually the true world would return and I would be OK.
I pressed on, for the above did not prevent me from living a “normal” life.
Both Sally Jo and I came to realize that, due to our investment of time and energy, and the contributions of many family and friends, we would not have left Sky – apart from a “clear message from God”. Being asked to resign became that clear message - but it seemed to be a senseless, painful way to receive this message. We had good reason to believe what had happened was meant for evil, but how could God work this for good? Genesis 45:5, Romans 8:28
After hours of discussion, Sally Jo and I wrote out what we believed would be the type of ministry where we should be serving. What we wrote was a very different situation from where we had been serving.
Our desire to live In Partnership With God was never in question.
But when?
But where?
Monday, August 9, 2010
Chuck, Your Mom Has Had A Heart Attack! #104
On my way home from another futile attempt at finding out what I had done that had brought about being asked to resign, I walked by a store window and saw a belt that matched our daughter, Carla’s, cowboy boots. When I called Sally Jo to get Carla’s waist measurement, she told me the news: “Chuck, your mom has had a heart attack. Come home quickly. I have booked a flight for you.” I went in, bought the belt, and headed home.
Within a few hours I was in the plane, my mind spinning. My mom, who was deeply involved in a variety of ministries herself, rejoiced in how the Lord was using me in His work in wonderful ways. She was very aware of the powerful impact recent events were having on our family - mom and I had talked on the telephone many times. It was a shared, painful bewilderment. I had a long flight home.
When told about mom’s heart attack, it was not a total surprise. Twelve years earlier, when mom was 60, my sister was with our parents when she had her first and second heart attacks. As quickly as possible mom was scheduled for triple by-pass heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Six weeks after the surgery our mom, very weak and frail, sat proudly at her daughter’s wedding.
For the next twelve years mom, though very active, was not physically strong. Dad, a physician, and mom had agreed that if she had another heart attack, or a stroke – no heroics. When I arrived home (Wheaton, IL) Dad told my sister, who had flown in from California, and me how he and mom were playing with grand children in their swimming pool when mom collapsed. Though he remembered their promise, he could not help himself - he could not just watch his wife die. Quickly the ambulance arrived and, on the trip to the hospital, it was necessary to re-start her heart three times.
Mom went into a coma and, after several days, my sister reluctantly returned to her husband and three children. Eight days after the first heart attack the neurologist told us there was no way our mom could return to anything like a normal life. Her brain was dead. I remember standing in the kitchen with dad and my two physician brothers, who lived in Wheaton, and making the decision: “stop the IV medicine”. Eight hours later she died. The next day Sally Jo and our three children arrived from Texas. My sister, her husband Lee, and their children arrived from California.
The memorial service was an incredible experience. The church sanctuary, which seated 400, was full, with people standing along the sides and in the back. The children’s choir filled the choir loft.
Billy Graham and his crusade soloist, Bev Shea, close friends of my parents, came to participate in the service. We sang the great hymns of the faith with tears streaming down our cheeks. Bev sang the verses of “How Great Thou Art” and we all joined in on the chorus. Billy told how my mom had made more ministers and missionary husbands happy than perhaps any other woman in Christendom – by giving their wives sexy night gowns. You can imagine the laughter. He then told he had come from being with his wife, Ruth, who just had a hip replacement. As Ruth was taking her first steps down the hospital hallway, wearing a beautiful night gown and robe my mom had given her, a man whistled at her. With laughter Billy said: “I do not think it hurt her a bit!” The church’s pastor then told about mom’s relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am confident the non-Christians present had never been to such a celebration: A life truly lived In Partnership With God.
After the service our family went to a large room where we were asked to stand in a receiving line. The people coming by remain a blur…except for the many girls from foreign countries who were studying at Wheaton College. In tears, some sobbing, they said “what will we ever do without our American mother?”
No job. No understanding of why. A struggling family. And now, no mom.
"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him" -- Job 13:15
Within a few hours I was in the plane, my mind spinning. My mom, who was deeply involved in a variety of ministries herself, rejoiced in how the Lord was using me in His work in wonderful ways. She was very aware of the powerful impact recent events were having on our family - mom and I had talked on the telephone many times. It was a shared, painful bewilderment. I had a long flight home.
When told about mom’s heart attack, it was not a total surprise. Twelve years earlier, when mom was 60, my sister was with our parents when she had her first and second heart attacks. As quickly as possible mom was scheduled for triple by-pass heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Six weeks after the surgery our mom, very weak and frail, sat proudly at her daughter’s wedding.
For the next twelve years mom, though very active, was not physically strong. Dad, a physician, and mom had agreed that if she had another heart attack, or a stroke – no heroics. When I arrived home (Wheaton, IL) Dad told my sister, who had flown in from California, and me how he and mom were playing with grand children in their swimming pool when mom collapsed. Though he remembered their promise, he could not help himself - he could not just watch his wife die. Quickly the ambulance arrived and, on the trip to the hospital, it was necessary to re-start her heart three times.
Mom went into a coma and, after several days, my sister reluctantly returned to her husband and three children. Eight days after the first heart attack the neurologist told us there was no way our mom could return to anything like a normal life. Her brain was dead. I remember standing in the kitchen with dad and my two physician brothers, who lived in Wheaton, and making the decision: “stop the IV medicine”. Eight hours later she died. The next day Sally Jo and our three children arrived from Texas. My sister, her husband Lee, and their children arrived from California.
The memorial service was an incredible experience. The church sanctuary, which seated 400, was full, with people standing along the sides and in the back. The children’s choir filled the choir loft.
Billy Graham and his crusade soloist, Bev Shea, close friends of my parents, came to participate in the service. We sang the great hymns of the faith with tears streaming down our cheeks. Bev sang the verses of “How Great Thou Art” and we all joined in on the chorus. Billy told how my mom had made more ministers and missionary husbands happy than perhaps any other woman in Christendom – by giving their wives sexy night gowns. You can imagine the laughter. He then told he had come from being with his wife, Ruth, who just had a hip replacement. As Ruth was taking her first steps down the hospital hallway, wearing a beautiful night gown and robe my mom had given her, a man whistled at her. With laughter Billy said: “I do not think it hurt her a bit!” The church’s pastor then told about mom’s relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am confident the non-Christians present had never been to such a celebration: A life truly lived In Partnership With God.
After the service our family went to a large room where we were asked to stand in a receiving line. The people coming by remain a blur…except for the many girls from foreign countries who were studying at Wheaton College. In tears, some sobbing, they said “what will we ever do without our American mother?”
No job. No understanding of why. A struggling family. And now, no mom.
"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him" -- Job 13:15
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Poland Report!
To “In Partnership With God” people and family - POLAND report
Sally Jo and I, plus 5 other church members, are back from our short term mission trip to Poland – leading/ teaching an English Bible Day Camp for children. We both knew the still small voice that said “go”. Several human factors played into this selection by God…and our decision to go. Probably the greatest was that we were being asked by the Lutheran Church in Mikolow, Poland to do what they could not do – teach the Bible and run a day camp in English. Children want to learn English – and to have fun at a day camp. Other factors: Sally Jo and I have experience teaching children, know a bit about camp activities, have traveled in foreign countries, and are in good health.
The final factor: Sally Jo was chosen to be chairman of the Mission Committee at our church – a church which does excellent work within the Albany area, but has little personal relationship with foreign missionaries and has never had a short term foreign mission trip.
We were originally told to expect 30 children – then came the word…we are up to 57. We upped the supplies we were taking and were ready when 72 arrived that first morning, including 20 teenagers which Sally Jo taught. This program was sponsored by a church with an average attendance of 125 in a country that is 98% Roman Catholic – and was under communism just 21 years ago.
We arrived in Poland with with detailed lesson plans – and over 200 lb of teaching, craft, and athletic supplies. With Sally Jo’s coaching and prodding we had prepared carefully, but perhaps even more important was the preparation of the local church! Incredible people! Their PR was obviously excellent! They had rented a 24X36’ tent complete with pine tables and benches primarily to “house” the craft program. There were eight good translators eager to work with us. We arrived at the church on Saturday, and church members had planned every minute through Sunday 9 days later.
On Monday morning at 9:00 the program was to begin in the beautiful, 200 year old sanctuary with singing and an introduction to the Bible lesson. We had been warned: the kids would be arriving about 8:30 to play with the Frisbees, various balls, and to talk, and they did. At 9:00 everyone was there, eager to learn, to participate. Our pastor, who was a team member, is a great guitar player – for kid’s choruses. Each morning, and again at 3:30 he, Sally Jo, and a translator led the singing…mostly in English. But how about Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah, Praise ye the Lord – in Polish!!!
A few highlights:
As we prepared to leave, one of the translators said “This week I have had a revival in my heart”. We left knowing we had planted and watered many seeds. We left a greatly encouraged church that will follow up on these children.
We left with tears – theirs and ours! It was a great week!!!
Thank you for going with us in spirit…and for many of you, in intercessory prayer.
Sally Jo and I, plus 5 other church members, are back from our short term mission trip to Poland – leading/ teaching an English Bible Day Camp for children. We both knew the still small voice that said “go”. Several human factors played into this selection by God…and our decision to go. Probably the greatest was that we were being asked by the Lutheran Church in Mikolow, Poland to do what they could not do – teach the Bible and run a day camp in English. Children want to learn English – and to have fun at a day camp. Other factors: Sally Jo and I have experience teaching children, know a bit about camp activities, have traveled in foreign countries, and are in good health.
The final factor: Sally Jo was chosen to be chairman of the Mission Committee at our church – a church which does excellent work within the Albany area, but has little personal relationship with foreign missionaries and has never had a short term foreign mission trip.
We were originally told to expect 30 children – then came the word…we are up to 57. We upped the supplies we were taking and were ready when 72 arrived that first morning, including 20 teenagers which Sally Jo taught. This program was sponsored by a church with an average attendance of 125 in a country that is 98% Roman Catholic – and was under communism just 21 years ago.
We arrived in Poland with with detailed lesson plans – and over 200 lb of teaching, craft, and athletic supplies. With Sally Jo’s coaching and prodding we had prepared carefully, but perhaps even more important was the preparation of the local church! Incredible people! Their PR was obviously excellent! They had rented a 24X36’ tent complete with pine tables and benches primarily to “house” the craft program. There were eight good translators eager to work with us. We arrived at the church on Saturday, and church members had planned every minute through Sunday 9 days later.
On Monday morning at 9:00 the program was to begin in the beautiful, 200 year old sanctuary with singing and an introduction to the Bible lesson. We had been warned: the kids would be arriving about 8:30 to play with the Frisbees, various balls, and to talk, and they did. At 9:00 everyone was there, eager to learn, to participate. Our pastor, who was a team member, is a great guitar player – for kid’s choruses. Each morning, and again at 3:30 he, Sally Jo, and a translator led the singing…mostly in English. But how about Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah, Praise ye the Lord – in Polish!!!
A few highlights:
- After each group of 8 finished decorating cupcakes (almost un-known in Poland), placing and lighting their candles …the 8 sang the Polish equivalent of “Happy Birthday” to Jesus – totally the kid’s idea.
- When acting out the story of the Prodigal Son, one little boy, with a sign around his neck saying “pig”, after being fed by the prodigal son…jumped up and laid down on a bench and said “now I be roast pig for the party”
- The kid’s intensity as they worked on their craft projects: Christmas tree ornaments, place mats, book marks, banners – which they took home, plus 15 murals put up in the entrance to the church. Each reinforced the day’s Bible lesson.
- About ½ the kids coming on Sunday morning, wearing their matching t-shirts, to sing the choruses learned during the week. It was moving to look see smiles in the congregation – a few trying to do the motions for the songs with the children.
As we prepared to leave, one of the translators said “This week I have had a revival in my heart”. We left knowing we had planted and watered many seeds. We left a greatly encouraged church that will follow up on these children.
We left with tears – theirs and ours! It was a great week!!!
Thank you for going with us in spirit…and for many of you, in intercessory prayer.
Monday, July 12, 2010
IPWG explanation - I am not dead!
Dear forgiving people!
I am in into life...way over my head. I will not be able to send another until August.
I have been at DL for a couple weekends (working with staff, then guides...and Lone Eagle ceremony, leading singing...all good stuff!), to 5 day family reunion in KY for another, and head out to Poland on this Wednesday AM for 17 days where we will be leading/teaching a 5 day day camp in English (8:30 to 4:00). This has been set up by a Polish Lutheran church - 7 of us are coming at their invitation to run the camp. We will teach Bible lessons in English...everything in English - we have whole ball of wax!
Do, really do, hold us in prayer. The camp has grown from an expected 30 to 72 - ages 7-15 plus young translators plus 4 moms who teach English....and may still be growing. (13 of 72 are 13-15) Due to this change in number we have had to modify plans and almost triple supplies we are taking...196 lb now! This church was begun in 1600 - pastor killed in WW I, deported to Germany as POW in 1945...old sanctuary destroyed by bombs - did not rebuild until 1960. Only protestant church in large town/city in most industrialized area in all of Europe. Guide book says it is like "walking into a cold shower".
I will move next in IPWG to the death of my mom - a stroke...probably a result of what was happening to us. Then go into my psychosomatic/physical response - a real crunch time.
I look forward to getting back to you, but each IPWG takes me 4 to 8 hr to prepare...and I just do not have the time right now.
Sally Jo and I are doing fine...
chuck
I am in into life...way over my head. I will not be able to send another until August.
I have been at DL for a couple weekends (working with staff, then guides...and Lone Eagle ceremony, leading singing...all good stuff!), to 5 day family reunion in KY for another, and head out to Poland on this Wednesday AM for 17 days where we will be leading/teaching a 5 day day camp in English (8:30 to 4:00). This has been set up by a Polish Lutheran church - 7 of us are coming at their invitation to run the camp. We will teach Bible lessons in English...everything in English - we have whole ball of wax!
Do, really do, hold us in prayer. The camp has grown from an expected 30 to 72 - ages 7-15 plus young translators plus 4 moms who teach English....and may still be growing. (13 of 72 are 13-15) Due to this change in number we have had to modify plans and almost triple supplies we are taking...196 lb now! This church was begun in 1600 - pastor killed in WW I, deported to Germany as POW in 1945...old sanctuary destroyed by bombs - did not rebuild until 1960. Only protestant church in large town/city in most industrialized area in all of Europe. Guide book says it is like "walking into a cold shower".
I will move next in IPWG to the death of my mom - a stroke...probably a result of what was happening to us. Then go into my psychosomatic/physical response - a real crunch time.
I look forward to getting back to you, but each IPWG takes me 4 to 8 hr to prepare...and I just do not have the time right now.
Sally Jo and I are doing fine...
chuck
Monday, June 28, 2010
Excitement to Brokenness #103
Our family had looked forward to Sky Ranch’s 25th Anniversary Banquet for many months. The move to the East Texas location had proved to be a good one. It was at this banquet the announcement was to be made that Gladys Lankford was giving a chapel for Sky Ranch.
On August 3 I was asked to resign, and was told that Sally Jo and I should not plan on attending the banquet. Soon after I resigned, Glad told Sky Ranch she was no longer interested in giving a chapel.
As August 22 approached, Carla and Jenna asked if they could attend the banquet. They knew that Sally Jo and I had been asked not to attend, but no one said they could not go. They knew many of their staff and camper friends would be there. Our kids loved Sky Ranch and left our home with great anticipation. They returned home several hours later, truly in shock. Sally Jo and I had never been mentioned during the entire evening – seven years of our lives passed over as if we never existed.
Carla’s response to the evening was: “Dad, if Christians would do this to you, they would do anything to anybody”. I had to agree.
I can quote “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” -- I Peter 5:7. I believed God cared for me, for my family – that heaven will be fair – but this did not remove the pain of the now!
I can work at “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” -- Philippians 4:13-14. But working at this though I did, bewilderment continued!
King David wrote: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent…I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: ‘He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him'". These words from Psalm 22 also expressed the ache of Jesus on the cross.
If I stop here, either in my thinking or my writing, I further bury myself in despair. King David went on to write Psalm 23. “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
It was six months before I could see, that whereas some people meant what happened for evil, God meant it for good! Living In Partnership With God is hard work, because it requires faith, sometimes a blind, struggling faith, while the world beats us up. We should not hesitate to cry out as did the father of the demon filled son “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" -- Mark 9:24.
On August 3 I was asked to resign, and was told that Sally Jo and I should not plan on attending the banquet. Soon after I resigned, Glad told Sky Ranch she was no longer interested in giving a chapel.
As August 22 approached, Carla and Jenna asked if they could attend the banquet. They knew that Sally Jo and I had been asked not to attend, but no one said they could not go. They knew many of their staff and camper friends would be there. Our kids loved Sky Ranch and left our home with great anticipation. They returned home several hours later, truly in shock. Sally Jo and I had never been mentioned during the entire evening – seven years of our lives passed over as if we never existed.
Carla’s response to the evening was: “Dad, if Christians would do this to you, they would do anything to anybody”. I had to agree.
I can quote “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” -- I Peter 5:7. I believed God cared for me, for my family – that heaven will be fair – but this did not remove the pain of the now!
I can work at “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” -- Philippians 4:13-14. But working at this though I did, bewilderment continued!
King David wrote: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent…I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: ‘He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him'". These words from Psalm 22 also expressed the ache of Jesus on the cross.
If I stop here, either in my thinking or my writing, I further bury myself in despair. King David went on to write Psalm 23. “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
It was six months before I could see, that whereas some people meant what happened for evil, God meant it for good! Living In Partnership With God is hard work, because it requires faith, sometimes a blind, struggling faith, while the world beats us up. We should not hesitate to cry out as did the father of the demon filled son “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" -- Mark 9:24.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Now What Do We Do? #102
Our family had a very serious discussion: should we stay in camping, or should I go back into church ministry? Our conclusion, very much fueled by our children, was to stay in camping.
Ted Clifford invited me to have breakfast with him. He was the “oil and gas” business man who said to me: “I am like a steward – I take care of what the boss gives me till I get to the end of the line”. (IPWG # 91) Over breakfast Ted told me that if I would like to build and direct another camp/conference center, he would pay for it.
Clayton Bell asked if I would be interested in developing a camp/conference center for the Highland Park Presbyterian Church.
Darryl Coates, the building contractor who had developed Jan Kay Ranch as a rental facility for churches, (IPWG # 96) told me I could have half of everything he owned – except his wife. Darryl meant it!
These were wonderful opportunities provided by men who trusted me – in spite of the fact that the Sky Ranch Board of Directors had asked me to resign for no stated reason. In two of these opportunities the men would be making a large personal investment – and I would be working with them, not under a board of directors.
Beginning another ministry in the Dallas area, with an excellent facility, could only create competition for several existing quality camp/conference ministries in the area - including Sky Ranch. I was determined not to undermine Sky Ranch in any way, and besides, with what we were living through, we knew we had to leave the Dallas area.
Sally Jo and I met with Dr. Robertson McQuilkin who asked me to consider developing the Cove facility and ministry in North Carolina. As we talked about this, Sally Jo and I realized we really did not want to be involved with the development of another facility. As Billy Graham said, “Every invitation is not a calling.”
We came to realize that what we really wanted to do, what we believed God would have us do was:
As to what God would specifically have us do, we had no clue! For me it was back to Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” In the King James Version the last phrase is “he will direct our path.” Today I would add to this verse Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
When unemployed, it is difficult to trust the Lord to direct us to the work (not just vocational work) He has already planned for us to do. Waiting patiently for the Lord to direct, to go before, can be frustrating, frightening, painful.
When living In Partnership With God, we have no choice but to trust and be open to whatever He would have us do. God has demonstrated He has many ways to communicate with His people.
Ted Clifford invited me to have breakfast with him. He was the “oil and gas” business man who said to me: “I am like a steward – I take care of what the boss gives me till I get to the end of the line”. (IPWG # 91) Over breakfast Ted told me that if I would like to build and direct another camp/conference center, he would pay for it.
Clayton Bell asked if I would be interested in developing a camp/conference center for the Highland Park Presbyterian Church.
Darryl Coates, the building contractor who had developed Jan Kay Ranch as a rental facility for churches, (IPWG # 96) told me I could have half of everything he owned – except his wife. Darryl meant it!
These were wonderful opportunities provided by men who trusted me – in spite of the fact that the Sky Ranch Board of Directors had asked me to resign for no stated reason. In two of these opportunities the men would be making a large personal investment – and I would be working with them, not under a board of directors.
Beginning another ministry in the Dallas area, with an excellent facility, could only create competition for several existing quality camp/conference ministries in the area - including Sky Ranch. I was determined not to undermine Sky Ranch in any way, and besides, with what we were living through, we knew we had to leave the Dallas area.
Sally Jo and I met with Dr. Robertson McQuilkin who asked me to consider developing the Cove facility and ministry in North Carolina. As we talked about this, Sally Jo and I realized we really did not want to be involved with the development of another facility. As Billy Graham said, “Every invitation is not a calling.”
We came to realize that what we really wanted to do, what we believed God would have us do was:
- To work directly with the people to whom we would minister
- To encourage the development of capable, godly young people.
- To provide the opportunity to learn basic life and recreational skills young people could use throughout their lives
- To not be overly involved with fundraising – as Sally Jo put it: “more the L’Abri model” (God will provide) .
As to what God would specifically have us do, we had no clue! For me it was back to Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” In the King James Version the last phrase is “he will direct our path.” Today I would add to this verse Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
When unemployed, it is difficult to trust the Lord to direct us to the work (not just vocational work) He has already planned for us to do. Waiting patiently for the Lord to direct, to go before, can be frustrating, frightening, painful.
When living In Partnership With God, we have no choice but to trust and be open to whatever He would have us do. God has demonstrated He has many ways to communicate with His people.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Matagorda Island – Unreal Experience!! #101
On Friday evening, ten days after being asked to resign, Sally Jo and I were having dinner with friends when the telephone rang - it was Clayton Bell. Clayton and Peggy became close friends in Dothan, AL where Clayton was pastor of 1st Presbyterian Church, and I was his assistant. Clayton was now the Pastor of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, and we had been with them often during the previous seven years. Clayton said that he and Peggy would like our family to join theirs for four days on Matagorda Island. We had no clue what or where Matagorda Island was, but…we’d go.
Two days later the Bells and the Giesers joined members of the host family, with staff from their Dallas home, boarded a large private plane, the interior of which was much more like a family room than the inside of an airplane. We flew to their private landing field on Matagorda Island – which was 38 Miles long, located about 30 miles north of Corpus Christi. Several years later the family gave the island to the state of Texas, and it is now on maps as “Matagorda Island State Park and Wildlife Management Area.”
Welcome to a dream world. We were warmly welcomed and taken to our rooms, located on a long wing of the house where the ocean breeze would blow through. Our rooms were simply, but beautifully furnished, down to the last detail, including fresh flowers. We were soon taken by 4 wheel drive vehicles to see the island – which birds, which included flocks of roseate spoonbills, deer and other wild animals shared with the cattle and cowboys. For four days this was our private play ground.
When we went surf fishing, an experienced fisherman was waiting on the beach with the fishing trailer. He gave us lessons, baited our hooks, unhooked the fish, and then packed them on ice – for us to enjoy at a coming meal. This was also true when we went crabbing. We enjoyed the body surfing, shelling, mini-bike riding, feeding deer, and watching Carla gallop down the beach on a horse chosen to match her riding ability. When we returned to the long white house, we all knew there was a large stainless steel refrigerator full of all kinds of drinks…help yourself.
We dressed for dinner. Every meal was served on a plate appropriate for the meal. Round plates with the star brand on which to eat steak, fish shaped plates for the fish we had caught – I do not think we ate on the same pattern of plate for four days. As there were children, food was always prepared the children would enjoy – including macaroni and cheese!
In the evening deadly coral snakes lay on the warm surfaces. No one went outside at night! After an incredible meal, a kid-friendly movie was shown. I remember that during the movie a large velvet box of candy was passed around, refilled and re-circulated – a nightly ritual. Adults were welcome to watch the movie, play games, or talk together.
Four wonderful days placed in the middle of a time of internal confusion. A gift from God!
Even as I write this I am aware that many live in, or go through, extremely difficult situations, be it dealing with a family situation, a serious accident, an illness like cancer, or dementia or Alzheimer’s. We cannot provide a Matagorda Island experience, but we can provide a hug, a meal, or perhaps a silent presence that says “I am here for you. I love you.”
As we live In Partnership With God, we also live with human beings, the work of His hands. This world can be a brutal place. Jesus said “I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.” -- Mark 9:21
Two days later the Bells and the Giesers joined members of the host family, with staff from their Dallas home, boarded a large private plane, the interior of which was much more like a family room than the inside of an airplane. We flew to their private landing field on Matagorda Island – which was 38 Miles long, located about 30 miles north of Corpus Christi. Several years later the family gave the island to the state of Texas, and it is now on maps as “Matagorda Island State Park and Wildlife Management Area.”
Welcome to a dream world. We were warmly welcomed and taken to our rooms, located on a long wing of the house where the ocean breeze would blow through. Our rooms were simply, but beautifully furnished, down to the last detail, including fresh flowers. We were soon taken by 4 wheel drive vehicles to see the island – which birds, which included flocks of roseate spoonbills, deer and other wild animals shared with the cattle and cowboys. For four days this was our private play ground.
When we went surf fishing, an experienced fisherman was waiting on the beach with the fishing trailer. He gave us lessons, baited our hooks, unhooked the fish, and then packed them on ice – for us to enjoy at a coming meal. This was also true when we went crabbing. We enjoyed the body surfing, shelling, mini-bike riding, feeding deer, and watching Carla gallop down the beach on a horse chosen to match her riding ability. When we returned to the long white house, we all knew there was a large stainless steel refrigerator full of all kinds of drinks…help yourself.
We dressed for dinner. Every meal was served on a plate appropriate for the meal. Round plates with the star brand on which to eat steak, fish shaped plates for the fish we had caught – I do not think we ate on the same pattern of plate for four days. As there were children, food was always prepared the children would enjoy – including macaroni and cheese!
In the evening deadly coral snakes lay on the warm surfaces. No one went outside at night! After an incredible meal, a kid-friendly movie was shown. I remember that during the movie a large velvet box of candy was passed around, refilled and re-circulated – a nightly ritual. Adults were welcome to watch the movie, play games, or talk together.
Four wonderful days placed in the middle of a time of internal confusion. A gift from God!
Even as I write this I am aware that many live in, or go through, extremely difficult situations, be it dealing with a family situation, a serious accident, an illness like cancer, or dementia or Alzheimer’s. We cannot provide a Matagorda Island experience, but we can provide a hug, a meal, or perhaps a silent presence that says “I am here for you. I love you.”
As we live In Partnership With God, we also live with human beings, the work of His hands. This world can be a brutal place. Jesus said “I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.” -- Mark 9:21