Journey

September 2004

As the waning days of summer usher in the glorious days of fall, we pause to reflect on the first year of Home Improvement Ministries and are filled with humble awe at God's faithfulness and goodness. Who could have predicted a year ago that we'd speak to over 14,000 people in over two hundred different sessions during the year? God has exceedingly and abundantly met us and we give thanks.

That was the overwhelming sentiment shared by the 270 attendees of our first H.I.M. Family Camp, held August 15-21 at Geneva Point Center on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. For so many who had become passionate about family camps during the previous six years, it was a huge answer to prayer that H.I.M. was invited to fill the vacancy created by a late cancellation at GPC. The spirit of joy and thanksgiving was palpable throughout the week as we experienced community through shared moments at meals, in worship, through inspired teaching, and at play. The theme, "The Family that Listens to God", was illustrated through the life of Noah and his family and made very practical during small-group Bible Studies for the adults and great peer group sessions led by extraordinary college students. Excellent, Biblical teaching was presented each morning by Dr. David Hegg, who traveled with his wife Cherylyn from California to serve the camp. Wonderful times of family worship were led by Billy Flippin and team, with "The Butterfly Song," "I am Somebody", and "Days of Elijah" all vying to be camp favorites. The always creative and innovative Game Show evening didn't disappoint, with this year's original "Pairody" (a play on "Jeopardy" and "pairs"-inspired by Noah and the ark) hitting a home run. Square dancing, line dancing, and swing dancing filled Wednesday evening with laughter and fun, and the "Family Matters" panel Thursday night was a highlight for many. Baptisms Friday afternoon were solemn and celebratory, and endless testimonies Friday evening after the banquet reflected that Family Camp had truly been a week full of blessings from God.

As one family wrote, "Family Camp blessed our lives in so many ways . . . a new family tradition has begun! We were so blessed by the investments you have made. Thank you so much." Another expressed this sentiment for many: "Family Camp was a taste of heaven. Living in community with ones we love, 24/7, being taught God's Word with such clarity and passion, having time to relax and have fun together as a family . . . it was the best way to spend a week of vacation with a purpose."

Without Jim and Stacey Higgins, Doug and Julie Macrae, and Guy and Barbara Steele, Family Camp wouldn't have happened and we are deeply grateful for such a reliable, hard working team around us. We are grateful for the many other people who pitched in in a variety of ways; it truly was a group effort which produced an unforgettable and growth-producing week for all.

Paul and I "lake-hopped" the following week as we spoke at Camp Berea's Family Camp, located on Newfound Lake, NH. It was a different experience for us to "just" speak at a Family Camp, and we really enjoyed seeing how another camp "does" it. We were most impressed with Craig and Bonnie Ward, Family Camp Program Directors, and felt their focus and ours were on the same page. The girls joined us for a couple of days and shared the teaching on family relationships; we’re always grateful for those opportunities. What a privilege to spend another week encouraging families in their journey towards Christ!

The almost last hurrah of the summer was huge: the one-year birthday celebration for HIM. And what a party it was! Doug and Julie Macrae opened their home for an all-family barbeque and pool party. God provided perfect weather for the event-hot and muggy-making the pool the center of activity. For others, the bouncy house, ping pong, volley ball, frisbee all provided fun moments. About 200 attended the gala, and all collectively rejoiced in God's goodness and grace to H.I.M. So many commented on the delight of being together, from babies to grandparents, experiencing community in tangible ways. It was a wonderful exclamation point to a deeply satisfying, kingdom building summer.

The OFFICIAL end to the summer came the following weekend, Labor Day, as we flew to California to speak for Bayside Covenant Church's Family Camp, held at Mission Springs in Santa Cruz. Never lacking in energy or creativity, Bayside's ministry team put together a fun-filled, family-building experience for the 400 attendees of the camp. We thoroughly enjoyed interacting with families whose desire was to grow in His ways and build their marriages and families according to His design. It was a great privilege to have our daughters join us in teaching again. We love family camps! We truly believe this venue is one of the most effective for making a long term impact on families and are so grateful to have been involved in nine weeks of Family Camps this summer.

The fall now looms before us. We've packed away our shorts and flip flops, have watched our sun-touched skin begin to fade, and have taken a deep breath of thanksgiving and fulfillment as we've reflected on a truly grace-filled summer. We enter the season ahead with confidence that God will continue to be faithful and good. For though the seasons change, He never does. Praise Him!