Mid-Summer and July 4th

We have hit the halfway mark for camp!  This week begins our second Maverick Camp, which is Jr. High age.  The four age groups for camp are: Colt (7-9 year olds), Bronco (10-11 year olds), Maverick (Jr. High), and Sr. High.  We have had one of each so far, plus a second Sr. High camp.  Please continue praying for these campers and the counselors (and the work staff!).  Many are hearing the gospel for the first time and many more are thinking hard about spiritual questions, issues, and what they believe.  I continue to be thoroughly impressed with these counselors as they pour themselves into the campers, spending a great deal of focused time with them and talking with them about life and God.  Pray for these counselors because several have gone weeks with no break from counseling and are on the verge of burn-out.  Pray for renewed strength and the rest that Jesus promises to the weary.  It is good to be able to talk with and encourage these hard-working saints.

Ryan is ready for work

Angie washes pots and pans with counselor Emily

This past weekend was a short but nice respite for us as we all went into town for the 4^th of July and the annual parade through Juneau.  Echo Ranch has a float and we all walk the parade (a total of 3 miles) and hand out candy.  It always amazes me how many people come to the parade.  I realize that two or three cruise ships were docked at that time, but that still leaves a great number of people who live here that come out.  It is so packed at certain spots, particularly when we hit the downtown area.  We saw many campers and their families throughout the parade. 

It has been a joy to work with the work staff this summer as well.  They are very hardworking folks and it has been a growing process for us to figure out how to mentor them as we also oversee their work cleaning. 

Brian and Charlene Hardee came to camp for two weeks as Brian was the chapel speaker

Prayers

• For a young camper and his family.  The Lord knows the details.

• For counselors – many are battling illness and fatigue.

• For us to do the next half of camping season with as much enthusiasm as the first.

Thanksgivings

• For people working together to do God’s work and the Holy Spirit moving hearts – we heard an encouraging story of a mother sending some teenagers to camp because she was concerned they were headed in a very wrong direction and would find themselves in very real trouble if they didn’t change.  Not only did those kids receive Christ, they received Bibles and read them on the ferry ride back home.

• For large puddles to jump in and the creativity of children to find fun in any and all weather, especially rain! 

• For all of you!!  Your prayers are felt all the time!