A Senior Moment

I bet when you read the title you thought Roy must be "losing it". Maybe you simply thought I'd forgotten to write this week and just realized it. Well, my memory isn't what it used to be but that's not tonight's topic.

We just concluded "Senior Night" during Camp Nathanael's high school camp. It's a special night as everyone, well almost everyone, dresses up real nice in your not so typical camp attire. We enjoy a wonderful dinner in a beautifully decorated dining hall with table clothes and candles. The campers who are graduated seniors sit at the head table and everyone has a great time.

But that's not the highlight of the evening. That comes as we gather in the Chapel and the seniors are recognized and have an opportunity to say whatever they'd like. I've never been to one of these evenings without being moved at the impact Camp Nathanael and Christian fellowship can have on a person. Most of these students we've watched grow up year by year at camp. One young lady was recognized for completing the Bible lessons for camp attendance for 11 straight years.

One by one each senior (14 in all) shared with the other 110 campers. One camper told of how when he was in the third grade a tall, skinny, bald headed man came into his classroom with a wooden dummy (Larry Toner and his dummy, Lutie) and scared him to death. But he began to memorize the Bible verses for camp attendance and he's glad he did.

A senior camper who had accepted Christ this week simply said, "Camp Nathanael rocks!" A young lady, after several attempts to get past her tears, shared how she had spent nine weeks at camp, one week each summer for nine years. She said that's not that long in the scheme of things but they were so important to her. Another told of not growing up in a Christian home. It was at camp she first learned to pray before a meal. It was at camp where she got her strength to live the Christian life. Others thanked counselors, mission staff and fellow campers for the great experience of camp and the influence they had on their life.

But each one thanked God for the opportunity to be a part of Camp Nathanael. They now all move on to other opportunities of life - college, jobs. But our prayer is that they keep a tight grip on the things they've seen and heard during their time at Camp Nathanael. It was a great evening!

That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.

Hurtin' Today

Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." Today Debbie and I, along with many in our mission family, are weeping with some very close friends of SMMM.

We got a call late last night that Captain Eric Terhune, USMC, was killed yesterday in Afghanistan. Eric is the grandson of Dan and Joy Terhune, a very special couple who "adopted" Debbie and me as their son and daughter and who love SMMM as much as anyone I know. Joy is one of our earliest campers attending Camp Nathanael in the 1930s.

Eric was an outstanding young man. (As are all who serve America in our military service) He had enlisted as an infantryman and then over time had completed OCS and obtained his wings to fly helicopters. He volunteered to go to Afghanistan as a forward air traffic controller since he'd had previous infantry experience. Yesterday enroute to assist an humanitarian organization Eric entered eternal life.

Eric loved his country. He loved his family. But most of all he love the Lord which is why, through the tears, we can also rejoice, as Romans 12:15 says. We rejoice that Eric is where we desire to be and this separation is only for a time.

Eric, thank you for being who you are and we look forward to seeing you again.

That's what's happening along the more somber, today anyway, banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.

The Capture of "Old King Coal Crawdad"

Every afternoon the campers enjoy a couple of different activities in small groups. Everything from the 30' climbing tower to throwing tomahawks. One choice each week is "Creek Stomping" which is exactly like it sounds. You take an old pair of shoes and stomp up Old House Branch, one of Knott County's most pristine streams, to capture whatever creek critters you can find.

Yesterday's hike uncovered the biggest crawdad I have ever witnessed. "Old King Coal Crawdad", as the campers named it, was scooped up in a net to the surprise of everyone, including Debbie, who was leading the hike. The camper was ready and captured a "trophy". It measured about 6"-7" long and about that wide. (The container at right measures about 12"x6" as a point of reference.) Who knows how old this creature is but its certainly survived several mountain winters. After some well deserved oohs and aahs at supper Old King Coal was released back into Old House Branch. Even while creek stomping the unexpected can happen.

I was reminded last night during a funeral home visitation that one never knows what might turn up as we experience life but we must be ready. During the visit I had a brief conversation with a lady who was struggling in her Christian walk. With tears in her eyes she said, "I just want enough faith to go the Heaven." For a few minutes I was able to share with her some Scriptures which I trust will be an encouragement to her and give her confidence that, as one who has personally accepted Christ, she will enjoy eternal life. An unexpected happening but one which challenges me to be always ready.

That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek (and Old House Branch) until next time.

"Priceless"

We're opening our second week of resident camp. Last week with younger campers and fewer numbers we had a good "shakedown" week where we all got into the routines without a lot of pressure. This week there are 113 middle school campers (6th - 8th grade) with many of them twice the physical size of last week's campers. How thankful we are for the 30+ high school and college students who have come alongside to minister with us this year. They are a vital part in what God will do this camp season.

As I think over the students who have come I discover many are just like our summer workers of the past - Willing to give up a better paying job or an experience that would be more "exciting" in the world's view. There is a high school fellow who is a very good baseball pitcher who had a couple of opportunities to play on All Star teams this summer and get his name "out there" for college coaches. But instead he told his dad he'd rather work at Camp Nathanael. There's the school teacher who will operate our swimming pool rather than relax at home. There are several college students, male and female, who chose ministry over money, and will work extra hours at school next year to cover their college expenses in order to be here.

I'm reminded of my first summer at camp in 1971. As a student at a pretty expensive Christian college I wasn't sure how I'd pay for the next year's costs but I did know the Lord wanted me at Camp Nathanael that summer. I came trusting Him. He proved Himself abundantly faithful as I finished the next school year in better shape financially than after the year when I had worked all summer in a "regular" job. His plan was to provided a better part-time job and extra scholarships to meet my need. And as they say, "The rest is history."

But I can promise you that there is no job or experience greater than the opportunity of leading a young camper to Christ or helping a high school student renew their fellowship with the Lord after drifting spiritually during the past school year. As the commercial says, "Priceless!"

Thank the Lord with us for each summer worker asking Him to give each one a "priceless" summer as He did me years ago.

That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.

Almost Virginia City

Do any of you remember Virginia City from the classic TV western, Bonanza? Well, Camp Nathanael hasn't quite taken that appearance but we're working on it.

Our western theme for summer camp includes decorating the front of the Kentucky Building where the snack and souvenir stores are located. Grace Henderson and Cathy Franklin, along with the help of mission kids and summer staff, have transformed it into an "old west" main street complete with trading post, dress emporium and hotel. A second entrance appears to be the back end of a covered wagon by which the campers enter the building. Once the art work is completed Mark Clark works his "magic" to attach it which gives it the full effect.

There are so many things that go into making a camp week successful. It's not only about cabin counselors or recreational leaders but those unknown, many times unnamed, individuals who contribute a special part to making camp fun.

Like Grace and Cathy transformed the Kentucky Building, we are praying the Holy Spirit will transform students all summer long into individuals who know Christ as their Savior and Lord.

That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.

The Great Adventure Begins

Today we opened the first week of resident camp. The Great Adventure is our summer theme, which will have a western flavor to it, and it certainly will be just that - a great adventure!

There is nothing like watching a bunch of 4th and 5th graders bounce off the camp bus after an hour and a half ride. This is the ultimate award of a year's effort to memorize Bible verses to come free for an entire week and they're going to enjoy every minute of it. We're excited about each camper because we have been praying all year for the Lord to bring just the right group, regardless of number, for this week and every week to follow.

Some campers can't wait to get started. Others are still trying to figure out if they're going to have fun or not. For some it's just another trip. To others it's their first time away from home. (For those first time campers it's usually harder on their moms at home than on them.) The camp staff, full-time, summer or special speakers, are going to put out every effort to to make this week a great adventure for each one.

A former camper told me last year that when he arrived at camp each summer he knew he was going to be required to do two things - have fun and learn about the Lord. It is our goal that each camper in 2008 will discover these same two things.

That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.

More Fun Than Possible!

We've just wrapped up Day Camp and what fun it is. I had one of the first year summer staff tell me how much fun he'd had this week with the day campers (1st-3rd grade students). I said that's one of the reasons I enjoy being here. What other "job" let's you act like a kid most of the time.

These children are my Emmalena crew. They are part of the group of students I mentioned last month whose classrooms I visit regularly with a biblical character lesson. It's so much fun to meet them outside of school and see their surprised look. It's like they think you never go or do anything besides visit their school.

This week they had a real treat. They got to meet Mrs. "Hotson". (I always tell the students the easiest way to remember my name is to think of the sun and remember it is hot. Then put those two things together to get Mr. "Hotson". It works out well.) Debbie and I led the music time teaching them a few new songs and that great classic, We Are Nathanael Boys and Girls. That one ends with a rousing cheer of "Camp Nathanael! Camp Nathanael! Rah! Rah! Rah!" It usually lifts the roof!

Only the Lord could put me in a place where I have this much fun.

That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.

A Special Man

I got news late yesterday that O. Floyd Johnson had gone to Heaven at the age of 93. You ask who is that? This special gentleman was part of the sanding and shaping the Lord did in my life to make me the person I am.

I first met Mr. Johnson when I arrived at The Stony Brook School (NY) as a high school freshman. During the four years I spent in this Christian boarding school he taught me math, coached me in several sports and mentored me before I knew what a mentor was. One time he took me right off the bleachers at a baseball game for yelling my opinion at the umpire's call and gave me a stern lecture in his office saying how disappointed he was in my actions. I never again wanted to disappoint him.

After Debbie and I came to SMMM he and Mrs. Johnson became a part of our support team as they prayed for us and began sharing financially in our ministry. We'd visit them from time to time in their retirement in North Carolina. It was at their home that our sons first enjoyed Moose Tracks ice cream which became a family favorite. They were always so interested in every detail of all that we were doing. Asking questions that showed they had been reading our newsletters.

We last visited with Mr. Johnson this past October (Mrs. Johnson had gone to Heaven in 2005) and we talked for over an hour. It was a special visit and we even took a couple of pictures. He had such a love for God and His servants.

I am so grateful today for Mr. Johnson as being one who saw some potential in a young boy and made his contribution to mold me into who I am. To God be the glory!

That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.

What Is That?

As soon as you open the door you hear it. It doesn't matter if it's early morning or just before dark. There's that eerie, buzzing, humming, somewhat of a "roar" sound. To the uninitiated, it sounds like a low budget horror film when the hordes of "killer" insects are about to come over the mountain. Actually, it's the "Seventeen Year Locust" which aren't really locusts at all but cicadas.

Every seventeen years this unusual inhabitant of God's creation makes it's appearance in the hardwood forests of eastern North America. These red eyed, 2"-3" long, harmless creatures swarm the mountains and for a few weeks we constantly hear their "love song". After 17 years of life underground the cicada comes to the surface, reproduces and dies. There is only this brief opportunity to create another generation of cicadas for the next cycle then they are gone for almost two decades.

This week we are conducting Summer Staff Orientation at Camp Nathanael. As we're on the verge of the 2008 camp season I'm reminded of what a brief opportunity we will have in the weeks ahead to introduce another generation of campers to the Gospel and the opportunity to be born into God's family through their personal acceptance of Jesus Christ.

No doubt you've heard the saying, "Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last." Pray that we will take this saying to heart in the weeks to come.

That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.

Pray, Preach or Play the Piano!

I remember several of SMMM's senior missionaries using the saying, "Pray, preach or die at a moment's notice." Many times it was used in jest but with a "touch" of seriousness. It means you have to be ready to do any of those things immediately without any further preparation.


Today, Debbie and I had the opportunity to share in the service of Faith Bible Church, near the little town of Martin, KY, about 30 miles from Camp Nathanael. Our region is sprinkled with many of these small congregations (20-60 folks) that were planted along the highways and hollows when transportation was difficult. Their members deeply love the Lord and are serving Him where they find themselves.


On Wednesday of last week one of the church's leaders called the mission office asking if there was someone available to fill their pulpit on Sunday. Their pastor had been unexpectedly called out of town. I enjoy these opportunities when my schedule allows so we accepted the invitation. In the following days, I studied and prepared a message which I believed the Lord wanted me to share. I was ready!


When we arrived at the church this morning we greeted a couple of folks we knew and were introduced to the others. Just as the service was about to begin, a gentleman, who knew Debbie played the piano, approached her asking if she'd play for the service. She does this very well but it makes her a little nervous. Before it was over she'd played for the congregational singing, the offertory and the choir's special number. She was glad that last one was a song she was familiar with. I guess we'll need to alter that saying to read, "Pray, preach or play the piano at a moment's notice." We had a great service together and I think the church folks were more glad that Debbie came than me.


That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.