This morning I had one of those moments that aren't typical for me. I did something spontaneous.
I had to drive to Hindman to pick up some things for camp. Enroute I spontaneously decided to pick up Miss Eva from the nursing home and take her for a drive. Miss Eva has served with SMMM for sixty three years and now, at 91 years old, doesn't have much to break up her daily routine. Her memory is slipping but her heart yearns to still be in ministry.
I came to her room, knocked on her door and said, "Get your sweater. We're going for a ride." I wheeled her out to the car and off we went. "How'd you like to go visit Camp Nathanael?" I asked. "Oh, that'd be wonderful," she softly replied.
We took the "old" road, not the newer four lane, because that is the road she drove hundreds of times as she came to camp for committee meetings, activities and, of course, summer camp. As we slowly drove along, some things she recognized and others she didn't. But when we turned across the camp bridge she knew she was "home". We drove around the property, twice actually, so she could see every building and notice a few changes since her last visit. Several mission workers were around who came to greet her. A group of MK teens were here taking water safety training and they too stopped by the car to say "Hi!".
Then we parked in the shade by the swinging bridge where she could take in the panorama view of the camp grounds. It was like a dry sponge soaking up water. As I watched her, it was obvious she was remembering the 1940s, the '50s and the '60s when she was in her heyday. Her gaze lingered on each building as if to register one more mental picture to take with her. After a little while I started the car and with one more loop of the grounds we headed back to Hindman for lunch at Dairy Queen before returning to the nursing home.
When I'm old and slipping I hope someone will take a spontaneous moment for me!
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
This 'n That
Well, we're back after the extended Memorial Day weekend. My weekend went an extra day as I spent yesterday involved in a ministry of the heart.
I participated in a Board Meeting of Southland Bible Institute (www.southlandbibleinstitute.org), a small school in Ashland, KY. My heart attachment is because SBI was founded by my grandparents in 1942. The Bible institute movement has about died out but, I believe, there remains a place for such training in our Christian culture. Southland is going through a difficult time right now but I trust it will result in a renewed opportunity to train students, especially from Appalachia.
Over the weekend we had one of those things happen that you can't plan for - the impeller for the swimming pool's circulation pump broke. But in the midst of it there are things for which to praise God. First, it happened 10 days before camp opens rather than in the middle of a hot summer camp with a hundred kids wanting to go swimming. Second, the Lord prepared, in the past, His solution before we knew we'd have this problem. By following God's "guided" steps through two other businesses in Hazard, Mark Clark entered a pump dealer with whom SMMM had never done business. There he found Dexter, who with his wife, has attended Camp Nathanael's annual Married Couples Retreat for a few years. Dexter is now "pulling out all the stops" to get us back on-line. We're not repaired yet but we think it'll be ready by week's end. Pray about that, won't you?
Oh, by the way, it's also blackberry winter. Today's temperature is twenty degrees cooler than yesterday and rainy. Those are classic signs of blackberry winter. Now summer can begin!
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
I participated in a Board Meeting of Southland Bible Institute (www.southlandbibleinstitute.org), a small school in Ashland, KY. My heart attachment is because SBI was founded by my grandparents in 1942. The Bible institute movement has about died out but, I believe, there remains a place for such training in our Christian culture. Southland is going through a difficult time right now but I trust it will result in a renewed opportunity to train students, especially from Appalachia.
Over the weekend we had one of those things happen that you can't plan for - the impeller for the swimming pool's circulation pump broke. But in the midst of it there are things for which to praise God. First, it happened 10 days before camp opens rather than in the middle of a hot summer camp with a hundred kids wanting to go swimming. Second, the Lord prepared, in the past, His solution before we knew we'd have this problem. By following God's "guided" steps through two other businesses in Hazard, Mark Clark entered a pump dealer with whom SMMM had never done business. There he found Dexter, who with his wife, has attended Camp Nathanael's annual Married Couples Retreat for a few years. Dexter is now "pulling out all the stops" to get us back on-line. We're not repaired yet but we think it'll be ready by week's end. Pray about that, won't you?
Oh, by the way, it's also blackberry winter. Today's temperature is twenty degrees cooler than yesterday and rainy. Those are classic signs of blackberry winter. Now summer can begin!
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Whatever Comes Up
When I arrive at the office each morning I'm never quite sure what I'll end up doing. One of the things I like is the variety that this position brings to my daily experience.
The past few days have brought that usual assortment. Like what?
On Wednesday afternoon I spent some time visiting with a lady and her husband from Tennessee whose mother had been a camper here in the 1930s. They were driving by and decided to stop in. That same afternoon I spent a couple of hours checking camper cabins for last minute things that need completing before camp opens. Wednesday also included a meeting with a Soil Conservation staff member who is consulting with us on establishing a pond at camp. Not much office work got done that day.
I've signed a stack of thank you letters going to those who have shared financially, which this month includes a personal note on each one. Most of these folks I've never met personally but have come to regard as friends as we've exchanged correspondence over the years. I edited a revised camp map that is being finalized for printing. I've assigned housing to the guests registered for family week in July. Sending email confirmations to most. There's been other emails answering questions from one of our missionary appointees, reconnecting with a former camper/summer worker, "advising" mission staff, replying to requests for information and a few keeping up with our sons. I've spent time on the telephone encouraging a senior missionary who is very lonely in the nursing home where she resides and sharing with a grandmother who wants her granddaughter to experience Camp Nathanael as she did two generations ago. Oh, I've even cleared some clutter off my desk (Denise, who cleans the offices, will be glad) and written this blog.
Memorial Day Weekend is here so you won't hear from me until Tuesday. But that's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
The past few days have brought that usual assortment. Like what?
On Wednesday afternoon I spent some time visiting with a lady and her husband from Tennessee whose mother had been a camper here in the 1930s. They were driving by and decided to stop in. That same afternoon I spent a couple of hours checking camper cabins for last minute things that need completing before camp opens. Wednesday also included a meeting with a Soil Conservation staff member who is consulting with us on establishing a pond at camp. Not much office work got done that day.
I've signed a stack of thank you letters going to those who have shared financially, which this month includes a personal note on each one. Most of these folks I've never met personally but have come to regard as friends as we've exchanged correspondence over the years. I edited a revised camp map that is being finalized for printing. I've assigned housing to the guests registered for family week in July. Sending email confirmations to most. There's been other emails answering questions from one of our missionary appointees, reconnecting with a former camper/summer worker, "advising" mission staff, replying to requests for information and a few keeping up with our sons. I've spent time on the telephone encouraging a senior missionary who is very lonely in the nursing home where she resides and sharing with a grandmother who wants her granddaughter to experience Camp Nathanael as she did two generations ago. Oh, I've even cleared some clutter off my desk (Denise, who cleans the offices, will be glad) and written this blog.
Memorial Day Weekend is here so you won't hear from me until Tuesday. But that's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
What It's All About
This afternoon I had a wonderful reminder why we do what we do.
I attended the Kindergarten Graduation at Emmalena Elementary School today. Twenty plus students dressed in blue and gold miniature caps and gowns marched into the gym to the camera flashes and the smiles of parents, grandparents and family. These kids are special to me because I've had the opportunity to visit in their classroom twice a month throughout the school year sharing a character lesson based on biblical principles. They even included in their program a song I taught them called "1,2,3, Jesus Loves Me". What a "tonic" to have these little ones run up and give you a hug or want their picture taken with Mr. Hodson.
But I also realized one of the privileges of longevity. About a third of the parents of these children I also taught those character lessons over the years. I pray that the things imparted to the parents in their youth will, in turn, be imparted to their children. Will you join me in that prayer?
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
I attended the Kindergarten Graduation at Emmalena Elementary School today. Twenty plus students dressed in blue and gold miniature caps and gowns marched into the gym to the camera flashes and the smiles of parents, grandparents and family. These kids are special to me because I've had the opportunity to visit in their classroom twice a month throughout the school year sharing a character lesson based on biblical principles. They even included in their program a song I taught them called "1,2,3, Jesus Loves Me". What a "tonic" to have these little ones run up and give you a hug or want their picture taken with Mr. Hodson.
But I also realized one of the privileges of longevity. About a third of the parents of these children I also taught those character lessons over the years. I pray that the things imparted to the parents in their youth will, in turn, be imparted to their children. Will you join me in that prayer?
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Nothing Better!
I drive into the camp grounds about the same time each day and see the same thing each time. But some days that drive in just "jumps out" at you. And this morning was one of those days!
The grass has just been mowed, the dew had given everything a fresh look, the fog hugged the mountain ridge, the sun put the buildings almost in a spotlight glow. When you see Camp Nathanael like that there is nothing better in all the world. Then I think how wonderful it is that God allows me to be in such a place day after day. What a great day to be at Camp Nathanael!
It's mornings like today that bring you through those days when all isn't going well. Yes, I have those days too. I hope your day is as bright as mine.
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
The grass has just been mowed, the dew had given everything a fresh look, the fog hugged the mountain ridge, the sun put the buildings almost in a spotlight glow. When you see Camp Nathanael like that there is nothing better in all the world. Then I think how wonderful it is that God allows me to be in such a place day after day. What a great day to be at Camp Nathanael!
It's mornings like today that bring you through those days when all isn't going well. Yes, I have those days too. I hope your day is as bright as mine.
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Keeping It Straight
How many of you enjoy balancing your checkbook? My guess is that unless you are a CPA wannabe it's not the first thing you'd choose to do but a necessary part of family finances.
I just finished spending the better part of an hour working with Dan Plitt, our office manager, checking SMMM's monthly bank statement. With red pen in hand I checked off each returned check as the amounts were read to me. Actually we went through them all several different ways. In the end it balanced out just right.
For over forty years Dan has been keeping everything straight with the mission's finances. He has been one of those hidden assets within our ministry that has enabled SMMM to maintain a very high level of integrity. Dan will be passing on those responsibilities to Josh Feltner in the near future as Josh and Marti complete the development of their support team. How grateful we are for the Lord's provision of individuals of impeccable character to handle His resources entrusted to SMMM.
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
I just finished spending the better part of an hour working with Dan Plitt, our office manager, checking SMMM's monthly bank statement. With red pen in hand I checked off each returned check as the amounts were read to me. Actually we went through them all several different ways. In the end it balanced out just right.
For over forty years Dan has been keeping everything straight with the mission's finances. He has been one of those hidden assets within our ministry that has enabled SMMM to maintain a very high level of integrity. Dan will be passing on those responsibilities to Josh Feltner in the near future as Josh and Marti complete the development of their support team. How grateful we are for the Lord's provision of individuals of impeccable character to handle His resources entrusted to SMMM.
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Time Flies When You're Having Fun!
I'm not one to celebrate anniversaries. You can ask my wife, Debbie, about that. I'm afraid that lack of attention to dates has gotten me into trouble a time or two.
That's why yesterday's anniversary happened and I almost didn't realize it. On May 16, 1988, I officially began my tenure as Mission Director of SMMM making May 16, 2008 the 20th anniversary of that event.
I'll never forget my first day. I hadn't "officially" been director for more than a few hours when I answered a telephone call from a gentleman associated with a church with whom SMMM had major doctrinal differences. When I turned down his request to use Camp Nathanael for a church retreat he began making all sorts of threats, including taking legal action, against SMMM. Thankfully the Lord intervened and the threats were just that without any action. What an opening day!
Where have those twenty years gone? The time has literally flown by! Much has happened from expanded mission staff, to expanded outreaches, to expanded facilities but it all took place because of the solid foundation and heritage I inherited from those who went before me. One thing I didn't anticipate when I became director was the responsibility to participate in the funerals of SMMM's original missionaries. I guess I thought they'd live forever. They are all now living forever in Heaven and it has been an honor to carry forward their vision and dream these past twenty years.
What's next? That's in God's control. All I know is my prayer is to "run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
That's why yesterday's anniversary happened and I almost didn't realize it. On May 16, 1988, I officially began my tenure as Mission Director of SMMM making May 16, 2008 the 20th anniversary of that event.
I'll never forget my first day. I hadn't "officially" been director for more than a few hours when I answered a telephone call from a gentleman associated with a church with whom SMMM had major doctrinal differences. When I turned down his request to use Camp Nathanael for a church retreat he began making all sorts of threats, including taking legal action, against SMMM. Thankfully the Lord intervened and the threats were just that without any action. What an opening day!
Where have those twenty years gone? The time has literally flown by! Much has happened from expanded mission staff, to expanded outreaches, to expanded facilities but it all took place because of the solid foundation and heritage I inherited from those who went before me. One thing I didn't anticipate when I became director was the responsibility to participate in the funerals of SMMM's original missionaries. I guess I thought they'd live forever. They are all now living forever in Heaven and it has been an honor to carry forward their vision and dream these past twenty years.
What's next? That's in God's control. All I know is my prayer is to "run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Eye of the Storm
I've never been in a hurricane but we've all heard of the "eye" that comes through as the center of the storm passes overhead. Well, that's how I feel today. The hectic schedule of spring ministries with its whirlwind pace where between 800-900 folks have been involved in camp outreaches since late February has kept us holding onto our hats, so to speak. That schedule was concluded this week with our Spring Work Week.
Today Camp Nathanael was quiet. The wonderful volunteers have departed toward home and hopefully blessed from their time here. Our community missionaries have returned to their counties to catch up on things there. A few folks are around to complete leftover projects but the bustle is gone. Mostly things are still. It will be like that for a week or so then the roaring surge of final camp preparations and the opening of the 2008 Camp Season will be here. That surge will continue until late July when the summer camp season closes.
Pray for us during this calm in the middle of the "storm" of ministry that we'll rest our weary "bones", straighten our hats and be ready when the "storm" surge hits right after Memorial Day. The result will be lives eternally changed.
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
Today Camp Nathanael was quiet. The wonderful volunteers have departed toward home and hopefully blessed from their time here. Our community missionaries have returned to their counties to catch up on things there. A few folks are around to complete leftover projects but the bustle is gone. Mostly things are still. It will be like that for a week or so then the roaring surge of final camp preparations and the opening of the 2008 Camp Season will be here. That surge will continue until late July when the summer camp season closes.
Pray for us during this calm in the middle of the "storm" of ministry that we'll rest our weary "bones", straighten our hats and be ready when the "storm" surge hits right after Memorial Day. The result will be lives eternally changed.
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Workin' Hard! Eatin' Good!
Most people when they think of "camp food" they think hot dogs, cold cereal and kool-aid. Well, we do, on occasion, serve those things but not during Work Week.
The most fun of Work Week is meal time. Each meal, no matter which one, is served "banquet style". What do I mean? That buffet table is filled from one end to the other with all sorts of great food in abundant quantity. We are so blessed to have Clark Henderson and his great team lay out such a spread enjoyed by all. I've heard some say they'll be leaving camp with an extra pound or two even though they worked hard every day.
I have a personal philosophy of effective ministry that says, "If the facilities aren't attractive and well maintained and the food isn't good, people might come once but they probably won't return." This week we're preparing the facilities while enjoying the food.
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
The most fun of Work Week is meal time. Each meal, no matter which one, is served "banquet style". What do I mean? That buffet table is filled from one end to the other with all sorts of great food in abundant quantity. We are so blessed to have Clark Henderson and his great team lay out such a spread enjoyed by all. I've heard some say they'll be leaving camp with an extra pound or two even though they worked hard every day.I have a personal philosophy of effective ministry that says, "If the facilities aren't attractive and well maintained and the food isn't good, people might come once but they probably won't return." This week we're preparing the facilities while enjoying the food.
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
What's multi-generational?
We used to hear a lot about how one generation can't get along with another. Maybe we don't hear of the "generation gap" so much today because people just take it for granted that it exists and it doesn't need explaining.
Well, let me introduce you to John, Judy, Joanne, Dave and Tim. They are part of the team from Grace Church (Harmony, PA) who are here working along side our missionaries preparing Camp Nathanael for summer ministry. What makes this group a little special is they are three generations of one family (dad/grandfather, mom/grandmother, sister/aunt/great aunt, son/dad, son) - multi-generational is what the latest buzz word calls them. What a treat to see this family serving the Lord together this week. So much for the generation gap.
This week we have families, senior adults, empty nesters and singles working side by side to accomplish a task. SMMM has been greatly blessed in recent years to have multi-generational teams volunteer to assist this ministry. I hope its a pattern repeated many times in the future.
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Dogwood Winter
Have you ever heard of "dogwood winter"? Well, we're right in the middle of it this week. No, there isn't any white stuff on the ground unless you count the dogwood tree's flower petals. And that's what makes it "dogwood winter".
Each spring in the mountains of Kentucky we experience three cold "spells" - redbud winter, dogwood winter and blackberry winter. For whatever reason in God's master plan, when the blooms are "falling off" these three plants we have a drop in temperatures which will last for a few days. I've watched it happen for years. This morning it was in the mid-40s, rather chilly for mid-May in Kentucky. There will be one more cold "spell" as "blackberry winter" arrives in a couple of weeks. Then summer really sets in.
In the meantime, we are having a great week of fellowship and work at Camp Nathanael getting the facilities ready for the rapidly approaching summer camp season.
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
Each spring in the mountains of Kentucky we experience three cold "spells" - redbud winter, dogwood winter and blackberry winter. For whatever reason in God's master plan, when the blooms are "falling off" these three plants we have a drop in temperatures which will last for a few days. I've watched it happen for years. This morning it was in the mid-40s, rather chilly for mid-May in Kentucky. There will be one more cold "spell" as "blackberry winter" arrives in a couple of weeks. Then summer really sets in.
In the meantime, we are having a great week of fellowship and work at Camp Nathanael getting the facilities ready for the rapidly approaching summer camp season.
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
Monday, May 12, 2008
New Adventure!
Welcome to the latest advancement of SMMM's website. I've been looking for a way to share "post card" views of what this ministry is all about and my IT guru suggested a blog. I'm excited to begin this new adventure to draw you into this ministry in a greater way.
Many blogs are updated every day. I can't promise you that but I will do my best to keep it current. Whether I'm telling you about the latest blessing from the Lord, a recent visitor to Camp Nathanael or the most recent mis-adventure among the staff I invite you come back often.
This week we are hosting Camp Nathanael's Spring Work Week preparing (cleaning, painting, repairing etc.) for the coming summer. We have over 40 volunteers joining us to lighten the load. SMMM is so blessed to have so many friends who enjoy working hard to help out.
Tonight we will be challenged from God's Word by Jeff McIntyre, our summer camp director, as we look toward the summer camp season. He will help set the tone for the coming summer ministry. Beginning tomorrow, twice daily Bible sessions will "bookend" our work days recognizing the importance to be spiritually prepared as well.
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
Many blogs are updated every day. I can't promise you that but I will do my best to keep it current. Whether I'm telling you about the latest blessing from the Lord, a recent visitor to Camp Nathanael or the most recent mis-adventure among the staff I invite you come back often.
This week we are hosting Camp Nathanael's Spring Work Week preparing (cleaning, painting, repairing etc.) for the coming summer. We have over 40 volunteers joining us to lighten the load. SMMM is so blessed to have so many friends who enjoy working hard to help out.
Tonight we will be challenged from God's Word by Jeff McIntyre, our summer camp director, as we look toward the summer camp season. He will help set the tone for the coming summer ministry. Beginning tomorrow, twice daily Bible sessions will "bookend" our work days recognizing the importance to be spiritually prepared as well.
That's what's happening along the banks of Troublesome Creek until next time.
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