Kaleo Ministry #2

This past week I definitely dove into the ministry I'll be serving in for the upcoming year. Tuesday until Friday this week was spent on board the Pacific Swift sail boat sailing through the Gulf Islands. When we first boarded the boat on Tuesday I couldn't believe we were going to be spending five days with 30 people in such close quarters. After learning a few new knots, getting assigned to our watches we were off. SALTS turned out to be such an awesome experience. The crew was awesome every time I was up to steer whichever crew member was guiding me asked me some very thought provoking questions that went far beyond surface answers. I was also able to connect so much more with my fellow Kaleo students, see where they are coming from and their love for the Lord. For me the evenings were definitely the most meaningful times. We would all squish together and meet in down below and share. One night we shared what we are each most scared for this year, another night we admonished each other with love, it was such an amazing experience. It was such a blessing to be able to support and encourage one another.
Friday after a quick shower I was off to my first Friday night of youth group. Because the church I chose is new this was their first ever senior high youth and there was an awesome turn out. I was pretty exhausted but I had such a good time getting to know the youth in my group as we traveled around Crofton measuring things with bananas and making friendships that will built in the Lord this year. I definitely saw an answer to prayer as the youth leaders had been praying for a good turnout and we definitely got that. We also saw much more enthusiasm from the youth than we had even expected. One of the obstacles we will need to overcome this year is that because Warmland doesn't have it's very own church building there is no definite spot we can hold youth each week so we will be praying that that will come together.
I'm so excited to see how the Lord will work the lives of the youth this year as well as in my heart as I continue to serve with the Warmland youth!

Kaleo Ministry

Hey! Since arriving here at Camp Qwanoes I have encourtered so many new experiences. Shortly after arriving here we each chose a church where we felt God wanted us for the year. I chose Warmland Community Church which is a new that was founded in January 2007. The first Sunday was their kick for the year which took place in a tent. Following the service was a barbeque, with inflatables, facepainting and hairspray for the kids. I was able to be involved doing the hair spray for the kids getting to know them as they came. This past weekend we welcomed over 300 students from Trinity Western College to our campus. Friday I helped out on the maintenance crew raking the grass, moving chairs and getting things ready for the arrival of TWU. Saturday morning I got up at 7 to continue helping out in the maintenance department. Sunday afternoon I also helped out doing dishes. The ministry experiences this past weekend at Qwanoes was definately significant as I have never realized how crucial all of the behind the scenes work is to a ministry. I got to see first hand how important team work and a servant attitude is. I enjoyed spraying the kids hair so much seeing their joy and eagerness to make new friends and how quickly they looked up to me. There were no specific obstabcles that my team was forced to overcome. I'm super excited to continue this ministry that God has brought me to!