Conquest: A high school tradition

The buzz has already started; maintenance boys are clearing their schedule today, so they will be freed up to play tomorrow. The BIG game of the week; camp is divided into different territories; campers are divided up into several different teams, and the afternoon is spent chasing each around the 660 acres of camp. Flags are created to symbolize each team; paint and camouflage is put on to create an imagery of some type of a battle; and the staff begins to lay out strategy and plans. The Biggest Game of Capture the Flag is about ready to begin.

I stay in the office; have never played it in the game's 12 year history; I just watch as wounded campers and staff hobble into the nurses station with poison ivy attacks or sprained ankles. Being the compassionate person I am, I remind them... 'it was your choice to play!! Stop your whining."

The entire event is comparable to a high school prom. For a prom there are weeks and weeks of preparation, and lots of money spent, only to have a so-so evening... but the before preparations are exciting, and the after talk is fun to verbalize and embellish... just the dance ain't too great... neither is the poison ivy and all the running and sweating.... but it is fun to anticipate and fun to remember creatively and selectively.

The game is a great revealer of who has leadership qualities; who is a bit lazy; who are the competitors; who is timid and not a risk taker; who are the risk takers and the gamblers; and who is the one who is the social butterfly and prefers to visit with team mates and the enemy... they just want to be together visiting with someone.

I say, "Good Luck Kids!" .... and remember... if you get lost, climb up the hill and you will arrive back at camp... if you want to run away... go down hill.... and supper is at 5:30.

For all you alumni staff, we wish you could be with us tomorrow for the game of the week; for those not able to attend, sit back with me and smile, knowing how much fun is being had and what great memories are being made at Sr. High week.

Our Walk: and the walk across Iowa

I spoke this morning for our church time at camp; 40+ campers and staff filled the first 3 rows of the chapel. During our time together, I spoke of my walk 4 years ago across Iowa and what I had learned from it. The 22 days on the road, that covered over 350 miles were three weeks of pure fun and joy. I can't remember when exercise felt better.

Much of what I learned from the walk, I transferred to our spiritual walk. Let me share the seven things I learned.

1. No coasting… Scripture talks about our spiritual walk…
a. we need to be doing something… often times we want BIG opportunities.. big ministry…
b. More often than not… our spiritual walk is one step at a time.. being faithful in the small opportunities… taking care of the mundane, detail issues in our walk
c. Dolly Christian.- Many Christians want the pastor to push them along in their walk and whine… “I’m not being fed”, when they are not living victorious lives.
d. A Christian with a ball and chain of past hurts and life pains struggles in their walk

2. Everyone needs someone to be encouraged along the way.
a. The lady in the Red van, who picked me up at the end of the day and took me to my camper, and then invited me for supper and stay in their families back yard over night. She was an angel of mercy on my walk.
b. I am a lone ranger. I can do it by myself has been my mantra... I have had to learn to let others encourage me.
c. I believe this is the single #1 reason new believers shrivel at the vine. No one comes along side them to encourage. If you can’t teach, preach, be an elder… be the church encourager.

3. Stay focused. Nothing could sidetrack me. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. Eph 5:15 Circum- around spectly- to look. I had lots of offers for breakfast in morning, longer lunches. Just skip a mile… no one will know was told to me by many. There are lots of noices/voices/attractions that can get in the way… trip us up. Life in general can pull you off track. Satan is the deceiver…a snake in grass, walking about look whom to destroy.

4. Keep fit. Watch my diet. Wear the right shoes.
I knew that heavy cheeseburgers and fries… killed me. Sugars and sweets slowed me down… what I needed was pasta, carbohydrates… New balance shoes. What I took in…. made me.. What are you consuming of the world? Movies… (I tell counselors during summer… stay away from them…. Keep you mind/life clean and unpolluted.) I often times am seen as legalistic…. But I know the equation… garbage in---garbage out.

5. Straight roads are best… I could drink coffee/read newspaper and walk at the same time.
Scripture backs me up!!! Ps. 27:1 lead me in the straight path; Heb 12:13 Make straight paths for my feet; Matt 3:3 make your paths straight ; Prov 3:5-6. No obstacles/no hills/no distractions. Central Iowa was pretty boring… but pretty flat.. Eastern Iowa beautiful… but hills and blind curves… On the straight path… you can see way out in front of you.


6. I was committed! I was often asked how do you keep doing this day after day. How do you FEEL about walking this far… I always say, “It ain’t about feelings. I am committed to completing this. I get up, take Ibuprofen… and walk. Even when I didn’t FEEL like it. The same is true with marriage/job/my relationship with the Lord

7. Keep looking ahead. Water towers, elevators… meant restaurant, pancakes and rest… heaven… eternal rest. Start looking at life from a heavenly perspective. The older I get the less attached to earth I am. My life trophies seem meaningless. (Deer mounts… where are my kids going to put them?)

How’s your walk.. Getting off the road… hiding behind curves. Trying to coast down hills… have you stopped reading daily.. praying...are you compromising Biblical principles?.... tiny unseen sins pull you off the path into the ditch.

Are you surrounding yourself with other believers to encourage you. MORE IMPORTANT- are you as an older, mature Christian surrounding the young believers

How’s your diet? Is your diet a steady intake of Bible reading, memorization, prayer.

Are you looking ahead. It isn’t a run-but a slow, step by step walk. Decision by decision. Making the right choice along the way.

What does the Lord require of you according to Micah 6:8- What does the Lord require of you!... To Walk humbly with your God

God told Abram,”Walk before me and be blameless Gen 17:1 Abram was 99 years old.

God was saying, “Stay out in front of me so I can keep track of you (so I can take care of you.”

You can walk with God, or before God, Just Walk!!! As in the movie, What about Bob…baby steps are ok... at camp... you may take giant strides forward... but when you get home...keep walking, stay committed... keep consuming Scriptures daily.... stay on the straight path... and look ahead.

Isaiah 40:31 Run and not grow weary… walk and not faint.

It is my desire, as the camp director, that this group of high school and college age kids will leave Hiddden Acres with purpose in their Walk... with a new resolve to meditate on Scriptures... to walk and NEVER faint... or grow tired of doing good!

earldtaylor@yahoo.com

My Second Cousin: "I did it my way!"

Cousin Robert and Earl in 2007

I attended the funeral of my second cousin, yesterday in Newton; as a child, I stayed with my cousin'sparents, Aunt Bessie and Uncle Ernest, for weeks at a time during the summer; I credit my time staying with my dear aunt and uncle as a real learning experience to me; I believe some of my work ethic was caught while staying on the farm with them. It was with this dear aunt and uncle that I lived with, when at 6 months old, my mother and I were travelling to see them on the farm and was involved in a car wreck; I was thrown out of the car along with my mom... she broke her back and was laid up for 6 months... I received a nasty cut on my forehead...(I still have the scar), but was OK otherwise. From the stories I have been told, Aunt Bessie took care of me for most of the 6 month while mom was recuperating. For that reason, I always have seen Aunt Bessie as my favorite.

My cousin was out of the house and married during most of my stays on the farm, but lived close by and farmed along side of his dad. (I actually was a ring bearer at my cousnin's wedding in 1958). I looked up to my cousin as a child as we went around the farm doing summer chores together: haying, watering cattle with a windmill pump, and throwing out corn on the ground to farrowing sows in the pasture. All was big stuff for a ten year old.

My cousin was 71, lived his entire life on a farm north of Newton, and died of cancer. I was struck by the entire funeral service. The preacher read some Scripture, talked of sparrows falling to the ground; but never mentioned anything about a spiritual experience of my cousins (there was none that I was aware of), and closed in a generic prayer suitable for a "Christian" burial. The service ended with the casket being rolled out of the chapel to the song by Frank Sinatra, "I did it my way!" ... followed by sandwiches and potato salad. As I looked over the table set out in foyer of the funeral home, I was saddened at what been identified as to having meaning or value to my cousin: there was a variety of farm toys... representing his love for the farm (he was a great farmer), but along with the many pictures of fishing, farm activity, and grandchildren: all of things my cousin cherished; were three other items: 2 smalls bottles of Black Velvet whiskey, a pack of Camel cigarettes, and a empty Chicago Cubs beer cup! The very thing that killed him (Camels) was seen as an important part of his life by someone; not by me... I remembered my cousin as a lover of the land and a helpful, caring neighbor.

Needless to say, I was a little weepy as I visited with my cousin's brother and sister and their children. I caught up with two of my cousin's kids outside of the funeral home on their own cigarette break; they too had no hope in their eyes or heart. Time/and the amount of people wanting to visit with the children, did not allow me to strike up a conversation about a relationship with Christ; my prayer is that I have another opportunity; I loved my cousin and his entire family and would want nothing more than spending eternity with them in heaven.

I tell you this story this morning as a reminder to each of us: What will we be carrying to our funeral; empty beer cups and pack of cigarettes, or testimonies of lives that we influenced through our works and personal witness and testimony? ....Only one life to offer... take it dear Lord I pray... or I did it my way?

Planning for eternity....today!

earldtaylor@yahoo.com

Great Testimonies from Home

I am so blessed: I get to be around kids all summer; I get to motivate a group of staff; I get to hear great reports from mom's and dad's back home after the children return from camp. (occasionally I am not so Blessed when I get a unfavorable report from home; this doesn't happen often... but it does happen!) I will share appropriate excerpts from parents.

" I have enjoyed reading your blogs and insights on many issues. I want you to know that the experience my children have at Hidden Acres is priceless. I am a single mother trying to raise my boys on my own for 14 years now. I never could have done it without Gods help, the church's help or Hidden Acres . My boys are 17 and 15 now. One is currently at Hidden Acres. The three of us have seen alot of ups and downs together, but God always seems to give us the strength we need to move forward. Both boys have gone to Hidden Acres every summer for the last 8 years. I try to keep them actively involved in church so they can stay focused on what is important, but sometimes life gets in the way. It is such a blessing to see them return from camp every year. The bond they form with Christ while they are there no money can buy. They always come home with such an inner peace, it makes me cry. I want nothing but great things and a prosperous future for them. I know through God they will find it. God works miracles in our life every day, through people like you and the great staff at Hidden Acres! Thank You! I only pray that one day I can give back as much as you guys have given us. You have truly been a blessing to this family!"
Sincerely, One grateful mom

What a blessing for me to hear that! That is the kind of impact we pray we can make in the lives of young people and entire families. We are here to help parents be successful in their parenting; to help them raise kids with a heart to serve and worship Christ.

Dear Hidden Acres Camp:

I just wanted to write and thank you for the wonderful time my son had at camp. He attended the T-3 camp . Alec Epkes was his counselor and my son enjoyed and looked up to him so much. Thank you Alec! My son loved the fun, work, friends, and "devos". He's come backed changed in a good way. I am so thankful as a mother to see his growth and a new depth in his character. As a teen, he needs to be around other teens with a positive influence that reflects God's love to him. Alec and Hidden Acres certainly did that. Our son told me last week that he really had fun hanging around Alec. He was looking up Bible verses to share that he and Alec had talked about. We just signed him up to be back for Sr. High week this month and he is thrilled to be returning...

God Bless your ministry.... a mom of a camper

Do you see what can happen? When a counselor is sold out to Jesus Christ... his life style and example bubbles out from him; his life is contagious to those around him. That is our prayer each spring when we hire these young people; that they will be the instruments that God uses to touch camper's lives.

....and finally

"Sometimes during the winter, when things are getting a little rough with our teenager, I remember that during the summer she will be going to Hidden Acres. I can't explain the transformation that occurs after she's been there. I just can tell you that the Holy Spirit is refilled within and fruit is produced."

In gratitude... a camper's mom

Transformation... Changed... Refilled with the Holy Spirit! I don't have to say anymore... these mom's just did it for me.... they just explained why we have camp at Hidden Acres, and what we hope to accomplish in the lives of each camper.

Sr. High week next week!!! Are we ever excited about how/when the Spirit of God will work in their lives. Pray with me throughout the week.

earldtaylor@yahoo.com

International Week/Adventure Camp: a diffferent sort of week at Hidden Acres

We have started one of the most unusual type of weeks of the summer; a blend of international flavor for about 70 campers; and a non-traditional type of adventure camp for over 200 other campers. We have two speakers, 3 coaches, 2 shooting instructors, and several other volunteers on the grounds this week.

There are cabins of boys ready to hit the paint ball course; there are boys and girls playing basketball; girls playing volleyball; girls riding English; girls beginning the first green broke camp at the horse barn; and then there are the archery and shooting boys. Their schedule is completely different from any of our earlier camps. As I drove around camp this morning, there was activity in all areas of camp. What a joy!!

There are several things that excite me about this week: Mark Henderson, the youth pastor from Ames EFC is one of our speakers. Mark and his wife Cari were counselors for the camp back in the 90's. Becky Angell Bloom, another former counselor and program director, is coaching the girls volleyball. Coach Bob Berggren is back coaching BB camp for his 27th summer at camp. To me, it feels like old home week.

Know what else excites me? This is the week we attract some young people who might not ever go to church or camp anywhere else, but things like paintball, shooting, or basketball attract them to Hidden Acres. Most of you might know, I find paint ball a little silly.... I am a hunter and find playing with a toy gun a little bit unreal... (I enjoy the real hunt for deer and turkey). But over the years, I have seen a bunch of hard looking boys come to camp because of the paintball.... hear the gospel... and turn their lives over to Christ.... I can't argue with that... get them here with paintball... present the gospel... and watch the Spirit of God work in their lives.

International camp also thrills my heart. We have a group of kids from all over the world: Africa, SE Asia, Russia, Mexico, and South America attending camp and hearing the messages from our friend Lawrence Bommett from Kenya. In addition to hearing the gospel, these young people are getting to experience camp in America. For many of these young people, they are here in the States because their parents are graduate students in Ames, Iowa City or other colleges. Usually, after 3 to 5 years, they will return home to their native countries. It is our desire to send out young missionaries back to these countries; they accept Christ at camp... plug into a local church for a couple years... then return home to share with others in their homelands. That is multiplication!!

I just returned from a tour with a dear friend; Joe Anholt, formerly of the Ft. Dodge Free Church, and now living in Cedar Rapids. Joe was one of the original board members who founded the camp in 1979; he was one that helped raise money to buy the land, and one that helped erect the first building. He is now 88 years old; ready to go home to be with the Lord; and wanted to take the 3 hour drive to camp to see what it had become. What a privilege for me to give him the big tour and to show him a busy camp full of kids and opportunities for us. What fun to take him to the Prayer Tree and for him to read the plaque near the tree where the founding board knelt and asked God's blessing and direction for Hidden Acres. When he left, he left with tears in his eyes and with the comment, "I'll be waiting for you!" It took me a minute to understand what he was saying.... but I caught it... "I'll look forward to that day Joe when we both are in heaven!"

Joe knows his days are numbered; he knows where he will spend eternity; he knows he has done a good thing in being involved in such a ministry as Hidden Acres; and he knows because of his efforts and many others, he will see many who had made their commitment to Christ while at camp.....and I'll be waiting for the campers too!

earldtaylor@yahoo.com

Never Stop Dreaming

Balm of Gilead

I sit around and think a lot these days; it is part old age and part pensiveness; regardless my thinking leads to dreams and over time, many of my dreams become a reality.

I have always had a project or two in the boiler; we knew we were going to build this motel lodge many years ago; we just needed to finish to Family Life Center first. Today they are digging the footings for the motel, and digging in water lines. I can get started thinking about the next project!

The next project won't be a building but a program; a counselling center. A place where our churches can send couples, singles, families, young, old, and in between to get some long term counselling. It is our desire to provide such a place as this at the camp. We would create a centrally located counselling center that would be open and available to those who are hurting or whose lives are being ripped apart by divorce, infidelity, or death. We want to provide the BALM that helps heal the wounds and make well the sick.

I received a envelope yesterday from a family friend who lives out west; in it, he and his wife announce a new ministry they have just started to minister to those who had gone through an abusive situation as a child. My friend then went on and told how as a young boy, he was molested by an uncle.... and for 40 years, my friend kept this secret to himself. What so surprised me is that this friend, lived a Ozzie and Harriet type of life; went to church 3 times a week, had a mom who stayed home and cared for the children, had supper at 5:30 every night with the family.... and yet he was tormented by this Uncle... and tormented throughout the first 30 years of his married life.... as he wrestled with the doubts and questions about his youth.

At times, I want to bury my head in the sand and not listen or look around me; but I am afraid there are way too many people who need a dose of balm somewhere in their life or in their families lives. We see it at camp as children come and open up to their counselors about the struggles and hurts they are experiencing as a 10 year old. We see it in families who attend family camp as a last ditch effort to keep the family together. We hear stories of men at men's retreats who are one step away from walking away from their families.

We will start slow by having someone here part time; as the motel is finished, we will be able to offer long term housing for those who need extra time with the counselor. Eventually, I could see providing space separated from central camp for this ministry.

Do you see the need around you like I do? Write me and tell me if you think this is a needed ministry. I need to hear from you about how you see this counselling center working.

earldtaylor@yahoo.com

Ruth and Boaz: Finding a mate: Biblically

I went through a stack of wedding invitations this morning responding to those that we could attend, and sending my regrets to those where we could not be there. Each of these invites were from former staff at camp. I began to reflect on the Ruth and Boaz story from the book of Ruth and remembered it has been many years since I taught these principles to the summer staff.

We are all for Christian young men and Christian young ladies to be interested in each other; just not on camp time. There is a time and a season for everything, but creating a relationship while being a camp counselor was not one of them. I always told the staff after you are home, and back under your mom and dad's umbrella of authority, then you can begin the process; I want you focused on the campers for the summer. No purpling allowed! (pink and blue make purple so the staff came up with the term purpling)

I smile at all the staff who met at camp that were eventually married. There was a time that our head counselors automatically connected after camp. John Nett and Ivana Zylstra. Tim Olsen and Lori Schaefer eventually married each other. Others were counselors, or kitchen, or maintenance that became interested enough during the summer, that by fall, they were head or heals in like (love). Last month alone, there were 2 weddings of former staff, both on the same day... and they had all met each other in camp... Mary and Jonathan and Bethany and Carson. One of the weddings was held at the camp near the horse barn where Mary and Jonathan met.

Ruth and Boaz did it the right way. Ruth stayed under the authority of her parent (mother-in-law). She did not seek a husband, but obeyed her mother in law and gathered grain in near-by fields. It was only after that Naomi found out that Boaz treated Ruth kindly that Naomi instructed her how to approach her kinsman redeemer properly. The courtship continued until Boaz went through all the necessary steps to redeem Ruth properly. As a result... Ruth and Boaz beget Obed and Obed beget Jesse... and Jesse beget David.... you read the rest of the story in the first chapter of Matthew.

When done properly (Biblically), courtship can produce wonderful results; marriages are blessed. When done without a Biblical model to follow, there is often times heartache and problems that young couples will have to deal with and receive counselling for later on. Who wouldn't want to have a young man come and ask permission to begin to see your daughter? Who wouldn't want a young man to take time to get to know the entire family of the girl he is interested in? Who wouldn't want to have a potential son-in-law that owns his own fields... and house... and not expect mom and dad to provide a roof and bed and food for them after marriage? Boaz did it right!!!

I can remember a counselor from Oelwein church, Jill Evans, who told me after she was married, "We followed the Ruth and Boaz model... and our marriage is wonderful... we involved our parents in the entire process, we remained pure, and my husband honored me by going through the right steps in securing my family's blessing of our engagement." To me that is a pretty good recommendation.

I am not too big on dating; especially for 14 to 18 year old kids; there is no reason for 2 young people to be alone. There are too many emotions and urges that cannot be contained or controlled. Why play with fire when you don't have the tools to keep from getting burned in the end. I would always look for large group activities to let my kids attend; never alone!

Many parents fight me about this; they dated when they were young, and why can't their kids. They can date... but there will be some consequences. I don't believe recreational dating brings anything good...if a kids is bored... get a job. We date to find a mate... and we don't need to find a mate until we are old enough to hold a job and provide for the family... so why get started at something too soon... it is not as if we need practice to get good at dating.

I challenge you to read the beautiful book of Ruth and look at it as a courtship model for your family; if done properly... many generations to come will be blessed.... Ruth and Boaz beget Obed.... and so on!!

http://www.amishgazebos.com/

earldtaylor@yahoo.com

Value of Camping: It costs alot to attend Camp!

We hear it from many parents, "Wow, $250 to send my kid to camp!? I remember when I went to camp for $35 for the week!" It is expensive; we know that; the camp staff all have children and we know how expensive raising a child can be.

Can I share with you what other camps are charging? I have picked 5 camps in Iowa that are similar to Hidden Acres in what they offer; Hidden Acres is the largest of these camps.

Pine Lake-Eldora- regular camp $295 early registrationand $320 late registration

Inspiration Hills- NW Iowa- regular camp $260 early registration and $270 late registration

Village Creek- Lansing- regular camp $285 early registration and $305 for late registration

River Side- Story City- regular camp $345 early registration and $360 for late registration

Hidden Acres- Dayton- regular camp $250 early registration and $260 for late registration

That doesn't take the sting off you when you write the check out to Hidden Acres, but it does show you we are not out of line in what we charge. During our retreat schedule, I hear from people that say, "For what you offer, you are too cheap!" We have tried to keep our costs down so that our guests feel like they got a great value for their dollar. I don't know about you, but I hate to go out and eat, pay a high price, and the food and service was lousy... I feel I was taken to the cleaners.

We also have changed our policy about emails; and we have heard a few complaints; now parents have to pay BunkOne a fee to send emails to their child while at camp. Let me tell you why we did this. We were getting up to 500 emails per day; we were having to hire a full time person in the office to manage this flood of emails; we were going through a ream of paper and lots of ink each day so that parents could say "Hi". We want the camper to receive mail, but felt that our costs were getting out of hand. We also spoke to several other camps: NONE of them were doing what we have done for years. They would not accept emails for free. I have not heard of another camp that feeds parents and family on opening night and on closing night like Hidden Acres does.

I tell you all this parents, so that you can understand a little bit about how much it costs to operate the camp. Even at $250 per week, your child is subsidized by our Evangelical Free churches; our churches donate over $90,000 per year to keep the camp running. Camp actually costs Hidden Acres over $300 per camper to attend.

I know of child care for small babies over $200 per week; I know of day sports camps for young people to be over $300 per week. Raising a family is expensive; it is estimated that it costs an urban family over $225,000 per child to raise them up to age 18; with no financial return on their investment. A farm kid will generate over $125,000 income for the farming parent through labor on the farm; we all need to move back to the farm!!

Know this parents! No child should stay home because mom and dad can't swing the entire bill; we want every child to have an opportunity to attend camp. Our churches have been so faithful in providing help for campers. Hidden Acres can help some too. We want everyone boy and girl to experience a week of camp where they can be challenged in their faith, where they can be encouraged in their walk, and where life time friendships can be started.

You have to trust the parent of 4 kids who attended Hidden Acres all their lives; much good fruit was produced in their lives because of their weekly treks to camp.

earldtaylor@yahoo.com

God is moved by prayer...your prayers too!

Part of my job on Sunday during registration time is to float around and visit with parents or other guests; I am given no job on Sunday but that. I approached a dad and young daughter yesterday and struck up a conversation, asking where they lived, which spurred the next question of what church they attend in this town; the dad's response was, "We don't attend church." My response was, "OK... we are so glad you are here!"

I am so glad this 5th grade young lady is going to be at camp this week. I am pleased that her parents decided to send her to a Bible camp; it is as if they knew that what she will hear this week would be good for her. Indeed it will... anytime a young person can come and hear the gospel message several times over 5 days is a GREAT thing!

Our speaker for the week is Josh Denhart,(see picture above), children's pastor at Valley EFC in West Des Moines. Josh and his wife Sarah were counselors at Hidden Acres in the 90's; they even met at camp. Josh comes to camp with the passion of an evangelist and the heart of a pastor; he uses his skills as a former chemistry teacher to present the gospel and other Biblical principles through visual chemistry experiments; Josh spoke last year during this same week... he was probably the most powerful speaker we have ever had at camp. And... he was so good that he touched even the counselling staff.

I love Josh's testimony; he grew up in SW Iowa, father was a veterinarian; but Josh grew up thinking more of being in a rock and roll band than anything spiritual; and his lifestyle followed that of the rock and roll mentality. When he enrolled at UNI, through the testimonies of others around him, he was saved. One of his buddies was a counselor here at Hidden Acres and recommended Josh to come and be a counselor. Josh became the best wilderness counselor we have ever had; his letter written to his friends and family is an almost holy document to me. I have told my family that I want that letter to be buried with me... it so exemplifies what we do at camp! Below is the letter that Josh wrote in 1998:

Dear Friends and family:

Camp is going very well. It was very rainy the first two weeks and that was difficult to handle in the army tent, but I was able to maintain a positive attitude and serve God. There are many wonderful stories that I could tell, but I will tell only one. The third week was nearing an end, and Thursday morning at the senior staff meeting, I was at the end of my rope. I almost cried when I shared how distraught I was. I was exhausted physically, mentally and spiritually. I spared them the details, and just shared that I really needed prayer. I had stayed in any army tent for the last three weeks: rain, roaches, more mosquitoes than I had ever experienced, an elusive yet odoriferous nest of dead mice babies, and the kids were rebellious. The staff prayed for me, and I later found out that the staff continued to pray for me. We closed the meeting singing the chorus, "Create in me a clean heart" from Psalms 51, and I became so refreshed, and I had peace.

We had a closing campfire the next night, and the Spirit of God was poured upon the group of kids that I had. Several boys went forward at the campfire and rededicated their lives to Christ. I was very excited, but as God's Word says, "He can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine", and He did. We went back to the tent and.......... the formerly rebellious boys began singing praise songs. That night the 16 x 32 foot army tent was transformed into a place of worship. Soon the group was gathered around into a circle, and we spent over an hour in prayer. This was not just prayer, but Spirit filled, physically exhausting, campers crying, hands lifted, - type of prayer. Something like this has never happened in any of the previous groups of campers. WHOA, it was indescribable, and it was a moment of worship that I will never forget. These boys experienced what I hoped they strive for all the days of their lives. One boy said at a break in prayer, "My insides are all tingly, and I never had this before." Oh, to let others taste and see that the Lord is good. Remember that this was the same counselor, one day before who was ready to throw in the towel... God is moved by prayer...your prayers too.

The next day the boys stopped the director of the camp and insisted on telling him about our experience the night before. They were excited about the encounter that they had had with the Almighty. The overflowing joy of the Holy Spirit must be expressed! As soon as their parents came to get their kids, they told them, "we prayed for over an hour and...and....and"

Do you see why I love this letter? Some day I will compile a book of my experiences here at camp and the title will be, "The Hand of the Lord is upon Us... an Encounter with the Almighty".

Now you know why I was excited to see the little unchurched girl sitting on the rock with her dad. I knew that this week she was going to have her Encounter with the Almighty!!! God is moved by prayers... and your prayers too!!!

earldtaylor@yahoo.com