Camp Sankanac

Camp Sankanac

 

This past weekend Team Charger Challenge was honored to be invited back to Camp Sankanac. Camp Sankanac holds a special place in the hearts of our team. In previous years, all three members of Team Charger Challenge had the privilege of serving alongside of the Camp Sankanac staff during their summer camps as a part of the Team Charger camp ministry. Each one of us holds in our hearts fond memories of Mr. Jan Coudriet, who served God faithfully as Camp Sankanac’s Director for 29 years. This past year Mr. Jan passed away. Although Mr. Jan was such an important part of Camp Sankanac, we knew the impact he had on the lives of his Sankanac family would mean that they would not miss a beat in continuing the tradition of Camp Sankanac, which has been founded on the Word of God. Team Charger Challenge looked forward to continuing in the friendships and relationships that we have formed with the staff and campers of Camp Sankanac, as well as forming new relationships with campers during their ALL BOYS Winter Retreat!

 

As we arrived at the camp on Friday night, we were able to catch up on life with some old friends as well as begin to form new relationships. It didn’t take long until we got sucked into games of Battleship, Chess, card games, etc. After some fun and fellowship, Mr. T.J. lead the campers and staff in some mixers and icebreakers. After a few rounds of Birdie-on-a-Perch, Mr.  T.J. split the group into two teams, 1) Peanut Butter and 2) Jelly. Peanut Butter had to compete against Jelly in a game of extreme tic-tac-toe. Teams had to race against one another to bring T.J. a random item. For example, the first team to bring Mr. T.J. a chewed piece of gum got to place and “x” or “o” on the board. In order to win the round of tic-tac-toe though, the team had to finish a food challenge. Some food challenges were not too bad, such as first person to eat an entire apple. But the peanut butter cookies marinated in buffalo sauce was too much for one camper to handle.

 

 

After some mixers, Mr. T.J. shared a challenge for the night. He spoke out of Ephesians 2:10. So often we believe lies about ourselves like; “I will never be good enough”, or “God doesn’t really love all of me”, or “I don’t really matter”, or “I don’t have any or much worth”. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, so that we should walk in them.” This word “workmanship” literally translates to poetry. If you think about poetry it is an intimate expression. In other words, we are God’s masterpiece. God does not make junk! When we believe the lies mentioned before, it is almost like saying to God that He didn’t know what He was doing when He created us. The campers and counselors had a time in small groups and to discuss the truth that Mr. T.J. shared. Many of them shared about the lies they had believed in their own lives.

After small groups it was time for some dodge ball. After a few rounds of intense dodge ball, where the counselors whooped up on the campers (at least that’s how we remember it), it was time for a snack. We enjoyed some Smores before heading to our cabins for some much needed sleep.

In the morning we woke to a delicious pancake breakfast, thanks to the ladies who served us all weekend. We spent a little time fellowshipping in the morning before Mr. Lawrence brought the Word for the morning. Mr. Lawrence talked about how we like to hide things in our life and only show people the “good” or “attractive” things in our lives. He compared our lives to icebergs. Like icebergs we only show people the 10% of things in our lives that are above the waterline. These are things we want people to see about our lives. But we hide the other 90% below the waterline because we don’t want them or God to see them. He spoke from Genesis 3 using the example of Adam and Eve and how they tried to cover up and hide from God.

Campers and counselors again had a chance to discuss their thoughts in small groups. They shared some of the things they have been hiding from God below the waterline in their lives. For some it was sin that needed to be confessed. For others, it was fears or struggles that they were not surrendering to God. After small groups, we had some free time. Some stayed inside and played games. Others went outside for some knockout, street hockey, football, etc. After free time we enjoyed a nice lunch of hot dogs and warm chilli.

 

Once the food settled, the time had come for one of the most anticipated events of the winter retreat…MUD FOOTBALL! Because it had just rained, it was the perfect conditions for some mud football. Everyone had a great time playing football and getting dirty; although I am sure there were some mothers who weren’t so thrilled when they saw the dirty laundry and muddy shoes. We were also blessed to have no serious injuries, which is surprising considering the way Mr. Lawrence was running the football. After we got cleaned up, it was time for some more football; the playoff game between the Ravens and the Broncos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We watched the first half of the game, and then had to pause for dinner. After a delicious meal, we turned the game back on. What we thought would only be a 3 hour game turned into a much longer game as the two teams battled into overtime. The Ravens fans were ecstatic that their team stole a win in overtime. After some short celebrations, it was time for Mr. T.J. to bring the Word for the night. Mr. T.J. talked about the importance of authenticity in community. He shared his own testimony of “if you really knew me…this is what you would know.” He talked about the need for God to be on the throne of our hearts. But what often is true of our lives is we replace God’s throne on our hearts with a couch to make room for other things in our lives. And often times God actually ends up not even getting a seat on that couch. Our God is a jealous God, and He will not share His throne with anyone or anything. Besides, a throne is only meant for one person; it is only meant for a King!

After his message, campers and counselors had time to share in their own small groups. They had a chance to share their stories of “if you really knew me….her is what you would know about me.” They shared about their struggle and fears, their likes and dislikes, their home life, their hearts and what is really on their “throne”, etc. After small groups we played some more dodge ball before heading to the cabins.

 

In the morning we were able to sleep in and fellowship in the morning. Mr. Flick brought God’s Word for the morning. He spoke out of 1 John 1:5-9, which talks about God as light, and in Him is no darkness. He referred to the story of Hosea to remind the campers of God’s love for them. He reminded them that no matter what we do or how many times we are unfaithful, God would pay ANYHING to have us in His family. In fact, He paid EVERYTHING so that we may forever be in communion with Him. With this in mind, we should want to walk in the light! We should not want to try to hide anything in darkness. it is the light that heals; it is the light that heals. In the light all things are made new, all things are made righteous.

 

Campers and counselors again had a time to share about the things they were hiding in the darkness. With a new found joy in just how great God’s love in for them, campers were able to share some deep issues that they had been keeping in the dark. We ended our time at Camp Sankanac with a huge breakfast buffet, cleaning up the camp, and playing some games until parents came to pick up the campers. We were blessed to be able to be a part of the winter retreat. We know that God will continue to bless Camp Sankanac as they journey into a new season under new leadership. We also pray for the campers and counselors as they continue to be transparent in their lives and surrender to what God can do in and through them.

 

 



Faith Christian Academy

http://www.my-fca.com/

As a team we are excited to introduce our new team member Lawrence Lartey. Lawrence has taken the place of Brett Derr, who after graduating in December with a Student Ministry degree is following some different dreams and passions in his life. Lawrence is from Kansas City, Missouri. He has a passion to preach God’s word and is recently engaged. We are excited and blessed to have Lawrence in this role and are excited to see how God uses his gifts.



Team Charger Challenge had the opportunity to be with Faith Christian Academy on Monday and Tuesday this week. What a glorious time we had with 190 students and 15 or so leaders. To see the students open up to Gods word was awesome. We started off with some mixers trying to get the students excited for the day. This was not too difficult once we reminded students that they at least got out of classes during our time there (special thanks to all of the teachers, faculty, staff and volunteers who took time out of their lives and made this Team Charger Challenge Day possible).  We started off with our first B4Real where Lawrence did a great job encouraging us all to drop our water line to show what is really going on below the surface of our lives.  We split into small groups and shared some thoughts about what we hide below the surface.



After meeting in small groups, it was time for some more games and interaction with the students and leaders.  We had a lot of fun and started to see some of the walls come down. Shortly after playing some games we went into our second Be4Real where T. J. talked about what was on the throne of our hearts. He made not that some of us have replaced God’s throne with a couch, He then brought forth our need to move the couch and replace it with a throne because our God is a jealous God (Deuteronomy 4:24).  God wants to be on the throne of your heart. So what about you? What do you allow to be on your throne other than God? Is it a boy/girlfriend, video games, perception of others, athletics… the list goes on and on. What is it for you? Will you put God back on the throne where He belongs?



We finished up our first day with FCA in small groups discussing “If you really knew me” this is what you would know. Students talked about their likes and dislikes, their struggles, their family background, etc. This is when we started to see the students share more of what was going on in their hearts. To cap off our first day with FCA,we decided to see FCA’s Men’s Basketball team reveal their heart and hustle as they battled in a hard fought game. The outcome was not what we would have liked, but they certainly gained respect in showcasing their discipline and perseverance to never give up.



Afterwards we returned to a nearby host family for some fellowship and football, although the National Championship game was pretty much a blowout by Alabama. We returned the next day looking forward to spending our final day with FCA. We had another three hours with the student body. Our day started off with a SCREAM, literally! We had to do something to wake up the students. After some loud noises and giving away some t-shirts, we  introduced Walk-the-Line, where we saw God do immeasurably more than we could have thought or asked in the lives of FCA students and faculty. We saw students be vulnerable as the student body of FCA started to form into a community. Relationships began to be restored and students showed one another that they had each other’s backs.



We capped off our day with some small group interaction. Students then had the opportunity to share with one another the commitments they had made. Some students wrote letters to friends and family, while others were able to write a commitment on a banner. We closed our time at FCA with a skit called, “Baggage”. 1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”



To celebrate the ‘true community’ that God had created in their school, the basketball team lead cheer and an FCA chant. God is moving at Faith Christian Academy, in Sellersville, PA. Continue to pray for these students and faculty as they continue to grow closer to God and one another.



I Would Be True

One of the sincere desires of my heart is to be able to legitimately wear the title of “man of God.”  It is not easy for a sinner like me to put aside my own natural sinfulness and become something I am not.  It is a daily struggle against the flesh for me to live in a godly way.  David wrote, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way” (Psalm 37:23).  I like this verse because it uses the word “steps.”  It does not say “leaps and bounds,” but “steps.”  One at a time, I want to walk with God.  The key is for me to be the “good man” this verse speaks about.  If I will do that, I can see God’s direction for each of my steps.

Howard A. Walters wrote a simple but powerful song that speaks of this desire.  I know some of the phrases are older English, but don’t get hung up on a different word.  Look at the depth of this simple song and reflect on the verse from the psalmist.

Verse 1: I would be true, for there are those who trust me; I would be pure, for there are those who care; I would be strong, for there is much to suffer; I would be brave, for there is much to dare.

Verse 2: I would be friend of all – the foe, the friendless; I would be giving, and forget the gift; I would be humble, for I know my weakness; I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.

Verse 3: I would be prayerful through each busy moment; I would be constantly in touch with God; I would be tuned to hear His slightest whisper; I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod.

This is a powerful song.  I want to be a man of God today because there are people following me.  I don’t want to disappoint the people who are depending on me to walk with God.  There are people following you today as well.  This is a motivation for me today.  The last phrase mentions being brave … this is a tough task to carry out.  I want to do it. 

The second verse speaks about being true to God so that we can reach the lost.  An impure lifestyle will not attract the lost, but instead will repel them.  I want to walk with God so the lost will come to know Him.  I want to give my time, money and efforts to seeing lost people come under the clear teaching of the Word of God.  I want to be a man who does this. 

The third verse mentions one of the keys to walking faithfully with God.  I want to have a consistent prayer life.  I want to be a person who others will ask to pray, knowing that I will do it.  I would be true to my God today!

Follower > Fan

Followers get in the game. Fans sit on the sideline and cheer. Which one are you?

Matthew 16: 24-25 says, "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

A follower isn't a job for just anyone. It's difficult. In order to be a follower you must be willing to deny yourself, take up a cross, and lose your life. Doesn't sound like a whole lot of fun does it? However, Jesus says when we do this we will actually find our life. Not only will we be able to be with Him forever some day, we will also find satisfaction in who He is.

As I think of the Christmas season many followers come to my mind. When I think of sold out followers I think of people like Matt Chandler who in the midst of cancer said, "To live is Christ and to die is gain". Or Tim Tebow who makes God's name known whether he wins or loses, is bashed or praised, plays or doesn't play. Or the ministry leaders at some of the places we attended, whose name you may never know. These people are in the game.

When I look at the Christmas story in Scripture, there are also many followers. One that I never recognized as a follower before is Mary. Let's think about how crazy this time would be for Mary. She was young and a virgin. All of a sudden an angel appears to her and tells her she is going to get pregnant. From who? The Holy Spirit. Imagine this happening to you today. This is crazy!

I would have been running the other way, but check out what Mary says in Luke 1:38, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

I can't decide which statement is crazier? What the angel said or what Mary said. The implications of this meant that Mary would be divorced, shamed, and given up her dreams of ever marrying again or having children. And yet she says, I trust you God, let's do this.

She denied herself, took up her cross, and followed Christ in the midst of craziness! It ended up being the best decision she could have ever made. God Himself was born of Mary.

Mary was a follower, not a fan.

How can you be a follower this week?

Merry Christmas!

Team Charger Challenge

Wabanna!

This past weekend Team Charger Challenge and other volunteers traveled to Camp Wabanna for their winter retreat. The team filled many roles such as counseling, coordinating activities, kitchen crew, and so on.  We arrived Friday night where we entered right into high energy games in the gym where the kids were having a blast. There was a dance off and all kinds of crazy stuff going on.

Some of the highlights of the weekend included opportunities to be able to build relationships with some of the kids. We went ice skating Saturday afternoon, which was the first time for many. This was a great time not only to let loose and have a blast, but also get to know some of the kids. One of T.J.’s highlights was skating and talking with one of the campers named Austin. For several, this was the first time we hit the ice with a pair of skates. Some of us are still sore!

Later that night we enjoyed time together through fellowship at dinner and chapel. The night ended with a game of capture the leader and time by the fire. Brett told his infamous Sheetz story. You’ll have to ask him about that one!

The chapel speaker ended up getting sick and had to leave the camp so T.J. filled in on late notice. He got the kids excited by playing “Ooga Booga”. He shared his testimony and the importance of being a follower of Christ and not a fan. He shared out of Matthew 16: 24-26 says, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Overall, it was a great weekend of building relationships and having a blast. Directory of Ministry and Coordinating, Tim Ward said, “I am so grateful for an incredible group of volunteers that made the Winter Retreat happen this weekend and made it a huge success! Thank You! You all are awesome.

Find out more about Wabanna: campwabanna.org/

Have a fantastic holiday season!

Team Charger  Challenge

Just Remember…

Ever doubt that God can use you? I don’t just mean the norms and the ins and outs of every day. I mean things bigger than you could think or imagine. This is a nice thought, but sometimes we disqualify ourselves. This can be a result of sin, not measuring up to others, or the influence of others.

If this is you, there is good news. 1 Corinthians 1:27-30 says, “      But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Jesus isn’t looking to use the biggest and the best. In fact, he prefers to use the foolish (in the eyes of the world) and the weak so that His name would be given the most glory. Scripture also says that when we are weak, He is strong. He uses those who are weak and humble before Him.

This isn’t just with us. This is consistent throughout Scripture with who God chose to use.

So here is a little track record for you. Next time you think you can’t be used by God just remember…

Noah was a drunk.
Abraham was too old.
Isaac was a daydreamer.
Jacob was a liar.
Leah was ugly.
Joseph was abused.
Moses had a stuttering problem.
Gideon was afraid.
Sampson was a womanizer.
Rahab was a prostitute.
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young.
David had an affair and was a murderer.
Elijah was suicidal.
Isaiah preached naked.
Jonah ran from God.
Naomi was a widow.
Job went bankrupt.
John the Baptist ate locusts.
Peter denied Christ.
The Disciples fell asleep while praying.
Martha worried about everything.
The Samaritan woman was divorced.
Zacchaeus was too small.

Paul a persecutor of the faith.
Lazarus was dead.

Next time you think God can’t use you, think again. He actually says otherwise.

Ephesians 3:20 says, “He is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."

Team Charger Challenge

Consider It All Joy?

Really?

When you are sick, fail a test, lose a friend or family member, or experience any other type of trial, typically the last thing you want to do is count it as a joy. But that’s what scripture says. Doesn’t scripture seem to say some crazy things at times? For me, this is one of them.

As I’m writing this, I am sick. Yeah, not a whole lot of fun! But the reality is that God allows His people to go through trials because He has a bigger plan in mind. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it a great joy my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”

So the purpose of trials is to produce endurance, maturity, and completion. The purpose of endurance, maturity, and completion is to look more like Christ. The key to this is that we must allow ourselves to consider it all joy. Easy said than done right? The reality is that when a family member is diagnosed with cancer, you lose your job, or even experience a small inconvenience, we have the opportunity to become bitter or get better.

We don’t know why God chooses trials to look more like Him, but He does. Francis Chan helps us out here. In his book, Crazy Love, he says imagine for a second that God is the vastness of an ocean and your mind is a soda can. It would be foolish to say that we understand God fully because we can only scoop so much ocean water into our soda can.  There is so much more ocean out there. There is so much more to God.

So, the next time you go through a trial, it is okay to not understand why you are going through such a thing. But consider it all a joy. At the end of the day, it is for our good and God’s glory.

Enjoy the beginning of the holiday season!

Team Charger Challenge