I (Anjeli) write this donning a tanktop, remainder of a sunburn, and happy sandaled feet. :) I have a lot on my mind, from processing mentally stimulating questions/points from the first week of staff training, to the teaching preparations I need to make for the next. Advanced apologies for my scattered writing expression, this blog entry is a reflection of my mind!
Staff training format has differed this year. The first week has been fashioned around the experience of a camper, so as to promote more relation and understanding for us as staff; we were in the cabins, instead of the dorms; afternoons we ran events with our “family groups” (a smaller team of staff that routinely re-connect and spend time together, creating a more intimate group for fellowship and sharing), learning through those experiences. It was a full week, and a good one.
My favourite class was on purpose. The big question was “Why has God called you here this summer?” The speaker, Josh Vandermeer, made the point that we are here on earth for the “praise of His glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:4-6), and that should influence everything we do. When we wash a toilet, we need to be asking ourselves, “God has brought me to this very place for His glory, how can I fulfill that?” It was a striking reminder that it’s not entirely about me this summer, the people with whom I work, or even the campers that come through, but how those will fulfill and reveal God’s glory. A wonderful vision to start off the summer, and I am excited to see it grow and develop in myself and others.
This next week is technical skills, and I am assisting in the teaching of High Static, Challenge Course, and Gear Training. With each, I am in constant need of God’s grace, wisdom, and provision. It is so easy for me to be swept up in my cares and fears, and forget that the God of the universe is working in me, I have His Spirit! Isaiah 41:10 says:
“Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
The Pastor this
morning (Camp Bighorn brings the staff into Plains for church meeting Sunday
mornings) made an impacting point: God is going to have His will fulfilled;
with or without us. So, do we want to
yield to that and show His glory through our obedience, or do we want to
experience God working without our cooperation, which will undoubtedly include
a hard process as we go through pain and regret? God’s will is accomplished, no matter what;
but how much better is it when I submit and say, “Here I am, send me!” (Isaiah
6:8) Incredibly, part of that submission
is surrendering my fears, cares, worries, and anxieties, and fully trusting in
His providence; amazing what freedom is available through surrender!
Thank you all for stopping in, we appreciate your support. I would love prayers for my process of surrendering, along with sourcing my strength from Him. This next week looks to be eventful and exciting, and I go into it with the intent to glorify God through my teaching, as well as my continual learning and building of relationships.
DeLancey is well, enjoying being around the other staff. She is thriving through the lessons and community, and is a light to all who encounter her. You’ll read updates from her also, she and I tag-team our blog. :) I would appreciate prayers for her continued strength, health, and joy, as well as blessing on the relationships that she’s building.
Thank you all!
Much love,Anjeli Carol
“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.
In
love he predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in
accordance with His pleasure and will- to the praise of His glorious grace,
which He has freely given us in the
One He loves.
-Ephesians 1:4-6
