Orientation

Tonight is the second night of orientation. So far things have gone well. The staff is amazing- I really feel like we're going to mesh. There is a little separation between the younger and older counselors, but I think that the staff we've selected all fit the Mt. Shepherd personality. I don't know how to describe it, but it's there... like the right kind of energy.

I prayed last night that I wouldn't be distracted from them and my job as their chaplain and director. I hope it stays that way. So far I've led a talk on being a living sacrifice and incarnational ministry as well as to be thankful in community. I really hope that this summer is God's way of breaking through to them. God's broken through to me here. God gets my attention here. I can't hide here.

I hope they find the same bold God breaking through everything that takes away from their personal relationship. I think one of my messages next week will be on breaking through distractions because camp is good at providing a place to do so.

Eric and I get to meet with all the staff tomorrow night as their chaplains. We will ask them about their life, their struggles, and who God is to them. We will pray with them and for them. We may not have anything to offer accept an ear... but I know that is something we can offer.

"Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God's love for us that He not only gives us His Word but also lends us His ear. So it is His work that we do for our brother when we learn to listen to him." ...

"He who can no longer listen to his brother will soon be no longer listening to God either."
Bonhoeffer's Life Together