what i've been up to

we've been so busy this past summer that i almost can't believe it's just been two months.

early April we had our first ever Bible Boot Camp for the youth at church, and was it fun! it seems that the boot camp opened so many doors to learning that we never knew existed. we saw a glimpse of just how much we want to study and learn and teach the kids. we had classes on cooking, arts, prophecy, gardening, church history, health, and music. and the kids bonded so well and just had so much fun.

of course, it wasn't all fun for us teachers. but it was a boot camp we wouldn't mind having again next year. in fact, we'll make sure to have it again next year. i'm already starting on my lesson plan. :D

just a week after boot camp, we had our camp meeting - the most interesting part being the presence of Pastor Patrick and Dr. Diane Herbert. having them is always a huge, huge blessing to us. theme was "No Time to Lose: Be Ye Holy" which brought so much needed reminders to everyone who attended. for the young people, there was a presentation about a God-approved boy-girl relationship. there were also hydrotherapy lectures and lots of singing.

on Sabbath, we had baptism and child dedication. and the ordination of our new church pastor.

two weeks after camp meeting, we had to be ready for Vacation Bible School. the kids from the community were all excited and eager to learn. some of them come to the church grounds so early their older brothers would come fetch them so they'd get to bathe first. lol

so that was boot camp, camp meeting, and VBS - each a week-long activity. and we did it all in six weeks. God is so wonderful.

the sad parts were that one of our older members passed away just before camp meeting started. but we rest in the hope of the resurrection of our brother through our Lord Jesus. also, one of our members had a stroke during the camp meeting. he's now recovering in his home and we all continue to pray for him.

so yes, it has been a wonderfully stressful two months. and we needed to have a good break afterwards. so we retreated toward our highland campsite. more on that and the details of the summer events in the next posts. ciao for now!