Kaleo Ministry

So this is the last week of Kaleo until the new year! I am excited to come back and see everyone, but I sure am going to miss all of my class-mates.
In our field education class we are learning about the ministry of reconciliation from 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. These verses talk about how God has reconciled himself to us, and what that means we should be doing. It has sort of provided me with a 'mission statement' for everything I do. The Bridge (youth worship night at Cobble Hill) has been going very well. We recently had a Christmas service, where we sang classics like "Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel, which is probably my new favorite. The youth group there is really tight, and its good to be a part of that.
The other day we went to 'The Bungy Zone" and a bunch of us jumped off a bridge. I opted for the less terrifying option of climbing through a ropes course 80 feet up in some trees. I was on the course for a few hours swinging between spindly pines. It was good times. Afterward I got to watch my less inhibited friends plunging 150 feet into a river, and then bouncing back up as if they were on the end of a flyfishers rod.
The community here at Kaleo is growing all the time, partly due to all of our shared experiences, but moreso because of our intentional opening up to one another. We all do our best not to badmouth people behind their backs, but instead discuss issues with one another. And sometimes, like recently, when this doesnt happen, we respond to it by throwing it out there. This morning in a large group we discussed how we havent always been accepting of everyone here, which was becoming a heartbreaking problem. And now we can make a concerted effort to remedy the problem. I think we are all closer because of this 'mass honesty' and I hope to be 'massively honest' back at home too. I guess I have learned that we have to let people in on our pet peeves otherwise there wont be any healing - just bitterness.
Soon I will be home and able to tell you all about whats been going on!
Love you lots

Kaleo Ministry

The 24/7 week of prayer just ended. For almost the entire week I remained silent (with the exception of conversing with and singing to God). The week went pretty well. There were a lot of situations when I wanted to talk but shouldn't, and didn't.
In the prayer room I normally drew pictures of my prayers or knelt by the window meditating on God. The walls were covered with prayers written on multi-colored sheets of paper and pictures of all the Kaleo students and staff. I occasionally walked around the room and prayed for all the students, one at a time, but the majority of my prayers were for the people in India we would meet and the students and leaders heading up the trip.
The students at Cobble Hill baptist lead a service last week. In the morning I stammered out my testimony at the pulpit. It wasn't the best telling, but some people told me it went well and they probably have a better perspective on it! In the evening we arranged the chairs in a circle and had a camp-fire style service that worked pretty well. The whole service seemed more inviting and relaxed than it usually does.
This week, Lech was back from Poland, so we had the pleasure of hearing from him in the morning service. In the evening service, the students and youth at the church lead an all-hymn service which was really cool. I sang! Someone tell my gramma, I was in a five-person choir.
Other than that, school work has been fine. I hand in a lot of assignments late- but it doesn't bother me too much. I am thinking that when we come back after Christmas we will all know eachother well enough that we don't have to stay until 2am chatting, and instead we can stay up until 2am getting work done. Maybe pray for that, it will probably take a miracle.
I miss all you guys back home!
Lots of love,
Shalom.

Kaleo Ministry

Woops! Looks like I missed a week. That's what reading break does to you. I was buried in books the whole time.
Well honestly, not the whole time. I was camping for a couple days in the Carmanah Valley. I went with Tom and Aaron and a few people from Cobble Hill. I think that was the wettest camping trip I have ever been on. Also one of the most fun. I suppose when I am hanging out with people from Cobble Hill it counts as ministry, but its more like hanging out with family. We are encouraged to write about whether we were prepared for our ministry experiences, and I have to say -- I dont think I was. I was not at all prepared to gain more family! Friends, for sure, mentors, maybe, but family? What an amazing blessing.
Work at Qwanoes is really fun too. Tom and I cleaned out some treehouses. They were pretty gross what with the mats covered in rain water and spiders. Also there are hanging bridges which were extremely slippery and holey. Tom fell in one of the holes twice.
So far I seem to be the biggest trouble maker at Kaleo. Its not something im proud of but I dont want to provide a lopsided view of myself through this blog! First trouble was jumping off the dock at nighttime, into the ocean. The phosphorescence is beautiful but apparently thats no excuse for endangering the insurance prices of the camp. So that was kindof a bummer.
I also got in trouble for riding big pans from the kitchen down stairways. So yeah, remember to pray for God to discipline me because I need it.
In other news, I made it onto the India Team! I am not really surprised, but I am really thankful. A lot of people were told that they could not go because only ten can go. So also give praise to the Big Guy for that!
Love you all!

ps This is my only correspondence during my vow of silence. Remember to come visit me everyone!

Kaleo Ministry

Wowee what a week!
A huge assignment was due on Sunday, which I have to hand in late. Luckily my brother has helped me get started because I got totally muddled! The assignment was on the Book of Proverbs and what it says about the Heart.
Before that though, we finished Hermeneutics class with some presentations. Our group was up until 4:30 or so ironing out the wrinkles of the presentation. It went fairly well though. We had a jeopardy game where all the clues were trivia from the book of James.
As far as Cobble Hill goes, everything is happening smoothly. I am nervous about giving my testimony but I am sure it will be a good experience. If anyone who reads this can think of a time in my life where they saw a lot of outward change please let me know! I know where there was a lot of inward change but I am curious to see if those times match up with times of outward change. As for the youth, I love all those kids! I feel like I have a bunch of younger siblings.
As for life among the students here at Kaleo, I find new reasons to love these people every day. A bunch of us recently bough hammocks so last night we tied them up in our room and hung out. Here is a picture of them in the morning
We coated the floor in mattresses so that the other guys could lay around on the floor, and also so that if we fell out we would land on something soft.
And this picture is a little overdue,
credit to Philip Karklins, master sports-photographer.
Write me emails! I miss all of you!

Kaleo Ministry

Last week was a busy one. Nowadays homework takes up most of our time here. The homework is good though, it stretches me. What I mean is that I am doing so much work and experiencing such a level of stress that maybe when I have gone beyond first year studies I will be able to stretch enough to survive them. Without this year I know I could never do it.
The homework is also teaching me about God, about life, and about relationships with my peers. There is nothing like having twenty six other students experiencing the same stress. We can really see what methods (within the range of: work then play, play then work, play then play, and work then work) of study really work.
Apart from all the school work, I was asked to lead a prayer at Cobble Hill. I had only been asked to lead a prayer once before that night, and I completely forgot and messed it up. So I was really determined to "pray well" this time. My topic was the lines in the Lord's Prayer, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven." After getting up in front of everyone I was pretty nervous, but once we got into praying everything went well. Some people said they really appreciated the prayer, so I guess it was good. I have no idea if God worked through me at all but I hope so. I am sure that God worked -on- me through this experience. I am quite interested in finding out more about the concept of 'the Kingdom of God.'
In other news, we are all deciding which mission trip to go on. The options are Vancouver, Columbia, New York, and India. For about the past year I have been learning about India in different ways. My first shallow forays into finding 'enlightenment' were through Hinduism, the primary religion of India. The mentor that helped usher me into God's Kingdom had gone on this same India-trip. A college course that I took on eastern religions ended up focusing on Hinduism for about half the class. It was during this class, while seeing pictures and hearing the history of India that I fell in love with her people. It is these experiences, as well as the knowledge that people will be greatly encouraged by our presence, that convince me that God is calling me there. The only thing that is missing is money, but I have faith that if India is where I should be, the money will come and I will be there.
Thanks for reading everyone! Maybe one of these days ill post some pictures! Watch out!
-Jeremiah

Kaleo Ministry

I lead Bible study this week. I think it went pretty well! There was a good turn out (the whole youth group and Kurt came), and we all had a good time, and learned something about God from the passage I think. Afterward we had pop and cookies and tea and other good stuff.
We had a "Guy's Night" at Jim's house. All the guys (except Jon, who was in Vancouver with his grandfather) hung out all night. We made steak dinners with apple pie and then when we had finished eating we went for coffee in Duncan. The coffee was great and Aaron and I had a game of chess that ended in draw due to time. When we got back the pie had cooled off enough to eat so we dug in. The rest of the night was spent watching Luther and talking and stuff.
Other than the guys night and the Bible study, not much happened this week. I should have spent it working on my Proverbs/Heart essay, but I spent most of my time reading one of the text books. Also, visiting with Lauren as she was working the retreat.
The retreat! I almost forgot, but this weekend was the lady's retreat. I was working for it, and my job was raking. I raked a lot. Then I swept, which is a similar, but more suburban chore. At least one funny thing happened to almost everyone involving the ladies. Aaron got flirted at by a few. I got off easy, they mentioned to me that they thought I was Israeli. Israeli! I was so proud.
At church this morning someone prayed some stuff that made me realize something. I realized another implication of the church as Jesus' body. I was constantly disappointed in myself for not measuring up to Jesus, and I knew that in all my life I never would measure up. I was frustrated because I know that no one could, and yet that is the goal of every Christian's life. We all want to be like Him. What I realized is that only as a congregation, as a body, will we be able to resemble Jesus. This takes my whole focus of somehow improving myself until I am as good as Jesus is, and refocuses it on the people around me. I have to improve my relationships with everyone else so that together we can look like Jesus. I should have already known this. I maybe already did, but I needed that prayer to realize that I was not living like it.
But yeah, I guess that is everything that has happened this week.
God Bless you!

Kaleo Ministry

What a week! Oh boy, where to start?
The surf trip was rad, I caught a few waves when I was near Phil (who has an expensive camera and was braving the sea to capture some magic moments of us). The weather was good and the beach at night was spectacular.
We have had a few days of Camp Ministry class now with Jim as our professor. The class is interesting, I am not sure camp ministry is something I am interested in or called to, but it does sound like an important part of the lives of many Christ-followers.
The homework is starting to catch up with all of us I think. I have to write a two page report on my participation in the last class we did (Spiritual Formation), then I have to write a three page report on how my time in solitude went for the same class. After those I have to write a research paper on proverbs, focusing on "the heart." Meanwhile, I need to prepare a presentation with a group about how we would re-invent the "group discussion" aspect of a camper's experience (this is for Camp Ministry, the current course). I also have weekly (approximately) reading assignments and discussions for Camp Ministry with the same group. Furthermore I will be preparing to interview Isaac (the camp's tech support guy) on his position at camp for an hour. At the same time I am doing the pre-course work for Hermeneutics. This involves reading a 246 page book and writing five pages on it, reading the epistle of James once a day for seven days (readings must be done in one sitting and the days must be seven days in a row), and I have to read a text that I haven't even received yet and complete assignments from that text.
I know what you're thinking, that isn't too bad at all, right?
I also need to prepare a bible study at Cobble Hill this week, and prepare one third of a sermon which I will present at the youth worship night, and then again on Sunday morning(!!!).
Oh yeah, and I think next week I am working for Qwanoes at the women's retreat.
This is all pretty daunting, but I am excited to see how God gets me through this. I know He will!

Kaleo Ministry

This last week went by especially fast. Our days were filled with our first class, Spiritual Formation. The class focused on building up our strength in the faith by teaching us spiritual disciplines. These disciplines included prayerful reading of scripture (lectio divina), times of solitude, meditation, fasting, and scripture memory, among others! The class has not been hard. We spent much of our class time sitting in 'sanctuaries' and praying or meditating or reading. Spiritual Form. is not meant to be a information filled course, however, the goal of the course is giving us ways to examine our own lives, grow spiritually and learn how to be disciplined in our worship.
Most of my Qwanoes oriented ministry has been working in the kitchen and dishpit. I find doing long, repetetive tasks is actually beneficial to my own spiritual growth, and hopefully to the relationships I am forming with the other staff members. While slicing ham or drying dishes I can meditate on what God would want me to be doing, or I can pray for those around me. How much better conversations are when they are started with prayer!
At Cobble Hill Baptist, our gang is getting ready to put on the first Bridge (youth worship night). I dont have much musical talent so all I will be doing is reading scriptures or manning the overhead projector. This week I will be preparing for the bible study that will happen next Wednesday. I am fairly excited about that, as I recently found out that most of the attendees will be the youth in the church. Last night all of the youth of the church, as well as us Kaleo students (Tom, Jesse, Aaron and I) got together to run around the neighborhood, watch movies, eat snacks, and camp out in one of the church portables. This morning we had breakfast at the old church, and then made our way to the new building (still under construction) to have a service there. After the service there was an agape feast but us students had to miss it so that we could shower up and nap a bit before the practice for the Bridge tonight.
In a couple days we leave for the surf trip! Woo Woo

Kaleo Ministry

Another week gone and another adventure under my belt. On Monday everyone woke up ridiculously early to get on a bus and head into Victoria. I had had a rather late night prior to the morning and hadnt found the time to pack. But that will become more important later.
After a little more than an hour we pulled into the Inner Harbour. After grabbing our packs we walked down to the pier and found our new home.
The wind was great so we set sail pronto. Our watch did not begin for some time so Tom and I harnessed up and climbed the main shrouds (The rope ladders that go to the top of the main-sail). We didn't know at the time, but climbing shrouds in high wind is a little bit foolish. The wind was coming at broad reach, meaning that it is hitting the back corner of the ship first. This causes the waves to hit us at an angle, which makes the boat rock. While on deck, this rocking may cause mild nausea. While perilously hanging off ratlines at the top of the main-sail (which by the way, is about eighty feet above deck-level) this rocking motion becomes more like getting snapped back and forth on an elastic band.
Thankfully, we were blessed with no more wind after that first day. Perhaps this was a mixed blessing, however, because we were under engine power for the rest of the trip.
The first night was interesting, as I found (perhaps not the right word) that I hadn't brought my sleeping bag. Luckily, however, I brought a faux-fur coat. In the middle of the night, Tom and I awoke to tackle the peaceful duty of Night-Watch. Being extremely familiar with the night, I took to the duty like a pool shark to a seedy pub. That night we were anchored between North and South Pender Isles. The sea was calm and the stars were beautiful. As I lay on deck the songs we learnt that evening replayed themselves in my mind. I was reminded to be Jubilant at the thought of our God, to thank Him for giving us the things we need, and to have peace knowing that I am in Good Hands.
The next day was beautiful, we cruised. We studied sailors terms and skills. We played and climbed and enjoyed the sea.
The third day it rained. I realized that I hadn't remembered my rain pants. I will try not to bring it up everytime I think of it, but suffice it to say this once: my jeans were permanently soaked for the rest of the trip.
On the fourth day we had our tests. We had to know the boat from keel to top-sail. From bow-sprit to aft-quarters. From bob-stays to counter-stays. I can proudly call myself a junior sailor.
On the fifth day we came home. Jesse caught some jelly-fish in a bucket. My hair got braided.
Somewhere in that trip we went swimming. It was cold.
I really enjoyed being on the sea, and I think I could see myself doing it again. I might sign up to volunteer with them this summer.
In church news, we had our first practice today. Well, I should say all of the musically talented members of our team practiced. I drew a bit. Soon I will be leading bible studies. I am looking forward to this.

Godbless you all! Thanks for your prayers - I am growing, hard-core-like.

Kaleo Ministry

Hey friends and family,
This is my first update from Crofton, really, so I will first acquaint you with exactly what it is I am doing here. On September 10th, I began my stay at Camp Qwanoes. I will be here for the next eight months, and while here I will finish my first year of Bible College. This semester I will complete five courses, and possibly earn a boating license. It has been about a week and a half, and so far I have learned to belay (rope people into harnesses and then hold them back from plummetting to their doom), climbed a mountain (mt Albert/Edwards, near mt Washington), and met 26 other students and four leaders whom I already love dearly like brothers and sisters.
Furthermore I and three fellow students have committed to help organize and lead a youth worship night at my church (Cobble Hill Baptist). I will also be leading a bible study once a month (Probably on the gospel of Luke).
Because our latest trip was up the mountain, ill post some photos...

the mountain from part-way up...


the boys...


the ladies...



the celebration!

In conclusion, I would love to ask a favor. If you pray, pray that I learn about God and love and encourage my peers at every opportunity. Whether you pray or not keep in touch with me! I want to hear how everything is going back in Victoria, too!

Oh Lord, create in me a clean heart

In eight hours I will be driving up to the next eight months of my life.

Father, guide me, be my light and my bread.
I know now that what I know in my mind will not help me love You or others. I must solely rely on the love of Your Son that has been placed in this heart you have built for me. You revealed this to me again, since I knew once, but had forgotten, and Your revelation was timely.
May Your love flow through me Lord, may I see my sin and may I act always with the heart you have blessed me with, so that my mind may grow towards You. May my intellect be shaped by Your love.

Kaleo Day 1: Jess falls in stink hole, Jess falls off roof, teaching her to climb is progressing slowly.

A Shadow Under The Sun

I love God, I love what He's doing.
I am still trying to die and to Live, every day has little struggles and little victories and little defeats.
The past is my biggest enemy, it keeps coming back to haunt me.
My prayer is for closure, or forgetfulness.
God keep me sane. Keep me focused on my service.

Living In Grace

Dear God, how can I be such a hypocrite? How can I claim to believe in Your power and love and not live with my life devoted to You? How can I speak of the blessings of Your way and walk away from You at the same time? God, You gave me my life, now please, take it back. I can not handle the responsibility! Ah but God You know best what I can handle. Please Lord, I will gladly be Your slave if only You give me the will. Help me to fight this body.

When I am ready to take the yoke completely I will rejoice under it's weight and lightness. Lord let me be ready soon.

Prayer for Revelation and Guidance

क्रेअटर, शो में वहत यू हवे मेड.
ओपन माय एएस तो यौर म्य्स्तेरिएस,
माय मंद तो यौर प्लान,
माय हार्ट तो यौर लव.

फाठेर, टेक माय हैण्ड एंड गाइड में.
क्लोसे माय एएस तो थिस वर्ल्ड,
माय मंद तो हिस दौब्ट्स,
माय हार्ट तो हिस तेम्प्ताशन्स.

गोद, इन्त्रोदुस में तो यौर सों.
लेट में लुक उपों हिस ग्लोरी,
मेदिताते अबाउट हिस पथ,
फील हिस लव.