The Solution to the Recession Micah 6:8

Economists have labeled this period in history we live in as “The Great Recession”. Everyone has been directly affected including all involved with Camp Machaceh and all those we serve.The million dollar question: What is the solution to this recession?

The prophet Micah brought a curse against Israel:

“14 You will eat but never have enough. Your hunger pangs and emptiness will still remain. And though you try to save your money, it will come to nothing in the end. You will save a little, but I will give it to those who conquer you. 15 You will plant crops but not harvest them. You will press your olives but not get enough oil to anoint yourselves. You will trample the grapes but get no juice to make your wine. 16…You will be treated with contempt, mocked by all who see you.” (Micah 6:14-16)

The Israelites’ worship was hollow and ritualistic. God brought the charge against them of not being just and not being faithful to Him. For these reasons they were cursed. I was haunted by this passage when I read it with regard to what our society is facing.

Our society has many idols and is full of injustice. We definitely are surrounded by a people who are never satisfied with what they have, who have all of the things but no reserves, and who toil only to receive no reward. This societal pattern is greatly reflected even in our church.

The root of the “Great Recession” will be debated by economists for generations. However, Micah was very clear that the root of the problem is the depravity of the heart. It is sin that led to a culture that can not be content, that overlooked the needs of our neighbor, and was filled with nominal church members. God required his followers to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). The only reasonable way this is accomplished is through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus lived life with the outcasts of society. He touched lepers, empowered women, praised children, and healed gentiles. But Jesus did not stop there. All of these actions were great, but they were signs. Signs that the Kingdom of God had arrived and all who believed could freely participate. Jesus challenged hollow religion, redefined it, and liberated us; Jesus is the liberating king. The disciples understood the truth of Jesus’ liberation at Pentecost. They then burst out in the crowd and proclaimed the good news.

How excited do we get about our liberating king? We are faced with a society shaped by the broken and wounded. Do we choose to live according to this corrupted pattern? No. As followers of Jesus we must break free and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must live justly, with mercy, and walk with God. For it is in the freedom of Christ that we can truly find contentment and the solution to the “Great Recession”.

An Interview with Harold: Camp Machaceh Volunteer

Last summer, Harold joined our team as a volunteer for all three weeks of camp. Without his help, camp would have been much more stressful. Recently, we asked him a few questions about his experience.

Camp Machaceh (CM): How has your life been impacted by Camp Machaceh in general?
Harold: I know more about inner tubes than I expected. Participation in the camp activities, daily rallies, daily worship, prayer activities, and working with the kids reinforced the importance of my daily quite time and provided a renewed emphasis on helping others.

CM: What made you decide to volunteer with Camp Machaceh in 2008?
Harold: I had been praying for opportunities to serve and help others. I have fond memories of camps and wanted to participate in making the camping experience available for kids who otherwise would not be able to attend a camp. It just took someone asking me to help.

CM: In your own words what was your role at Camp Machaceh for Summer 2008?
Harold: I was the camp roadie, in charge of water balloon filling, inflation and deflation of inner tubes, setting up equipment for games, running errands, and occasionally throwing water balloons. I tried to help the directors and counselors prepare for the games and have equipment and supplies ready for their breakout sessions.

CM: Please describe your favorite experience from the summer.
Harold: I enjoyed interacting with the campers, counselors, and camp staff. I helped make s'mores for kids who had never eaten s'mores in their lives.

CM: What was the funniest thing that happened last summer?

(This is a picture of the practical joke the rest of the staff played on Harold one weekend when he was away.)

CM: How are you continuing your involvement with Camp Machaceh?
Harold: Recently, I became a Board Member and plan on participating in the camp this summer.

CM: Why should someone volunteer for Camp Machaceh this summer?
Harold: Aside from helping groups of campers experience a camp of a lifetime, the experience will bring back memories of your own camp days and build new memories. The experience will give you an opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life, providing memories and happiness to kids who have had their share of challenges.

CM: Is volunteering with Camp Machaceh difficult?
Harold: The weather may be hot, the trails dusty, or the camp director may be stressed, but the work is satisfying and fosters great memories.

CM: What is the most important thing to know about volunteering with Camp Machaceh?
Harold: The camp is a true blessing to both the volunteer and the kids who attend. You will see the kids grow, enjoy the music, and you will feel God’s presence at the camp,

Harold, Aaron, & Stephanie

This summer, we are running our camp with only a volunteer staff. We have positions ranging from camp counselor and rec team to van driver. If you enjoy working with youth and volunteering at Camp Machaceh sounds like fun to you, head on over to our website www.campmachaceh.org for more information. Camp Machaceh Camp Edition is July 5-10, 2009 at Forest Glen Springs Christian Camp near Waco, TX. We hope to see you there!

CCCA Convention

Every year, the Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA) has a national gathering. Aaron and I went back in 2005 when Camp Machaceh was in the planning stages, and we decided it was time to go again. So we packed up and headed to Disney World. (Did I mention that was the location for this year?)

The conference was awesome! We heard from some amazing speakers and met some amazing people from camps all over the world. It's awesome to hear how God is using camps in other countries to reach people for Christ. The theme for the conference was Reimagine, and we were challenged to do just that. We learned a lot and were challenged by the speakers. Our favorites were Leonard Sweet, McNair Wilson, and Bart Tarman. We came home refreshed, energized, and excited about Summer 2009 and beyond!

The CCCA is a great organization! We are glad that Camp Machaceh is a part of it.

Speaking of Summer 2009, registration starts on February 2. That's in about three weeks! We have much to do before that day, so please keep us in your prayers!

Having never been to Disney World, Aaron and I decided to go a few days early as a 4th Anniversary present to each other. Enjoy these pictures of our trip!

At Cinderella's Castle

We met Mickey and Minnie!

The fireworks show at Epcot is awesome!

Got Armor?

Enjoy these pictures of Summer 2008!

What happens when we don't have internet access...

I have much to share with you. So much has happened since my last post: we went on our Leadership Trek with our staff, we had our first week of camp, and we started our second week of camp. I will do my best to fill you in on our current happenings, but it might take a few posts...


Leadership Trek (a.k.a. staff canoe trip):

We had so much fun canoeing down the Buffalo National River. By the end of our trip we had paddled 50 miles. Here are a few things I learned:

1. A phrase you never want to hear when you are on a canoe trip: "I was using my canoe paddle as a spear to kill spiders, and when I looked up we were in a tree."


2. Raccoons can open 5-gallon buckets if they try hard enough, and apparently they really like Laffy Taffy.


3. Hiking 6 miles round trip for trash bags is not worth it unless you eat ice cream and bring back Dr. Pepper for the group.

Overall, we had an awesome 9 days. Our staff is united in a very special way because of that trip.

Enjoy these pictures of our trip!

Aaron and me paddling away!

Our group (minus Aaron) prior to setting out.

Beautiful scenery!

Goofy Girls!

Our group paddling down the river!

And We're Off...

I don't have long, but I wanted to write a quick update before we set out on our Leadership Trek bright and early tomorrow morning...

Our counselors arrived yesterday, and we love them! Yea! We are having a blast getting to know everyone. We spent most of today [Sunday] preparing for our 8 day canoe trip to the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. But now the van is mostly packed, our kayak is saran wrapped--don't ask, and now all Aaron and I have to do is get to bed!!

Thank you so much to all of you who are praying for us! We appreciate it more than you know! Please pray for safety as we travel to the River and while we are canoeing and hiking this next week.

I will leave you with some pictures of our preparation and our armor. We have a suit of Roman armor--real metal armor, not the fake plastic costume stuff. We got it this past week, and if you know Aaron at all, you know the first thing he did was put it on--all of it! Enjoy!

Me with most of our food for our Trek...

My sweet parents helped us out a bunch this past week.

And now for the armor...

Check back July 1 or 2 for an update about the Trek...

Camp Machaceh Workday

Time has definitely gotten away from me. I am behind on updating this thing! Our counselors arrive this coming Saturday! Camp is almost here! The journey is beginning, or I guess I should say continuing! Please pray for Aaron and me in these final days of preparation.

We want to thank everyone who participated in the Camp Machaceh Workday on Saturday, June 7! We couldn't have finished everything without you! Thank you Open Door and our small group!

We built everything from stage decks to initiative supplies, and we made camp rocks for our campers. Here are a few pictures from the day: