Tomorrow we travel to Heidelberg for and Evensong service at a church that Bp. Meyer is helping start there. Pray for us! The end of camp went well, though it was sad saying all of our goodbyes.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers - much love, Elyse
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Last Days...
Yesterday we had an all-day outing. A bus arrived to pick everyone up around 9 AM and we drove to castle nearby. Some of us took cable cars up the mountain to the castle and we all met at the top where we walked to the castle. After enjoying the view, we had morning prayer and then returned to the bus.
Then we stopped at a dam that was bombed by Britain in 1943 during World War 2. It was very neat. After that we went to a lake and canoed for about an hour. Then we went to Fritzlar where we saw a statue of St. Boniface standing on a tree stump holding a small chapel in his hand. During his life, he cut down a tree that was dedicated to a German god and used the wood to build the first chapel in the town where the tree was. There was also a cathedral that we toured where St. Boniface was buried.
Afterwards we went shopping and stopped for a mid-day snack. We returned to Knull Camp around six and had dinner at six thirty.
Last night we watched "The Mission" with Rober De Niro as another example of people giving up their lives for the Gospel. It was very interesting and I have a lot of thoughts about it... The theology of the priests is not totally something I agree with, but it was good to think about.
Today is the last day of camp! This morning we had our last teachings. Bishop Sutton and Fr. Miller finished summarizing their material. A girl came whose name is Dorothy - she is a neighbor of Bp. Meyer and Grace. Esther met her last year and then ran into the other evening and asked her to join us. It was exciting to see her here. She is a Christian and so is her family, but they are not currently attending church - you could pray that they would get plugged in somewhere!
This afternoon we do not have a regular schedule. Tonight is talent night where everyone performs or does something showing their various talents. Then, Mandy and Tera put together a play in which most of the campers are participating. It is about the crucifixion. First, we will have the talent show and then a big dinner (with steaks!), then we will have the play about the cross and afterwards Bp. Meyer is going to lead us through the stations of the cross that he has set up around the big building. We will all head to the campfire for some reflection on the camp - what stuck out to us and meant something to us - in hopes to encourage one another. We will probably also have some singing and then will hang out until people decide to go to bed.
Should be a fun evening!
Then we stopped at a dam that was bombed by Britain in 1943 during World War 2. It was very neat. After that we went to a lake and canoed for about an hour. Then we went to Fritzlar where we saw a statue of St. Boniface standing on a tree stump holding a small chapel in his hand. During his life, he cut down a tree that was dedicated to a German god and used the wood to build the first chapel in the town where the tree was. There was also a cathedral that we toured where St. Boniface was buried.
Afterwards we went shopping and stopped for a mid-day snack. We returned to Knull Camp around six and had dinner at six thirty.
Last night we watched "The Mission" with Rober De Niro as another example of people giving up their lives for the Gospel. It was very interesting and I have a lot of thoughts about it... The theology of the priests is not totally something I agree with, but it was good to think about.
Today is the last day of camp! This morning we had our last teachings. Bishop Sutton and Fr. Miller finished summarizing their material. A girl came whose name is Dorothy - she is a neighbor of Bp. Meyer and Grace. Esther met her last year and then ran into the other evening and asked her to join us. It was exciting to see her here. She is a Christian and so is her family, but they are not currently attending church - you could pray that they would get plugged in somewhere!
This afternoon we do not have a regular schedule. Tonight is talent night where everyone performs or does something showing their various talents. Then, Mandy and Tera put together a play in which most of the campers are participating. It is about the crucifixion. First, we will have the talent show and then a big dinner (with steaks!), then we will have the play about the cross and afterwards Bp. Meyer is going to lead us through the stations of the cross that he has set up around the big building. We will all head to the campfire for some reflection on the camp - what stuck out to us and meant something to us - in hopes to encourage one another. We will probably also have some singing and then will hang out until people decide to go to bed.
Should be a fun evening!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Praise Reports/Prayer Requests
Aside from giving you the schedule, I'd like to highlight some spiritual events.
Sonja and Mattias - These two have particularly been on my heart. Sonja is ten and Mattias is probably eleven or twelve. Neither speak very good English, but both have worked very hard to fit in and learn words. There countenances (especially Sonja's) have brightened since they arrived. Both of them desire to be baptized, but there stepfather is not a Christian and neither is there mom, which makes a difficult family situation. We prayed all week about possible baptizing them during the service today, but Bp. Meyer talked to their stepfather and thought it best to wait until the fall. They were anointed and prayed over during the service (though Mattias had disappeared - I'm not sure where he was). Sadly, both of them left today. Please pray for them as they return to their old circumstances of living in a nonChristian home (aside from their grandmother) - and ask that the things they've heard this week will grow in their hearts. Pray their whole family receives Christ.
Micha - Micha is sixteen and though his family is Christian, I found out today that he is not baptized. I talked with him later and he said that his parents believe in believer's baptism and that he had not yet decided. Our talk got cut short but he said he was finishing his bible school at his church soon. I think maybe he'll decide after that? I'm not sure but will try to follow up with him. Please pray he'll choose Christ and be baptized soon. Also - he struggles with being persecuted at school for being a Christian.
Tolga - Tolga is a seventeen year old Turkish boy. I do not think he is yet a Christian and I think he has some muslim background, though he denies that he is Muslim. He has been here ever since I came and he really wanted to come back this year, which I think is a good sign. Pray for his salvation.
Hannah - as I told you, Hannah's mom was diagnosed with cancer. A praise report: her first treatment went really well. She did not have any of the bad side affects which is a direct answer to prayer. I think she may have had a bad day recently, but cancer is a long road, so please just keep praying for her.
Christin - has a big exam coming up which makes her nervous.
Travelers - Mrs. Sutton, Roy, Jan, Sabi and their little boy are coming on Tuesday to camp.
Lukas - he is participating more in the discussions and hasn't skipped in several days! He knows a lot about church, but it is just not personal. He also shared with me that he struggles with his dad because his dad is overdramatic and makes a fuss about everything to the point that Lukas begins to ignore him.
Other praise reports: more campers attended chapel the other morning and one of our own faithful campewho has been coming for the past 6 years gave the teaching!
On a side note, something that keeps coming up is an event called the "Love Parade" - a fest of everyone getting drunk and partying, etc. that takes place throughout the entire year in Germany. It's interesting because the man that sat next to me on one of the plane rides told me all about it and said I should I go. He is not a Christian - please pray for him, his name is Steve. But I found out yesterday that there was riot at the Love Parade and 19 were trampled to death and around 340 were injured. I just read an article that they are no longer allowed to have the parade. And Vanessa's friend, Lucas, was there preaching the gospel and two people were saved - praise God! Please keep this whole even in your prayers. Germany has forsaken God in many ways - many of the churches are empty. May their hearts be revived for the Lord.
Ok, that's quite a long post. Camp ends on Tuesday and we have an all-day outing tomorrow so you can pray that goes well too :)
You have no idea how encouraging it is to know you are all praying for us! I could not do this without you.
God bless,
Elyse
Sonja and Mattias - These two have particularly been on my heart. Sonja is ten and Mattias is probably eleven or twelve. Neither speak very good English, but both have worked very hard to fit in and learn words. There countenances (especially Sonja's) have brightened since they arrived. Both of them desire to be baptized, but there stepfather is not a Christian and neither is there mom, which makes a difficult family situation. We prayed all week about possible baptizing them during the service today, but Bp. Meyer talked to their stepfather and thought it best to wait until the fall. They were anointed and prayed over during the service (though Mattias had disappeared - I'm not sure where he was). Sadly, both of them left today. Please pray for them as they return to their old circumstances of living in a nonChristian home (aside from their grandmother) - and ask that the things they've heard this week will grow in their hearts. Pray their whole family receives Christ.
Micha - Micha is sixteen and though his family is Christian, I found out today that he is not baptized. I talked with him later and he said that his parents believe in believer's baptism and that he had not yet decided. Our talk got cut short but he said he was finishing his bible school at his church soon. I think maybe he'll decide after that? I'm not sure but will try to follow up with him. Please pray he'll choose Christ and be baptized soon. Also - he struggles with being persecuted at school for being a Christian.
Tolga - Tolga is a seventeen year old Turkish boy. I do not think he is yet a Christian and I think he has some muslim background, though he denies that he is Muslim. He has been here ever since I came and he really wanted to come back this year, which I think is a good sign. Pray for his salvation.
Hannah - as I told you, Hannah's mom was diagnosed with cancer. A praise report: her first treatment went really well. She did not have any of the bad side affects which is a direct answer to prayer. I think she may have had a bad day recently, but cancer is a long road, so please just keep praying for her.
Christin - has a big exam coming up which makes her nervous.
Travelers - Mrs. Sutton, Roy, Jan, Sabi and their little boy are coming on Tuesday to camp.
Lukas - he is participating more in the discussions and hasn't skipped in several days! He knows a lot about church, but it is just not personal. He also shared with me that he struggles with his dad because his dad is overdramatic and makes a fuss about everything to the point that Lukas begins to ignore him.
Other praise reports: more campers attended chapel the other morning and one of our own faithful campewho has been coming for the past 6 years gave the teaching!
On a side note, something that keeps coming up is an event called the "Love Parade" - a fest of everyone getting drunk and partying, etc. that takes place throughout the entire year in Germany. It's interesting because the man that sat next to me on one of the plane rides told me all about it and said I should I go. He is not a Christian - please pray for him, his name is Steve. But I found out yesterday that there was riot at the Love Parade and 19 were trampled to death and around 340 were injured. I just read an article that they are no longer allowed to have the parade. And Vanessa's friend, Lucas, was there preaching the gospel and two people were saved - praise God! Please keep this whole even in your prayers. Germany has forsaken God in many ways - many of the churches are empty. May their hearts be revived for the Lord.
Ok, that's quite a long post. Camp ends on Tuesday and we have an all-day outing tomorrow so you can pray that goes well too :)
You have no idea how encouraging it is to know you are all praying for us! I could not do this without you.
God bless,
Elyse
Latest Update
I have so many things running through my head right now - it's been a long but very fruitful weekend and I am tired!
To pick up where I left off...
Friday
On Friday, we ... oh my goodness, I can't even remember what happened on Friday! I do know that evening several others (who are old timers): Nils, Vanessa, Malte and Anna. Malte and Anna were just married last Saturday and are spending a little vacation time here with us! Christin arrived on Saturday (it is so great to see her and Vanessa in particular!).
Friday night, we had a special time at the campfire (ok, now it's coming back to me). That afternoon we spent time writing down all of the sins that seem to plague us, or ones that we can't seem to feel released from. Then on Friday night, Bishop Sutton spoke to us about the forgiveness and grace of Christ. We then threw our papers into the fire and he read to us the Absolution of Sins as well as the Comfortable Words. I hope that it was impacting for the campers. We then sat and sang worship songs/hymns.
Earlier that evening I gave my testimony - I felt like it fit in and God was leading me to share it at that time. I spoke of how burdened I become sometimes about doing everything perfectly and how I have struggled with self-condemnation. Thanks be to God, He has done a work in my life to assure me that God is greater than my heart that condemns me and that Christ has truly forgiven me for all things - not by any merit of mine. And I have had such a freedom that I have never had before.
Saturday
Yesterday, our group was obviously bigger, which was nice. That afternoon, we played kickball and ultimate frisbee - so much fun!!! I think and hope everyone had a good time.
The theme of the camp has now shifted from Christ and His sacrifice for us to picking up our cross and following Him. The phrase Bp. Sutton has used is "Sacrifice Provokes Sacrifice", stating that when someone gives us a gift, our response is usually one of wanting to return the gesture. The same should be true of us for Christ - we should desire to pour out our lives for Him when we truly begin to fathom how He gave His entire self for us. It was a really great teaching.
That afternoon we made Black Forest Cherry Cake (I know how to say it in German, but not write it!) and had a special party for Malte and Anna after the evening teaching. It was nice -Vanessa gave a toast.
Afterwards, we all watched "End of the Spear" - a video about Jim Elliott, Nate Saint and other missionaries who gave up their lives to preach the gospel to an Indian group in South America.
Sunday
Today we had Holy Communion with Bp. Meyer's church as well as all of the campers. I played the piano alongside his daughter who played the liturgical music (which was nice since it was all in German).
We had a great meal, took naps and went to a place called Lake Silbersee, where you can do anything from paddleboat and swim to ride a roller coaster type ride and eat ice cream. It was nice. Bp. Meyer and I ran back to the Knuell which was pretty painful, but now I can take off tomorrow. We didn't have any teachings today, but this evening we went to the campfire and sang worship songs (with Tolga on guitar) and Vanessa shared her testimony.
To pick up where I left off...
Friday
On Friday, we ... oh my goodness, I can't even remember what happened on Friday! I do know that evening several others (who are old timers): Nils, Vanessa, Malte and Anna. Malte and Anna were just married last Saturday and are spending a little vacation time here with us! Christin arrived on Saturday (it is so great to see her and Vanessa in particular!).
Friday night, we had a special time at the campfire (ok, now it's coming back to me). That afternoon we spent time writing down all of the sins that seem to plague us, or ones that we can't seem to feel released from. Then on Friday night, Bishop Sutton spoke to us about the forgiveness and grace of Christ. We then threw our papers into the fire and he read to us the Absolution of Sins as well as the Comfortable Words. I hope that it was impacting for the campers. We then sat and sang worship songs/hymns.
Earlier that evening I gave my testimony - I felt like it fit in and God was leading me to share it at that time. I spoke of how burdened I become sometimes about doing everything perfectly and how I have struggled with self-condemnation. Thanks be to God, He has done a work in my life to assure me that God is greater than my heart that condemns me and that Christ has truly forgiven me for all things - not by any merit of mine. And I have had such a freedom that I have never had before.
Saturday
Yesterday, our group was obviously bigger, which was nice. That afternoon, we played kickball and ultimate frisbee - so much fun!!! I think and hope everyone had a good time.
The theme of the camp has now shifted from Christ and His sacrifice for us to picking up our cross and following Him. The phrase Bp. Sutton has used is "Sacrifice Provokes Sacrifice", stating that when someone gives us a gift, our response is usually one of wanting to return the gesture. The same should be true of us for Christ - we should desire to pour out our lives for Him when we truly begin to fathom how He gave His entire self for us. It was a really great teaching.
That afternoon we made Black Forest Cherry Cake (I know how to say it in German, but not write it!) and had a special party for Malte and Anna after the evening teaching. It was nice -Vanessa gave a toast.
Afterwards, we all watched "End of the Spear" - a video about Jim Elliott, Nate Saint and other missionaries who gave up their lives to preach the gospel to an Indian group in South America.
Sunday
Today we had Holy Communion with Bp. Meyer's church as well as all of the campers. I played the piano alongside his daughter who played the liturgical music (which was nice since it was all in German).
We had a great meal, took naps and went to a place called Lake Silbersee, where you can do anything from paddleboat and swim to ride a roller coaster type ride and eat ice cream. It was nice. Bp. Meyer and I ran back to the Knuell which was pretty painful, but now I can take off tomorrow. We didn't have any teachings today, but this evening we went to the campfire and sang worship songs (with Tolga on guitar) and Vanessa shared her testimony.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Perfect day...
Wednesday
On Wednesday we moved our schedule up a little bit so that we could go swimming in a natural pool that is nearby (it's basically like a public pool with a cafe, etc., but the pool is more like a pond). It was the hottest day of the week so far, so it seemed like good timing.
A group was taken to a place called Lockbachlam (sp?), a beautiful wooded area, to hike through and then on to the pool (basically a 20-25 minute hike). I decided to run there to get in my miles for training and was joined by a camper, Lukas as well as Bp. Meyer. Lukas and I ran part of the way while Bp. Meyer took groups in the cars to Lockbachlam. We got to a small village where we were supposed to meet Bp. Meyer and since it was so hot Lukas decided to knock on a door and ask if we could have a drink. We walked up the stairs to a house and the lady that answered the door came out with two bottles of water and glasses. Then we sat on her patio and just talked with her. Her English was relatively good and I was able to have a good conversation with her. Then her husband came out with two bowls of ice cream! It was such a nice experience and I think a highlight of my trip - they were so kind.
Bp. Meyer soon met up with us and we ran the rest of the way. The part through Lockbachlam was simply incredible. The creek is so pure that you can actually drink the water and it was quite refreshing. The pool was a lot of fun as well and the cold water felt really good. There is a lookout castle just up the hill from the pool and some of us went up and looked around.
After swimming, we all drove back to Knuell for a hot meal and the evening lesson. That night we went up to the tower, at the top of the hill, and looked at the stars and constellations through telescopes. We actually got to see Jupiter and some of its moons! It was so neat.
Thursday
Thursday was rainy. It has been amazing to me how God has orchestrated the weather to perfectly fit our schedule. We had lessons and that afternoon we stained glass and made "windows" with designs about the theme of camp or whatever else people wanted to paint. People came up with some pretty neat ones.
During our devotional group on Thursday, one of the younger girls - Fenja (who is 15) - really opened up her heart to us. It was really quite incredible. She gave us her testimony about how God had redeemed her life from attempts at suicide and feelings of no self worth. She is the younger sister of one of the campers that has been coming to camp for quite some time - Florian. He is a strong Christian and played a key role in leading her to Christ. It was so exciting to hear her testimony, I was somewhat concerned about her at the beginning of camp. She is still very young and has some maturing to do, but I can tell that God has a hold on her life now.
Thursday morning we finished going through the seven last statements of Christ on the cross, so it was quite fitting to show the film we had planned for that night: The Passion by Mel Gibson (which also fit in because it was raining and we couldn't have a campfire). After the evening lesson, we rearranged the large room to watch the movie and showed it with German subtitles (the language it is spoken in is Aramaic). Some of the campers had seen it before, but it was still very powerful. Some of the comments I got about it was that it was easy to know the Cross and feel what it had done in their life, but it was even more impacting to see what Christ actually went through. Fenja, who I mentioned earlier, cried through the whole thing. Also, the younger girl and boy - Sonja and Mattias - I think were touched by it. You can continue to pray that God would disturb them and work out His salvation in their hearts.
I have to go now, but I will try to update you on yesterday and today. I have several pressing prayer requests and news about answers to prayers, so I will try to write more later this afternoon!
Peace in Christ,
Elyse
On Wednesday we moved our schedule up a little bit so that we could go swimming in a natural pool that is nearby (it's basically like a public pool with a cafe, etc., but the pool is more like a pond). It was the hottest day of the week so far, so it seemed like good timing.
A group was taken to a place called Lockbachlam (sp?), a beautiful wooded area, to hike through and then on to the pool (basically a 20-25 minute hike). I decided to run there to get in my miles for training and was joined by a camper, Lukas as well as Bp. Meyer. Lukas and I ran part of the way while Bp. Meyer took groups in the cars to Lockbachlam. We got to a small village where we were supposed to meet Bp. Meyer and since it was so hot Lukas decided to knock on a door and ask if we could have a drink. We walked up the stairs to a house and the lady that answered the door came out with two bottles of water and glasses. Then we sat on her patio and just talked with her. Her English was relatively good and I was able to have a good conversation with her. Then her husband came out with two bowls of ice cream! It was such a nice experience and I think a highlight of my trip - they were so kind.
Bp. Meyer soon met up with us and we ran the rest of the way. The part through Lockbachlam was simply incredible. The creek is so pure that you can actually drink the water and it was quite refreshing. The pool was a lot of fun as well and the cold water felt really good. There is a lookout castle just up the hill from the pool and some of us went up and looked around.
After swimming, we all drove back to Knuell for a hot meal and the evening lesson. That night we went up to the tower, at the top of the hill, and looked at the stars and constellations through telescopes. We actually got to see Jupiter and some of its moons! It was so neat.
Thursday
Thursday was rainy. It has been amazing to me how God has orchestrated the weather to perfectly fit our schedule. We had lessons and that afternoon we stained glass and made "windows" with designs about the theme of camp or whatever else people wanted to paint. People came up with some pretty neat ones.
During our devotional group on Thursday, one of the younger girls - Fenja (who is 15) - really opened up her heart to us. It was really quite incredible. She gave us her testimony about how God had redeemed her life from attempts at suicide and feelings of no self worth. She is the younger sister of one of the campers that has been coming to camp for quite some time - Florian. He is a strong Christian and played a key role in leading her to Christ. It was so exciting to hear her testimony, I was somewhat concerned about her at the beginning of camp. She is still very young and has some maturing to do, but I can tell that God has a hold on her life now.
Thursday morning we finished going through the seven last statements of Christ on the cross, so it was quite fitting to show the film we had planned for that night: The Passion by Mel Gibson (which also fit in because it was raining and we couldn't have a campfire). After the evening lesson, we rearranged the large room to watch the movie and showed it with German subtitles (the language it is spoken in is Aramaic). Some of the campers had seen it before, but it was still very powerful. Some of the comments I got about it was that it was easy to know the Cross and feel what it had done in their life, but it was even more impacting to see what Christ actually went through. Fenja, who I mentioned earlier, cried through the whole thing. Also, the younger girl and boy - Sonja and Mattias - I think were touched by it. You can continue to pray that God would disturb them and work out His salvation in their hearts.
I have to go now, but I will try to update you on yesterday and today. I have several pressing prayer requests and news about answers to prayers, so I will try to write more later this afternoon!
Peace in Christ,
Elyse
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
And we're off - camp has begun!
So it's been a few days...
Friday and Saturday was more preparation as well as going to see the army camp on the west side of Germany that overlooked the east side and made sure they did not make any advancements. It was fascinating.
Sunday was extremely busy. At ten we had a communion service with the church that Bp. Meyer pastors, so we did the whole service in German. Since I have come for a couple years now, playing the piano went much more smoothly (listening for cues in German isn't always the easiest, but by God's grace can be done!)
After church, us girls began to clean the rooms and bathrooms because the other group that had been here (the Russian Germans) moved their stuff out to leave. The boys started grilling our lunch. When lunch was ready and cleaning was done, we all ate lunch with the Germans from Bp. Meyer's church. It was a sweet time - we ate on the patio and had a time where we shared testimonies. Bp. Meyer had the Americans introduce themselves so the Germans could get to know us. Also, some of our friends from past camps, Nils and Roy came and ate with us.
After lunch we decorated and got ready for the campers who arrived that afternoon. Once all the campers were here, we helped them move in and played volleyball until dinner time. After dinner we started our program - introducing everyone, going over the camp theme and rules and playing ice breakers. Then we went to the campfire for a bit before going on a night hike through the woods. Needless to say, I crashed into bed that night and had no problem getting to sleep!
Monday we hit the ground running beginning with morning chapel at 8 and breakfast at 8:30. We began the morning teaching with praise music and Bp. Sutton gave his first teaching about what the cross represents. We broke for lunch and some free time and then met again for discussion groups. Our group was good, though I think we were all a little tired. But the girls seemed to have picked up on what Bp. Sutton was saying. Feedback from the other groups was that they went really well.
That afternoon we taught the Germans how to play baseball (a camp favorite). Some had never played but thought it was great fun. I was able to go running afterwards (I'm trying to stay on top of training for a half-marathon). Then we had dinner at 6 and afterwards started the evening session which consisted of more praise music and a short version of evening prayer. I think the liturgy is new to many of the Germans, but one of them afterwards said he thought it was really cool that we said the Lord's prayer. I hope they begin to appreciate it more and more as camp goes on. Fr. Miller from New Jersey arrived safely yesterday afternoon and gave us an introduction last night to his teachings about Evolution and the supremacy of the Bible. I really enjoy his teaching style and the points he made were very good.
We had a campfire again last night with cookies and juice and then went to bed around midnight. I was thankful for a nap this morning after the first session!
Prayer Requests:
- Wolfgang, a hired hand at Knull, is working at turning his life around. At age 50, he has given his life to the Lord. He has had a difficult past but works hard and has been to every morning prayer at the chapel.
- Sonja and Mattias - two very young campers (their parents live here at Knull) who have only had 1-2 years of English. They do not understand much, but I pray the camp is very impacting for them. Sonja is only 10.
- Hannah - a camper who found out only 2 weeks ago that her mother has cancer. Her mother's birthday is today.
- Lukas - a 17 year old camper. I think he has been in church all his life and "knows it all" already, but he is really wandering in his own personal relationship with Christ. Pray that God would use this camp to awaken him to his need for the cross and forgiveness for his own sins.
I would write more but it is time for discussion groups. I hope all is well at home - I miss everyone very much! Thank you so much for your prayers - the Lord is using them and they are a blessing to me.
Elyse
Friday and Saturday was more preparation as well as going to see the army camp on the west side of Germany that overlooked the east side and made sure they did not make any advancements. It was fascinating.
Sunday was extremely busy. At ten we had a communion service with the church that Bp. Meyer pastors, so we did the whole service in German. Since I have come for a couple years now, playing the piano went much more smoothly (listening for cues in German isn't always the easiest, but by God's grace can be done!)
After church, us girls began to clean the rooms and bathrooms because the other group that had been here (the Russian Germans) moved their stuff out to leave. The boys started grilling our lunch. When lunch was ready and cleaning was done, we all ate lunch with the Germans from Bp. Meyer's church. It was a sweet time - we ate on the patio and had a time where we shared testimonies. Bp. Meyer had the Americans introduce themselves so the Germans could get to know us. Also, some of our friends from past camps, Nils and Roy came and ate with us.
After lunch we decorated and got ready for the campers who arrived that afternoon. Once all the campers were here, we helped them move in and played volleyball until dinner time. After dinner we started our program - introducing everyone, going over the camp theme and rules and playing ice breakers. Then we went to the campfire for a bit before going on a night hike through the woods. Needless to say, I crashed into bed that night and had no problem getting to sleep!
Monday we hit the ground running beginning with morning chapel at 8 and breakfast at 8:30. We began the morning teaching with praise music and Bp. Sutton gave his first teaching about what the cross represents. We broke for lunch and some free time and then met again for discussion groups. Our group was good, though I think we were all a little tired. But the girls seemed to have picked up on what Bp. Sutton was saying. Feedback from the other groups was that they went really well.
That afternoon we taught the Germans how to play baseball (a camp favorite). Some had never played but thought it was great fun. I was able to go running afterwards (I'm trying to stay on top of training for a half-marathon). Then we had dinner at 6 and afterwards started the evening session which consisted of more praise music and a short version of evening prayer. I think the liturgy is new to many of the Germans, but one of them afterwards said he thought it was really cool that we said the Lord's prayer. I hope they begin to appreciate it more and more as camp goes on. Fr. Miller from New Jersey arrived safely yesterday afternoon and gave us an introduction last night to his teachings about Evolution and the supremacy of the Bible. I really enjoy his teaching style and the points he made were very good.
We had a campfire again last night with cookies and juice and then went to bed around midnight. I was thankful for a nap this morning after the first session!
Prayer Requests:
- Wolfgang, a hired hand at Knull, is working at turning his life around. At age 50, he has given his life to the Lord. He has had a difficult past but works hard and has been to every morning prayer at the chapel.
- Sonja and Mattias - two very young campers (their parents live here at Knull) who have only had 1-2 years of English. They do not understand much, but I pray the camp is very impacting for them. Sonja is only 10.
- Hannah - a camper who found out only 2 weeks ago that her mother has cancer. Her mother's birthday is today.
- Lukas - a 17 year old camper. I think he has been in church all his life and "knows it all" already, but he is really wandering in his own personal relationship with Christ. Pray that God would use this camp to awaken him to his need for the cross and forgiveness for his own sins.
I would write more but it is time for discussion groups. I hope all is well at home - I miss everyone very much! Thank you so much for your prayers - the Lord is using them and they are a blessing to me.
Elyse
Friday, July 16, 2010
Today has been a full day so far -
The boys and Bp. Meyer went to the woods to finish collecting firewood for the campfire that we have every night during camp.
Esther and Tera accompanied Grace to the store to purchase food and supplies that we need.
Mandy, Tera and I spent time weeding the garden around the big house and Wolfgang helped clean up.
Bp. Sutton and Werner have continued working on the morning prayer/evening prayer services as well as the lessons. (
Werner on the services, Bp. on the lessons).
The songbook is almost finished. I've spent the afternoon proofreading the songs, typing up the copyright information, transferring copies of the hymns and formatting it all in the booklet. Last night I copied all of the music for the binder I will use to play from and Mandy cut the outsides of the booklets this afternoon. I feel accomplished!
Roy, Nils and Vanessa - Germans who were previously campers - might come tomorrow. I look forward to seeing them!
The boys and Bp. Meyer went to the woods to finish collecting firewood for the campfire that we have every night during camp.
Esther and Tera accompanied Grace to the store to purchase food and supplies that we need.
Mandy, Tera and I spent time weeding the garden around the big house and Wolfgang helped clean up.
Bp. Sutton and Werner have continued working on the morning prayer/evening prayer services as well as the lessons. (
Werner on the services, Bp. on the lessons).
The songbook is almost finished. I've spent the afternoon proofreading the songs, typing up the copyright information, transferring copies of the hymns and formatting it all in the booklet. Last night I copied all of the music for the binder I will use to play from and Mandy cut the outsides of the booklets this afternoon. I feel accomplished!
Roy, Nils and Vanessa - Germans who were previously campers - might come tomorrow. I look forward to seeing them!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Camp Preparation, Schnitzel and Tornadoes!
Hello everyone,
I would have loved to write an update last night but the wireless went down. We spent yesterday preparing for camp and still resting a bit. Last night we walked to the Bogelhaus (a hostel and restaurant just down the road from Knuell camp) for half-priced Schnitzel. It was so yummy! When we got back a huge thunderstorm rolled in and we had to run inside. I've never seen a storm move so quickly - the wind picked up and many of the pine trees were bending almost halfway over. Once in the big house (where we are staying) we went to a safe place because Bp. Meyer said there was tornadic activity. The electricity went out and wireless went down, but God answered our prayers to keep everything else in tact. Fortunately we got electricity back only and hour or two later. Sadly, Bp. Meyer told me today that a forestman was killed in the storm after being crushed by a tree that fell over. Please pray for his family and those surrounding the situation. Germany has been having extreme weather - Bp. Meyer said that about every 5-7 years they have a hot summer, which it is. It's been in the 90's!
Today has been busy. A group of Russian-Germans who are German Baptist Brethren came in this evening to stay for camp. We spent the afternoon cleaning several rooms as well as the bathrooms by the Jause. This morning we had another team meeting and after lunch Esther and I cranked out more of the songbook. It is coming along really well - we have 49 songs total. Bp. Sutton has finished his notes - he is speaking on the 7 last Words (or sentences) of Christ as well as some points that Martin Luther made about the cross. It should be very interesting. Warner is typing up bulletins for morning prayer, evening prayer and Holy Communion. We will be doing Evensong in a church in Heidelburg when we go on tour there. Fr. Greg Miller will be joining us for English camp to teach basic Christian apologetics in the evening sessions.
In addition to these teachings, we plan to view the movies Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson and End of the Spear about missionaries Jim Elliot and Nate Saint. After discussing Christ and His death on the cross, we will spend the end of camp talking about picking up our cross and following Him. We have several theme hymns, including one written by a German: "Ah, Holy Jesus" as well as "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross", "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" and "Am I a Soldier of the Cross?".
There will be a much smaller group of campers this year - about as many campers as leaders (so 8-10). I think some of us felt disappointed at first, but I think that God is going to work powerfully among this smaller group. It allows for much more focused relationships and time to spend on individuals and their questions. Over the weekend, however, we plan to have 8 or 9 additional campers - ones who have come in the past, and wanted to come this year, but couldn't get off work.
Prayer Requests:
- We will be attentive to what needs to be done around the grounds to help Grace (Meyer).
- God would prepare the hearts of the campers and remove any obstacles that might arise before coming to camp.
- God would prepare our hearts to have a burden for the campers and know how to reach out to them.
- We would be able to finish all of the details that need to be done beforehand.
- That Sunday would go smoothly: we have a communion service with Bp. Meyer's church, the Russian-Germans will be leaving after lunch, we must clean everything in preparation for the campers for English camp that will come that afternoon.
- For the family of the forestman who was killed last night in the storm.
- For the travels of Fr. Greg Miller, the campers and those who are coming this weekend (Weremchuks and Vanessa).
Praise
- Esther was not feeling well but God healed her.
- We have gotten a lot done so far.
- Aside from the storm, we have beautiful weather!
- Everyone's travels have been safe.
- Grace's back is much better!
May God's blessings and peace be yours. In Him, Elyse
I would have loved to write an update last night but the wireless went down. We spent yesterday preparing for camp and still resting a bit. Last night we walked to the Bogelhaus (a hostel and restaurant just down the road from Knuell camp) for half-priced Schnitzel. It was so yummy! When we got back a huge thunderstorm rolled in and we had to run inside. I've never seen a storm move so quickly - the wind picked up and many of the pine trees were bending almost halfway over. Once in the big house (where we are staying) we went to a safe place because Bp. Meyer said there was tornadic activity. The electricity went out and wireless went down, but God answered our prayers to keep everything else in tact. Fortunately we got electricity back only and hour or two later. Sadly, Bp. Meyer told me today that a forestman was killed in the storm after being crushed by a tree that fell over. Please pray for his family and those surrounding the situation. Germany has been having extreme weather - Bp. Meyer said that about every 5-7 years they have a hot summer, which it is. It's been in the 90's!
Today has been busy. A group of Russian-Germans who are German Baptist Brethren came in this evening to stay for camp. We spent the afternoon cleaning several rooms as well as the bathrooms by the Jause. This morning we had another team meeting and after lunch Esther and I cranked out more of the songbook. It is coming along really well - we have 49 songs total. Bp. Sutton has finished his notes - he is speaking on the 7 last Words (or sentences) of Christ as well as some points that Martin Luther made about the cross. It should be very interesting. Warner is typing up bulletins for morning prayer, evening prayer and Holy Communion. We will be doing Evensong in a church in Heidelburg when we go on tour there. Fr. Greg Miller will be joining us for English camp to teach basic Christian apologetics in the evening sessions.
In addition to these teachings, we plan to view the movies Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson and End of the Spear about missionaries Jim Elliot and Nate Saint. After discussing Christ and His death on the cross, we will spend the end of camp talking about picking up our cross and following Him. We have several theme hymns, including one written by a German: "Ah, Holy Jesus" as well as "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross", "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" and "Am I a Soldier of the Cross?".
There will be a much smaller group of campers this year - about as many campers as leaders (so 8-10). I think some of us felt disappointed at first, but I think that God is going to work powerfully among this smaller group. It allows for much more focused relationships and time to spend on individuals and their questions. Over the weekend, however, we plan to have 8 or 9 additional campers - ones who have come in the past, and wanted to come this year, but couldn't get off work.
Prayer Requests:
- We will be attentive to what needs to be done around the grounds to help Grace (Meyer).
- God would prepare the hearts of the campers and remove any obstacles that might arise before coming to camp.
- God would prepare our hearts to have a burden for the campers and know how to reach out to them.
- We would be able to finish all of the details that need to be done beforehand.
- That Sunday would go smoothly: we have a communion service with Bp. Meyer's church, the Russian-Germans will be leaving after lunch, we must clean everything in preparation for the campers for English camp that will come that afternoon.
- For the family of the forestman who was killed last night in the storm.
- For the travels of Fr. Greg Miller, the campers and those who are coming this weekend (Weremchuks and Vanessa).
Praise
- Esther was not feeling well but God healed her.
- We have gotten a lot done so far.
- Aside from the storm, we have beautiful weather!
- Everyone's travels have been safe.
- Grace's back is much better!
May God's blessings and peace be yours. In Him, Elyse
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Over the Rhine... or actually, on it. To Knuell Camp we go!
Hello Everyone!
I made it to Germany, safe and sound. Almost missed my flight but it was only a close call. I met a group from Texas: Bishop Sutton, Esther Sutton, Austin Sutton, Patrick Sheehan, Mandy Mullarkey, Tera Deupree and Warner Heissenhuber who were accompanied by Bishop Meyer and Martin, a man from Schwazenborn that assists him. We arrived around 9:30 AM.
Bishop Meyer is his usual self (going, going, going) and we began doing things as soon as we left the airport: we went to a town on the Rhine River and got food, shopped and toured. Then, we took a 2 hour ride down the Rhine on a ferry. It was beautiful, though many of us laid our heads on the table and went sound to sleep.We arrived at the Knuell Camp around 7 last evening and met Grace. Gabby (the camp cook) had a hot meal waiting for us. After hanging out for a bit, we hit the sack.
Today we had a meeting over the plans for camp and began working on the songbook. It has been rather laid back as we all recover from jet lag. I was able to go jogging through the countryside which was absolutely beautiful as I continue to train for the race in the fall. This evening we were dropped off in the town that sits down the hill from camp and went to a pizzeria - so yummy! Then we were able to soak up some more secenery as we walked back and enjoyed the sunset. Tomorrow should be a full day of preparation after Morning Prayer.
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