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