PEAK Kid's Camp is always a challenge! Our staff is doing follow-up but we know for sure that 25 kids gave their hearts to God while attending camp. God is good!
Some of the kids are "loners" when they arrive. This little gal was glad to find a friend almost before she got off the bus -- it was a moth!
Have you ever seen a game of "Gaga Ball" - something new to us. Basically, you start out with several players throwing a ball at each other inside a wooden "corral". If you get hit, you're out of the game - much like dodge ball we used to play. One of the favorite activities is sliding down the hill on a slip 'n' slide. I don't understand why it's so much fun since the daytime temperature here is still in the 60s and low 70s and the water is very cold!
Kids stand in long lines at the snack shop to load up on their favorite candy.
Family Camp
One of our exciting guests this year was Ruth Graham - mother of 3, grandmother to 7, and stepmother to 3 young boys who are the sons of her husband, Greg. She is the middle child born to Evangelist Billy and Ruth Graham. Ruth says that being the daughter of Billy Graham is part of what she is, not who she is. During her faith journey she has known heartache, depression, betrayal, rejection, stubborn willfulness, anxiety and fear. She feels she is qualified to speak to various groups because she is flawed - a sinner saved by grace. Her life verse is John 1:16, "Of His fullness have we all received, grace upon grace." (NAS) Indeed, she brought a message of hope to many who were blessed to hear her speak here at Ponderosa.
Black Forest Fire
Once again, we experienced the threat of fire to this community. You have read of our worship/relationship with the FBC of Black Forest. This time, thousands of acres in the Black Forest were consumed by roaring flames fed by strong gusts of wind through this beautiful area northeast of Colorado Springs. At least 20 church families, and regular attendees of FBC, lost their homes. Those of us who live and work at Ponderosa were instructed to pack our belongings and be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. Busloads of students from Amarillo, TX packed their travel gear on buses but continued to experience the love of God as their leaders carried out the program as if nothing was happening. Smiling faces and words of encouragement were shared as meals were served in the dining hall. The picture was taken at the top of the hill behind Ponderosa.
Information about Southern Baptists' Disaster Relief program was prominently displayed in the church foyer BEFORE THE FIRE, urging members to sign up for disaster relief training. Little did they know a command center, in the church parking lot, would help provide food, clothing and other support to displaced residents and those working to get back into the homes they evacuated.
Meet Ben Carlton, one of our college students working alongside us at Ponderosa. Ben lost the house that had been an emotional touchstone for all his young life. The 18-year-old wrote: "After a long drive back from school going down the driveway and seeing my dogs run up to me, never failed to put a smile on my face. This is how I feel when I think about my home. Home. There is nothing like it. As of 2:00 this morning my home has officially burnt to the ground." Yet, he concluded: "Though my home may be gone, my hope is not. God is my shelter!" Note: We are thrilled that Ben is planning to attend Grand Canyon University in the Fall.
