We often get asked by people, “So what do you guys do at THE OAKS when its not summer?” and we just have to laugh. Trying to imagine ourselves and the staff here sitting around twiddling our thumbs and waiting for each summer to come is just not possible (although sometimes it is something we wish could happen!). Thankfully, God keeps this ministry BUSY year-round, whether it be with guest groups, Outdoor Ed camps, meetings and planning with the staff, or countless other projects! Even though it does get tiring and stressful at times, we’re blessed to be a part of His work here.
The last two months have been no exception! Almost every week since summer camp THE OAKS has been hosting guest groups, and every weekend we have hosted at least 300 people. Included in these groups was the fall Leaders-in-Training retreat and the fall Core Leadership Retreat, two weekends focused on training urban teens and young adults to become leaders in their schools, communities, and churches. Many familiar faces attended these retreats, teens who have been “regulars” at our urban programs and/or are part of World Impact’s Leaders-in-Training program.
During the CORE leadership retreat, Jared helped lead the foot-washing segment of the communion service. Our program team felt this was an important aspect to include in communion, because (if taken seriously) it can paint such a beautiful picture of servant hood and the example that Christ set for us. Even for “churched” adults, foot-washing can be awkward and uncomfortable—imagine how it could be for young people from the inner-city with little to no church background! Jared was a little nervous going into it, unsure of how the students would handle it and hoping they would take it seriously. It ended up being a really powerful service, and many of them later said that the foot-washing was the most meaningful time of their whole weekend. Praise the Lord!
The past two weeks have been full with Jared running two different Outdoor Ed camps. Two weeks ago was a group of eighty seventh graders, the largest Outdoor Ed group of the year. It rained almost the entire time they were here—very unusual weather for Southern California in October! That made the week pretty stressful for Jared, considering all the activities scheduled had been outdoor-only activities! Thankfully, the staff pulled together and helped rearrange the schedule, and the kids ended up loving it! And we desperately needed the rain, so that was also a mixed blessing!
Other significant happenings over the past couple of months include the following:
Here are some ways you can be praying for us over the next month or two:
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6)
