Camp Jonah Blog

Must I retreat also?

2010-11-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

For some reason, this fall God arranged for me to attend two women’s retreats. For some of you, this would be natural and exciting. For me, this is a bit stretching. I’m more of an introvert— and at one of these retreats, I hardly know a soul. I am one who could easily find an excuse to attend neither weekend and be just fine with that. After all, since my husband and I manage Jonah Ministries, we host retreats ten months out of the year. Of all people, I KNOW how to do these events! What I’ve realized I’m not so good at is NOT running the retreat, but just attending it.

This little retreat predicament I find myself in brings pause to me. Why, after all, am I sold on hosting retreats and why did I attend two this month?

1. I find value in spending time with women I’ve known for years.

2. I am anxious to meet more of the women I worship with every Sunday.

3. I am blessed to attend each retreat with one of my adult daughters.

4. I get to go for long walks on the beach.

5. I truly desire to meet God there.

6. I can stay up late and giggle with the women, or go to bed early and get some much-needed rest

7. I like to spend non-church time with these women so I can hear more about them personally, their families, what makes them tick, and which of them really seek to know Jesus.

8. Perhaps I can even encourage one of them.

What does “retreat” even mean? A few definitions: to move away, move back, draw back, back away, run away, recoil, withdraw, leave, give ground, flee, advance, or hideaway, sanctuary, refuge.

So true. My excuses for staying home are feeble, compared with the chance to withdraw a bit, leave my busy life, give ground to Jesus, and find sanctuary and refuge in a place (no matter where it is) that is set up to minister straight to my heart and womanly needs.

Oh, it’s time to run. My daughter just bounced back into the room we’re sharing after being prayed for, having great conversations with new friends and ready to go for an espresso with me.

Is it your turn now?

-Beki

Missions Camp

2010-07-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

You must come for a visit! You would’ve been both charmed and concerned during Kids’ Missions Camp registration last Sunday. We took them through a simulated airport with many stations, including greeting them with a barricade and camouflage-clad soldiers, searching their luggage, confiscating Bibles, getting a passport, etc. This week 71 campers (and lots of other staff) are learning about the Muslim world and why we need to be certain of our belief in Jesus Christ. I’m continually amazed at the knowledge, talents and planning that has gone into this camp. We’re currently housing and teaching future missionaries and we couldn’t do it without you!!

-Beki

Week One

2010-06-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

Our first camp of the season is over (Home Ec/Man Camp). It was so fun and so God-orchestrated! The campers did countless (at least I couldn’t keep track) amazing projects, had serious chapel times, and were challenged to Do Hard Things as they make wise decisions in their teen lives. We were blown away by the quality of the guest staff and speakers—and the intentional way they taught each project. We had perfect weather, receptive campers, excellent staff support, and even the broken arm that happened on Sunday night proved God’s plan and faithfulness. Thank you for all the ways you're involved!

-Beki

Whirlwind!

2010-06-22T13:57:00.001-07:00

Have you ever been right in the middle of a whirlwind? Well, that’s what’s happening right now at Camp Jonah. There are 47 campers involved in three different levels of Home Ec/Man Camp. There are about a million great electives to choose from and a million guests teaching them and a million ingredients or supplies needed for each one. Our speaker is hitting the campers hard with the truth about Jesus and our staffies are a unified bunch of young people serving their guts out! In the middle of all this are phone calls, emails, bills to pay, grandchildren to play with, and the challenging dilemma of having solid family times in the middle of it all. But, it’s all worth it!

-Beki

Overwhelmed

2010-03-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

Maybe it’s due to getting a little less sleep than usual last night, or maybe God is calling my heart to wake up, or (most likely) those factors are working together, but I have found myself overwhelmed several times today by the grace of God and the evidence of His hand at Jonah Ministries.

As I write this, the team from Synergo is finishing up the repairs on our ropes course, which means it will be usable for our first group in March. We were heartbroken when the windstorm took it down, and I think we often walked in doubt instead of faith as we tried to piece together the logistics of the repairs. But we prayed with the little belief we had, and all it took was one miraculous check from our insurance company to get us back on our feet again. God’s timing is perfect. He is faithful to provide for His work.

I also have the privilege of reading the responses that have been pouring in for our first annual Jonah Family Reunion. I have been moved to tears on several different occasions by the testimonies of how God has used Jonah to shape lives. We are so flawed, so human, and so often at a loss to even know what the next step should be. But God uses us, over and over again! Lives are being changed as the doors stay open year after year, and we sit here in the front row seats getting to watch it all unfold. It’s not by any greatness of our own—in fact, when we think we’ve got it all together just right is usually when things fall apart—but by the mercy of God and the mystery of His choosing to work through imperfect people. So we praise Him for that and settle into our front row seats, gaining a little more faith with each miracle and waiting to see where He will overwhelm us next.

Register now!

2010-02-10T09:07:00.001-08:00

It's finally here! We got our website up and running about a month ago, and now we're open for online registration! We're still ironing out the details of paying just a deposit, but if you'd like to pay in full at the time of registration, you can do so online now. Go check it out!

What season is it?

2010-01-26T10:59:00.000-08:00

We were planning for summer camps and seeing quite a startling bit of grass coming up through the melting snow, even enjoying a few very warm and sunny days, when suddenly we got another pile of snow dumped on us! I suppose it is still January after all. And we are thankful for the snow that means high rivers and less chance of fires in the summertime. That's camp life-- always living in one season and planning for the next.

We've been writing winter camp thank you notes and year-end financial reports and being truly blessed by the positive reports from both winter camps. God was glorified in Cheeto and Flutterby's first two winter camps, and we're hearing encouraging stories of what He is doing in the campers that came this year. We also have the pictures for both camps up on our website... check them out!

At the same time, we really are starting to get in gear for the summer. Staff applications are piling up (get yours in soon!), we're attending recruiting events around Oregon, and we had a day-long meeting on Saturday to start the wheels turning for this year's Home Ec/Man Camp. We love the snow, but we cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for us and you this summer.

New year, new website, same great God!

2010-01-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

We've been working with our new webmaster for a few months now to put together a shiny, new, user-friendly website, and it's finally here! Check it out (still the same address-- www.campjonah.com) and give us your feedback as we all start to get excited about summer camps!

Summer camps, you ask? But it's only the beginning of January! True, but we are now accepting summer staff applications for the summer of 2010 (can you believe it?) and eagerly awaiting the launch of our new, super-easy, online registration process.

Even while we start looking ahead, we're still right in the middle of the winter busy season. High School Winter Camp was a huge hit the last week of December, and we're working and praying hard to make Junior High Winter Camp even more adventure-filled and spiritually challenging for the campers. Pray with us that the Lord would work and lives would be changed! We're challenging campers to "rebel against low expectations and pursue God in everything," inspired by 2 Timothy 2:22-- "Flee from the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

In the midst of the busyness and hard work, we continue to be amazed by a God who never fails to provide, from check after check from faithful friends and strangers alike to the perfect amount of snow (when the forecast called for clear weather!) for the high school winter camp snow day. We truly serve a God who "has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him..." (1 Peter 1:3). Who will you serve this year?

And one more thing: check out the photo gallery on our new website for pictures from winter camps!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-18T11:19:00.001-08:00

Trout Lake is covered in a foot of snow and a thick fog, our December newsletter is in the mail, and the holiday cards are quickly filling up the office door... Christmas is here!

Cheeto and a team of alumni staffies, youth pastors, and Jonah friends are busily finishing up all of the little details for high school winter camp (it's not too late to register!) while Beki and Angie head off to help Sprocket with the final wedding preparations. I'm headed out the door this evening until the day before winter camp, but I wanted to take this moment to wish you all a merry, merry Christmas from your brothers and sisters here at Jonah! May you find some time in this busy season to stop and reflect on the beautiful mystery of God's grace incarnate in a little child, and may you fall down on your knees and adore Him this holiday season and in all seasons to come.

We're back!

2009-12-11T10:06:00.000-08:00

It's been a few months full of changes here at Jonah... summer turned into fall, and fall has turned into winter just the past week or so with below-zero weather and the forecast of this winter's first big snowstorm. Soka and Turbo moved on at the end of the summer after a year of dedicated service, and Nancy handed the finances over to Steve, which allowed his wife Harmony to step out of her office duties and into more time as a mom. Chazz (Cheeto) signed on for a year to fill Soka and Turbo's shoes, and Molly (Lollipop) moved home just in time to take over for Harmony and Donna (who was also looking to cut back on her office hours). So with the snow coming and just a few weeks left before winter camps kick off the busy winter retreat season, we're all settling into our duties and routines, and we're excited to see what our Lord will bring in the coming months.

With all the turning of the office merry-go-round, the blog has fallen into my (Molly's) hands, and we hope to keep it updated with news, pictures, and prayer requests, so check back often and see what God is up to at Jonah!

The End of the Summer is over

2009-08-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

Alright Jonah Lovers,

I just said goodbye to the last of the staff for the summer of 09’. No, literally less than a minute ago. I sure am fast aren’t I? Well, anyway it has been a truly great summer and God has done amazing things. We had an incredible staff that was pushed to love Jesus and served Him a lot through a lot of work.

This was our first year with the Dream Team and it was great to see a bunch of High School ageish staff keep the program of every camp running. They did everything from games, ropes course stuff, slip and slide, and food to doing great skits. They loved Jesus and served him.

We had a great group of counselors, which I liked to call the Dutch, who were pushed all summer and a lot of them counseled every week, meeting true exhaustion at the end and realizing they could only do anything if Jesus did it through them.

We also had a QuadCore this year. They were the leadership team of the staff and kept everyone going and being mentored. I thank Jesus for them and was proud to be a part of them.

Jesus made a bunch of camps happen and I saw, on more than one occasion, things working because Jesus made them work. Jesus was glorified through our first ever 4Track camp (Steaks and Sewing!), the classic JVC (Jesus is King), Missions Camp (people who love Jesus are persecuted), and Adventure Camps (This is the Hunt!). It was an incredible summer and I was honored to be a part of it and to be worked through as God did some sweet stuff.

I would like to say goodbye to all of you now. This is my last week here at Jonah. I will be moving on to the next chapter of my life, serving Jesus and being amazed by His grace in Portland. God has taught me a lot here and I am glad to have spent the past 64 weeks here. I have seen much of God’s grace and it has been a blessing to share in it.

Never forget to love Jesus because He is the King and we are His blood-bought servants and for that we should worship.

We are Inadequate, but we got the Ghost,

Signing out,

Soka

The Blog was Down and 4Track happened

2009-07-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

So apparently Blogger thought we were a spam blog so they shut us down, but we are back up and I don't know about you guys but I love Jonah Spam, so let the fake meat begin.

Well blog readers, get ready for a packed run through of our first camp of the summer: 4 Track.

This was the first time we had ever done this camp and Jesus made it happen for sure. We had 4 tracks: Jr high and HS girls and Jr high and HS guys. We kept a lot of the Home Ec traditions for the girls and added a lot of Man Camp activities for the guys.

Guys learn how to play poker, change tires and oil, shoot a spud gun, and cook meat.

Girls learned some cooking skills, made jewelry, decorated cakes, made lotion and had a sweet tea party.

Everyone made hemp stuff, tried out sewing, climbed the rock wall and learn how to climb a rope, tried out the zip line, played field games, made cookies, had an ultimate relay… and the list goes on.

But most important than anything else Jesus was preached and campers and staff alike learned what it meant to be men or women for Jesus.

Oh yeah and we milked a goat.

For great pics check this out

Further Developments and 75%

2009-05-21T15:29:00.001-07:00

Hello Jonahites,

All is quiet on the Western Front here at the Big Fish. Cool things are beginning to happen for Summer and that is really cool. There is officially 75% of the QuadCore (Program Staff) here at Jonah and we are pumped to complete that number in the next week are so. We are all working hard to get camps planned and staff training ready to go and we are pumped to have the staff arrive and see campers have a blast at all of our camps, but we are also bummed that the other 25% is not here yet.

Be praying for our planning and leadership as we get closer to the beginning. We need to be Christ-centered to be good leaders so my biggest request is that we would be focused on Christ more than anything else. Also pray for the directors of each camp as they hammer out the details for their camps and that they would have Jesus-focused camps so that campers will hear about Jesus.

Well, tell people about Camp and staff (we still need dudes) because we want as many people to hear about Jesus as possible.

Have a good week and worship Jesus because He is cooler than you will ever be,

Soka the Program Guy

The Big Fish from the Sky

2009-05-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

Let us commence to blogging.

There has been a little bit of a hiatus since we last conversed, but I am sure you will forgive and continue to read with vigor whatever is put up on the Blog that is Jonah’s.

Well, what has been happening at the Big Fish (this is what I started calling Jonah)? Well, we had two retreats in the last two weekends. Hmm, that is nice. One of them was the First Christian group and the other was the infamous scrapbooking getaway, led by the world renowned Harmony. Yeah, that’s right, world renowned. Basically, we had a bunch of ladies here scrapbooking until all hours of the night, making great creations of past memories. If you haven’t gone to a scrapbooking getaway you should come to the next one. Unless you don’t like to scrapbook then maybe you shouldn’t. But anyway it was great.

In other news, summer is quickly approaching and we are still looking for THREE guy counselors. If you know anyone that could work at camp or should work at camp you know the drill. Also, the QuadCore (program staff) starts arriving on Monday! As the program director, I can’t tell you how exciting this is. So be praying for the planning of staff stuff (by the QuadCore) and the completion of the staff for this summer.

Here is a little extra tidbit. I flew to NY last week and on my departing flight I saw some great views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and our beloved Mt. Adams. After some good observation, I realized I was looking at the Trout Lake Valley and I am 98% sure I saw Jonah from the plane, so that is cool.

Enjoy the pic.

Soka

Hot Wings for Program Staff

2009-04-21T11:42:00.001-07:00

Hello Camp Lovers,

Well, it has been a little stretch of time since you were last updated so let me see what I can do.

On the current news, we are hosting Vancouver Christian High School from, you guessed it, Vancouver. It is their junior/senior retreat so they are chilling, eating good food, and having a good time here at Jonah.

This weekend we had a work group that got a lot of stuff done around the grounds. They raked the field, got the plastic off the windows and cleaned up the remains of the Igloo (may she rest in peace). Igloo 2 is bought and ready to go, but we need to fix up the asphalt because it is not good enough yet. So if you have some extra cash and you have been thinking, “hmm, I sure wish I good buy some asphalt,” well, here is your chance.

In other news, the QuadCore (also known as the Program staff for this summer) was able to hang out for the first time as a group. The four of us went up to Olympia for the Program Advance which is an opportunity to hang out and learn from a bunch of fellow program people. It was a really good time that got us pumped up for this summer and we began thinking about our mission for this summer. Also, I had really good hot wings.

Well, keep us in your prayers. We still have a lot of retreat groups and summer is coming up fast and we are really excited about it.

Proud to do Kingdom Work,

Soka

Warm Weather to Keep Climbing

2009-04-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

Hello, Hola, Hey, Greetings, Hi, Howdy, Aloha, Shalom,

Well, there is a few ways to say hello, but regardless I hope you all are doing well and worshiping Jesus. And if you are not… What are you doing?

It has been a good week here at Jonah. We have had the privilege to look at some more summer staff application stuff and we are praying that God will provide some dudes for His service this summer. God is a good God and I am confident He will provide all that is needed.

On other news, the JBC men from Jefferson, OR came up for a quick (20 hour) retreat and left exhausted because of all the activities they crammed in. They played dodge ball, ate brownies, went caving, jumped off a 50 ft. platform, and went rock climbing, not to mention enjoying two meals from Grandma’s kitchen.

They went rock climbing? Is that what you are asking? That’s right, Jonah now has a portable rock wall with four routes to climb. It looks like real rock and has plenty of holds. We are currently raising money to purchase it. So if you are interested in supporting a great activity for campers of all ages call us up.

Also, it is beginning to warm up here at Jonah which gives me a hint that summer is coming with all of its warm weather, serving staff, and excited campers. Keep all of these things in your prayers so that Jesus is glorified through Jonah’s efforts.

Proud to do Kingdom Work,

Soka

Igloo to be Replaced while Grandma become world famous

2009-03-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Alright Ya’ll,

Things have been plugging along here at Jonah. The well known Jeff is currently in Colorado with Blade (A previous summer staffer) and they are picking up the NEW lawn mower with snow blower attachment. As you should know, our old one was burned up in the misfortune that was the Igloo Fire of 2009. Praise God that we found a nearly new one for a great deal.

Also, our new igloo is on the way and picnic tables are being made so we have a place to eat during our great summer camps. There is nothing like eating in an igloo that is not made out of snow.

On the group side of things we had a college group from Corvallis here for an extended weekend. The group was full of international students who were able to enjoy the many great activities here at Jonah and also some good American food from Grandma. My hope is that they heard about Jesus this weekend.

Keep Jonah in your prayers as we are getting much closer to summer and are still working on filling up the rest of our staff list. I am pumped to see how God provides for and works through our staff this summer.

It’s all about Jesus.

Soka

Camp Jonah Store!

2009-03-19T10:21:00.001-07:00

Alright Everyone,

It is official, there is a camp jonah store. It serves as a places to register for summer camp, purchase the NEW Camp Jonah T-shirt and buy camp store money. It is going to be great.

You should all check it out and now that there will be more added to the store as time goes on.

Happy Patty

2009-03-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Jonahs

First, Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, he was a stud and to learn more about his great missionary life check this out.

Second, on to the norm, last week was a decent week. We had a women’s group come up for the weekend and they did the usual caving and zipline and enjoyed some great food as cooked by the famous Grandma and becoming famous Diane.

We also have yet another group coming up this weekend which will be great. Pray for safety and a great time that will be all about Jesus. It is great to have a group every weekend and my prayer is that the groups have programs that are geared to telling people about Jesus and challenging the group to be more like Him.

Well, I hope you all have a great day celebrating a dude that was all about Jesus.

Proud to do Kingdom work,

Soka

What are YOU doing?

2009-03-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

Yo.

Simple and to the point, that is what “Yo” is.

How is life? Well, as you can tell this is Thursday, a whopping couple days later than when this blog comes out. For that I apologize. You see, I, the program director, was getting his faced rocked off at a packed and powerful conference in Seattle. It was all about Jesus and that is quite a challenging environment to be in. The conference had nothing to do with camp, but there was plenty of truth that can be applied to camp and especially staff this summer, so that is a great aspect.

A big idea I took away from the conference is the idea of living intentional so that by simply living people will see the Gospel in you. Here are a few questions that I discussed with a couple friends, after the conference at a solid wooden table in a favorite restaurant, and I hope they will be challenging to your walk with Christ.

* Where do you spend your time building relationships?

* Where or How could you get to know non-Christians in a comfortable, relationship building environment?

* Does your life clearly show the Gospel?

Think about these things and how you are putting yourself, a messenger of the greatest message the world has ever heard, out into the world so that the people who need it the most can hear it.

As for the usual Jonah news, we have a group coming this weekend so prayers for safety and the penetration of the Gospel are appreciated. And the Summer staff is beginning to shape, including the completion of the QuadCore (This summer’s program staff). Please keep the building of the staff in your prayers, that God may be glorified by the staff and that He would bring together a staff that would worship Him in a mighty way.

Proud to do Kingdom work,

Soka

Camp Class and Bulging Groups

2009-03-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

It has been a decent couple weeks here at camp. For starters, Jeff, Beki, Turbo and I went to the CCCA Sectional at Camp Berachah. This was a time to meet up, hang out, and learn with a bunch of camp people like ourselves. There were various workshops and sessions to attend and learn about different camp skills or new techniques for camping. It was a good time and we all learned something new. Contrary to popular belief, this was not a great time for rest because there was so much to do that we were still tired. But oh well, we learned and that should make improvements to camp and improvements means more effective ministry and effective ministry means more people hear about Jesus. And that is the point.

We also had a group this last weekend. It turned out to be bigger than we thought, keeping all of us on our toes and doing a lot of different things. We did the ropes course and caving and the group had a great time.

So things are going well and as always we are getting more and more excited about Summer Camp. It is coming faster than you would think and we still need some HS Grads and above to apply for camp. We need more staff so that we can reach more people for Jesus. If you know anyone, or are someone, have them CHECK IT OUT.

Well, until next time, worship Jesus.

Soka

Tablesclothes, Metal and Jesus

2009-02-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

I hope that last week was good for you and that you found the two holidays enjoyable. Some of you probably got a day off for one of them.

This week we found ourselves with a little larger than normal group, but also a little more than usual volunteers. We had Central Bible from Portland along with some other churches which all combined to make a big group of about 100 people at Jonah for fun and Jesus.

The group was able to do quite a few activities including, caving, bungee run, snow football, and some snow mobile stuff. They had a good program and it could be seen that they were focused on teaching the many students that attended as well as provide a fun program to be enjoyed.

The Sandoz family came up along with Blade, Ish, and Flutterby making for quite a group of workers for the weekend. We had plenty of people for the kitchen, the bus barn got cleaned out (which we own), and the igloo got taken down and put in a trailer along with a bunch of other metal to be hauled away. Thanks to all for all the work that got done. We even organized table clothes!

I hope that you all worship Jesus this week, knowing that without his grace we do not deserve life let alone the beautiful salvation we share in.

Here Comes Summer

2009-02-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

Hello Jonahians,

Jonahians Definition: Someone who goes to, supports, or loves Jonah.

Well, I hope you all are doing well and that you are worshiping Jesus more than yourself. Jesus is an incredibly gracious God and I see it as a privilage and honor that he would allow us to be his siblings that can worship Him after being redeemed by His beautiful, bloody sacrifice.

Things are going pretty well here at Jonah. The first cool news is that we have raised over one hundred thousand for the bus barn and we have been blown away by God's provision and power. Also, we just got done with yet another group who had a great retreat. They did the high ropes course, zipline, and caving. Also, they heard about Jesus through the speaker which is kind of the point of having a retreat in the first place. It was a good group and we were glad to have them.

The big thing ahead is definitely the coming summer. I am super pumped about the Summer Program, the Staff and training them. God is bringing together some great people for staff and I am excited to see the new people that will be coming as well. We have quite a few applications in, but are still needing quite a few more before we can put together an entire staff.

I am confident that God is going to use this summer and the staff in incredible ways. Ideas continue to come to my head for staff training and I cannot wait to teach, encourage and challenge the staff for the Summer.

If you know anyone that could work at camp, including yourself, send them to the www.campjonah.com for the staff page so they can check it out and possibly pray about filling out the application. Remember, it takes a crazy cool staff to make a crazy cool summer.

Please keep the prospective summer staff in your prayers, that God will bring the right people to camp, that the leaders will be able to lead them in the right way so staff can execute camp in the right way so that campers will hear about Jesus: The Right Way.

Have a great week and serve Jesus, the one who created so you could enjoy the week and the one who redeemed you so you could worship with the week.

Proud to do Kingdom Work,

Soka

On the Recruiting Trail

2009-02-02T11:48:00.001-08:00

Hello, Hello

How is the New Year going? When is it considered the Old Year? Half way through, three quarters?

Anyway, I apologize for the lack of blog last week but now you get an update so stop crying. You see I was on the recruiting trail looking for people to work at Camp this year. I went to Multnomah, Corban, and Ecola. It was a good trip and I think we will see a few applications because of it. I am excited to see the staff Jesus brings together for this summer and I can’t wait to work beside them for Jesus.

I don’t know who all reads this, but if you or anyone you know wants to work at camp or would be good at camp you should tell them and check out this link . We need a great staff for a great summer and we still need quite a few people. Well, more than a few. Is a few, three or more?

Also, we had a big group here this last weekend, 108 people, and it went great. We had a lot of help here which made a big difference. Thanks to all who help us on the weekend, we could not do it without you. Volunteers are cool.

Well, I hope you are praying for us. The Bus Barn fundraising is going great, but there is still some to raise, staff applying is going good, but we still need people and groups are going well, but there are still a lot to come.

Proud to do Kingdom Work,

Soka

Learn about Jesus

2009-01-20T13:28:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I hope you are all doing well this winter and that you are serving and fighting for Jesus despite your circumstances. He is God and will be worshipped.

Things are going well here at Jonah. We just had a group of 80+ this last extended weekend and we had the blessing of extra help from some staffers that came up from The Dalles and Gresham. It is truly a great thing to see people willing to serve Jesus with camp.

Also, many of our staff are able to attend conferences this week. I had the great opportunity to head to Gresham last weekend to attend the Fighting with God conference featuring several top ranked UFC fighters that love Jesus and 5 great speakers: Bill Russell, Scott Knight, Ryan Dobson, Darren Patrick, and Mark Driscoll. It was great to go to a conference that was all about Jesus and fighting for Him in this life with all we do. It was also cool to see how a very popular culture for young men is being permeated by Christians and ultimately Jesus.

Many of the rest of the Jonah Staff are currently in Jefferson, Oregon attending the Great Commandment Church Seminar at Jefferson Baptist. The Conference is mainly about Prayer and it implementation in Ministry.

So the cool thing is that we, as a staff, are being given the opportunity to learn more about Jesus. He is the one we serve, He is our camp director and to learn more about Him is a great thing because, by His Grace, we can serve Him better.

I pray that you are all learning more about your King. Begin studying the Bible if you are not already. The whole Bible is about Him, so check it out. Start reading books, listening to sermons, or going to conferences about Jesus. It is very important that we study the faith we should be living. If we know nothing about what we claim to live for, how deep does it really go?

Also, we are accepting staff applications for this summer, so if you or someone you know is interested in serving Jesus this summer at camp check out the application.

Keep Jonah in your Prayers and Worship Jesus.

Soka

For more about studying the Word check this out http://theresurgence.com/the_studying_christian

The End of Camp, The Beginning of Eternity

2009-01-14T10:19:00.000-08:00

I would like to proclaim that the Jonah Programmed Winter Camps are now completed for 2009. We just finished the winter camp of the Jr. High persuasion and it went very well. Fun was had by all and all were challenged by the message of Jesus. I believe God challenged many campers, leaders and staff this weekend and He saved at least three people. Praise God for His grace and salvation.

This weekend was a crazy, fast-passed, exciting whirlwind. There were some great games led by Log the Game Guy. Snow time was very cool, combining field games, zipline, caving and tubing behind some snowmobiles. The Ugly Sweater Party was a hit and very ugly because campers did a good job at picking sweaters or a horrible job. Campers went through all the stations and were entered into a drawing for summer camp. We were able to give out 6 gift certificates for Summer Camp 2009. Tractor and the band came back and sang some great music to Jesus and Pro told the camp about Jesus and challenged them in the Word, which is a great thing. Thank you all for your help, Jesus used us to put on a great camp and that is really cool.

I was thinking about how easy it is to be pumped up about camp and not as pumped about “regular life.” But I was thinking how THREE campers were saved by Jesus during this camp. What a great thing to be a part of. Obviously, camp was a really cool weekend for them, but the end of camp is the beginning of an eternity. They have the opportunity to worship God with everything, to live every day for Jesus, to begin growing by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, to find there joy in Jesus and nothing else. What a beautiful thing.

I hope you can all realize that if Jesus has saved you then you are living the beginning of eternity and you can live for yourself or Jesus. I would hope that it is an easy choice, but it is so often not. Living for Jesus now means getting a great head start and storing up great rewards in Heaven instead of grasping for the fleeting treasures of the present. I can think of no better words than the ones I wish to hear when I first see Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Proud to do Kingdom Work,

Soka

Keep on Pushing

2009-01-13T14:44:00.000-08:00

Pushing Forward

2009-01-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

I will periodically be letting you all know how much we have raised towards the important purchase of the bus barn.

Slush or Snow, Winter Camp for Jesus

2009-01-06T13:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Jonah followers,

I hope the New Year is continuing to roll on nicely for you all. I hope, also, that you are living your life for Jesus, because if you’re not doing it for Jesus you’re doing it wrong. What grace from God we have that we even exist today let alone have a relationship with Jesus. A friend of mine recently said, “The only thing we deserve is Hell. That should make our lives seem
pretty awesome.”

Everything is rolling along here at Jonah. We just had a group here last weekend for an extended weekend retreat. It was a Ukrainian group from Kent, WA. They brought 40+ from ages 15-22. They were a great group and used there time to have some fellowship and learn from the Word, which is a great thing. They also got to play in the snow and go caving as well as take some rides on snow mobiles.

We are really excited about Jr. High Winter Camp coming up. We get to tell more people about Jesus and His amazing gift and grace, it is a wonderful thing to be able to tell people about Jesus and I hold it as a high honor to be given the opportunity to do so. I would ask that you be praying for all that are planning and executing that we will be pointing to Jesus and never ourselves.

Here are some more prayer requests: Snow mobiles are important, but they are in the shop, the weather looks like rain and then sunshine which equals slush and not good snow, and we don’t have any inner tubes yet because they were burned/melted in the fire. All of this to say that we may be hard pressed for a snow time, so pray that this problems will be remedied or that God will work through us with inspired creativity so that by bringing fun to the campers we can also bring Jesus to them.

I pray that you are praising God for the grace in your lives and that you are sharing it with others. Thank you for your prayers.

Proud to do Kingdom Work

Soka

Determination For Jesus

2008-12-30T14:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Post Christmas Celebrating People,

I hope that all of the holidays went well for everyone and that Jesus was celebrated more than the wrapped stuff under the tree.

Well, it was a crazy weekend here at Jonah. We had the first winter camp for this year: Resolution: Determination for High Schoolers.

It was a good time of fun, craziness, friends, and Jesus. We had a lot of great things to do including a crazy relay involving soda, bats, and kid tricycles.

We also had the opportunity to make some great snow men.

Story time was enlightening to be sure and Chapels were seen as a

perfect time to learn about Jesus and worship Him with great music.

The speaker spoke Jesus, the band rocked for Jesus, and the Staff served for Jesus.

Thank You Jesus.

Another great thing about the weekend was that we had all of the summer staff from last year back at Jonah for the Staff Reunion. Many

of the college age help out with staff winter camp and the high school staff came as campers. After the Winter Camp was over we had a good couple of hours to reminisce and talk about how God has used last summer to continue teaching us and challenging the way we live our lives. The number of stories, where God continues to stretch and grow the staff, were encouraging.

I would ask that you continue to pray for Jonah, God’s provision and the next winter camp for Jr. High. We want to improve with every camp and that means a little bit of revamping and changing for age group difference so this will take a little bit more planning and a lot of God inspired ideas.

Keep us in your prayers.

Proud to do Kingdom Work,

Soka

Picture of Destruction

2008-12-30T14:19:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of the igloo post mortem.

Snow and Fire

2008-12-22T22:10:00.001-08:00

Hello all you Jonah loving, Christmas celebrating people,

Here is just a little update of the Jonah world.

Thankfully, there is snow here in Trout Lake and that means there will be snow for winter camp. But there is also snow a lot of other places and it is affecting people’s ability to move around. For instance, I am stuck in Portland right now.

I would ask that you would be praying about Winter Camp. My prayer is that God is glorified through that camps and that all praise will go to Him and not men. Pray that campers will be reached and pointed to Christ and that it will be a fun weekend.

I also have some bad news. A couple days ago the famed igloo and all the things we stored in it for the winter caught fire and we lost a lot. The picnic tables, Camp Trailer, motorcycles, some fridges and other things were destroyed and it is looking to be quite a loss. However, no one was hurt and that is definitely something to praise God for. This is a tough loss and we pray God will provide the replacements we need.

I wish you all a great Christmas and that you see Jesus’ grace before your own gifts and glorify Him. Please pray for us, our ministry and Jesus’ provision.

Proud to do Kingdom work,

soka

It's Cold

2008-12-15T10:03:00.001-08:00

Hello all you people,

First, I hope you all are warm. Let me tell you it is not warm here. Though I suppose the term “warm” is relative, but regardless it is not warm here. Currently, including wind chill, it is a whopping zero degrees and not Celsius.

The coldness did bring some good things. It did snow which is a great blessing for Winter Camp. I was slightly worried about whether there was going to be any snow for Winter Camp and snow is kind of important for Winter Retreats, so I thank God for bringing snow which translates to fun for campers.

What are the happenings besides the cold here at Jonah? Well, last night we had the 2008 Christmas Cantata. For the cantata, the churches here at Trout Lake put together some music for the Christmas season and come together to enjoy a musical program and dessert around a well decorated table. It went well and it was great to see a lot of people in attendance, enjoying the cantata and Jesus was worship through music.

The next things on the horizon, besides Christmas of course, are the Camp Jonah Winter Camps. We are excited about the Winter Camps and I am positive that God is going to use these camps to glorify His name and bring people to Him. If you could join me in praying about these camps, that would be a huge blessing, I want to give the camps entirely to Jesus and have them be all about Him and never about any of us. I would hate to see them ruined because the focus was not on Jesus.

I pray that God is challenging you and your life to be all about Him and never about yourselves. This life and everything about it should be about God and glorifying Him in any and everyway that we can.

God is using us and I pray we will be able to give more up to Him. As Mark Driscoll says, “help us to worship you (God) and not take ourselves seriously.”

Keep us in your prayers that we may glorify Him and never ourselves.

Proud to do Kingdom work,

Soka

Bazaar for Jesus

2008-12-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

Hello holiday anticipating, blog reading, jonah loving, jesus following people,

I hope everything is going well for all of you and that you are finding this holiday season one to be very thankful in. I hope Jesus is the focus of all the cheer and that the realization of His gift to us is something that can bring a break in your voice and a tear to your eye.

Thing are going well here on the Jonah side of it all. This last weekend we had a group here which was good. The Vancouver Christian High School Basketball Teams came to the Trout Lake tourney and played a little b-ball. I am sad to report that they lost at least one game. Bummer. They may have won more though, but I am not sure. Maybe, I should ask some more questions.

Also this weekend, the Trout Lake community put on a Holiday bazaar, encouraging many people to check out all of the local businesses including Jonah Ministries. It was great to have people come and check out what we do here. We had cookies for all to eat and a Santa to take pictures with. It was a very good thing to be able to open our doors inviting the whole town to come in. There were quite a few people that had never been in Jonah before that were able to take a tour and see what we do with the old school.

Also some of our loved staff and future staff were able to come up and help out with the Jonah open house. It was great to see a bunch of great people that love to serve Jesus in whatever way they can.

Last weekend was a great opportunity and we saw Jesus use it well because now more people know about our ministry for Jesus here in Trout Lake.

I hope you all see and serve Jesus this holiday season with joy and thankfulness.

Proud to do Kingdom Work,

Soka

Thanksgiving and Grace

2008-12-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

Hola Jonah Lovers,

I know that you are all distraught because there was no blog last week, but it is ok because here it comes again. There was a little hiatus due to the wonderful thanksgiving holiday. I hope that you all took the opportunity to thank our living God for His grace, evident in every blessing we experience in life from breathing to health, but ultimately seen in the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross on our behalf, using His death as a substitute for our own.

Here at Jonah, the Duke family had quite a thanksgiving holiday with over 60 people and a feast to accommodate them. Thank God for family and food. Personally, I am a huge fan of Thanksgiving and love to be with family during such a great holiday. I had the blessing of visiting much of my family up north in Port Orchard. It was truly a great thing to just be with family during a time designated for giving thanks.

I also was given the opportunity to lead musical worship for my Grandparent’s church. I sang six songs all about Jesus and, while explaining the true beauty of the grace that God gives people completely deserving hell, I found myself being brought close to tears to realize yet again how incredibly blessed I am to have so many things I do not deserve. God, instead of sending me straight to Hell which I completely deserve, instead chose to sacrifice His own Son to atone for my sins. This truth is completely absurd and something I am thankful for beyond words and can grasp barely any comprehension. Each and every one of you deserves hell (Rom. 3:23), but God in His magnificent love and grace chose to give His son to appease His good wrath and satisfy justice (Is. 53:10). God is a good God, He alone is good. I pray that if some of you do not know God in a saving way that you will repent of your sins and give them to Jesus who died for them. Give your life to Christ that you may have a new life because of His death. To top it all off, Jesus rose from the dead and God gave Him the name that is above all names (Phil. 2:9). So worship God with all of your life because we have life only in Christ.

In other news, Christmas is coming up which marks the beautiful event of God coming to earth first as a little baby that would grow to be a man that would die for the sins of the world, but more on that later. During the Trout Lake Holiday Market, it is community thing for the holidays, there will be an Open House Christmas Party here at Jonah. I would like you all to come out for the party it will be December 6^th from 9am – 4pm. You can come and as you would like because it is an open house kind of thing. There will be cookies, drawings, tours, and the chance to sign up for summer camps with added savings.

Well, I hope to see many of you at the Christmas Party, though admittedly I do not know how many read this blog so I do not know how many is “many”. But I want to see a lot of people regardless.

I pray that the beginning of the holiday season will be the beginning of constant reminders that God has given us grace through His Son when we deserved nothing but death.

Proud to do Kingdom Work,

Soka

I Hope It Doesn't Rain

2008-11-17T12:08:00.000-08:00

Hello You Jonah Loving People,

Let me tell you what’s been happening since you last looked at this blog. I hope that was last week by the way or I would have a lot to update you on.

Well, this last weekend we had a work group here from Grace Community Church. It was great to have people here donating there weekend to help us with some good old elbow grease. “Well, what was accomplished?” you might be asking. Don’t worry, I will tell you. This last weekend we...

Did a lot of organizing with our community library

Put a lot of sealant on the roof to prevent leaks

Moved the science cabinets out of the science room

We also took the windows out of the dining room, making it ready for new heat efficient windows. It was a productive weekend and we are very thankful to have been blessed by people willing to serve others for Jesus. Thank you, guys.

Don't worry we are working fast to put the new windows in. Rock On Todd! However, it is wide open in the Dining Room, as you can see, and it is quite cold when we are eating lunch. I think rain would be a bad thing at this point in time.

On another note, I am getting really excited about Thanksgiving and I hope you all are as well. It is a time to hopefully enjoy family and truly think about what we are thankful for and not in a perfunctory, let’s come up with something obvious kind of way. I would challenge you all to think hard about how God has blessed you this year or even this month, because I know He has, and thank Him for those blessings and ways He has showed His grace. The more I think about being thankful the more I think of Jesus. Simply put, Jesus is God who died to save His creation. Did you know without Jesus you wouldn’t even have life let alone salvation? That’s something to be thankful for.

Well I hope you all have a great week and remember to look for God’s grace in your life because it is there.

Proud to do Kingdom Work,

soka

As an added bonus here is a sweet High Ropes picture from our last retreat.

Grow Ministry

2008-11-10T10:59:00.000-08:00

Well you crazy Jonah supporters,

I hope you are all doing well and that you are using the opportunities God gives you to glorify, serve, and enjoy Him to the best of your abilities.

But since you are reading this blog I guess I should give you an update about what has been going on at Jonah since we last spoke. This week was pretty common yet useful. For one, our look for next summer is coming together and we are getting very pumped about how God is going to use are excitement, creativity, and hard work to glorify Himself next summer through growing staff and campers. Also, winter camps are coming together nicely as well. The closer we get to them the more I know that God is going to be using a lot of people’s dedication to make a winter camp that will be enjoyable but also challenging to every person participating. We have started fundraising for the bus barn and pray that God will use our efforts to grow our ministry and service to Him.

We also had a group here this last weekend which was great. Crossroads Church brought their Sanctuary Student Ministry Teen Leadership up for a weekend of learning, stretching and growing. These teen leaders had the opportunity to learn from their youth pastor as well as being stretched on the high ropes course, pushing them out of the comfort zone that made it hard for some but all of them grew in their courage because of this activity.

I hope this glimpse of how God is using us encourages you to be more focused on God wherever you are. Remember you ARE a missionary wherever you are and God has you there to be missional and reach others with the amazing truth of His existence and His beautiful Gospel.

Keep us in your prayers that God will grow our ministry and our focus on Him and while you are talking to Him pray that He would increase your ministry as well.

Jesus is awesome and it is all about Him, if it is not about Him what is the point,

Soka

Candy and Rest

2008-11-03T10:08:00.000-08:00

Hello all you people who keep yourself updated through this wonderful blog,

This was a good week here at Jonah despite the fact there was no retreat group here, but God still used us. Wednesday night we had the classic Harvest Festival in our gym complete with carnival booths, games, snacks, and the famous cake walk. I love cake walks. It was a great way to celebrate fall and give kids the opportunity to eat much candy, play great games, and dress up. Kids love dressing up. Don’t worry, I am sure they had more candy on Friday too.

One of the great things about this weekend was the fact we were able to take a break and rest a little bit. It is kind of a rare concept around here, the idea of taking a break and not doing anything but what is restful. Jeff and Beki went to the women’s retreat on the coast and had a great time of relaxation and learning. It’s ok, Jeff was the Bus Driver he didn’t actually attend Women’s retreat, that would be weird.

Soka had some friends and family up for part of the weekend and it was a sweet chance for him to rest and visit with people he misses a lot. They were able to do some cool activities and just look at Jonah and see what kind of ministry we are and how God uses us. Also, they just had fun which is good.

So that was the week, a little bit of community fun, and well placed rest. Don’t forget, God invented rest and life is not about working constantly trying to get everything done. God made the whole world and rested for a day, Jesus sealed salvation and sat down at the right hand of the Father, so take a break and rest because God set up the world that way.

Proud to do Kingdom Work,

Soka

Two groups, colder weather, and Meatloaf

2008-10-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

First, it is getting colder, but The Mountain keeps looking more majestic. We are truly blessed to be able to serve God in an area as beautiful as the Trout Lake Valley. Thank You, Jesus. Well I don’t want to make you all jealous by telling you how beautiful it is, because I am sure you all would love to live here as well, so on to the news.

Well our retreat week started on Thursday this time. First Evangelical came for a Youth Retreat. They had a great retreat and were fun to be around. They took advantage of one of the fortes of the area, caves. They also used our zip line which was a hit and played Dodge ball in our gym. I didn’t get to play Dodge ball, bummer.

On Friday, the homeland Missions board of Jefferson Baptist Church used Jonah as a place for a retreat, a time of discussing and prayer. I pray that God used there time here effectively and that they continue to help, support, and encourage homeland Missions through their ministry.

Both groups left on Saturday.

That last paragraph sure was boring. Here is a cool tidbit: Grandma made some incredible meatloaf on Saturday. It was a very tasty loaf of meat. Good job Grandma.

Well, I hope you all feel updated and little hungry because of the mention of meatloaf. Keep Jonah in your prayers as a ministry striving to serve God with everything.

Proud to do Kingdom work,
Soka

God keeps using

2008-10-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hello all who want to know about this crazy cool ministry that God is using,

Let me tell you about last week. Our retreats started on Monday this week. Dee Duke came to Jonah and put on a leadership seminar. Many pastors from all around came and learned more about being a leader and how to better lead in the positions they are occupy. God used Jonah once again to train and teach leaders for His ministry.

Wednesday means The Well, which is a gathering for Trout Lake to play some songs, giving people the opportunity to worship God through music, watch a Nooma video, designed to learn from and promote thinking about spiritual things, and have some fellowship during the hump day of the week. It is turning out to be a great ministry as people are coming and learning and worshiping God.

Friday came, which means Scrapbooking came, which means the guys should just leave. Just kidding, sort of. We had a great Scrapbooking retreat this weekend, giving many women the opportunity to have a weekend rest and also participate in something they love, scrapbooking memories to enjoy for a very long time. The creativity flowed this weekend and I am sure that many women were blessed by the event. Also the Southgate Chapel women were able to come for their women’s retreat as well. Good job Harmony, putting on a great Scrapbooking Retreat.

On Saturday, the Grace Baptist youth group came to our ropes course and were involved in the many elements our course has to offer. This group was able to do many group bonding activities that really began to bring them together even more.

Saturday also brought the opportunity for Soka, that’s me, to travel to Yakima for a Mission’s Conference. We were able to get the word out a little bit more for Jonah and the work God is doing here which was a really great thing. I was able to share that God saved many campers this summer and that numerous staff were challenged in the work with Him, which is the point of our ministry so it is really awesome to be able to tell people such news.

On some other cool news, the effects of The Hunt (Adventure Camp) are constantly being reported, sounds like an epidemic. I have heard numerous people talking about something that triggers memories of The Hunt and then they are constantly being reminded to live for God in everything. This is a beautiful example of how camp can change people and bring them closer to Him. God is awesome.

I hope you all have a great week and keep Jonah in your prayers that God will provide for us and that He will continue to work in mighty ways through such a cool ministry.

Proud to do Kingdom work,

Soka

Winterize Everything!

2008-10-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

Hello all, we hope everything is going well on your side of the blog. Because of your curiosity I will let you know what is going on over here on our side.

We sent Soka to Portland to help YD Adventures with low ropes facilitation for Wood Middle School. It was good experience and he learned a lot about putting Jesus in everything. Ask him about it.

This weekend went very well. The Pathfinders group came up to experience a healthy serving of caving, we have a lot of those cave things you know. I believe they went to 5 different caves in less than three days. As always we had really good food and a great weekend retreat.

It is starting to get cold here in Trout Lake and so the Winterization Process has begun. Powellhurst youth group came up to do a work weekend. They did a great job, putting plastic on our old windows to keep out the cold that is soon to come. Most of our windows are not new Thermal pane so this step is a must to make our building comfortable for visitors. The Powellhurst team also put in the igloo all our outside picnic tables and benches to protect them from the ensuing cold weather and SNOW. Good Job Powellhurst, we are very thankful.

We have a group coming today so I must be going. Keep us in your prayers as there is still much to raise funds for and many projects to finish. God works here so He will provide for His work. Great Truth is it not?

There is a fresh layer of snow on Mt. Adams, so you can be sure the cold is coming soon. It is already starting to drop below freezing. So grow out your hair, thicken your beards and buy a beanie.

Proud to do Kingdom Work,

Soka

Late for Last Week

2008-10-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

Here is a little update. I am sorry it is so late.

Soka left for a date. With low ropes twas great.

But whilst was gone. Blog was not done.

Soka is sad. But don’t get mad.

Did you like my poem? It just came to me.

Anyway, I went to Portland to help out YD Adventures with some low ropes challenge stuff. It was pretty cool, but I did not have the internet to update the blog. Sorry.

So here is what happened last week.

A lot of good old office work happened. We started working on a bus barn brochure it was a good thing to be sure.
Also the Hood River Alliance Church Men’s Group came for the weekend. It was cool to have them and I sure hope they come back next year. Ropes Course, Caving and some good old Pork Chops mmmm it was a good time.

Well I hope that little update was enough to wet your palates and of course my beautiful poetry is enough to make any man cry.

Keep us in your prayers and stay on the edge of your seats for next week.

Soka

The Moment You’ve All Been Waiting For…

2008-09-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

That’s right folks the time has now come to read the grandiose synopsis of the High School and Jr. High Adventure Camps. Put on your warrior helmets and be ready for the telling of an epic camp experience.

First let me say that each day had a Tribal Council which featured Camp Skits, Musical Worship and a message from the week’s speaker. Campers heard the word and it was good. God be praised.

Day 1
We started both camps with the Vintage Free Family Barbecue both put the adventure spin by adding Epic Adventure Music from the likes of Gladiator and Lord of the Rings.

After Krispy Kreme and a Prayer, Kampers were loaded immediately onto buses to go white water rafting.

Rafting was a Great Adventure. Jr. Highers had the added honor to watch their counselors and yours truly be used as “paddle meat” to test Husum falls, the 14 footer, THREE times. Soka’s Raft flipped…it was full of guides... we are all OK, so don't worry, seriously.

Day 2
Today was a day for building the tribes together, using appropriate camping methods ie. Low and High Ropes Course. Beautiful

Day 3
Thus began the Adventure known as the hike. We traversed beautiful terrain and crossed with ease whatever got in our way. We eventually found our path end at a camp site and ate well made backpacking food.
Day 4
We hiked out of the woods, passing four naturally elegant waterfalls, and don’t forget more good food and a little dip in a very cold creek and then off to Cave Creek Camp where a meat dinner found us but with no utensils. Beautiful

Day 5
Let me tell you this was the best day of camp to be sure. An early morning greeted all around the mud pit where the Chief of the Dunadain, Stonewall (Program Director) roused us all with a battle speech to be documented with the Greats.

Mud pit games ensued bringing a beginning to the Eco Challenge that was not for the faint of heart or the weak, but you can be confident that all who participated, did so with all vigor and endurance, developing and stretching the warrior spirit they never knew they had.

Dinner followed…meat… and showers finally followed.

We had a Tribal council when the adventure was done only to be told that our lives are The Hunt not just this week and that we should be living our lives like it is. There was an invitation into The Hunt and several campers gave their lives to Our Savior Jesus Christ.

Day 6
Water and field games highlighted this day including ultimate Frisbee with a twist.
The Dunadain flag was signed by the victors of the Eco challenge during our last tribal council

Our adventurous campers were then reunited with their parents, none unchanged.

Well that is all, I hope you were enlightened. Look at campjonah.com for more summer pictures soon.
Don't miss next year
And don’t forget… THIS IS THE HUNT!

Soka

Got Some Stuff Done!

2008-09-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

Here is what happened this week!

You sure are excited to find out, I know it.

Well there was not a group here this week or this weekend which could be a bummer, but
Hey, we had a break to do some much needed office work and clean up around Jonah.

For one, we got everything, for the most part, pretty darn clean. Good Job Turbo.

For two, the winter camp information mailing was sent on Thursday which is very cool. These nifty little packets were sent with some Super Professional, but still Simple and Appealing Camper handout cards to attract the attention of many a camper and also a stinkin’ sweet Poster for even more advertisement of a really cool program.

For three, we have been working out the new summer schedule which is going to be a very good thing and I can’t wait to get started on the summer again. I think God is going to use it in a very good way.

Well that is all for now. Come back next week for more Jonah Info and Entertainment.
Keep us in your prayers

Soka

The Retreat Season has Begun.

2008-09-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

Friends of Jonah,

Well, it has been a while now since summer camp has ended (don’t worry an epic summary of Adventure camp will be coming soon), but now I am here to tell you all what has been going on since the departure of our great summer staff.

This is going to be a blow by blow so hold on to your seat.

Jefferson Baptist staff came for a retreat (The Olympics were on)
Jeff and I (Soka) picked up the Northwest University Soccer Team

They played soccer…a lot
Then we took them back
Turbo Watered the Field

Vancouver Christian High School’s football team came for their retreat.

They played football…a lot… they didn’t use their feet as much as the soccer guys hmmm

The International Camp came for a couple days

Jeff and I drove them fishing in the bus.
We went on a walk and they left without us… with the bus.
They cooked lamb though. Mmmm.
Oh yeah Turbo watered the field

The Ukrainian Baptist Church came for a whole week and put on a great kid’s camp program.

They did the mudpit, zipline, bungee run, slip and slide, and made me spin around a bat… don’t watch the video on youtube.
They had good food. Mmmm.
Turbo didn’t water the field

After they left the Boldt Family Reunion began.

That’s Beki’s family if you didn’t know
They did the zipline

After they left the SDA group came

They camped in the field
Good thing Turbo didn’t water the field

Horizon Christian School arrived next

There was a lot of them.
Lets just say a lot of zip line and a lot of mudpit happened and a cave or three.

Pacific University’s Christian Fellowship came next.

They did the challenge course and went through new cave with a superb guide
Turbo watered the field

Vancouver Christian High School brought everyone this time

They did the zipline it was good

Jeff went to pick up Battleground Baptist Church for their retreat

But the yellow bus broke down
I had to bring him the blue bus… with a trailer.
Then we picked them up and they had a great retreat
Oh and just so you know Turbo watered the field

Now it is Monday September 22 and you have been updated. Are you Tired? I know that was a lot to learn, by the way Turbo is watering the field right now. GOOD JOB TURBO!

Well I hope all is going well with you. Things are going well here and we are excited to keep serving God through this ministry. Keep Jonah in your prayers.

Soka

Junior Variety Camp 2008

2008-08-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

Fellow Countrymen (and women,)

So, it's been awhile since JVC ended, but that doesn't mean memories have been forgotten...because, after all, memories are things you remember.

As camp director, some of my favorite memories consisted of...

1. Rumors heard of eight campers giving their lives to Christ!

2. Lollipop killing Dr. Hazzard in the office with her leatherman! (Well, not really...)

3. The flag was captured and plenty of campers are in jail!

4. Mud can be washed! (Shockingly!)

5. Cheese discovered in the cheese caves!

6. Altoid ditched his mission for planet truth! Lollipop pressed on...

7. Roasting marshmallows with the firefighters on the mountain. (Ok, so we didn't actually trek to the forest fire...but it sure would have sounded cool if we did...)

8. Counselors decorated beyond recognition. (And at the same time, this was also one of my low-lights...)

9. SKIT NIGHT

10. Chowing. Gorging. Horking. Milk and Cookies. French Toast. Burgers. Mac and Cheese. Yeah.

And to think that this is just the beginning. We thoroughly enjoyed your kids this summer! Thank you so much for sending them to Camp Jonah. I hope JVC was a week they won't soon forget.

From me to you, thank you.

With Love,

Tractor

Mission Camp 2008 Comments

2008-07-09T21:58:00.000-07:00

“I liked the worship singing and the missionary from Madagascar.” –David J.

“I carried a full bucket of water back from the creek and everyone on my team was so surprised. As a little child in India I carried water on my head like this.” –Muniamma

“We won the “Running Water” race fair and square, even though we didn’t get the prize.” –John

“I’m trying to figure out how we can take more stuff to the tribal village (overnight camp site). If everyone wears cargo or camouflage pants we can fill our pockets.” –Christopher

“I’m learning Jesus is in control of everything. If somebody is afraid, I can tell them about Jesus. They may not believe the first time, but they might the next time. You just have to keep telling them in a way they can understand.” –Harmony

“Sometimes tribal people go naked.” –Jonah

“During the night games in the village I was so disoriented.” –Micah

“I like everything about Missions Camp except the night games. Well, I liked the boar hunting.” --Aurora

“I felt rebellious and angry when the colonialists came, especially when they took things off our tribe’s holy tree.” –Andrew R.

“I learned how the tribal people were cheated in the activities.” --Ashley

“When they (white people) write books, they take sides and they try to make you believe the other side (Native American Indians) is the wrong side.” --Dane

"When missionaries work with a tribe and learn their language sometimes it takes a long time before anyone hears about Jesus." --Ehud

“Missionaries can tell people about God using their talents and abilities.” –Caleb

“Everyone has a special talent.” –Jeremy

“All the musical instruments were cool!” –Lilly

“I was excited to hear the missionaries from Senegal talk because my mom lived there before I was even born.” –Emma

“Mission Camp is a lot of fun, especially the waterslide! Thumper is a great counselor.” –Kimbrlee

"I just wanted to send a thank you to everyone at Jonah Ministries. My daughter... had such a great time at camp. She learned many life lessons through your ministry. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Jonah Ministries, and we will be seeing you all next summer. Again, thank you so much. God Bless,Laura"

Mission Camp 2008

2008-07-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

Sunday night the campers divided into two groups and spent time talking about what it means to be tribal. They brainstormed features to make their tribes look distinct.

The Digo tribe drew markings on their arms.

The Malagasy men and women wore bright cloth wraps.

Monday missionaries helped campers understand the layout of a village hut compared to an American home.
They played "Running Water" simulating water being hauled to the village. The "water spirit" demanded offerings at the creek before a bucket could be filled. She was fickle and the campers never knew what would please her. Campers were getting a glimpse into the fear tribal people feel every day of their lives.
In the afternoon both tribes moved into their village huts. Their chiefs instructed them in the ways of their tribe. The Malagasy hut doors all had to face the same direction, each house had a holy corner and in the middle of the village was the spirit tree. The Digo chief tied a strip of bright cloth around his head, counselors tied them to their arms, campers tied them to their waist, leg or ankle. The higher up the band was tied the more important the person.

Tuesday some Native American Indians from the Yakima Nation visited the village. The speaker began by comparing the 12 tribes of Israel to the 14 tribes of the Yakima. Even in Biblical times God worked through tribes. Missionaries wanting to impact a tribe must first observe and come to understand the people and their ways.

Then the men sang a song of praise to God and drummed as the women danced.

A native from Papua New Guinea and an interpreter visited the campers and told of the spirits his village lived in fear of. When something bad happened they knew the neighboring witch doctor had cursed them so they would kill him. There was a lot of killing. When he was a young man white people came to live in his village. The missionaries learned their language and translated the Bible. The natives learned the God of the Bible was stronger than the spirits and loved them. When the villagers became Christians they started caring for and loving the neighboring tribes. In Papua New Guinea 170 tribes have a Bible in their language, but 694 tribes are still waiting.
Wednesday A missionary from Madagascar has a daughter who started a school there. The children attending Fitiavana (love) School are either mentally or physically handicapped. The campers gave $300 out of their snack shack money to help buy a bus for the school. During the offering times they danced and dropped their gifts in a basket.

After a missionary to Senegal and Morocco spoke about the elements of music that was particular to these people, the campers divided into small groups and wrote songs of praise to God. They chose bible verses for the words, made up a catchy tune, and made rhythm instruments from things found in nature, such as, seed pods, rocks, and sticks.

Thursday When parents arrived campers gave them a tour of the interpretive center. They visited prayer stations, viewed a movie about Kids Missions Camp 2008, and watched a missionary make a chalk drawing. There was food to eat, native items to buy, missionaries to visit with, and wild boars to hunt.

MAD Camp 2008 (Music And Drama)

2008-07-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

Day 1

The campers met their counselors at registration and were whisked away to begin camp. The day was filled with snacks, crafts, games, auditions, verse time, Bible story time and more! Camp ended with a bang, literally. A family barbecue was served at the close of the day just in time for a thunder and lightning storm.

~Snacks, mmm...otter pops!

~ Auditions

Day 2

Learning music and choreography was our goal on day 2. The highlight of the day, however, was the ever-popular slip-n-slide and water games. The kids seemed to really enjoy being able to throw water balloons at a live target (their counselor).

~ Music and choreography led by Cheeto, ZIA, PBJ and LOG

~Slip n' slide

Day 3

"Wacky Tuesday" was enjoyed by all! It was fun to see the personalities come out on this wild and crazy day.

~ Wacky Tuesday!

Day 4

Work, work, work. With only 2 days left, there was much to be done! We happened to squeeze in a basketball tournament and a complete run-through. It is so exciting to see things come together!

~ perfecting choreography

~ basketball tournament

Day 5
The last day! Amazing!

The staff worked tirelessly on the set all week, and it shows - I have never seen anything quite like it! Our last day was filled with a complete run through, boat races, resting and the much awaited performance. The clarity of the message in this musical was excellent. God's gift of salvation is free through Jesus Christ! We serve a great God!

~Boat races

~Set

~Performance

Home Ec Camp 2008 Thursday, June 26

2008-06-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

This morning dawned bright and early, but we slept in! After our "sleepover" in the gym, we had a late breakfast, and start to our day. In our session we learned about serving others even when it is hard. Our worship was lead by Lollipop and Louie.

We had electives today: sewing, cooking, card making, floral arranging, zip line and life boxes. We got to choose which ones we wanted to go to. Here is our cardmaking elective:

Even though it was a little windy today we still got to do the Slip and Slide (Jonah style). We also did water games in the field.

Later in the afternoon we loaded on Jonah's NEW bus and went to the park for a campfire dinner. We roasted hot dogs, had Smores ( some of the girls had never had them before) and had fun hanging out by the river. We then had some skits, worship and a time of sharing around the campfire.

On the way home from the campfire we almost hit a deer in the road. Praise God for safety, and a safe bus driver - Jeff Duke. All in all we have had a wonderful week, and will have a great time sharing with the parents tomorrow. See you then!

HOME EC CAMP 2008 Wednesday July 25

2008-06-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

Howdy Y'all!!

We finished off the day on Tuesday with the Home Ec pagent and Talent Show. What a time that was! Here is a picture of our lovely judges.

The events for the pagent were: Talent, Runway walk (with a "western" theme), Timed event (bed making - and yes they did it in 3 minutes), home ec questions, and make-up application (on the counselors blindfolded). We combined with this with a talent show - look at these talented campers!

Our 2008 Miss Home Ec crowned the winning cabin this year - Thumper's cabin, the Tree Huggers.

Wednesday was our day that had a Western theme. We were encouraged by Sparkles at our 3rd session that we need to have relationships that will encourage us to follow God.

After our session we had our last round of rotations. We finished up sewing projects, cooking, and sock dolls. The girls are enjoying making these items for children in Liberia. They each have a picture of a child and are praying for this child during the week also.

The afternoon was spent getting ready for the big BBQ Western Dance that evening. We decorated, practiced dancing, and dressed up in western attire. What fun! We had boots, hats, denim, the works! Here are our lovely girls:

We ended the evening with an "sleepover" in the gym, complete with a movie, and night games. What a great day!!

Home Ec Camp 2008 - Tuesday June 24

2008-06-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

Wow!! What a day!

We started our day with a wonderful worship time and devotional by Sparkles. She told us that when we realize our gifts and talents, we need to then respond. We need to put others before ourselves and think of ways to serve others. It was a timely reminder for all.

After cabin time we had more rotations. Sewing is always a popular rotation as the picture shows!

After a wonderful lunch, FOB - stands for "Flat on Bunk", plus another rotation, the campers and counselors left camp to participate in "Messy Games". It was definitely a hit!! Just look at these "messy" pictures.

Stayed tuned for the next adventures of Home Ec Camp. We are headed to the "Home Ec Pagent and Talent Show. Report will be posted tomorrow!

P.S. The most exciting that happened today was the addition of another precious girl to God's Kingdom. Please rejoice and continue to pray with us.

WHY WE DO CAMP!

2008-06-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

And it's only day two of summer camp!

1. Chloe gave her life to the Lord today!
2. The Harley-Davidson Guy handed us $100 to put gas in our bus. He said he was a sinner, saved from hell—and he liked it that way!
3. $1000 came in the mail out of the blue about the time I was asking the Lord how we could afford to take the staff out for their annual end-of-staff-training dinner!
4. We blessed our waitress—an answer to her prayers—just by being there!
5. Bob agreed to pay the cost to roof the the Cheese Cave!
6. Kyle’s dad donated all the beams needed to cover the cave entrance!
7. Mike came by with more candy in response to our needs list. He’d like to bring a lot of hamburger next time he comes to Trout Lake!
8. Walt Campbell stopped in with four gallons of milk and a huge box of pork!
9. As a whole staff, in our green staff shirts, we got to worship together at church on Sunday, share testimonies and get prayed for!
10. Jeff & Kim raised enough money to cover the cost of the lawnmower repair!
11. Jeff & Doug raised enough money to cover the cost of buying our new bus. We won the bid at $1001—and were “within nickels and dimes” of winning the bid!
12. Relationships among the staff are amazing! They bless us with willing hands and clean hearts. They are a generation that seeks His face!
13. SPU scholarship of $375!
14. $1000 gift to put in savings for a "rainy day." (It rains a lot around here.)
14. Camper registrations are screaming in!
15. SO MUCH MORE!!!

HOME EC CAMP 2008

2008-06-23T16:16:00.001-07:00

We are in the middle of our first full day of Home Ec camp 2008! Our theme and goal for this week is to focus on how we can use our gifts and talents to bless others.

Sunday evening was full of Bunco, and "get to know each other" games. Monday morning brought a yummy Jonah breakfast followed by our speaker "Sparkles". Sparkles encouraged us to think about the gifts and talents that God has given us and be willing to be used to bless others, even if we are going through hard things ourselves.

We have had 2 rotations so far including: Sewing, making Sock dolls, making jam, decorating a box with magazine pictures and drama. Two of the projects we make will be sent to children in Liberia. These children have very little so our desire it to share with them our prayers, love, and some items that we make.

We plan to go caving this evening and will probably fall into bed very tired, but happy!

Join us each day as we fill you in on what is happening at Jonah Ministries!

Otter Pops, Lagoons, and Epic Adventures

2008-06-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

Wow! We were excited for the summer even before the staff arrived, but we had no idea what was in store for us! Lead staff training started on the 12th, with the rest of the staff joining us on the 15th, and the week and a half we spent together stretched us all. We grew together as a team as we prepared for the challenges and joys ahead of us this summer. The goal of staff training was to put our staff face to face with situations that would test them, teach them, and bring them to their knees before God. The week was hard, but so rewarding! We're blessed this year with a staff of 25 volunteers who love the Lord and have a passion for showing His love to kids, and we're coming out of this week pumped and ready to start camp!

Some highlights of the week include:

Following clues through the woods to find supplies for a camping trip
Learning to trust each other and work as a team on the low ropes course
Worshipping God through music on the top of a mountain
Climbing Sleeping Beauty
Roasting hot dogs and s'mores with the board and the camp directors
Facing our fear of heights on the high ropes course
Losing and finding a staff member in a wilderness search and rescue drill
Finishing tons of work projects
Getting up at 4 to catch the sunrise
White water rafting
A crazy scavenger hunt that included sinking a boat in a swamp
Going out to dinner (in our new bus!) to celebrate surviving the week!

We finished the week exhausted but so satisfied, with a newfound bond as a staff and a kindled passion for serving God at Jonah this summer. Can't wait to see you at camp!

Welcome to the Camp Jonah Blog!

2008-06-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

We hope you will enjoy our new Camp Jonah Blog. This is the place we will share camp pictures, camp stories, spiritual challenges, fun facts and much more! During camp season, the directors will try to keep you updated each night on the day's activities, pictures and more. What a fun way to stay connected!

Feel free to post your comments, we look forward to sharing this summer with you!