Hey everyone, here is post from last year's Ministry Award Winner, Rachael Allen.
Hello my beloved friends,
Although we do not know each other, I feel like I know you all
so very well, for I was in your shoes at this time last year. You are either at
a summer camp (like I was at Qwanoes), working or bumming around playing video
games (I hope not!) and going to the beach. Ahead of you is this year where you
know you will be changed, you know God is going to work, you know that you will
experience the fullness of life…but you just don’t know how it all is going to
pan out.
As most of your minds race to the throws of academics and textbooks
you will have to read, or the sick, crazy, mind-blowing adventures awaiting
you, or the prospect of sharing a room and having someone with you constantly
in community, I plead with you not to let this year slip by without giving of
yourself in service.
As much as the Kaléo program is geared to you searching yourself
and developing yourself as a leader, the most valuable thing you can do is put
what you are learning in classes, in community and out in the wilderness into
practice by serving just like Christ did himself. Along with instructing his
disciples, teaching the mass of crowds and spending time alone with his Father,
he spend valuable time getting down and dirty and serving those who did not
deserved to be served: “even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to
serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” Matthew 20:28.
The ministry component is the most practical aspect of this
program, at times it can be the component that gets easily overlooked and put
onto the backboard so I plead with you to decide in your hearts that this will
not be the case with you. In your youth groups, give it your all, give it 110%.
You are only going to be with these kids for eight months…will they see Christ
in you or just a duty to complete your Field Ed class? In camp ministry, no
matter if you are counselling or washing dishes, how are you going to shine
Christ to those around you? On your missions trip, you only get two weeks to be
selfless like Christ and perform tasks that may not be your favourite…will you
let Christ transform you and work through you?
In your ministry
journals, where you tell Lyann, but most importantly your friends and family
back at home how your ministry at camp is going, actually try. Put effort into
it, think hard, be honest and open. This online journal is something that you
can revisit years down the road and read your own words of the life-change that
God did in your own life through service.
From one who has been there, from
one who loves you and has huge hopes and expectations for you, I want to tell
you that I know you are in this program for a purpose, don’t let it slip you
by. It is going to be tough some days, you will want to scream and curl up in a
ball and cry but it will also make you want to stand in Pacific Woods Lobby and
cheer from the top of your lungs about the sweet miracles that Jesus Christ is
doing through you.
Immerse yourself in the
passion, commit for the long haul and watch what God does through you. I am
here for you, I am proud of you and I am praying for you! Add me on Facebook,
tell me your stories, and especially though the year – tell me what God does
through you as you serve practically for him! “To him be the glory, in the
church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and ever.
Amen!” -Ephesians 3:21
-Rachael Allen (Ministry Award Winner 2012-2013)
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