Only one year ago I was nearing the end of my college cross country career, preparing for a semester of study in the Middle East, and working on applications for a year of service following graduation.
My list of options for post graduation at the time:
-A year or so of service
-Finding a church to work at
-Staying home and working on the farm through spring of 2016
-Maaayyybe seminary
That was as far as I thought I could see into the future, but I was wrong...
Somehow I ended up here, working as Program Director at camp Menno Haven in Illinois...
It's an interesting story, full of inner struggles, feelings of loneliness, unending unanswerable questions, and casual conversations that somehow stumbled into reality.
(Never underestimate the power of speaking (dabar). Once something is spoken, it takes on life and power. Thoughts can fade, but words live on in the memory of others, shaping their thoughts and actions. The right words, at the right time, and the right amount, can do anything.)
But you can ask me about those things later!
I've only just begun this new journey as PD, but I'm already loving it!
As Program Director one of my responsibilities is to host some of the guest groups that use our camp facilities. This past weekend we had a Hispanic women's group here. They filled our space with lively worship in Spanish, and charismatic prayers. What a joy to see and experience the great diversity of the body of Christ!
At the same time, we were hosting a Youth Leaders retreat, which I jumped into and out of as able. It was so life giving to spend time worshiping and fellowshiping with these leaders who are out there in the churches working hard to raise up the future (and current!) church. It felt so good just to laugh with people, sing with people, and dive deeper into the theme for the weekend (presence). Though desiring sleep, I have been encouraged and renewed this weekend.
Then on Sunday I traveled to a church to preach in place of one of the pastors still at the retreat. After the service I had the privilege of being invited to a chili meal at the Native American church just down the street! Through connecting with people in those communities I began to realize what I represent to people now. I am the face of Menno Haven wherever I go. I carry with me the memories and dreams of many hundreds of people who have been shaped by Menno Haven. The way I act and present myself becomes a reflection of camp. (I think part of what this means is no more dumpster diving. :( At least not where people can connect me to MH.) There is an amazing responsibility in knowing that you carry something with you into the world.
I wonder what would happen if more Christians would realize what they carry? When you claim Christ as your guide and savior, you become a representative of the body of Christ in the world. When people see you they don't see just you, but also the gathered body you are a part of. Just as when people see me they begin to make assumptions about Menno Haven based on how I act and relate to people, so too do people make assumptions about who God is or what your church is like based on how you act and relate to people, (and how you talk about other people!).
To cap off this wonderful start to the job, this evening I went on a little hike in the dark to rescue a canoe that wandered across the lake. Once getting out of the scary woods, paddling across the lake gave me a chance to take in the beautiful night out on the still waters. Even in the dark, God's glory still shone all around the lake. I will definitely be doing some night boating when it warms up next spring!
Stay tuned for more Menno Haven Musings!
