DanBolin.com

September 1, 2010

Gwen — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:31:57 +0000

When Jesus summarizes his work on earth, he doesn’t start reliving all the great sermons he preached and all the people who came to listen to him. He doesn’t talk about the amazing miracles he performed—giving sight to the blind, enabling the lame to walk, and feeding thousands of people with minimal food. He doesn’t even mention bringing the dead back to life. Instead he talks repeatedly about the small group of men God gave him out of the world. They were the work God had given to him. They were, quite literally, his life.

David Platt, Radical

A Slice of Fresh Bread

The sassafras leaves are turning red and not a moment too soon. Here in East Texas the summers are long and hot; at time I think the inferno will never end and then I see the change of color in the sassafras. Being the first leaves to turn each year they give me hope that cooler days are soon to follow.

The changing colors of the sassafras leaves provide hope of better days to come. Ironically, the colorful symbol of hope begins with the initiation of the death process for the leaf.

Hope is a foundational concept in Christianity. Paul writes frequently of faith, hope and love. Ironically the basis of our hope for better days to come is based upon death as well. The writer of the Book of Hebrews recognizes the importance of hope when he says, Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

The strength of our hope is based upon the reliability of the source of our hope. That is why the verse ends with the phrase, for he who promised is faithful. Our hope is built on our relationship with God though His Son Jesus. As certainly as the cool breeze of autumn will follow the hot blast of summer we live with the certain hope that every tear will be wiped away and that the shame, pain and frustrations of this world will dissolve into the joy of eternity.

Don’t let the long hot days of summer drag you down. Look for the sassafras leaves and know that the hope for a better future will someday be reality.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for the board and staff of Camp Kikoten near Mexico City. They are facing a major challenge to their property rights. Legal proceedings are underway that could require them to give up all or a portion of the camp property, or resolve the issue forever in their favor. Please pray for God’s protection of this significant camping ministry in Mexico.
CCI-UK has hired a new office manager who beings this week. Please thank the Lord for this much needed help for the rest of the staff and pray that she will be effective in her service to CCI-UK.
This week a group from the United States is working at a Christian camp in Jamaica. Please pray for safety and impact for the volunteers and for support and encouragement for the camp and its staff.
CCI-Latin America is holding a camp training session on September 4 in Costa Rica. Please pray for the travel, logistics, training and encouragement of this gathering.
African Christian Camping is holding a training event near Nairobi, Kenya September 6-11. The board of ACC will meet during this time with Dan DeGroat, President of the Global Outreach Group and the Regional Representative for CCI in the Former Soviet Union as well as Ross Bay from New Zealand, the CCI Regional Representative for Africa. Please pray for God’s guidance during this important meeting and training event.

August 25, 2010

Gwen — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:30:31 +0000

When measuring a church, we must determine the degree to which God’s people are drawing on God’s grace to carry out His divine directives.

Gene Getz, The Measure of a Church

A Slice of Fresh Bread

The headlines seemed particularly discouraging this week; devastating floods in Pakistan, drug related killings in Mexico, death and fighting in Afghanistan, a mother murdered her two young children in South Carolina (USA), hostages killed in the Philippines, economic futility, rising unemployment, political dysfunction, and my wife lost her cell phone.

Fortunately, I came across Isaiah 6:3. The angels assigned to serve in the throne room of heaven called out continually, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.

WOW! The angels of Isaiah’s time enjoyed a much better perspective than the news outlets of today. The angelic reality filtered through the power and majesty of God’ greatness supersedes our vantage point jaded by the pain of sin and death. Both are true but only God is victorious.

We must never lose site of the pain and turmoil of this world, but we must never surrender the angels’ truth that, the whole earth is full of his glory.

What are you looking for? What dominates your perspective? Take time to see the beauty of God’s creation. Enjoy the authenticity of a loving relationship. Receive the reconciliation that God provides through Jesus Christ. The whole earth is full of his glory.

Prayer Requests

CCI-UK has hired a new staff member to help carry the significant load in their office. Please thank the Lord for this much needed help for the rest of the staff and pray that she will be effective in her service to CCI-UK.
A Christian camping leader from Kenya is visiting Christian camping sites in Spain. Please pray that the cross-pollination between these associations will be helpful to both.
CCI-Latin America is holding a camp training session on September 4 in Costa Rica. Please pray for the travel, logistics, training and encouragement of this gathering.
African Christian Camping is holding a training event near Nairobi, Kenya September 6-11. The board of ACC will meet during this time with Dan DeGroat, President of the Global Outreach Group and the Regional Representative for CCI in the Former Soviet Union as well as Ross Bay from New Zealand, the CCI Regional Representative for Africa. Please pray for God’s guidance during this important meeting and training event.
A Christian camp near Mexico City is dealing with squatters who have occupied portions of the camp’s property. Please pray for a peaceful and just resolution to this difficult confrontation.
A camp in Jamaica reported an amazing week of ministry in which every child from an impoverished, rural area made a commitment to Christ. Please thank God for working in significant ways in camps throughout the world.

August 18, 2010

Gwen — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:02:16 +0000

Help me to love like you loved
Serve like you served
To speak only words of truth
Help me to care like you cared
For a world in despair
Help me to love like you.

Jonny Diaz, Love Like You Loved

A Slice of Fresh Bread

Our daughter is getting married in a few months and our house is aflutter with wedding planning. I mainly try to stay out of the decision making but I do enjoy watching my wife and daughter working through the many critical details.

However, I cleared my schedule when they planned a meeting with the caterer to sample the possible food options that could be served at the reception. Oh my! That was very, very nice. Wave after wave of tiny yet scrumptious samples of appetizers, salads, vegetables, and meats concluded with only six cake samples. Saying no to some of the magnificent options was a tragedy of major significance. Tough work but I was glad to help as best I could.

The tasting was wonderful; it left us wanting more and a desire to share these delectable bites with our friends. David knew the feeling. In Psalm 34:8 he says, Taste and see that the Lord is good. Having experienced a sampling of God’s provision and protection David became an advocate for others to do the same.

Experiencing God’s love, forgiveness, protection and peace, even for just a taste, will leave us wanting more and hoping for opportunities to share Him with others. Camp offers an ideal place for children, youth and adults to, Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Prayer Requests

The Leadership of Africa Christian Camping (CCI-East Africa) will meet later this month in Nairobi, Kenya. They are moving forward with plans to become the newest and 19^th member of the CCI Worldwide Alliance. Please pray that all will go well and a strong foundation will be laid for many years of effective ministry.
I will be participating in the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelism October 16-25 in Cape Town, South Africa. Please pray for the funding needed for this trip and that this will be an effective time of learning, networking, strategizing and inspiration.
Planning is underway for the CCI-Canada national conference November 21-24 and the Christian Camp and Conference Association (USA) national conference December 6-9. Please pray for the work that is underway to make these effective times of training and fellowship.
Several CCI associations are in financial difficulty. Please pray for the operating resources for these associations to continue ministering effectively.

August 11, 2010

Gwen — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:07:45 +0000

I believe that much of the American churchgoing population, while not specifically swimming downstream, is slowly floating away from Christ. It isn’t a conscious choice, but it is nonetheless happening because little in their lives propels them toward Christ.
Francis Chan, Crazy Love

A Slice of Fresh Bread

It has been hot here in East Texas the past few weeks, temperatures in the low 100s (38+ C) and high humidity. I’ve talked to three summer staff members from three different local Christian camps in the past week (Rockin’ C Ranch, Sky Ranch and Pine Cove.).

Just making small-talk, I asked each how their summers were going. I expected small-talk replies and comments about how hot it has been. Each surprised me with what they didn’t say, their attitude and their focus. All of them seemed oblivious to the heat, they were all enthusiastic and excited about camp, and each talked about the good things God was doing in the lives of campers and staff.

Spending time with campers, some difficult to love, during the hot, humid days of August in East Texas, is a challenge – especially after weeks and weeks of similar routine. But none of that seemed to faze them; the excitement of living the love of God and sharing the truth of His Word with campers was all that mattered.

Nehemiah and Ezra faced the tough challenge of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and restoring the soul of a nation. In the long, demanding, exhausting days of their work they discovered the truth, The joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

If the heat of this world is wearing you down, reflect on Christ; remember who He is and what He has done for you. The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Prayer Requests

Please continue to pray for the fire situation in Russia. At least three Christian camps have been evacuated but there have been no reported injuries. Please pray for the continued safety of everyone involved and pray that God would allow the ministries of other camps to go on without interruption.
Christian camping Southern Africa and Christian Venues Association (Australia) completed major conferences last week. Please pray that the information learned, relationships built and commitments made would strengthen those who attended these important events.
CCI New Zealand is hosting The Gathering August 8-12. Please pray that this meeting for the executive leadership of CCI member camps would provide the networking and strategic planning to grow Christian Camping throughout their country.
The Leadership of Africa Christian Camping (CCI-East Africa) will meet later this month in Nairobi, Kenya. They are moving forward with plans to become the newest and 19th member of the CCI Worldwide Alliance. Please pray that all will go well and a string foundation will be laid for many years of effective ministry.
I will be participating in the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelism October 16-25 in Cape Town, South Africa. Please pray for the funding needed for this trip and that this will be an effective time of learning, networking, strategizing and inspiration.
Several CCI associations are in financial difficulty. Please pray for the operating resources for these associations to continue ministering effectively.

August 4, 2010

Gwen — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:19:37 +0000

“I’ve been watching the old man for over three years now,” Carlos says, leaning back putting his hands behind his head. “He’s one of those rare cats who learned something profound about halfway through life. Most never get it. His failure gave him a great gift. Got him off track long enough to start listening and seeing. He got to see life for real, after there’s not much to lose. Changed his whole way of seeing the world, his friendship, his lifestyle. Took a lot of his fears away. Made him a lot more fun to be around.”

John Lynch, Bill Thrall and Bruce McNicols, Bo’s Cafe

A Slice of Fresh Bread

The day we hiked out of the woods, my brother and I enjoyed a breakfast of freeze dried blueberry crumble and a few leftover chocolate chip cookies. Lunch was an extended snack of raisins, beef jerky and peanuts. Not a bad start to the day.

At the trailhead my brother Paul reminded me that we had not seen a vegetable for several days and that we should probably eat a real meal. I agreed so we stopped and had milkshakes for dinner!

Hey it was vacation!

We can only subsist on junk food for so long and then—if we want to remain strong and healthy—we need some real food. A tasty blueberry dessert for breakfast, fistfuls of peanuts for lunch, and a creamy milkshake for dinner are ok from time to time, but we need a regular diet of healthy basics if we want to enjoy good health.

Peter tells us, Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. (I Peter 2:2a)

The writer of Hebrews takes this thought farther saying, But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:14)

Don’t be a junk food Christian. Make sure you eat a healthy portion of solid food every day. Read God’s Word, chew on it, and let it provide the strength you need to serve God and walk with Him.

Prayer Requests

Over 40 people have been killed in forest fires in Russia. Three CCI member camps have been evacuated. No campers or staff members have been injured at this time. Please pray for the safety of all involved and that no other ministry would be disruptive.
Storms demolished two large tents erected to house the exhibitors at the Christian Venues Association (Australia) national conference earlier this week. Fortunately no one was injured and the exhibitors had not yet moved into these tents. Please pray for an effective time of training and fellowship at this conference despite the damage and disruption. (See before and after pictures at www.cciworldwide.org (Photos, CVA Australia Natl Conf 2010)
Christian Camping Southern Africa serves several countries in the southern portion of that continent and is currently holding its annual conference. Please pray for the CCSA annual conference scheduled for July 30- August 6. Please pray for a good time of fellowship, education, and inspiration for those who attend.
CCI New Zealand is hosting The Gathering August 8-12. Please pray that this meeting for the executive leadership of CCI member camps would provide the networking and strategic planning to grow Christian Camping throughout their country.
Several CCI associations are in financial difficulty. Please pray for the operating resources for these associations to continue ministering effectively.

July 28, 2010

Gwen — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:16:00 +0000

The most significant contributions leaders make are not to today’s bottom line but to the long-term development of individuals and institutions that adapt, prosper and grow.

James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, A Leader’s Legacy

A Slice of Fresh Bread

While hiking in Oregon a few weeks ago my brother and I entered an area covered with several feet of snow. The slippery surface and hidden dangers were only part of the problem; the real challenge was finding the trail.

To help overcome this annual problem blaze marks have been chopped into distant trees giving hikers a visual assist. We hiked from blaze mark to blaze mark always hoping the next would come into view.

Occasionally we would lose the blaze marks; a tree would have fallen, or brush or limbs would obscure our view. We would work our way back to the last known blaze mark, check our maps, look for landmarks and then start out in a new direction.

When you lose your way, going back to where you started is always a good idea. The Apostle John had this principle in mind when he wrote to the Church in Ephesus, Repent and do the things you did at first. (Revelation 2:5b)

If you sense yourself drifting off course spiritually, go back to the basics. Remember the early days of your relationship with Him. And enjoy the simple pleasure of walking with God on the pathway he provides.

Prayer Requests

Last week a 12 year old girl was killed in a mountain biking accident in a CCCA member camp in Colorado. Please pray for the family of the girl and the staff at the camp.
Three camping leaders from Latin America are currently visiting CCI member camps in Canada. Please pray for a good time of developing relationships, gaining new insights and learning new principle to apply in their homelands.
Christian Camping Southern Africa serves several countries in the southern portion of that continent. Please pray for the CCSA annual conference scheduled for July 30- August 6. Visitors from as far away as Kenya and New Zealand will participate.
Christian Venues Association (Australia) is holding their bi-annual national conference August 2-6. Please pray for an effective time of training and fellowship at this conference.
Planning is underway for the CCI-Canada national conference November 21-24 and the Christian Camp and Conference Association (USA) national conference December 6-9. Please pray for the work that is underway to make these effective times of training and fellowship.

July 21, 2010

Gwen — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:14:21 +0000

In every measure that matters – in return on equity, return on capital, and average annual revenue growth rate – the differentiators beat the tightwads every time. . . . People almost always find a cheaper way to get your service – and few efforts are less rewarding than trying to compete with those cheaper ways.

Harry Beckwith, Selling the Invisible

A Slice of Fresh Bread

Last week my brother and I backpacked in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area of Oregon. We visited many of the streams and lakes of our youth and hiked trails we had explored 40 years ago. The mountains were breathtaking and I appreciated the scenic views much more at 57 than at 17.

Wilderness areas prohibit motorized or mechanical vehicles so anyone entering the area is on foot. Having to carry everything needed for the week on my back made me check my priorities. Do I really need that box of macaroni and cheese or should I hope to catch a fish for dinner? Do I need a pot and a pan or can I cook everything in one piece? Will I ever use the binoculars?

Travelin’ light is a challenge for all of us. Deciding what is essential as opposed to superfluous or detrimental demands rethinking priorities and the hard task of letting go. The writer of Hebrews explains, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1b)

What might you remove from your pack? Is there something that is nice but unnecessary? Or are you carrying something that is inappropriate? Recheck your priorities and make the tough choice to let go of things that hinder your spiritual journey.

Prayer Requests

Violence in the northern portions of Mexico is creating concern for some camping ministries. Gatherings of youth can become targets for violence. Please pray for the restoration of peace in the area and for the safety of the Christian camps in the area.
Christian Camping Southern Africa serves several countries in the southern portion of that continent. Please pray for the planning and preparation for the CCSA annual conference scheduled for July 30- August 6.
Christian Venues Association (Australia) is holding their bi-annual national conference August 2-6. Please pray for an effective time of training and fellowship at this conference.
Several camps and churches in North America are sending teams around the world to help run summer camp ministries. Please pray for safety, effective ministry and an expanded understanding of what God is doing through Christian camping worldwide.
Planning is underway for the CCI-Canada national conference November 21-24 and the Christian Camp and Conference Association (USA) national conference December 6-9. Please pray for the work that is underway to make these effective times of training and fellowship.
CCI-Spain is helping build a network of Christian camps in neighboring Portugal. Please pray for this new network of Christian camping leaders.

July 14, 2010

Gwen — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:24:18 +0000

Great leaders have a high percentage of good judgment calls; they are good only if the execution is successful. The second most important role you play is to develop other leaders who can make good judgment calls.

Noel M. Tichy and Warren Bennis, Judgment

A Slice of Fresh Bread

The World Cup is over! Congratulations to Spain, to the Netherlands and to all who played, coached, watched or followed the matches of the past month. Thanks also to South Africa for hosting an excellent tournament.

Some teams did much better than predicted; others limped home sooner than expected. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t understand or appreciate the nuances of the game but I do enjoy the pageantry and drama of the tournament.

I’m not sure why goalkeepers don’t wear their team’s uniforms. I’m sure there is a good reason and I expect that someone will explain it to me.

Paul tells us about the uniform that all Christian are to wear. He directs us to put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:14). The thing that differentiates – or should differentiate us from the rest of the world is love. In a world filled with anger, self-centeredness and violence, love will set us apart from the rest.

You may get away with being out of uniform if you are a world cup goalkeeper. But Christ expects all of us to put on love and be easily identifiable as a member of His team.

Prayer Requests

CCI-UK has filled one of the two part-time openings on its staff. Please thank God for the help that has joined their team. Please pray that the additional opening will be filled soon.
Violence in the northern portions of Mexico is creating concern for some camping ministries. Gatherings of youth can become targets for violence. Please pray for the restoration of peace in the area and for the safety of the Christian camps in the area.
Several CCI associations are experiencing severe financial challenges. Please pray for the resources to continue the training, networking and support provided by CCI.
Christian Camping Southern Africa serves several countries in the southern portion of that continent. Please pray for the planning and preparation for the CCSA annual conference scheduled for July 30- August 6.
Christian Venues Association (Australia) is holding their bi-annual national conference August 2-6. Please pray for an effective time of training and fellowship at this conference.
Several camps and churches in North America are sending teams around the world to help run summer camp ministries. Please pray for safety, effective ministry and an expanded understanding of what God is doing through Christian camping worldwide.

July 7, 2010

Gwen — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:23:39 +0000

Leadership is hard work. It is not easy despite what we, or others, may write in our attempts to make leadership more accessible. While we offer words of encouragement, tools and techniques, examples, and practical applications with the hope of improving leadership skills and confidence, we fully recognize that nothing great was ever accomplished without making sacrifices.

James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, A Leader’s Legacy

A Slice of Fresh Bread

I recently read of a scam artist who stole 9.5 million dollars from thousands of credit card users. His plan was simple – just take little amounts. All of the illegal transactions were between 25 cents and nine dollars. By keeping the charges small he avoided the scrutiny of law enforcement and most people didn’t want the hassle of contesting relatively small amounts.

Little, seemingly insignificant actions can result in much bigger, more complex consequences down the road. Just because a sin seems little doesn’t mean it is not significant. Little problems tend to ‘grow up’ quickly.

Dialogue in the Song of Solomon captures this principle, Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom. Song of Solomon 2:15

Adam and Eve just ate a little fruit, Moses just hit a rock, Saul just started the worship service early, and David just took a second glance.

Don’t allow little problems to destroy your life and ministry. Address issues when they are 25 cent problems. Don’t let them become 9.5 million dollar tragedies.

Prayer Requests

Violence in the northern portions of Mexico is creating concern for some camping ministries. Gatherings of youth can become targets for violence. Please pray for the restoration of peace in the area and for the safety of the Christian camps in the area.
Several CCI associations are experiencing severe financial challenges. Please pray for the resources to continue the training, networking and support provided by CCI.
Christian Camping Southern Africa serves several countries in the southern portion of that continent. Please pray for the planning and preparation for the CCSA annual conference scheduled for July 30- August 6.
Christian Venues Association (Australia) is holding their bi-annual national conference August 2-6. Please pray for an effective time of training and fellowship at this conference.
This summer, several camps and churches in North America are sending ministry teams to help run camps in other parts of the world. Please pray for good health, safety and effective ministry through these efforts.

June 30, 2010

Gwen — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:10:01 +0000

“The dominant sin in my adult life has been my cowardly refusal to think, feel, act, respond, and live from my authentic self, because of fear of rejection.”

Brennan Manning, Abba’s Child

A Slice of Fresh Bread

A few weeks ago, a monster storm dropped nine inches of rain on our house in twelve hours. Floodwater rose, turning quiet streams into roaring torrents and forcing lakes out of their banks. Within two miles of our home, three bridges washed out, closing the roads indefinitely.

The bridges had served us well for decades, but in a matter of hours, the surging water had washed them away. One dramatic and traumatic moment dismantled years of service and created a major problem for the weeks and months ahead.

Life can be that way as well. Godly relationships and commitments may serve us well for years, but a thoughtless comment, poor decision, reckless action or sinful choice can wash away years of service and create ongoing problems.

In Psalm 141:3-4 David prays a wonderful prayer, Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies.

That was a great prayer three thousand years ago and is a great prayer today.

Prayer Requests

CCI-UK is in the process of hiring two new part-time staff member. Please pray for wisdom and guidance during the interviewing and selection process.
Kenya is preparing to vote on a new constitution in August. Some of the issues involved have religious considerations. Please pray for a safe and peaceful election and that God’s will would be done in this election.
Hurricane Alex is pounding Northeastern Mexico and Southwestern Texas. Please pray for safety and protection for all involved.
Many children, youth and families are attending Christian camps in the northern hemisphere. Please pray for safety and effective ministry during these important summer camp weeks.