Adults age 45-84 who attend religious services or other organized religious activities weekly are 62% more likely to be obese than those who never participate.
Go Figure, Christianity Today, January 2012
A Slice of Fresh Bread
I stayed up until 11:00 PM local time on New Year’s Eve to watch the Ball Drop in New York City. I’m not sure why.
I am always puzzled by the excitement and enthusiasm associated with ringing in a new year. I understand and appreciate the value of looking back, assessing the past, and learning from our mistakes. I’m also big on peering down the road: planning, setting goals, and striving for accomplishment.
The turn of a calendar does not make a New Year – it merely makes a Next Year. Unless change, real change, God powered change, is involved, New Year’s Eve is just an excuse for a party to distract us from our problems and insignificance.
Near the very end of the Bible John records, He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5)
The human effort of resolutions can help us lose weight, read more, quit smoking or save money. Parties can distract us from our pain and problems. But only Christ can make things new.
Let’s resolve to make Christian camps around the world places where God makes all things new in 2012.
Prayer Requests
January 16-18 CCI-UK holds its Management Conference for Christian Centre managers throughout the UK. Please pray for the planning and preparation of this conference.
CCI-Spain holds its National Conference, January 19-22, in northwest Spain. Please pray that this would be well attended and that guests from Portugal might be able to participate as well.
CCI-Russia holds its Christian Camping Leaders Conference January 29-February 2. Please pray for the planning and promotion of this conference that serves not only Russian camping leaders but people from many countries in the former Soviet Union.
In just over three months (April 19-24, 2012) participants from around the world will meet at Pinos Reales, a Christian camp near Madrid, for the CCI-Worldwide Summit.
Please pray for the preparations and funding for this major training and planning event.
Many CCI associations are struggling financially. Please pray for the financial support needed as we enter this new year.