Hello There :) from Margie Hunt

Hello Everyone! I hope y'all are having a most wonderful and blessed day! This summer I have chosen to work at Highland Lakes Camp located in Spicewood, Texas. When I first decided to work here, I knew that God was placing me here for a reason. However, I did not know what that reason was. I still am not sure what the reason is either. Although, by being here for almost a MONTH, I have been having the time of my life. I have had some rough moments here and some fantastic moments here. One of the rough things that happened to me while being here was that within the first week, which was orientation week, I fell and gashed my knee open and got 8 stitches. It was a wonderful experience. I believe that God had me go through that to experience patience so I could know that He is the ultimate comforter. 

Our God is just so amazing and wonderful that he can bring us through anything that may happen in our lives. Also, I have been learning to trust and love people. By that I mean that God has been showing me that it’s okay for people to help you and for you to trust them. And that He has a plan for you in your life and that he can provide you with people that can help you along the road in life. Sometimes your road in life may be rough, but it is totally worth it to go down. God has also provided me with some awesome lifelong friends here. He has given me people in my life that are helping me grow daily and helping me become a stronger person. I thank God and praiseHim every day for these people and this place that he has brought me to. Without Him I would be nothing. 

I hope y'all have enjoyed this little update on my life. Have a marvelous day!

Margie Hunt is a member of the Food Service Staff and currently attending Stephen F. Austin State University majoring in Childhood and Family Development.

For more information about the Summer Mission Team (SMT) program visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org/SMT

First Month at Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center by Bryant Sanders

At the beginning of the summer I figured that I was just going to be working another job at a church camp. I have realized that Highland Lakes is more than just a church camp. Its a collective group of family that is here to support each other. Like most families we have our drama and arguments, but at the end of the day we are still a family that loves each other. Working on the Public Relations Staff has challenged me to be a stronger person in Christ. I was walking through life doing the things that I wanted to do with my future. I always thought that I was going to be a Band Director. God has other plans in my life and is telling me otherwise. I feel that God is telling me to continue to be a music major, but not just a music education major. During the M3 camp the band Dutton played this song called Welcome Home. When the chorus came I felt the Holy Spirit move through me and I couldn't move. God was telling me that I needed to is be a minister.

Bryant Sanders is serving on the Public Relations Team and currently attends Odessa College and is double majoring in Music Education and Music Performance. Be praying for him and the rest of the Summer Missions Team  (SMT) as they continue to serve daily.

For more information about the Summer Mission Team (SMT) program visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org/SMT

SMT Orientation 2011 Coming to a Close

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

SMT Orientation Week 2011 is coming to a close tomorrow morning. We were blessed by Michael Satterfield and Clay Tyner of One Less Stone; both men leading us to the throne of God.

Tomorrow is a very special day for the Summer Mission's Team. We call it Commissioning Day, referring to a charge on the SMT's life to serve Christ daily at Highland Lakes Camp and everywhere they may go after their service here. It's an amazing thought to consider these students giving up a summer to serve the Lord to follow His call.

It is a special time, so please keep this service on your prayers. Also, tomorrow, join is from home praying for Summer 2011 at HLC3. Some things you can be praying for: the students and leaders traveling to and attending camp, full time staff, SMT staff, the program guests, volunteers, lives to be changes in the name of Christ, and whatever the Lord lays on your heart.

God bless each of you and we thank you for your prayers.

SMT Prayer Countdown: Day Twelve

The lifeguards certification is complete and tomorrow is the big day. Please continue to remember to join us each day by praying for the SMT's, Team Servant, volunteers, and full time staff.

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

Day 12: THE SMT's. This is it. On this day chances are bags are packed and SMT's are head our way. Be praying for them; that the will come and pull up a seat to the banquet table of Christ and taste and see His goodness. My friends, it will get rough, so please continue to keep the SMT's of 2011 in your prayers throughout the summer.

For more information about the Summer Mission Team (SMT) program visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org/SMT

SMT Prayer Countdown: Day Eleven

The lifeguards are working on Day Two of certification. Please contine to join us each day in prayer for the training and before the rest of the SMT's arrive.

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

Day 11: Pray for the SMT's family and friends back home and at school. Pray that they will support the students through prayer and know that what they are doing is Kingdom work. They may not understand why they are giving up a summer for this. Pray also that the SMT's will have the words to speak to them when questions arise.

For more information about the Summer Mission Team (SMT) program visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org/SMT

SMT Prayer Countdown: Day Ten

The lifeguards started training today. Please contine to join us each day in prayer before the rest of the SMT's arrive.

"Be anxious about nothing but in everything with prayer and petition present your request to God." Philippians 4:6

Day 10: Each Other. The SMT's are about to meet 50ish new "friends". Pray that pride and other selfish things will be put to death so that you can serve each other and the Lord better.

"Be joyful; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For more information about the Summer Mission Team (SMT) program visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org/SMT

SMT Prayer Countdown: Day Nine

Please contine to join us each day in prayer before the SMT's arrive.

Day 9: Recreation Staff. This is the largest staff we have each year. They lifeguard and entertain our guest with various activities from Rifle Range, Archery, Ropes Course, and Paintball Course. Pray for safety of this staff and no injuries.

"Be joyful; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For more information about the Summer Mission Team (SMT) program visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org/SMT

SMT Prayer Countdown: Day Eight

Please contine to join us each day in prayer before the SMT's arrive.

Day 8: PR/Marketing. These two staffs work closely together. We all want a way to commemorate our summer and thanks to these we can have that. They take pictures and video and spend hours editing. They also run the sound during worship experiences. Also, the Marketing staff has the Gift Shop and Concession Stand. (Yay, BROWN COWS!!!!)

"Be joyful; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For more information about the Summer Mission Team (SMT) program visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org/SMT

SMT Prayer Countdown: Day Seven

Please contine to join us each day in prayer before the SMT's arrive.

Day 7: Kitchen Staff. You must eat while you are at camp, and this staff does it. They are great at what they do and always provide. Pray for a burn free and accident free summer. Also pray that attitudes will not clash.

"Be joyful; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For more information about the Summer Mission Team (SMT) program visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org/SMT

SMT Prayer Countdown: Day 6

Please contine to join us each day in prayer before the SMT's arrive.

Day 6: Health Techs. Meds, meds, a Band-Aid, and more meds - another countless hour job. Pray for patience with each other and safety for all staff and guests.

"Be joyful; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For more information about the Summer Mission Team (SMT) program visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org/SMT

SMT Prayer Countdown: Day Five

Please contine to join us each day in prayer before the SMT's arrive.

Day 5: The Maintenance team. Each summer these guys spend countless hours making sure people have water, toilets get unclogged, air conditioners work properly, and take care of your trash. Pray for unity of this team of men.

"Be joyful; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For more information about the Summer Mission Team (SMT) program visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org/SMT

SMT Prayer Countdown: Day Four

Please contine to join us each day in prayer before the SMT's arrive.

Day 4: ALL GUESTS. We have it calculated that there will be some 9,000+ guest here this summer. Pray that they may experience God in a new way and be blessed by their experience here.

"Be joyful; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For more information about the Summer Mission Team (SMT) program visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org/SMT

SMT Prayer Countdown: Day Three

Please contine to join us each day in prayer before the SMT's arrive.

Day 3: Interns. Just be praying for them as well. They, too, were out here year round. Pray for the role they will play this summer.

"Be anxious about nothing but in everything with prayer and petition present your request to God." Philippians 4:6

For more information about the Summer Mission Team (SMT) program visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org/SMT

SMT Prayer Countdown: Day Two

Please contine to join us each day in prayer before the SMT's arrive.

Day 2: Full Time Staff and their families as they have continued to serve here year round. Summer gets crazy and they have to sacrifice a lot of family time.

"Be anxious about nothing but in everything with prayer and petition present your request to God." Philippians 4:6

For more information about the Summer Mission Team (SMT) program visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org/SMT

SMT Prayer Countdown: Day One

Kim Gilstrap, one of the HLC3 Interns has put together a SMT Prayer Countdown. She has served as an SMT for 3 summers and served as an intern for a semester. Kim is from Missouri and loves to share Christ with others.

Welcome Aboard! Over the course of the next 15 or so days we would like to invite you on this prayerful journey for the summer about to get underway. Please join us each day in pray before the SMT's arrive.

"Be anxious about nothing but in everything with prayer and petition present your request to God." Philippians 4:6

Day 1: Thank God for the opportunity to serve in this capacity this summer. Also for meeting you right where you are. For He alone is WORTHY of everything.

For more information about the Summer Mission Team (SMT) program visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org/SMT

SMT 2011 Shout Out

Kim and Natalie are excited to meet the incoming summer staff:

"Then they remembered Jesus’ words."

Easter bunnies and egg hunts are the main stream ideas of Easter. I don't remember when I came to the realization these "extra" things added to such a holy day were part of the worldly smoke screen to shift focus away from Christ. I am glad to know this day still has more meaning than bunnies and eggs for many, many, people.

"The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship. The men said, "Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?"

Then they remembered Jesus' words." Luke 24:5-8

Will you remember what Christ has done for you and I today? Will you bow down to worship Him today? What power and freedom we find in Christ and anyone can come to Him!

May each of you have a blessed Easter or Resurrection Day.

Artistry at Work

Virgil Taylor with My Fathers House(a church he and his wife started in Granite Shoals) is an incredible artist. His medium is tile.
Yes that's right tile. He is a tile setter by profession installing all kinds of custom tile work in homes and businesses throughout the Hill Country. He installed the new tile floor, showers and baths in Lampasas dorm, which was long overdue.
Danny had an idea of putting the camp logo in the dining hall on the new wall that some of our SOWER volunteers had just rebuilt, how to do that was the question. Would we have a painting commissioned or a vinyl sign made up or something else? Most ideas could be costly and just not practical for us at this time. But as we know perfectly well here at HLCCC God has a way making those dreams come true. While Virgil was here completing the work in the Lampasas dorm he said he could put a very large tile logo on the dining hall wall. This tile mural would be 7' tall and be cut out of tile to match our current logo for Highland Lakes Camp. He would offer to volunteer his labor if we covered the material. Danny was excited for Virgil to begin. As we gathered in the dining hall for three weeks each day, we watched this beautiful mosaic tile and custom cut tile logo come to life. Virgil has invested 3 weeks of his time to date and still has more to go. That's over 135 hours to complete the logo. He painstakingly cut each tile to exacting detail to resemble our camp logo. Virgil is an outstanding artist and a servant of the Living God! He has given his talents to glorify our Lord and he has done an amazing job doing just that! We are so thankful for having people like Virgil who the Lord has brought along side of us to reach so many for Christ. This is a display of Gods handiwork at it's best. Virgil also volunteers as a sponsor for many youth activities with his church.
Thank You Lord for your provision and enjoyment of people like Virgil Taylor. May God bless him and his family for giving up his time and talents for His glory!

Does God care about Basketball?

Well apparently He does!
Here is another amazing story about God's faithfulness here at HLCCC.
As many of you know we have a basketball court (or you may not because is was in such bad shape) behind Miles Auditorium. It has been in disrepair for some time which made it hard to play a good game of basketball or tennis. When the ball would hit a crack you wouldn't know where it would come down. It wasn't safe because of the large cracks that were a trip hazard.
Gary posted on a web site looking for a Court Re finisher and the person who answered the ad almost immediately was Weston Ready. He owns Courtex Construction Inc.and said he would love to take a look at our project.
He mentioned he and his sister were saved at camp several years ago and he would love to help out. It was quickly apparent we didn't have enough in our budget to refinish the whole court or for that matter even one quarter of the court. Weston and Gary made some calls and after much prayer God put on the hearts of a couple of donors to make up the difference in our budget. With the help of Weston and his father we were able to refinish the basketball court and the tennis court! WOW! God is good.
Another part of the project involved a group from Harp's Crossing in Georgia. They brought 18 students and adults to work on projects here at the camp during their spring break. Gary's team and the team from Harp's Crossing are installing a new sand volleyball court where the old half court was located inside the fenced area. Our courts area has now been transformed into a safe and beautiful area for a little friendly competition. We also don't have to chase those loose balls too far.
We want to thank Weston, his dad, The team form Harp's Crossing, Gary and Bruce for their help. I didn't mention one of our own staff members (Bruce)  donated a large portion of the balance we needed to complete the courts. It doesn't surprise me when God raises up one of our staff to participate in the finances of the camp. They are the ones closest to see what God is doing here. God uses each of us no matter what our job or business is. He uses EVERYTHING to glorify His name!
Thanks be to Our Lord for providing a safe place to have a good time with each other as we play a little bball or tennis. Not to mention it is good for our bodies and our soul to be outdoors in Gods beautiful creation together.
Stop by and see the beautiful new courts!
See You at Camp!

Hot Hearts Live

We understand some of you can't make it to the live event, but we still want you to be a part of Hot Hearts by praying for the students and watching live online @ www.highlandlakescamp.org/live

Follow us on twitter @highlandlakescc for daily updates!

Welcome Home, Ashley

We will be welcoming Ashley back to camp Friday morning. She would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support while she was in Kenya. We will post some more information about how God used her in those lives she touched while she was there.

Follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/highlandlakescc

~ My testimony~ by Corinne V.

Corinne has served as a Team Servant for two years. The Team Servant program at Highland Lakes Camp is a life-changing missions experience for Christian high school students willing to commit two weeks of their summer vacation to grow in their walk with Christ. Members of the Team Servant program are encouraged to follow the example of our Savior, who came to serve and minister to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others.  Here is her testimony:

My parents always told me there would be a day when I would have to choose for myself, to follow Christ or not.. about ten years ago I was at a Vacation Bible School, and they were talking about Jesus and how He died on the cross for us to take away our sins and about being saved. The teacher asked the class if there was anyone ready to accept Christ to raise their hand, I thought I was ready so I raised my hand. They took me into a separate room and prayed with me, they asked if I wanted to be baptized and I said yes, so they took me to my mom and had me tell the exciting news. I told her I was ready to be baptized and she said I had to wait a bit. 

So about four years later I was asked if I wanted to be baptized of course I said yes! The pastor at the time came to my house and asked me a TON of questions and said I knew enough and he felt that I understood well enough to be baptized. I got baptized on Christmas Eve, I may have known the right answers to the questions the pastor asked, but one thing was missing.....I didn't have a personal relationship with Christ, nothing changed. 

I would pray and read the Bible occasionally, talk and hangout with the wrong people, yell at everyone, and start bad fights with my parents. I didn't want to cause trouble and I wanted to pray and read the Bible more but in my mind I would always say, I don't have time, and I don't know why I do what I do it just happens and there is nothing I can do about it. 

A couple years passed and I completely quit reading the Bible, I didn't pray at all, I was doing bad things, and hiding things from my parents. I have been questioning my faith for quite some time...I was confused because I LOVE sharing Christ with people, yet I wasn't living what I was speaking...all I was doing was sharing my knowledge of what I knew, I wasn't showing them what a relationship looked like. 

About a month ago I was talking to Jesse Hendon, and he helped me understand that what I was missing was a relationship with Christ. Since then I have felt a change in heart and soul, there was a peace I haven't felt before. I changed my ways and am continuing to change, I don't get into all the trouble or fight with my parents as much. I have started reading the Bible and look forward to learning more and I enjoy my prayer time more. 

I only hope to become closer and closer with God, and in every step I take I want to show others not only the love God has for us but how having a relationship with Jesus can change their lives. No more second guessing on my relationship with Him. I love the Lord with all my heart soul and mind and NOTHING will EVER change that!!

A Letter from Ashley

Here is another, heartfelt letter from one of our staff members, Ashley Beggs.  She has been serving in Kenya and has a passion to serve in Kenya. Please be praying for Ashley as you read her words.

Dear Friends:

as of today i have 2 full days left in Kenya. I am having mixed emotions. part of me is excited to go home to see my sister and mom and family, but i feel my heart will be left here. i hope this isn't some kind of "camp high." i really have no words to explain it. i really can see myself here next week and the next, etc. i haven't really thought much about home and returning. i have been able to stay in contact with kelsey and my mom on the phone, when i remember the time difference.

at the moment my mind and heart are torn.

i wish i could type more but there are lots of rambunctious and obnoxious youth who just entered the coffee shop and i can't concentrate. please keep the brackenhurst staff in your prayers while these teens are here. i've already watched grace clean up one huge mess for them to create another. (i think this is why foreigners hate Americans)

God Bless. and see you soon.

Ashley

"I have only a week left here in Kenya."

this has been quite a day. i'm starting to emotionally realize that i have only a week left here in kenya. everything is kinda slamming into me. josh fell asleep in my lap, that won't happen again, just seeing things and tryin to take them in. it's so difficult. we are also helping with a burial service for one of kiki's clients. her sister is also positive and just being around that has been an emotional drain. please pray that i can focus and be optimistic about the 7 days i have remaining and not think about leaving, but the good i can do while i am still here. this is a tough trip. lots of growing as a person and missionary. 

geez.

God Bless.

Ashley

Letter from Kenya

Dear Friends:


well today i started teaching CRE, Christian Religious Education, to 4th grade students. it is very different.
i have braids now as well, check my wall for photo. i am also a bit sunburned. i was sick yesterday. but am feeling much better today. don't know why i haven't been feeling well. hopefully after this week, i can go with kiki to visit clients, or people with hiv/aids.

yesterday, he (kiki) visited a couple who are both positive. they make necklaces out of beads of paper. they take paper and roll it into beads for necklaces. the couple has 8 children and this is their form of income. nick approached me with the necklaces and the need for a marketing strategy. i sold a few to the SIFE students and told them about the need for assistance. they are passing it to the kenya team. please pray for this family.

i have been a bit homesick because i am alone. besann came and encouraged me today as i prepared for class. it was super sweet.

i have been able to take a nap everyday i am at the school which has helped me feel better, too. i don't really know what else to say at the moment. will send something out maybe sunday after i've done more than teach. oh i did teach some students about noah and how he obeyed God by building the ark. i taught them the song "who built the ark? noah! noah! who built the ark? brother noah built the ark!" i remember singing that as a child.

that is all for now.

God Bless.


Ashley

Paintball at Highland Lakes Camp

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Do YOU have what it takes? www.highlandlakescamp.org/paintball

A Letter from Ashley Beggs

One of our staff members, Ashley Beggs, is serving in Kenya for four weeks.  Here is a note from her second week:

January 19 at 12:23am

hey guys!

i'm in week 2 of my trip and it's been amazing. i appreciate your prayers. please continue to keep our ministry in your prayers as well as our SIFE team who i traveling. i am working with kiki this week in visiting hiv/aids patients and we had a very hard visit yesterday in going ot support a family who had lost a member to the disease. the burial is next tuesday.

thanks for remembering me!

God Bless!

Ashley

 Please continue to keep her in your prayers and stay tuned for more updates from her trip. 

CANCELLATION OPENS UP 37 HOTEL ROOMS

Due to Cancellation we have 37 hotel rooms available Feb 18-19! Call to Reserve for your group Now!!!!!
Call Jackie or Dana to book your retreat. 888-222-3482 or 512-264-1777