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