Family Camp

The theme: we ARE family – and it was definitely felt amongst the families here this weekend. We met new friends and caught up with those who have returned each year for Family Camp. Heath Peloquin took us deep into the word, where we examined ourselves, our actions and our communities. He taught us about drive by prayer in our neighborhood. Simply put, every house you drive ...by, pray for that family. And it does not matter the size of your neighborhood. Pray for the neighbors you know, and those you don’t. Enjoy the fruits that God ripens. We shared wonderful worship, creative family crafts, old-fashioned picnic games and brisket picnic lunch. A campfire under a canopy of stars provided the setting for skits and smores. Everyone was laughing and enjoying the sticky sweet goodness of roasted marshmallows and chocolate. Families then returned to their cabins courtesy of an old fashioned hay ride for a good nights rest. One lesson learned at the fire – if the first bite is not good or hard to chew, keep eating because it will turn to deliciousness. Whether that is about smores, God’s word, or new friends this lesson can apply to our lives in so many instances. We zipped, fished, and did our best at archery. Why would HLC rec staff ask you to put on goggles, a shower cap, and a trash bag to eat a bowl of chocolate pudding? For those brave enough to try the Wild & Crazy games, suffice it to say, it was not just a bowl of pudding, but eating a bowl of pudding with a surprise attack of a leaf blower to your face. As one contestant said, THE NEXT MORNING, I still taste chocolate, and it is still in my nose. Ah good times were had by all at family camp. And the theme will carry on - we ARE family – today, tomorrow and forever. Hope you can join us next year.

 

Visit our website www.highlandlakescamp.org

an interrupted transmission from the Battle at Pace Bend...

Mrs. Judy is Excited About the New Pool

Danny's Exciting News About a Pool

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