OCC and Beyond!

This past week we finished up our Foundations of Church Ministry class with David Ernst. For my course research paper I wrote on women in church leadership and what the Bible may be saying regarding women being pastors, elders, or deacons. When reflecting on my “home” church this year I was encouraged by the numerous women that assist in significant ways within the programs and activities at Oceanview Community Church. Although the majority of them have bypassed a church “title” they use their talents, gifts, resources and time to build up the congregation and complement other member’s abilities.

The realization that God equips all believers to impact his kingdom in many different forms reminds me of my personal responsibility in the local church wherever I may be. 

For example, Ladysmith is having their Ladysmith Light Up, a Christmas festival of lights tonight. The Oceanview Kaleo students are helping in the parade to hand out 10 000 Joy to the World music sheets with the youth.  

I have the opportunity and privileged to contribute in small and large ways where I am needed and gifted at OCC and beyond. 

Retreats: Teamwork is a Powerful Thing

   

Here at Camp Qwanoes retreats are run during the fall for kids and youth to get another chance to experience God at camp after the summer season is done.

A few weeks ago I helped in the kitchen one Saturday morning during the Juniors Retreat. My hours in the kitchen revealed God’s awesome grace to me once again when my alarm clock malfunctioned, pushing me behind schedule. Not only was I reminded of how important it is to be reliable, but I also learned the significance of working as a team even when it may be behind the scenes cutting lettuce and grapes and panning chicken.

Last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I worked the full Jr. High Retreat weekend. Although my role may sounds unusual, I had the time of my life. I was the red team’s mascot: Go Blaze Blasters! I was on the “All Star” team running games and initiating team spirit. 

If God showed me one thing important it was that some camp positions might not seem as impactful when it comes to camper’s spiritual life. However, those jobs enable other staff to impact campers. Maybe being wacky “Madame Strawberry” didn’t allow for many opportunities to talk about “important things”, but my role let kids relax and have fun, facilitating other staff to share with campers in their cabins.

During camp retreats I see God working in so many cool—usually small—ways. Retreats have encouraged servant hood growth in our student body whether that is corporately or as individuals. Working alongside one another in the “dish pit”, Challenge Course, or maintenance has given us so many opportunities to get to know each other. Other roles like counseling aid us personally in using the tools we have learned from classes, sessions, and community life.

Throughout the retreats God has also been developing relationships between the full-time staff and Kaleo students, like me. To give a few examples I worked with Fiona at the Waterfront, Henrique at the Challenge Course, Ruth in the kitchen for a partial weekend and during the Jr. High Retreat I operated closely with Stevie G. and the rest of the All Star team. I wouldn’t necessarily have had the chance to see how they lead their sections of camp unless I was right there beside them. This is one reason why I have enjoyed the chance to be involved in various aspects of camping ministry.