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Oct 11 2016

The Results are In

God values us more than we can measure

The busyness of the summer schedule has passed but God doesn’t recognize seasons so we are taking another breath as God continues to move our ministry forward. This summer has been one of joy, excitement, growth and challenges but through it all God has been moving in a mighty way. Following 5 week long camps, 5 weeks of preparation, 2850 miles on the road, a monetary investment in the kingdom of $8875 to cover camp registration fees, supplies, travel, meals and lodging, our team of 4 summer students and myself ended the summer and are excited to share that we were part of celebrating 50 salvations, 25 water baptisms, 25 Holy Spirit baptisms and numerous life changing moments. The investment for our team of 5 to be part of God changing 50 lives for eternity and impacting over 500 other lives in immeasurable ways was minuscule compared to what God did.

In a feeble attempt to compile all that happened over the summer, let me give you some of the highlights. The biggest change for our ministry this year is that God provided us with 4 college students for the entire summer. They labored, planned, played, spent endless hours creating set designs and preparing for ministry. It was a joy to see them moving in their giftedness as they served the Lord with excitement and enthusiasm. If you didn’t catch the student’s posts a few months ago, take some time to read them and gain a better understanding of the diversity that God provided through them as individuals and then how he used each of them as part of the iRock team. Post from Caleb, Garth Pt1 & Pt2, Jake and a video created by Tanner.

Our team was instrumental in 2 week long day camps, both launched through our ministry, we were also part of staff at district camp and Camp Wild an inner city camp, and led recreation/special activities for Ability Tree camp. Each camp very different but highly valued by God as He worked in individual lives.

Ability Tree Camp was our newest addition to the summer schedule and was perhaps our greatest surprise as we watched how God used campers and staff alike to change perspective, gain clarity and truly experience Godly love. We have been invited back again next year to continue the work God has called us to at that special needs camp.

As we continue to move where God is leading, I’d like to ask that you pray with us as we plan and make preparations for the upcoming months. God is on the move and we are moving alongside as He guides each step we take with iRock Ministries.

Oct 10 2016

A Stone of iRock – Part 2

It was such a full summer, it became necessary to break this post in to two parts. Here you can find A Stone of iRock – Part 1 if you missed that earlier.

The following week the team moved a little north to Refreshing Mountain in Stevens, Pennsylvania to work at Ability Tree. We took on the organized recreational activities of the camp. The theme was Olympic Victory, and it was gold for sure. The greatest moment of the week was at the end. A camper with Cerebral Palsy asked me what was my take away from the week. With her genuine question I started to tear up a bit. I responded by saying that the diversity of campers and staff was a testimony to the greatness of God we serve. The unity in such diversity at so many levels I truly feel brings the most glory to the Lord of Host.

She shared that in her personal life “No,” is not an answer she will accept at any level. Along with her genuine heart and amazing talent of writing songs and music; other campers’ giftings stood out as well. They had this ability to push us as staff to go outside of our own comforts. Helping us understand that we need to engage with the world around us even when we are different. We should find the simple ordinary things in life to be excited about. Most of all the campers at Ability Tree taught us to smile and laugh. That without those two things you cannot truly enjoy life.

Coming to the end of the summer I am super happy to have been part of it all. A bit of a side note; if you are reading this and have even the slightest thought of being a student team member you should shoot Terry an email. It is a great opportunity to see the hand of God at work in people’s lives. It is truly missionary work and the work of a missionary is never done until they go home to meet their Master. So please continue to pray for iRock Ministries and thanks for letting me share my experience with you.

May the blessings and the peace of Christ be with you all!

Apr 18 2016

High Ropes Adventure

If you were asked to climb up a 24’ telephone pole, stand upright on the top and then jump off, how would you respond? Well, that indeed was a question that I had to answer on this particular weekend. (And yes, that is me perched on the top of the pole like Karate Kid) We were looking for adventure and true to its meaning we had both fun and excitement interlaced with some running, swinging, climbing, jumping, and soaring. We pushed ourselves, tested our limits and literally went out on the proverbial limb.

But it went far deeper than that. We learned more about who we are and who we can become personally and in our walk with Jesus. We learned about ourselves in significant and transforming ways and the importance of unity and trust within a community of believers.

Ephesians 4:13-16 sums up our focus for the weekend, ^“until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ. Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth. Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

People may not jump at the opportunity to spend time team building but without working together how do we ever expect to spread the news of who Christ is and how He can change our lives. The weekend left us with great memories, created lasting bonds, and ultimately will help make us better people and Christ followers.

I encourage you to take your team to Cedar Ridge Adventures. The team there is amazing and will share their faith as they help your team find the unity that is needed to mature and grow in the Lord.