Parent Weekend...in progress

Parent Weekend started last night. It was refreshing to see the boys meet and greet their parents as they made their way up the long driveway. Of course, the boys try and play it off as if they don't really care...but they do. Yesterday afternoon started with family counseling and parent/teacher conferences. Later in the evening we had a great time of fellowship in the Dining Hall with an superb meal, staff introductions and a testimony from one of our Big Brothers, Jonathan. Today it is 75 degrees and sunny. Parents are in support groups and seminars most of the day while the boys are in school. Tonight the boys will go out to dinner with their folks off campus. Thank God for wonderful weather and the healing process.

More to come...

Good Friday

The picture to the right was taken last Thursday during one of our all-property work days. A crew of boys, headed by our Discipleship Director, Joe Bahr, is busy digging a post hole on a northern hill facing the campus. The post hole now supports a rugged wooded cross that was built in front of us all during a chapel service by Joe White of Kanakuk camps. Joe White performs his "Cross-Talk" accross the country at university campus venues much larger than our weekly chapel service at Shelterwood. Several of our residents and staff responded to the message by nailing their shortcomings to the structure. So, you see, this particular cross has tremendous meaning. The planks were literally carried into the gymnasium on the back of Joe White, carved out and nailed together during a dramatic presentation of the Gospel. The cross was raised on a Shelterwood hill by our staff, big brothers and residents, and most important it represents the price paid by Jesus Christ for the sins of you and I. Today is Good Friday. The cross on our campus is just one story of the thousands to be told. What is your story?

The buzz around campus right now is the recently completed mission trip to Haiti. 12 of our residents, accompanied by staff, returned Monday night from a short trip Haiti with Global Orphan Project. Yesterday in chapel, they shared stories through personal testimony, video, pictures and song. It was amazing to hear and far more impressive than I anticipated. If you would like to hear a few stories and see some pictures, please check out the Shelterwood Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Shelterwood . It is worth it.

The girls Parent Retreat during the first weekend of April went well. The goal was for the retreat to run smoother by separating the lodges and reducing the number of folks involved. It worked. Next up: the Guys Parent Weekend. Starts next Thursday.

Your partnership with Doulos Ministries through my work at Shelterwood is appreciated more than you will ever know. Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support. You continue to be a tremendous blessing!

Much Needed Break

Last week Jena and I took the boys on much needed family vacation to Orlando, FL. We visited Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. It was amazing. None of us had been to Universal so it was a brand new experience. I could tell you all about the exciting rides and shows but the most important part was the break from the busyness of our normal life. Corey and Kaiden spent plenty of time in the hotel pool and Jena and I spent plenty of time relaxing in pool chairs. We did plenty of walking which I hope helped offset all the eating out required when you travel.

Parent Weekend has arrived again at Shelterwood. This time around we are splitting the girls and guys parent experience. April 7-10 will be Girls Parent Weekend and April 28-May 1 will be the Guys Parent Weekend. Of course, the first is to come in a few days. All the normal preparation and "fixins" have gone on this week. It will be interesting to observe the process and participate with less direct involvement, at least this time around.

I typically like to read new books when I travel so this time around I downloaded Facedown by Matt Redman onto my phone Kindle app (that's some fancy jargon for me). It was a short read and just enough to cover my flight from KC to Orlando. One of the concepts that stood out was sacrifice as it pertains to worship. When Abraham and Isaac journeyed to

the region of Moriah, Isaac pointed out "the fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" With that thought in mind, Matt Redman points out that our worship services are set with musicians, words to the songs, instruments and sound; yet the question begs, "Where is the sacrifice?" Everything is in place but us. We are the sacrifice. May we not come empty handed to our worship experience.