Hello all friends and fans of Warrior Camp!
I hope you're having a great Spring.
The newest Warrior Camp Update has just been posted online. I've included the links below, and hope you enjoy it!
Grow strong and God bless,
Derek
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Warrior Camp Update . Part 1 . 4-22-10
Content: What's new with Warrior Camp now?http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#p/a/u/0/rbQQF5JQVHQ
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Warrior Camp Update . Part 2 . 4-22-10
Content: Info for Youth Pastors and Kids Pastors
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#p/a/u/1/2TG6hWpr0kU
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Thursday, April 22, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Warrior Camp Update . 2-13-10
February 13, 2010
Warrior Camp Update
I wasn’t planning on doing this today. In fact, some days I deliberately avoid it, because I know my tendency to turn Warrior Camp Updates into a marathon email or blog that you avoid reading (cause it’s novel-length) and which ends up being so thorough it burns up my time like a candle marinated in gasoline. (Looks like this could be no exception!). Ever get that feeling that you really want to do something, but you procrastinate and even wince, cause you know what it will require to pull it off well? Yeah, that’s me.
Or maybe I should say, that’s me…normally. Today though seems different, like now the timing of the “Warrior Camp Update” wasn’t something I jotted on the calendar, where I give everyone a heads up on what God has been doing in the ministry. This time God’s been whispering, preparing me for this moment, and gently prodding in a new direction. Something more personal. “Do it now.”
I could create another video update, where I get to share how Warrior Camp is now poised to debut in Central Virginia this Spring, on one stellar 162 acre location, complete with the best of all worlds: field, slopes, forest, and pond. That alone is a great story, massive praise, and a huge answer to prayer, and one that leaves me speechless, humbled and unfathomably grateful. It would also be a great kickoff as the first Warrior Camp Update for 2010. (I’m practically still pinching myself, wondering when I’m gonna wake up!). On Thursday, I even got to go sledding at my recently discovered and properly named “Kamikaze Slopes,” where it takes every ounce of will power to override your survival instincts. Then and there, one run was officially coronated as “Speed Demon” and the other “Orbital”. (I’m sure you can guess why). One allowed me to single-handedly be the first man on a tube to break the sound-barrier, and the other enabled me to catch a glimpse of Mercury before finally cratering back on Earth. Somehow, the fact that I even write this blog from the farmhouse (rather than ICU) is a miracle in itself. (For those of you who pray for me, don’t stop!).
But honestly, the update I had in mind and really wanted to share, involved all the exciting Warrior Camp ministry opportunities that await here at “The Farm” this Spring. I have a blizzard of stuff circulating around in my head right now to share, and realistically, I probably would have fired up the Webcam before the end of the month to relay all the good news and answered prayers. (And maybe we will go there in the near future). But now, God has something different in His mind.
At the risk of being anti-climactic, it all began yesterday as I was cleaning my room (not my favorite thing to do, ever since I was a kid). I was listening to a song on my computer, cause I still hadn’t retrieved my stereo out of the attic/labyrinth at the Finn House. The Finn House or, “Finn Legendary” as I call it, is my old house, whose land-lord was so busting-proud of being from Finland that he built a sauna in our basement, and many of whose 7 roommates share a common thirst for the epic. Life at the Finn Legendary could inspire movie directors. Blow-Gun wars, food fights, strategizing together against “Gordo,” the grotesquely obese and garden-pillaging gopher, huge and popular Saturday breakfasts dominated by plates of pancakes and followed-up with reading from God’s Word, miniature castle-siege games on the floor, pranks on the sister house, comic retaliation from the sister house, romances with the sister house, snow-battles, snow-ins, house church, movie nights, Wii tournaments, crazy group dances to the adrenalized pulse of a strobe light, guns, sledding and zip-line adventures, camp-outs, bonfires, invincible bonds of friendship, lessons in survival, combat, and girls, spiritual growth and discipleship, and the authentic, immortalizing brotherhood in the sauna at 1:00 a.m. I’ll always consider myself a proud member of our epic Christian bachelor pad, no matter where I lay my head. It’s a chapter in my life story which I’ll cherish forever.
That was before we took Warrior Camp on the road to Washington this past summer in July 2009. Now, for the first time, upon my arrival back in Virginia, I actually had the chance to fulfill my boyhood fantasy and live in a farm house…on a real farm! (The only rain on my parade occurred during the move, when I saw I would have to rescue my desk and book-shelf, which, along with the yard-sale appearance of the backyard, were at the mercy of the rain and the notoriously invincible red Virginia mud).
Now, a little over three weeks later, I found myself almost completely moved in, and reflectively organizing my new room while listening to my favorite band play through my nasal laptop speakers. The last few weeks had been a roller-coaster of peaks and valleys, a swirl of emotion. Leaving Idaho, and 2,500 miles later, finding yourself in Virginia. It feels like you’re being transplanted like some uprooted tree, hastily dug out of your native soil in the middle of the night and already Fed-Exed before sunrise. A reluctant good-bye to family made more difficult by endearing time, and at the same time, a joyous reunion with close friends after a long separation. Who would have thought it would be this way? And then, sometimes in life or ministry, you’re surprised to find that things you thought you may only dream about, have now been afforded you. Then a wise saying comes to mind: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” It reminds me of Jesus’ parable of the talents, and His encouraging endorsement to the worthy servants, namely that “You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things” (Matthew 25:23). Then, amidst God’s blessing, with integrity, diligence, gratitude, prayer, and laughter, you want to show yourself faithful, and flourish before the Lord amidst the undeserved favor of Heaven. I think that’s how it should be, how God intends it.
I’m at a point in my life now where grad school is in my rear view mirror. After studying across an 11-month window, I completed my final language placement exam for German last May. I passed (again, thanks for your prayers!) and received my Master’s Degree and Diploma soon after. I joke with friends about how 2010 will my first year since kindergarten where I haven’t had more academics hanging over my head like a thunder-cloud! And while I wouldn’t want to change a thing about my education (besides adding more recess) I’m certainly enjoying my new found freedom! And yet one thing that is beginning to strike me as a profound mystery is this: as one chapter in your life story concludes, another begins, sometimes with surprising speed. Sure grad school is done, but now should I quit being an East-West pin-ball and start thinking about where to put down more permanent roots? Sure, I don’t have papers to write or finals to study for, so how can I use that extra time to the max for spiritual growth and for Warrior Camp? Then, for movie night at the sister house Thursday, we watched Braveheart. If that doesn’t hit you in the chest like a sledge-hammer and confront you with the reality of what you’re doing with your life, nothing will. And, with Valentines (aka “Single Awareness Day”) approaching, it’s either time to contentedly lock in as a bachelor, or to entertain the feminine mystique. Question of the year: God, where am I going from here?
The song lyrics strike a chord, giving artistic life to the soul-searching saga that stirs,
The surf and the sky and the Sunshine Coast of gold
Floating on a long board, life on hold
I never know the way, but you always take me there
And I need it now, like the Mooloolaba air
We’ll roll with the next wave, boys
We’ll sing out, we’ll make some noise
God is alive and my magic is no good
And He’s called me out on this walkabout
He leads me to water and traces each song line
And I know to know His ways are higher than mine
So roll out the road rig, boys
We’ll sing with a grateful voice
Let all tears turn to gold
And the hell that’s raised
Lord, let it fade away
As Your glories unfold
Give us a part to play
Grant us another day
Let all tears turn to gold
And all the hell I’ve raised
Lord, let it fade away
As Your glories unfold
Give me a part to play
Grant me another day*
These are exciting times in which we live. When college and grad school are over, and you’ve taken your last exam, that’s when I’m realizing my newest (maybe greatest) adventure is just beginning. Big decisions. Big stakes. Freedom. Uncertainty. The thrill of the unknown. Lots of prayer. Nothing to hold you down. Time to do what you’ve always wanted, and squeal the tires on the way there! I think that’s alot like what Abraham, Moses, David and the apostle Paul felt, when God rocked their world with a huge green light to join an epic adventure with Him. I definitely don’t have all the answers. In fact, the more I think about it, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t want them, even if God offered them to me on a silver platter. Would you? Where’s the excitement, faith, or adventure with God in such a life? Our favorite heroes from the Bible didn’t live like that. They lived their lives by faith, listening for God’s voice, and trusting Him. They seemed to live in the present, with hope for the future, because of what they had seen God actively do in the past on their behalf. Someone once said, “The Christian life is probably both less glamorous and more epic than you’ve been taught. But who would want it any other way?”
Looking back, it’s exciting to see the big picture of where God has walked with me, and probably where God has walked with you too. Where He’s brought you from. The valleys and peaks, the defeats and the triumphs. Men are forged in such ways. Wallace’s tragic loss of Murron and Scotland’s victorious stand at Stirling seem to be somehow connected. Luther’s daring posting of the 95 theses, and the reformation that rekindled Christ’s church. Israel’s 400 year bondage in slavery, and how their deliverance concretized their hope for the Promised Land. A man's finest hour often occurs on the heels of his most grueling crucible.
I don’t know exactly what’s next, and in some ways, I feel like I can relate to just “floating on a long board”, with life on hold. But more than almost anything, I desire to play my part in God’s unfolding epic. And God’s been telling me to look at the kind of man I wanted to be when I was a young boy. I praise God that I am that man. That’s a win on God’s score-board, and it should be on mine. “Look at what you wanted to do when you were younger?” I thank God that I’m doing what I was made for. “Look at the things you’ve prayed for.” I give Him glory for His abundant and unmerited provision, that He’s a big God! “Look at the joy that is rightly yours.” I can praise Him more and more for His gifts of love and laughter.
“Where am I going from here?” Perhaps sometimes, there’s a better question we’ll want to ask. “Where am I this second?” And rather than always scanning the horizon with our future-obsessed binoculars, hopefully we can lay those down once in a while and also look at the road behind us with a smile, and say, “I’m where He wants me to be.”
*”RSL 1984” by The Newsboys
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Warrior Camp Update . 11-19-09
Hello to all friends and fans of Warrior Camp!
I hope you're doing well, and having a great Fall.
I wanted to let you know, as of today, our latest Warrior Camp Update has been posted to YouTube and Facebook. It includes the latest on our:
Warrior Camp DVD
Warrior Camp T-shirt
Newspaper Coverage
Warrior Camper Feedback
And more...
If you'd like to catch it, I've included the links below:
Warrior Camp Update . 11-19-09
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#p/a/u/0/9Uog234u8mk
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#p/a/u/1/YLOtyg0z-G4
Thanks again for all your support and encouragement.
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Grow Strong and God bless,
Derek
I hope you're doing well, and having a great Fall.
I wanted to let you know, as of today, our latest Warrior Camp Update has been posted to YouTube and Facebook. It includes the latest on our:
Warrior Camp DVD
Warrior Camp T-shirt
Newspaper Coverage
Warrior Camper Feedback
And more...
If you'd like to catch it, I've included the links below:
Warrior Camp Update . 11-19-09
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#p/a/u/0/9Uog234u8mk
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#p/a/u/1/YLOtyg0z-G4
Thanks again for all your support and encouragement.
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Grow Strong and God bless,
Derek
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Warrior Camp Anniversary Update . 9-8-09
Hello all Warrior Camp fans!
Hope you're all doing well and having a great late summer and early fall.
I've got some good news. This is a probably one of our most significant and exciting updates, and I hope you enjoy the recap of what's new with Warrior Camp this summer! You can check it out via the video links below, or soon via facebook through our "Warrior Camp" fanpage.
Grow Strong and God bless,
Derek
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Special Warrior Camp Anniversary Update . 9-8-09
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#play/uploads
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#play/uploads/1/6NsOhUs_onk
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#play/uploads/2/xZPTCQCpKPU
Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#play/uploads/3/nxPKI1K0RqE
Part 5
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#play/uploads/4/Fyy9P8EHccs
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Hope you're all doing well and having a great late summer and early fall.
I've got some good news. This is a probably one of our most significant and exciting updates, and I hope you enjoy the recap of what's new with Warrior Camp this summer! You can check it out via the video links below, or soon via facebook through our "Warrior Camp" fanpage.
Grow Strong and God bless,
Derek
-------
Special Warrior Camp Anniversary Update . 9-8-09
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#play/uploads
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#play/uploads/1/6NsOhUs_onk
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#play/uploads/2/xZPTCQCpKPU
Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#play/uploads/3/nxPKI1K0RqE
Part 5
http://www.youtube.com/user/warriorcamp1#play/uploads/4/Fyy9P8EHccs
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Warrior Camp Update . 6-15-09
Warrior Camp Update . 6-15-09
Hello all Warrior Camp fans! Hope you're having a great summer.
It’s been awhile, but the new Warrior Camp Update is here, and explores what’s coming up this summer. But instead of a 4 page email, we’re debuting this update through video for the first time. You can check it out via the links below, or on our new facebook fan page called "Warrior Camp".
Hope you enjoy the new format!
Grow Strong and God bless,
Derek
---
Warrior Camp Update . 6-15-09 . Video Edition
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU55AhomnnE&feature=channel_page
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auqV_UOgdpk&feature=channel_page
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvuZ8zfgjsA&feature=channel_page
---
Hello all Warrior Camp fans! Hope you're having a great summer.
It’s been awhile, but the new Warrior Camp Update is here, and explores what’s coming up this summer. But instead of a 4 page email, we’re debuting this update through video for the first time. You can check it out via the links below, or on our new facebook fan page called "Warrior Camp".
Hope you enjoy the new format!
Grow Strong and God bless,
Derek
---
Warrior Camp Update . 6-15-09 . Video Edition
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU55AhomnnE&feature=channel_page
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auqV_UOgdpk&feature=channel_page
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvuZ8zfgjsA&feature=channel_page
---
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Warrior Camp Update: 2-24-09
Warrior Camp Update
February 24, 2009
Warrior Camp Team,
Hey! I hope this Warrior Camp Update finds you well. If you're receiving this update, it's either because you're on our Warrior Camp Team, you've given me advice, or because you're one of my friends or family who I thought would like to hear what's new with our camping ministry.
Here's a quick snapshot of what's in this February update:
1. Discipleship Development
2. On the Air
3. Battle Plans
4. Online Presence
5. Weapon Workshop
6. This Summer
7. New Graphic Design
8. Interviews and Feedback
9. New Game Highlights Video
10. Perspectives from Middle Earth
-------
1. Discipleship Development
Late in 2008, I acquired a PLACE assessment test specifically designed around helping identify natural strengths and spiritual gifts for mature Christ followers obedient in ministry. It was recently used by a leading Christian seminary to help their grad students identify those areas in which they are gifted for ministry within the larger body of Christ. I'm definitely not complaining, but I wish I had something like this when I was in youth group! Statistically, students in youth group who are never integrated into some role or ministry as genuine contributors, have a higher rate of church drop out during their college years. So what's the plan with the PLACE assessment test? To go through and tailor it for students in Jr. High and Highschool, and use it in our discipleship initiatives. If we can help hungry students identify where God has gifted them, they can better serve and take ownership as that part of the body of Christ.
2. On the Air
In the last update, I mentioned how we're working on getting Warrior Camp on the air. The ball is moving forward, and the radio announcement script has finally reached what seems to be the final draft. It's designed to quickly inform area youth pastors in Central Virginia about Warrior Camp, and put them in touch with us as we seek to come alongside of them in ministry to their youth. Thanks to one of my friends for the initial idea of getting Warrior Camp on the air. More to come!
3. Battle Plans
January 10th of 2009 marked my birthday, and one of my good friends actually gave me a "Warrior Camp Battle Plans" book. The cover is adorned with pictures of 7 different warriors. The inside features the Warrior's Creed, Selected Bible Verses, our Vision Statement, scheduling sheets, game specs templates, and insightful information from her own field of expertise. It will definitely be a helpful tool to have on the belt. Thanks so much!
4. Online Presence
In addition to Warrior Camp having it's own webpage and facebook group, we've recently expanded the online presence of our ministry to include Myspace. This will allow campers to keep in touch with each other and the Warrior Camp Leaders, as well as bringing a cool profile loaded with theme-relevant songs to a popular social network. Feel free to check it out, and become a friend.
5. Weapon Workshop
During the Christmas blitz, the Weapon Workshop was running at full speed, cranking out high performance (non-lethal) blow guns for kids to adults ranging from South Carolina to Oregon. On Christmas day, so many people were opening our blow guns, that I honestly felt like a Christmas elf. The feedback was stellar and encouraging, especially as many living rooms across the country were instantly and magically transformed into theaters of dart-tag war. Thanks to all who gave me the chance to bring an extra smile to your Christmas! If you want to check out some of the Christmas blow gun pics, feel free to look up blow gun photo albums 3-6 at: http://s242.photobucket.com/albums/ff194/warriorcamp1/.
Since then, the patenting process for our signature blow guns has moved forward. Within the last 3 weeks, my invention partner and I have reviewed the product portfolio, made some written improvements, finalized the paperwork, and uploaded new photos. The people from the marketing and patenting company have been great to work with, and having hit the ball into their court, the process now approaches the marketing stage. This is a huge praise, and could develop into a great opportunity for Warrior Camp. Your prayers are effective.
6. This Summer
In the last Warrior Camp Update, we shared about the possibility of taking Warrior Camp on the road to Washington state this Summer. The good news is the possibility seems to be ripening. I've talked to the children's pastor, and she thinks Warrior Camp would be highly impacting for her children's program as well as the students in the youth group. She has even volunteered to spread the word to other area youth pastors, as well as give our game highlights dvd to the principal of a local Christian school. This is a big praise, and definitely something to continue praying about.
7. New Graphic Design
I definitely didn't see this one coming, but sometimes good things are like that. In early January, a student in my home church youth group randomly let me know they had a dream about ... a Warrior Camp t-shirt! This student is very artistically talented, and expressed their desire to use their talents for something Godly. So, the student went to work, and created a graphic design for our camp ministry. It's epic, and I was pretty much speechless when I saw it. So I got their permission to post it on our main web page, and you can check it out there now at: warriorcamp1.googlepages.com. Thanks so much to my artistic friend!
8. Interviews and Feedback
While I was home for Christmas break, I got to go out to lunch with the youth pastor of my home church, who was actually the first youth pastor to give Warrior Camp the green light in the Fall of 2007. I look up to this guy alot, and God has definitely used him to grow the youth group of my home church, and in which my own younger brother has genuinely flourished. We were sitting down at a local bookstore and coffeeshop, and for over an hour, laughed while bouncing around from topic to topic. But one area in particular really stood out. My question to him involved where youth are at today, and how ministry should be strategic. Here was a youth pastor on the front lines, and I wanted to know his answer. To be honest, I found it a little surprising. There were two areas which he identified as the greatest need among youth. The first was purity, and it's enemies are numerous. MTV. Girls. Magazines. Internet. Movies. Across the nation and sadly even throughout the church, pornography can haunt men young and old like a persistent phantom. The stats on this demand a sober response from the body of Christ, especially in the area of men leading, fellowshipping, and practicing integrity. But the second area he mentioned, namely, "a near-complete absence of any quality role models" caught me a bit off guard. I've heard the stats on the popularity of broken homes, but math doesn't pack much of a potent punch. He went on to explain how young men without dads or other good role models is an accelerating phenomenon, and the solid family with strong male leadership and initiation into manhood is already an endangered specie. Families which are blessed with the latter are the exception, not the rule. Our hope and prayer is that Warrior Camp might be used by God to target these needs among young men. To challenge them away from filth, compromise and mediocrity, and to provide living, transformed examples who demonstrate the pure and masculine walk with God. And to show them they can do it also.
9. New Game Highlights Video
For the first time in world history, Warrior Camp now has a game highlights video! Thanks to my brother Jaden for the birthday gift! It captures scenes from nearly every game and competition throughout the day, throughout which there were also 3 discipleship rallies. Copies have already been mailed out to friends, a children's pastor, as well as author Stephen Lawhead, whom God used to birth the original vision for Warrior Camp. If you think your youth pastor might be interested in checking it out and/or want a hardcopy, feel free to let me know. If you want to check it out, you can find it on Youtube and Facebook. The youtube link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoBidJNYK6A&feature=channel_page Hope you enjoy it. Warrior Camp II is in the works.
10. Perspectives from Middle Earth
While I was home for Christmas, I had the chance to revisit the site of our first ever Warrior Camp. My little sister and I threw rocks out onto the frozen lake, laughing as the "singing stones" glided musically across the thin ice. We also saw the game field which hosted many a battle, and took a picture of the God tree under which we had group devotions with 17 students. It was a moving and priceless experience.
During break, I also had the chance to watch The Lord of the Rings with my family. All 3 movies. The extended versions! So it's safe to say we bonded with Frodo and Sam, all the way from the Shire to Mount Doom! My mom loves to get the most out of any experience, and I love her for it. But when you translate that during a movie, it means we have Q and A throughout the entire epic, as well as after Middle Earth has finally been saved from Sauron's slobbering, barbaric hordes. Lucky for me, I had taken an upper-level class on Tolkien. Amid our many conversations, we discussed Tolkien's definition of a hero, which, thanks to my mother, dusted off older insights, challenging me to apply them anew. For Tolkien, a hero never takes a survey to assess the likelihood of success or failure, victory or defeat. This is reminiscent of Gimli's comical line from the film: "Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?!" Somehow, somewhere, we admire that, want to be like that. For Tolkien, heros were driven by something much deeper, more profound than merely crunching the numbers to assess triumph. Something at the heart-level stirs. In the final battle, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Gandalf march to face an army that is much larger, one which is certain to defeat them, not because they entertain a notion of victory, but because they know it is right that they should do so. In another epic, Beowulf slays dragon after dragon, certain that one day he will meet one that will surely overpower him. And yet, his virtue continues as before, as he draws his sword, and enters the fray. For Tolkien then, the answer is this: a hero knows and does what is right, not counting the cost. Enter Sam who nearly drowns for his loyalty to Frodo. Borromir, who even after a seismic sin, sacrifices himself to protect Merry and Pippin. Gandalf confronts his fear and engages the Balrog to save his friends. Aragorn leaps into a lethal flourish against the impossible Nazgul, to safeguard the young hobbits of whom he has taken charge. Do what is right. Count not the cost. Something suggests to us they would not be greats if they did otherwise.
Yet what does all this mean for Warrior Camp? Great question. And you may have some intriguing applications taking shape in your mind already. But after that conversation with my mom in the gym of my brother's ball game, I immediately knew how it applied to Warrior Camp and to me. I don't know if Warrior Camp will ever reach phase 3 or phase 4, where we have 300 young warriors from across the nation for one or two full weeks, building weapons, competing in battle games, hearing the gospel and being genuinely discipled. I don't know if Warrior Camp will ever have it's own medieval-themed campground with a court yard, archery range, castle and functional, full-scale catapults. And I'm not certain God would have me know. However, what I do know is this: it is right that Warrior Camp should exist. That it honors Him. And, God willing, that at every phase and opportunity, we will preach His good news, have fun, and disciple a younger generation in becoming authentic men after God's own heart.
---
It's always good to hear from you and what God is doing in your life.
Grow Strong and God bless,
Derek
February 24, 2009
Warrior Camp Team,
Hey! I hope this Warrior Camp Update finds you well. If you're receiving this update, it's either because you're on our Warrior Camp Team, you've given me advice, or because you're one of my friends or family who I thought would like to hear what's new with our camping ministry.
Here's a quick snapshot of what's in this February update:
1. Discipleship Development
2. On the Air
3. Battle Plans
4. Online Presence
5. Weapon Workshop
6. This Summer
7. New Graphic Design
8. Interviews and Feedback
9. New Game Highlights Video
10. Perspectives from Middle Earth
-------
1. Discipleship Development
Late in 2008, I acquired a PLACE assessment test specifically designed around helping identify natural strengths and spiritual gifts for mature Christ followers obedient in ministry. It was recently used by a leading Christian seminary to help their grad students identify those areas in which they are gifted for ministry within the larger body of Christ. I'm definitely not complaining, but I wish I had something like this when I was in youth group! Statistically, students in youth group who are never integrated into some role or ministry as genuine contributors, have a higher rate of church drop out during their college years. So what's the plan with the PLACE assessment test? To go through and tailor it for students in Jr. High and Highschool, and use it in our discipleship initiatives. If we can help hungry students identify where God has gifted them, they can better serve and take ownership as that part of the body of Christ.
2. On the Air
In the last update, I mentioned how we're working on getting Warrior Camp on the air. The ball is moving forward, and the radio announcement script has finally reached what seems to be the final draft. It's designed to quickly inform area youth pastors in Central Virginia about Warrior Camp, and put them in touch with us as we seek to come alongside of them in ministry to their youth. Thanks to one of my friends for the initial idea of getting Warrior Camp on the air. More to come!
3. Battle Plans
January 10th of 2009 marked my birthday, and one of my good friends actually gave me a "Warrior Camp Battle Plans" book. The cover is adorned with pictures of 7 different warriors. The inside features the Warrior's Creed, Selected Bible Verses, our Vision Statement, scheduling sheets, game specs templates, and insightful information from her own field of expertise. It will definitely be a helpful tool to have on the belt. Thanks so much!
4. Online Presence
In addition to Warrior Camp having it's own webpage and facebook group, we've recently expanded the online presence of our ministry to include Myspace. This will allow campers to keep in touch with each other and the Warrior Camp Leaders, as well as bringing a cool profile loaded with theme-relevant songs to a popular social network. Feel free to check it out, and become a friend.
5. Weapon Workshop
During the Christmas blitz, the Weapon Workshop was running at full speed, cranking out high performance (non-lethal) blow guns for kids to adults ranging from South Carolina to Oregon. On Christmas day, so many people were opening our blow guns, that I honestly felt like a Christmas elf. The feedback was stellar and encouraging, especially as many living rooms across the country were instantly and magically transformed into theaters of dart-tag war. Thanks to all who gave me the chance to bring an extra smile to your Christmas! If you want to check out some of the Christmas blow gun pics, feel free to look up blow gun photo albums 3-6 at: http://s242.photobucket.com/albums/ff194/warriorcamp1/.
Since then, the patenting process for our signature blow guns has moved forward. Within the last 3 weeks, my invention partner and I have reviewed the product portfolio, made some written improvements, finalized the paperwork, and uploaded new photos. The people from the marketing and patenting company have been great to work with, and having hit the ball into their court, the process now approaches the marketing stage. This is a huge praise, and could develop into a great opportunity for Warrior Camp. Your prayers are effective.
6. This Summer
In the last Warrior Camp Update, we shared about the possibility of taking Warrior Camp on the road to Washington state this Summer. The good news is the possibility seems to be ripening. I've talked to the children's pastor, and she thinks Warrior Camp would be highly impacting for her children's program as well as the students in the youth group. She has even volunteered to spread the word to other area youth pastors, as well as give our game highlights dvd to the principal of a local Christian school. This is a big praise, and definitely something to continue praying about.
7. New Graphic Design
I definitely didn't see this one coming, but sometimes good things are like that. In early January, a student in my home church youth group randomly let me know they had a dream about ... a Warrior Camp t-shirt! This student is very artistically talented, and expressed their desire to use their talents for something Godly. So, the student went to work, and created a graphic design for our camp ministry. It's epic, and I was pretty much speechless when I saw it. So I got their permission to post it on our main web page, and you can check it out there now at: warriorcamp1.googlepages.com. Thanks so much to my artistic friend!
8. Interviews and Feedback
While I was home for Christmas break, I got to go out to lunch with the youth pastor of my home church, who was actually the first youth pastor to give Warrior Camp the green light in the Fall of 2007. I look up to this guy alot, and God has definitely used him to grow the youth group of my home church, and in which my own younger brother has genuinely flourished. We were sitting down at a local bookstore and coffeeshop, and for over an hour, laughed while bouncing around from topic to topic. But one area in particular really stood out. My question to him involved where youth are at today, and how ministry should be strategic. Here was a youth pastor on the front lines, and I wanted to know his answer. To be honest, I found it a little surprising. There were two areas which he identified as the greatest need among youth. The first was purity, and it's enemies are numerous. MTV. Girls. Magazines. Internet. Movies. Across the nation and sadly even throughout the church, pornography can haunt men young and old like a persistent phantom. The stats on this demand a sober response from the body of Christ, especially in the area of men leading, fellowshipping, and practicing integrity. But the second area he mentioned, namely, "a near-complete absence of any quality role models" caught me a bit off guard. I've heard the stats on the popularity of broken homes, but math doesn't pack much of a potent punch. He went on to explain how young men without dads or other good role models is an accelerating phenomenon, and the solid family with strong male leadership and initiation into manhood is already an endangered specie. Families which are blessed with the latter are the exception, not the rule. Our hope and prayer is that Warrior Camp might be used by God to target these needs among young men. To challenge them away from filth, compromise and mediocrity, and to provide living, transformed examples who demonstrate the pure and masculine walk with God. And to show them they can do it also.
9. New Game Highlights Video
For the first time in world history, Warrior Camp now has a game highlights video! Thanks to my brother Jaden for the birthday gift! It captures scenes from nearly every game and competition throughout the day, throughout which there were also 3 discipleship rallies. Copies have already been mailed out to friends, a children's pastor, as well as author Stephen Lawhead, whom God used to birth the original vision for Warrior Camp. If you think your youth pastor might be interested in checking it out and/or want a hardcopy, feel free to let me know. If you want to check it out, you can find it on Youtube and Facebook. The youtube link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoBidJNYK6A&feature=channel_page Hope you enjoy it. Warrior Camp II is in the works.
10. Perspectives from Middle Earth
While I was home for Christmas, I had the chance to revisit the site of our first ever Warrior Camp. My little sister and I threw rocks out onto the frozen lake, laughing as the "singing stones" glided musically across the thin ice. We also saw the game field which hosted many a battle, and took a picture of the God tree under which we had group devotions with 17 students. It was a moving and priceless experience.
During break, I also had the chance to watch The Lord of the Rings with my family. All 3 movies. The extended versions! So it's safe to say we bonded with Frodo and Sam, all the way from the Shire to Mount Doom! My mom loves to get the most out of any experience, and I love her for it. But when you translate that during a movie, it means we have Q and A throughout the entire epic, as well as after Middle Earth has finally been saved from Sauron's slobbering, barbaric hordes. Lucky for me, I had taken an upper-level class on Tolkien. Amid our many conversations, we discussed Tolkien's definition of a hero, which, thanks to my mother, dusted off older insights, challenging me to apply them anew. For Tolkien, a hero never takes a survey to assess the likelihood of success or failure, victory or defeat. This is reminiscent of Gimli's comical line from the film: "Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?!" Somehow, somewhere, we admire that, want to be like that. For Tolkien, heros were driven by something much deeper, more profound than merely crunching the numbers to assess triumph. Something at the heart-level stirs. In the final battle, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Gandalf march to face an army that is much larger, one which is certain to defeat them, not because they entertain a notion of victory, but because they know it is right that they should do so. In another epic, Beowulf slays dragon after dragon, certain that one day he will meet one that will surely overpower him. And yet, his virtue continues as before, as he draws his sword, and enters the fray. For Tolkien then, the answer is this: a hero knows and does what is right, not counting the cost. Enter Sam who nearly drowns for his loyalty to Frodo. Borromir, who even after a seismic sin, sacrifices himself to protect Merry and Pippin. Gandalf confronts his fear and engages the Balrog to save his friends. Aragorn leaps into a lethal flourish against the impossible Nazgul, to safeguard the young hobbits of whom he has taken charge. Do what is right. Count not the cost. Something suggests to us they would not be greats if they did otherwise.
Yet what does all this mean for Warrior Camp? Great question. And you may have some intriguing applications taking shape in your mind already. But after that conversation with my mom in the gym of my brother's ball game, I immediately knew how it applied to Warrior Camp and to me. I don't know if Warrior Camp will ever reach phase 3 or phase 4, where we have 300 young warriors from across the nation for one or two full weeks, building weapons, competing in battle games, hearing the gospel and being genuinely discipled. I don't know if Warrior Camp will ever have it's own medieval-themed campground with a court yard, archery range, castle and functional, full-scale catapults. And I'm not certain God would have me know. However, what I do know is this: it is right that Warrior Camp should exist. That it honors Him. And, God willing, that at every phase and opportunity, we will preach His good news, have fun, and disciple a younger generation in becoming authentic men after God's own heart.
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It's always good to hear from you and what God is doing in your life.
Grow Strong and God bless,
Derek
Monday, November 24, 2008
Warrior Camp Update: Thanksgiving Edition!
Warrior Camp Team,
I hope this Warrior Camp Update finds you having a great Thanksgiving week, with lots of turkey, football, family, and Idaho mashed potatoes!
(If you're receiving this update, it's either because you're on our Warrior Camp Team, you've given me advice, or because you're one of my friends or family who I thought would like to hear what's new with our camping ministry).
Here's a quick snapshot of what's in this November update:
1. Interesting Discipleship Expansion
2. Weapon Workshop meets Christmas Elves
3. Voice of a Warrior
4. Warrior Princesses?
5. Army of Warriors
6. King
1. Recently, prayerfully sharpening our Warrior Camp discipleship has become a priority of renewed focus. To this end, we just added another interview to the growing archive of what Godly girls look for in young men. This is where I ask the big questions to young women... and then share the answers at Warrior Camp! It's alot of fun, and will be put into play in our discipleship, as we encourage young men to live out their manhood as a powerful gift from God which finds beauty in femininity and fulfillment in bringing strength to it. (In our first Warrior Camp, the lesson on "What a Godly Girl Wants" was the favorite for 3 out of 4 campers!)
2. With Christmas around the corner, the smoke stacks of the Weapon Workshop are billowing at full volume! So far, our Christmas elves have hand-crafted 4 high-performance blow-guns, with 12 more nearing completion. (If you've ever disappointedly thought a nerf gun's power leaves something to be desired, this is for you!). If you'd like to speak to one of our "elves" about requesting one for Christmas, feel free to email him at djbartlow@yahoo.com.
3. The Warrior Camp Brain Trust is always looking for new, creative, and cutting edge ideas and feedback from friends and family. Many ideas are currently archived deep in the iron-clad vaults of our website, for future reference. However, within the last few months, one idea in particular from a friend, has been marinating. In the next several weeks, Warrior Camp will begin exploring additional venues of getting the word out, particularly through local Christian radio outlets, narrated ministry bios read over the air, and/or online community bulletin boards. This will allow Warrior Camp to inform more area youth pastors and youth workers about our distinctive ministry, and better connect us to others for ministry. To all the friends and family who have prayed for us or shared their ideas, thank you so much, and keep them coming!
4. Ready for a surprise? A young lady with a large resume and a firmly-grounded spiritual anchor has stepped up, inquired, and volunteered to help get the ball rolling for "Warrior Camp" for girls. Yeah, it caught me a little off-guard too! Since many of our signature games might be likened to Braveheart-meets-Disneyland, they are not something I would send my sisters into! But after my initial shock, it's been an unexpected and fresh surprise hearing her vision for girls ministry and bouncing ideas around about what form this sister-ministry might take. In case you're wondering, she the kind of young woman that always jumps in with both feet, loves the outdoors, and is an avid river-kayaker! But more importantly, she's a Christ-follower to the bone with a life worth emulating. The name of the sister ministry? So far, "Warrior Princess Camp" may be emerging. Send us your ideas. (Maybe we'll call her Xena!).
5. Taking it up a notch: In the near future, Warrior Camp will begin pursuing a ministry partnership with the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has centers all over the country, and some centers offer after school programs, open gym time, and recreational activities for youth. The tentative plan is for Warrior Camp to come alongside the Salvation Army by offering Warrior Camp Games, the Weapon Workshop, and evangelistic and discipleship initiatives to youth. This Warrior's Bash would be hosted across 1 or 2 days, and would take place after school and/or on weekends at Salvation Army campuses starting in Idaho and/or Central Virginia. We're excited about the potential new opportunities this partnership might afford, and your prayers for it are desired!
I hope you're all having a great Thanksgiving and Christmas season! I look forward to hearing from you.
Enjoy the fellowship, food and laughter as you celebrate the abundant goodness of God!
In Christ's love,
Derek
PS: A final word from John Eldredge:
KING
Picture in your mind’s eye an image of a great warrior, a renowned champion, returning home from far off lands. His fame has long preceded him, and now the reports of his feats are confirmed by the scars he bears, the remembrance of wounds more noble than any tokens of honor. With dignity he moves up the main causeway of the city, lined with the faces of his people, the very people for whom he has fought bravely, whose freedom he has secured. The warrior has returned after years on the field of battle, returning only when triumph was achieved and not a moment before. This is his homecoming, and it is as a conquering hero he returns. Before him, at the head of the street, stands the king, who is his father. The scene is both a homecoming, and a coronation. For the father-king will now hand the kingdom over to his son. Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.” After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven….about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever” (Hebrews 1:3,8). It could be a passage from David’s life, for he came to the throne after proving himself as a warrior. But I am referring to Jesus, of course, and while this is all quite true - biblically, historically – I’m afraid the power of it eludes us. Few of us have ever lived in a kingdom, under a king. Even fewer have ever met one. Jesus lived the days of his youth as the Beloved Son, secure in his father’s love. He matured as a young man working in the carpenter’s shop, and through his time in the wilderness. And then he went to war, and as the great Warrior he rescued his people from the kingdom of darkness, threw down the dark prince, set the captives free. As Lover, he wooed and won the hearts of his bride. And now, he reigns as King. Thus the progression of his life as a man, and thus ours. (The Way of The Wild Heart , 217, 218)
I hope this Warrior Camp Update finds you having a great Thanksgiving week, with lots of turkey, football, family, and Idaho mashed potatoes!
(If you're receiving this update, it's either because you're on our Warrior Camp Team, you've given me advice, or because you're one of my friends or family who I thought would like to hear what's new with our camping ministry).
Here's a quick snapshot of what's in this November update:
1. Interesting Discipleship Expansion
2. Weapon Workshop meets Christmas Elves
3. Voice of a Warrior
4. Warrior Princesses?
5. Army of Warriors
6. King
1. Recently, prayerfully sharpening our Warrior Camp discipleship has become a priority of renewed focus. To this end, we just added another interview to the growing archive of what Godly girls look for in young men. This is where I ask the big questions to young women... and then share the answers at Warrior Camp! It's alot of fun, and will be put into play in our discipleship, as we encourage young men to live out their manhood as a powerful gift from God which finds beauty in femininity and fulfillment in bringing strength to it. (In our first Warrior Camp, the lesson on "What a Godly Girl Wants" was the favorite for 3 out of 4 campers!)
2. With Christmas around the corner, the smoke stacks of the Weapon Workshop are billowing at full volume! So far, our Christmas elves have hand-crafted 4 high-performance blow-guns, with 12 more nearing completion. (If you've ever disappointedly thought a nerf gun's power leaves something to be desired, this is for you!). If you'd like to speak to one of our "elves" about requesting one for Christmas, feel free to email him at djbartlow@yahoo.com.
3. The Warrior Camp Brain Trust is always looking for new, creative, and cutting edge ideas and feedback from friends and family. Many ideas are currently archived deep in the iron-clad vaults of our website, for future reference. However, within the last few months, one idea in particular from a friend, has been marinating. In the next several weeks, Warrior Camp will begin exploring additional venues of getting the word out, particularly through local Christian radio outlets, narrated ministry bios read over the air, and/or online community bulletin boards. This will allow Warrior Camp to inform more area youth pastors and youth workers about our distinctive ministry, and better connect us to others for ministry. To all the friends and family who have prayed for us or shared their ideas, thank you so much, and keep them coming!
4. Ready for a surprise? A young lady with a large resume and a firmly-grounded spiritual anchor has stepped up, inquired, and volunteered to help get the ball rolling for "Warrior Camp" for girls. Yeah, it caught me a little off-guard too! Since many of our signature games might be likened to Braveheart-meets-Disneyland, they are not something I would send my sisters into! But after my initial shock, it's been an unexpected and fresh surprise hearing her vision for girls ministry and bouncing ideas around about what form this sister-ministry might take. In case you're wondering, she the kind of young woman that always jumps in with both feet, loves the outdoors, and is an avid river-kayaker! But more importantly, she's a Christ-follower to the bone with a life worth emulating. The name of the sister ministry? So far, "Warrior Princess Camp" may be emerging. Send us your ideas. (Maybe we'll call her Xena!).
5. Taking it up a notch: In the near future, Warrior Camp will begin pursuing a ministry partnership with the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has centers all over the country, and some centers offer after school programs, open gym time, and recreational activities for youth. The tentative plan is for Warrior Camp to come alongside the Salvation Army by offering Warrior Camp Games, the Weapon Workshop, and evangelistic and discipleship initiatives to youth. This Warrior's Bash would be hosted across 1 or 2 days, and would take place after school and/or on weekends at Salvation Army campuses starting in Idaho and/or Central Virginia. We're excited about the potential new opportunities this partnership might afford, and your prayers for it are desired!
I hope you're all having a great Thanksgiving and Christmas season! I look forward to hearing from you.
Enjoy the fellowship, food and laughter as you celebrate the abundant goodness of God!
In Christ's love,
Derek
PS: A final word from John Eldredge:
KING
Picture in your mind’s eye an image of a great warrior, a renowned champion, returning home from far off lands. His fame has long preceded him, and now the reports of his feats are confirmed by the scars he bears, the remembrance of wounds more noble than any tokens of honor. With dignity he moves up the main causeway of the city, lined with the faces of his people, the very people for whom he has fought bravely, whose freedom he has secured. The warrior has returned after years on the field of battle, returning only when triumph was achieved and not a moment before. This is his homecoming, and it is as a conquering hero he returns. Before him, at the head of the street, stands the king, who is his father. The scene is both a homecoming, and a coronation. For the father-king will now hand the kingdom over to his son. Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.” After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven….about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever” (Hebrews 1:3,8). It could be a passage from David’s life, for he came to the throne after proving himself as a warrior. But I am referring to Jesus, of course, and while this is all quite true - biblically, historically – I’m afraid the power of it eludes us. Few of us have ever lived in a kingdom, under a king. Even fewer have ever met one. Jesus lived the days of his youth as the Beloved Son, secure in his father’s love. He matured as a young man working in the carpenter’s shop, and through his time in the wilderness. And then he went to war, and as the great Warrior he rescued his people from the kingdom of darkness, threw down the dark prince, set the captives free. As Lover, he wooed and won the hearts of his bride. And now, he reigns as King. Thus the progression of his life as a man, and thus ours. (The Way of The Wild Heart , 217, 218)
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