MB (Summer 2011) - Issue #2

ManitobaMissionary

Five Hundred Verses Later

page 4

Engaging A Generation

page 12

Cooking with Kathy

page 10

God’s Mission. Our Adventure.

Issue Two Summer/Fall 2011

W h e n b r a g g i n g i s f i t t i n g

How about a game of “I-spy”?

I-spy something with my mind’s eye…

Almost all our camps have one on site; it’s usually located in the famous morning devotions/staff hangout room. It’s big. Ev-eryone involved in summer ministry enjoys using it; some would say it is a key part of making their camp unique and ‘theirs’.

Any guesses?

It’s called the Quote Wall, and during the summer, as funny things are said and comical conversations occur, they are chronicled in rainbows of color on a large sheet of poster paper tacked to a wall, and officially become part of the summer’s history.

To give you an idea of what you may find on the Quote Wall, below is one quote from this past summer:

Camper: God’s an Army President?Cabin Leader: I think you mean God is Omnipresent.

Not too bad for a spontaneous conversation.

There is, however, another ‘wall’ at our camps that captures a different kind of conversa-tion. It’s a wall where summer missionaries still reach for the coloured markers and write down short phrases on poster paper; phrases packed with deep significance.

One camp calls this wall the “Jesus Boaster Poster,” another, the “God Brag Wall”. Regard-less of their names, these walls all serve the same purpose – a public journal for recording how our missionaries have seen God reveal Himself over the summer. On the back page of this edition of the Manitoba Missionary, you can read some of the quotes actually written on various “God Walls” across our province this summer.

The thing about these walls, however, is that they are too small – it would be impossible to capture all that God does in a single camp during a single summer on a solitary wall. Mul-tiply that by seven very active camping ministries and you are introduced to countless testi-monies of what God has done this summer.

This, then, is our challenge. How can we communicate to you, in a few short pages, the phenomenal works of God that over 500 summer missionaries have seen this summer? How can we capture the impact that a week of living in Christian community and experiencing Jesus has on nearly 4000 children and youth?

We can’t – but we will try.

We’ll tell you of how the passion to reach more of our province’s children and youth leads our camp ministries to do camp in innovative ways; we’ll share with you the hearts of our summer missionaries and how a summer at camp can change them as much as the camp-ers they minister to; we’ll give you a snapshot summary of ministry statistics from this past summer.

After our best efforts, there will still be more stories to tell, so as you turn the pages, please remember this is only a small part of a province-wide “Jesus Boaster Poster” as we take the challenge of the Apostle Paul seriously to “… boast only about the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

A special thank-you to our sponsors in the business community who are faithfully living out their calling – thank-you for partnering with us so we can have this opportunity to “boast about the Lord” through the fall 2011 edition of the Manitoba Missionary.

We serve an amazing God, and on behalf of the team here at the provincial support office, we trust that you will join us in giving our omnipresent God the praise and glory for the great things He has done in 2011.

BillPsalm 34:8

God’s Mission. Our Adventure.

The Manitoba Missionary

is the bi-annual publication

of CSSM Ministries – Manitoba.

Letters, articles and photos are

welcomed. Names of many

of the children mentioned in

articles have been changed.

Editors

Bill McCaskell

Elanna Truijen

Circulation & Address Correction

Roseann Lang

Sponsorships

Harold Giesbrecht

Design

Kristy Unrau

Gwendolyn Penner

Copy Editor

Menno Hamm

Printed in Canada by

Derksen Printers, Steinbach, MB.

Publications agreement

number 40019747

Issue Two

Undelivered copies, change

of address and new requests

should be addressed to:

CSSM Ministries – Manitoba

200-189 Henderson Hwy

Winnipeg, MB

R2L 1l7

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: 1-204-668-2776

Fax: 1-204-667-1496

Website: www.mb.cssm.ca

ManitobaMissionary

4 f i v e h u n d r e d v e r s es l at e r | N ata l i e G i es b r e c h t

6 my l e g o c a s t l e | ta b i t h a m o r r a N

8 j o u r n a l e n t r y | b e t h a N y r e i m e r

9 h a r o l d ’ s h u m o r | h a r o l d G i es b r e c h t

1 0 co o k i n g W i t h k at h y | K at h y w e i r

1 2 e n ga g i n g a g e n e r at i o n | b i l l m cc a s K e l l

1 6 l e d to h o p e | a N d r e w s e v i G N y

1 8 c a pt u r e d i n t i m e

2 0 j o u r n a l e n t r y | t i m l e N Ko

2 2 k i d s co r n e r | e l a N N a t r u i j e N

2 4 j o u r n a l e n t r y | e l i j a h m c K i N N e y

2 6 s u m m e r s n a p s h ots

3 1 j es u s i n f r e n c h | N ata l i e G i es b r e c h t

ManitobaMissionary

We are growing!As the number of children and youth we minister to continue to increase each summer, our need for new facilities continues to remain strong. Thank-you for partnering with us in the building of our new kitchen and dining room. Construction is slated to begin this fall!

For more information of how you can be involved please contact us:204-638-5568 dauphinbiblecamp.com

Manitoba Missionary god’s mission. our adventure .

His service. She told us, “Heaven felt so close, I could almost see it.” Mrs. Hunter kept in touch with Mary, and soon Mary be-gan attending a church and getting acquainted with the people there. On Thursdays and Sundays, she attended the “Friendly Girls’ Club”, where she sang songs, received teaching, had lunch with friends and was fed the Word of God. She studied three years at a Bible college in downtown Winnipeg, learning even more about her new-found faith. Mary also volunteered with CSSM Ministries’ Summer Vacation Bible School classes in Beausejour and Haywood.

Mary worked in Winnipeg away from the family farm at that time. “On the farm we didn’t have much money, so I wanted to help with that,” she told Harold and I. “When I was young, I had thought money was everything; when I became a Christian, I changed my way of thought: God is the goal.” “What else changed for you when you became a Christian?” I asked eagerly. Mary quickly replied, “Instead of hoarding mon-ey, I gave it to others.”

Mary now supports many Christian organizations, en-couraging them in their work. God is working through Mary’s changed heart and continues to change hearts around the world through her. She told us that looking at the life of her brother Nick motivates her in a huge way, commenting that if the Canadian Sunday School Mission could have that effect on even just ONE child, it is worth supporting. “I would like kids today to get to know the Scriptures and to get to know the Lord,” Mary shared.

Mary moved back to Arborg in the early 1970’s to care for her aging parents. She still lives alone in the house her parents had lived in and does her own cooking and cleaning, enjoying listening to Christian radio broadcasts and keeping busy stay-ing in touch with the charities she encourages.

Mary’s thoughts on turning one hundred years old? “The Lord hath blessed me hitherto. God gave His only Son

Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for my sins when He died on the Cross. He hath promised to bless and I have found Him faithful. I thank Him for His goodness and adore the riches of His grace, mercy and love.”

Amen, Mary!

Natalie works with CSSM Ministries as the National Fol-low-Up Coordinator, and her smiling face and warm person-ality can be found in both the National and Manitoba offices on a regular basis. She’s in love with her husband, maple syr-up, and the French language.

That evening, Mary prayed and trusted in Jesus, committing her life

to His service. She told us, “Heaven felt so close, I could

almost see it.”

500 Verses Laterpage 4

Pretty pink flowers lined the sides of Mary Wowchuk’s home as Harold and I made our way up her sidewalk that stormy summer day. You could tell the owner of this home en-joyed caring for her garden! We knew Mary had been deeply transformed by the ministry of the Canadian Sunday School Mission, and we were looking forward to hearing her stories. She warmly welcomed us inside, and we were soon engaged in delightful conversation with a wonderful lady who had a lot to share!

Still living in her own house, Mary Woychuk celebrated her 100th birthday on May 23rd of this year. “When I was young,” Mary recalled, “I thought money was everything.” Little did Mary know then how God was about to invade her family with His own version of the meaning of life.

Shortly after the founding of the Canadian Sunday School Mission in 1927, her younger brother Nicholas, or “Nick”, was issued a challenge at school: memorize 500 verses in a year in order to win a free week of camp. His teacher decided that no one would be brave enough to take up such a challenge and threw the memory work out. Nick rescued the memory work papers from the wastebasket of his little classroom, determined to make it to camp. After memorizing Scripture by the light of a kerosene lamp, Nick, fifteen years old, and 500 verses under his belt, cycled his way to summer camp. That summer he trusted Christ as his Savior! That, however, was just the beginning.

“When my brother got saved,” Mary told us, “he went into ministry full-time. He pastored a church and then went on to begin two ministries of his own.” Nick founded both “Bible Memory Association” and “Scripture Memory Fellowship,” two ministries which have been used to plant the Word of God in the hearts of many children, young people and adults. Putting together over 100 memory books, Bible games, books, and song-books for ministering the truth of God’s Word, he was also in-strumental in the construction and operation of Miracle Camps all over the States and the world. After 65 years of faithfully serving His Lord, Nick was promoted to glory in November of 2009. “Through the years,” Mary went on, “thousands of people have gone through that Bible memory course, so it paid off.”

Shortly after Nick came back from camp, he eagerly intro-duced his older sister Mary to Mrs. Hunter, wife of CSSM Min-istries’ founder J. Lloyd Hunter. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter began praying for Mary, and one day invited her to their house for supper. “I was about twenty years old,” Mary stated. “They fed me supper, but they also had something else in mind.” Dur-ing her visit in the Hunters’ home, Mrs. Hunter began to play the piano and sing hymns to Mary. As one particular hymn played, Mary broke down, realizing she wasn’t right with God. She felt a tremendous love coming from the Hunters and was overwhelmed by how much God loved her as well. That eve-ning, Mary prayed and trusted in Jesus, committing her life to

Five Hundred Verses Latern a t a l i e g i e s b r e c h t

His teacher decided that no one would be brave enough to take up such a challenge and threw the

memory work out.

Senior Music NightFriday, September 30th at 7:00 p.m.

Winkler Seniors Centre 394-6th St., Winkler, MB

Please join us......As we gather together the musical guests

who were featured at CSSM Ministries’ Seniors Camps across the province this summer!

A free will offering will be received for CSSM Ministries Manitoba.

Come early to be sure to get a seat!

Mary receiving a congratulatory Message froM the Queen on Mary’s

100th birthday.

Mary’s story of how god had worked in her faMily was a true testiMony to the vision our

god has for his children.

“Though chains be of gold, they are chains all the same.” – Bruce Cockburn.

Gord Giesbrecht

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Kathy Weir “Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God.” – Oswald J Sanders15 hours ago ▪ Like

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Call it a calling, it’s in our blood. We have been in camping ministry for so long that it is natural and God hasn’t told us to go anywhere else.

Richard Bankert

23 minutes ago ▪ Like ▪ CommentJoey Sawatzky To glorify God and hope-fully bless Him with our service.3 minutes ago ▪ Like

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Sometimes, I feel like a Lego castle that is never complet-ed. When it comes to building a Lego castle, the builder tries to get it exactly how they want it… but things keep happen-ing to the castle. Sometimes it falls over – either on its own, or with help from a mean older brother. Other times, the builder decides to renovate, and things change again. But the builder never gives up on his Lego castle, even if it means tearing it down again, leaving a clean slate for him to build it up again better than before. He is still aimed at the same goal: a perfect, completed Lego castle.

In my life, I’m the Lego castle, and God is building me into the person He wants me to be, not the person I make myself to be. To do this, He has to tear me down, or break me, so that I am ready to be built up again. It takes a lot to let God build me up, because trusting God to lead me and to let Him be in control of my life is a very hard thing for me to do.

You see… I’m the kind of person who, when it comes to driving, I have to know exactly where I’m going, what lane I have to be in long before I turn, where and when I’m turning, and what my next three turns are after that. Basically, I like to have my life planned out before I get to it. Lately though, I’ve realized that I need to let God lead me, and just follow Him wholeheartedly.

One thing that has helped me come to that realization is summer camp. I’ve been a camper for eleven years, and have worked at camp for the past four summers. Camp has always been a huge encouragement for me in my Christian walk. Spending one or more weeks surrounded by other Christians who love and support me, and being able to spend those weeks sharing God with a bunch of children is an awe-some experience. I always leave camp so encouraged and full of stories about what God has done in those kids. Not only does God work in the campers, He also works in the staff; He works in me.

Leading up to my time at camp this summer, I began to stress more and more about my future: “What am I go-ing to do?” “Where am I going to go to school?” but mostly, “Am I doing what God wants?” I was afraid of being so caught up in my plans that I’d miss His plans.

One day at camp, through the help of a close friend, God helped me real-ize that without Him, nothing is pos-sible… so who am I to make plans without Him anyway? To make sure that what I’m doing is what He wants, why not just… let Him make the deci-

sions? It shocked me at the time, but bit by bit, I’ve been able to slowly release the reins of my life to Him, and to trust Him even more when it comes to my future and my life. He gives and takes away; I just need to stay focused on Him, and let Him build me up instead of trying to build myself. A Lego castle cannot build itself.

Tabitha Morran has served at many camps over the past six summers, including GBC, RRBC, DBC and VVBC, doing every-thing from dishwashing to lifeguarding to cabin leading. She loves anything that has to do with camp, kids, and Jesus, and is currently enrolled at the University of Manitoba. She loves soccer and often gets mistaken for her twin sister.

My Lego Castle t a b i t h a m o r r a n

My Lego Castlepage 6

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June 14, 2011Right now, I feel like I am at a place where I am willing

to let God do with me what He wants. My head says that I sur-render everything, but when it actually comes down to it, I have a hard time relying on God for every aspect of my life. I feel God’s presence in my life and I’m in continual pursuit of a deeper relationship…

I’m not quite sure where God is going to use me this sum-mer. I know that I have the job as program director for a reason; sometimes I wonder if I will be able to fill the role and do it well… I think my part is to follow His leading and to be His hands and feet. I’m in a position where I’m in charge of what the staff does and I feel that God is going to use me in mentor-ing them. One of my gifts is being joyful and encouraging and I feel that God wants me to use this to build up the staff.

By being in a leadership position, I’m most afraid that I won’t live up to people’s expectations. This is something that I continually give over to God but it is something that keeps coming up… Another challenge that I face is being a strong spiritual leader. The summer needs to be about God and I need

to be an example of what He has in store for the camp.

I’m hoping that God will show me more of Himself every day of the sum-mer. I want to fully rely on God, every minute of every day. I want prayer to be my first response for everything. I’m hoping God will show me the areas in my life that I need to change or work on and how I can serve Him better. I hope God will help me shape my worldview into one that sees each individual as He does. I want to see the world through the eyes of God and this is what I will continue to be in prayer for.

August 29, 2011I feel that God did amazing things

this summer, more than I could have ever imagined.

God showed Himself to me so much this summer. As programmer, I didn’t have to be in a cabin at night and dur-ing the evenings I would connect with God the most, going for walks or just sit-ting by the lake and praying. I relied on Him for my strength so many times, es-pecially when I was tired.

I feel that my part in this summer was to be an encouragement to the other staff and to serve wherever I was needed. Being on the leadership team was challenging because staff looked

up to me and I had to make sure I was setting a good example. I gave up the idea of having to live up to people’s expectations, and just tried to do my best and make everything that hap-pened be a team effort. Sometimes it was hard to stay focused, but then I would try to remind myself why I was at camp. One thing that I found really challenging was being involved with the spiritual aspect of camp; as programmer I never got to ex-perience the God-moments in the cabins. I did experience God through the staff and seeing them grow spiritually over the summer. God taught me how to be patient with His people and to love everyone. I was challenged to step out of my comfort zone to lead different activities and I feel I have grown more confident in my leadership abilities. I thank God for everything He has done in and through me this summer.

journalEntry b e t h a n y r e i m e r

Journal Entry page 8

He showed me that He doesn’t need us, He chooses to use us. He showed me that He is mighty, yet He cares about very small details. He showed me that what He began as a good work will truly be tailored in me until He is happy with the outcome.

Angie Osiowy

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b e t h a n y r e i m e r

p r o G r a m m e r , t u r t l e m o u n ta i n b i b l e c a m p

1-204-668-CSSM (2776)

Every year we travel over

7 5 0 0 0 km s to support the

work of our seven ministries.

Our one car, affectionately named CSSM 1, is now in need of a much deserved retirement. Thank-you for considering a special one-time gift towards the purchase of a newer car.

Dauphin, Manitoba

As my wife Natalie and I travel through-

out the summer, there are many things that tickle our funny

bone. From funny signs (e.g., “Dead End” in a cemetery), to situa-

tions like having Natalie scream when she woke up and looked

at me, to comical stories that we hear from our camp directors,

one need not look far to find things to lighten one’s day!

Here are some of our favourites:

We were visiting Dauphin Bible Camp. The chapel speaker’s

topic in the morning chapel was “Prayer.” She asked the junior

campers how prayer was similar to, or different from ordering

pizza. One camper piped up, “Prayer doesn’t go to your hips;

pizza does!”

Sometimes we get lost in our “Christianese.” One of our

cabin leaders told his campers, “OK, Randy is going to share his

testimony now,” to which a camper responded, “What’s a ‘test

bunny’?”

The campers at Gimli Bible Camp were getting impatient as

they waited for the Tuck Shop to open. The girls running the

tuck shop reminded the campers: “Patience is a virtue.” One

camper responded, “Forget patience -- we want our Coke!”

Another camper at Gimli once asked, “So if God wants

chocolate cake, He can be like, “Boom”, and He’ll have it?” Their

cabin leader responded, “I don’t know if He wants chocolate

cake, I think He wants us to be good.” The camper returned, “Oh

- so He wants angel food cake?”

From one of our camp’s “Quote Walls”:

Heiko: That guy is fixing my tire, I’m so pumped!

Rowan: Just like your tire!

Harold Giesbrecht has a love for God, his beautiful wife Natalie, seeing children and youth come to know Jesus, and a well-timed joke. You can catch him weekly on Heart of the South, a two hour radio program featuring the finest in southern gospel music.

Harold's Humor

Hall of Fameh a r o l d g i e s b r e c h t

Manitoba Missionary god’s mission. our adventure . god’s mission. our adventure . Manitoba Missionary

When I fail to love like God does. When I fail to trust Him when He has proved Himself over and over. When I don’t set the example I should for my team. When I miss opportunities to bring life.

Elanna Truijen

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Rod Reimer Kids coming from broken homes.2 hours ago ▪ Like

Well, Summer 2011 provided more insights into the realm of my cooking repertoire. This was the first summer some of our leadership team started early (June 1), and needed meals prepared. Wanting to be a good steward of camp resources and since I was “designated” cook (regardless of how bad an idea that might be), I proceeded to produce memorable cuisine for our young missionaries-in-training – despite their sarcas-tic comments. Although I’ve been known to be “cooking im-paired,” I decided that the “leftovers” I discovered in the freezer from last fall would be a tremendous aid in my meal prepara-tions. My reasoning when it comes to frozen food is that “ex-piry dates” mean nothing... since how can something that is frozen “go bad”?

My philosophy is that eating the same stew or “leftover meal” several days in a row won’t hurt anyone (especially when you think of some countries where they eat rice at ev-ery meal). However, our devoted staff felt I was trying to train them to eat anything, anywhere. They seemed most grateful and welcoming to “fresh” food that was sometimes delivered (which they purposely HID from me in fear of it becoming part of our “frozen” food repertoire). Let’s say they seemed overly ex-cited when our cooks arrived.

Some lessons need to be relearned, like patience in over-coming my tendency to pull out the coffee filter on pots of cof-fee that are still coming through. I also discovered the idea that “bigger is better” is definitely not the case when hamburger comes in 15-pound packages. According to the cooks, this re-

quires days of foresight in menu planning (due to how long it takes to defrost... as some spent hours cooking and chipping away at it to get it all cooked and ready to use). One cook sug-

Cooking With Kathy

k a t h y W e i r

Cooking with Kathy

page 11

Cooking with Kathy

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for standing with us this year as we ministered to dozens of children and youth in need of God’s truth. Your continued support will help us finish this year strong. Thank-you! For more information on this summer’s ministry please call 204-668-2776 or email Mitch and Angie at [email protected]

ThankYou

• Oneofthebestsnowtubinghillsinthearea• Automatedtowrope• Greatwarmupshackandcanteen• ConvenientlylocatedfivemilesofftheTrans-CanadaHwy(justsouthofMacGregor)

W H Y V I S I T U S O N L Y I N

SUMMER?

Open to the public on weekends Group bookings available on weekdays

For group bookings and more information please call:

1-204-685-2999.

gested that a pickaxe may be a needed kitchen utensil when she missed the “memo” regarding pizzas needed for the week’s winning cabins, and was also found “chipping” away at a con-tainer of frozen spaghetti sauce.

It is helpful to specify the type of container one is mixing the juice crystals in when giving directions. I always found that one package of juice per one gallon jug is about perfect! Unfortunately, I assumed the kitchen girls knew it was the gal-lon jugs I used. Instead we discovered them mixing 1 package to 1 pail (5-gallon container) of water. Getting a “sugar high” or not drinking enough water wasn’t an issue during that meal, let me assure you.

Funny tastes didn’t just apply to liquid intake, however. When preparing chili, we found that colors of spices can be deceiving, as when a friend mistakenly put in a large dose of cinnamon, thinking it was chili powder. “Oopses” like that do indeed change the anticipated flavor of one’s dinner.

One “meal” the staff found great delight in sharing this summer was a “smorg” lunch we had prior to a group of camp-ers arriving. This of course comprised of leftovers in the fridge. Everyone made up their own plates and heated them in the microwave. I noticed a container of tomato soup and decided to have a bowl of that along with some salad. Everyone was eating and visiting happily, yet the more of my soup I ate, the more I began to wonder why it didn’t taste right. Nobody else seemed to be complaining however, so I continued eating it and even added crackers to “help.” Without wanting to be ungrateful, but finally wondering if anyone else had noticed, I nonchalantly mentioned, “This tomato soup doesn’t taste quite right.” Someone responded that some of the soup had had onions added, but I had quite enjoyed that addition when we had that soup earlier in the week.

I proceeded with eating, but was really struggling to get through it and wondered if perhaps it hadn’t been dated right and was older than anticipated. Finally I asked again, “Does the tomato soup have a funny taste to anyone other than me?” One of our wranglers responded, “You aren’t eating soup, I saw you taking a bowl of gravy!” That solved the mystery

and everyone broke into laughter. So much for any weight loss with the heat, running up and down our “den” steps, and doing laundry and clean-up this summer! I’m sure I put it all back on and then some. (In my defense... it really was runny and did look like tomato soup!?!).

Trust these insights are helpful in your future cooking en-deavors! Until next time...

Kathy is best known as “Howard’s wife” (Camp Director at TMBC). The Weirs have served full time with CSSM since 1983. They have three grown and married children (Sherri, Jenni, and Keith), and two delightful grandchildren (Madelyn and Isaac). Kathy’s motto is “A Merry Heart is Good Medicine” and being ‘cooking impaired’ and ‘directionally challenged’ pro-vide lots of laughter and lessons. This fall she discovered there is a reason why ‘crafts’ have never been one of her strengths... but that’s another story!

harold and kathy love to count theM-selves as pioneers in god’s Ministry - all

‘flavors’ of adventure included.


“I could not bear to think of the long weeks away from you were it not for the thought that, except for them, many would be away from the Eternal Home and dear ones eternally. When I think of that I realize that my sacrifice is noth-ing in comparison and I feel like a piker for even mentioning it. When I think of the gaudy, empty heroism of the world and what real and worthwhile issues we have at stake I just feel that we are doing so miserably little after all. If we could realize the eternal reality of Hell and Heaven – all of life’s sacrifice for even one soul would seem as nothing.”

--Lloyd Hunter in a letter to his wife, Bertha, in 1928

The story has been told countless times, yet it never fails to inspire – a young couple in 1927 coming to Win-nipeg with less than a dollar in their pockets, to start a ministry reaching out to Manitoba’s children and youth with the life-giving message of Jesus Christ. God richly blessed the commitment and vision of Lloyd and Bertha Hunter and thousands of others, and today CSSM Ministries has ministry points stretching from coast to coast.

Though much has changed from those early years, the passion to reach the next generation with the good news of Jesus Christ remains strong. That central value causes CSSM Missionaries to con-

tinue looking at new ways to engage and connect with those who have the least opportunity to hear of the Saviour.

“I think in the past there was a ten-dency to say, ‘this is what we have to of-fer, come and enjoy it’,” explains Howard Weir, who, along with his wife Kathy, has served as a fulltime CSSM mission-ary since 1983. “Today however, we see our camps trying to specifically minis-ter to the community or region God has called them to; they have opened their doors to new ideas, but not a new mes-sage. They say, ‘Hey, why can’t we offer a horse clinic and still communicate our Bible-based, Christ-centered message?’ If it will reach and engage this generation, then let’s do it.”

Sometimes finding new ways to en-gage young people is as easy as looking around at what they are currently spend-ing their time (and money) on. “That’s one of the reasons we started a paintball camp,” explains Duane Goertzen, the Ministry Director at Roseau River Bible Camp. “We saw that the youth around the area were really into paintball and

enjoying it, so we thought, ‘why not here, at Roseau?’ We were able to purchase all of the equipment need-ed at a deeply discounted price, and went for it.”

That was four years ago and Duane still believes in the value of the camp. “The specialized camps, like paintball, are designed for smaller groups; we had 20 campers at our paint-ball camp this summer. You get to know everyone, and not just their names, but also their personalities and how they interact with others.”

Roseau River runs their paintball camp the last week of summer, along with two other specialized camps: horseman-ship and special needs. “Each group has their own customized program and their own speaker and chapel times,” Duane ex-plains. “Three times a day we gather and have our meals togeth-er. It does look and feel different than your ‘normal’ camp, but being different isn’t all that bad.”

Being willing to customize and change the “traditional camp programming” means you can minister to certain groups more effectively.

“We run our single moms camp sort of similar to any other week at camp – but not really,” says Gimli Bible Camp’s Don Roe with a smile. “In the afternoons we treat our moms to special pampering and we take care of their children. In the evening, after their children are in bed, and knowing our staff are keep-ing an eye on them, the moms can all hang around the camp fire and just talk.”

This summer was the third year for GBC’s single moms camp and it has been growing every year. “This year we were pretty much full,” explains Don, “with 21 moms and 37 children.”

The moms, who range in their early 20’s to their late 40’s have the opportunity to experience and hear of the love of God.

“We bring in a speaker who is (or was) a single mom herself. She can speak to the moms as a mom. A lot of the moms we minister to don’t have an easy go of it, and so this week turns out to be such a huge encouragement to them.”

“The funny thing is that we started this camp thinking we were going to minister to the kids, and give the moms a break, but it’s turned out that we are really ministering to the moms, and in the process strengthening the whole family.”

Beaver Lake Bible Camp, the mission’s most northern min-istry point, located just outside of Flin Flon, is another good ex-ample of a camp that is willing to change in order to minister more effectively to its campers. Each week the camp directors, Mitch and Angie Osiowy, and their mission team travel two hours to provide rides to camp for children and youth who live at Pelican Narrows and Deschambault Lake – two northern Sas-katchewan communities. Once at camp, the schedule is flex-ible and the skills and activities are based around the needs of the campers.

“We run a slightly different program than other camps,” ex-plains Angie. “We still have chapel twice a day and we still do activities such as canoeing and wide-games, but we also do ac-tivities that are specific to us here at Beaver Lake, like teaching life-skills such as how to cook and prepare a meal. We are even known to do the occasional fishing trip. We want to show these kids the love of God, and for each camp, and each child, that can mean something different.”

Growing Leaders

In the last few years many camps have also seen an oppor-tunity to hold “camps within camps,” such as Valley View Bible Camp’s LDP program.

“We held our first ‘Leadership Development Program’ camp four years ago with eleven campers,” shares Jennifer Giesbrecht, who, along with her husband Gordon, direct Valley View. “We saw a need for and desire from the youth to be discipled in their walk and to learn some leadership skills – with LDP we are able to do both.”

“As well,” Gordon adds, “we have found that the LDP camp helps the youth become leaders in their own youth groups and churches. It enables them to lead in their own communities; that’s a big benefit of the program.”

This past summer saw over 100 youth from across the province involved in a variety of discipleship programs at our camps, all focusing on deepening one’s faith and growing as leaders. Though the camps may use different names to label the programs – DNT (Disciples in Training), SLT (Servant Leadership Training), LDP (Leadership Development Program), CIT (Coun-selors in Training) or LIT (Leaders in Training) – they all have a single focus: train and mentor the next generation to be fully-committed followers of Jesus.

With this focus in mind, Valley View initiated a new dis-cipleship camp this past summer, called the Music Discipleship Program (MDP), teaching young people what it means to wor-ship God and how to lead others to do the same.

“We had nine youth for our first summer and we are pretty encouraged,” explains Brendan McCaskell, the program leader.

engaging a Generation

b i l l m cc a s k e l l

Engaging A

Generationpage 12

Engaging A

Generationpage 13

faMily and honor are celebrated at single MoM’s caMp

paintball has been effective in connecting with coMMunity youth.

for Many children, caMp offers theM the only sense of faMily they experience all year.

Your gift can

KEEP ON GIVINGThe one who blesses others is abundantly blessed. Prov 11:25

For more information on how the new CSSM Development Fund gives you an opportunity to plan your giving, assuring that your gift will continue to be used by God to reach Manitoba’s children and youth in the years to come, please contact us at: 1-204-668-2776 Ask for Bill or Harold

We say Thank-You to the individuals, organizations and businesses that have made it possible for us to share with you the amazing things God has done this sum-mer. Their names are throughout the maga-zine, as well as those listed below: Elmer Friesen, Millar College of the Bible.

We say Thank-You to the individuals, organizations and businesses that have made it possible for us to share with you the amazing things God has done this sum-mer. Their names are throughout the maga-zine, as well as those listed below: Elmer Friesen, Millar College of the Bible.

WE SAY THANK-YOU TO THE INDIVIDUALS,

ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESSES THAT HAVE

MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO SHARE WITH YOU THE

AMAZING THINGS GOD HAS DONE THIS SUMMER:

ELMER FRIESEN MILLAR COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE

SCHUMACHER REALTY NORFOLK TRANSPORT

GOLDEN WEST BROADCASTING 730 CKDM

MIDLAND MANUFACTURING THINK SHIFT

ROSENORT MOTORS MANITOU BUILDING SUPPLIES

RON LOEWEN CUSTOM FINISHING

“We saw there was an opportunity to pour into the youth in an area that catches their interests and still develops them as lead-ers and disciples.”

The two-week program ran alongside “regular” camp and included workshops geared towards worship and discipleship. During the weekend, the group of MDP campers led morning worship at a church in Winnipeg, and during the last week led the worship during chapel at camp.

Brendan, who is in his second year at the University of Manitoba, personally knows the impact of these “camps within camps” that focus on discipleship. “[Camp] has been a huge part of me growing as a disciple. I have come to realize that this is my faith walk – mine,” Brendan says as he points to himself. “It is not my parents, it is not my friends, it is mine; my own per-sonal relationship with God.”

Outside the Box

As one looks at the variety within the seven camping min-istries of Manitoba, there is one that definitely stands out as be-ing the most unique of the group – and that is, of course, the Adventure Day Camp, a mobile camp who this past summer visited eleven different communities, with teams of anywhere between four to ten leaders, and ministered to close to 400 chil-dren.

“It’s true,” laughs Elanna Truijen, the Adventure Day Camp director. “We do spend more on gas than on food.” As Elanna reminisced about the summer, she commented on the Day Camp team’s tenacious ability to go-with-the-flow. “Each loca-tion is so different,” she shared. “We’ll be in a small-town camp-ground one week and at a youth centre on a difficult reserve another. The culture, the family structure, the number of kids… even the type of facility we use each week is constantly chang-ing. The ‘not knowing what to expect when we get there’ aspect of Day Camp really encourages an utter dependence on God, because what worked one week won’t work the next.”

“I find,” she smiles, “that the Holy Spirit shows up when you ask Him to, when you tell Him each day is His, along with the

lessons, the schedule, the worship. Anyone can run a program, but it’s a different story when kids, who have never had the op-portunity to encounter God before, are reaching out for some-thing real. We don’t want to offer them a program – we want them to meet God.”

Sometimes to reach those who have the least opportunity to hear, one has to take risks in thinking “outside of the box.” Roseau River Bible Camp did exactly that this summer. In the spring, the camp was approached by the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA), who asked if RRBC would rent them their camp facilities during a week of summer and host “Camp Bri-ardale” – a camp designed specifically for children and youth with severe diabetes, who would otherwise not be able to at-tend any other camp during the summer.

Rental groups are not uncommon for Roseau River, how-ever they usually take place during the non-summer months. The board and camp leadership wrestled with the idea of what ministry would look like for this rental group during this week of the summer. Chapel would still be held, but would be op-tional; the CDA would provide the cabin leaders, doctors, nurs-es and dieticians, and RRBC would be responsible for the kitch-en staff and activity leaders. The week would look different, but it was decided that Roseau River could still do the ministry it was called to do, even in a “different” week.

“Everyone was a bit nervous and a bit excited going into the week,” recalls Rod Reimer, the director at Roseau River. “We were focused, we knew what we needed to do, and yet we were not sure how it was going to turn out.”

For Joey Reimer, one of the activity leaders for the week, there was no doubt how the week turned out. “It was my fa-vourite week of the summer, because it was the way I like to do evangelism – real questions, real conversations, living my life around people so they are curious and ask questions… it’s like doing evangelism in real life.”

And because Joey had over 30 other summer missionaries with him, they were able to encourage each other during the week.

“Because we weren’t in the cabins during the evenings, we were able to get the sleep we needed and focus on the activities we were leading and on the campers themselves. We would start each morning praying and supporting each other, and

From Bundles oF Joy to J.o.y. Campers

Sometimes to engage a generation our camps design specialized programming to a specific age group – from the very young,

such as the Kiddie Camp for one to six-year-olds at Dauphin Bible Camp, to the

“little older than young” category, such as J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Camp at Turtle Mountain Bible Camp, for campers who

are 55 years and older.

Kiddie Camp “Once a week, we would have up to 30 preschoolers out for a camp activity –

anything from riding horses, to scavenger hunts and water games,” Carma Bankert explains. Carma and her husband Rich-ard are the year-round CSSM Ministries missionaries serving at DBC. “It was a

great way for moms and their kids to get to know the camp, and to look forward to when their young camper is old enough to

go camp on their own.”

senior’s Camp Three camps (GBC, RRBC and TMBC)

host a week of senior camp, with TMBC calling their week, J.O.Y. Camp. “We

had up to 70 campers here for some of the chapels this summer during J.O.Y.

Camp. It was a good idea renaming the camp… these days people don’t think of themselves as seniors until they’re over 90 and can’t drive anymore,” chuckles

Howard Weir. “We hold the camp at the beginning of the summer and it is those

campers that sign up to pray for the kids’ cabins and the cabin leaders throughout

the summer. It’s a great way to bring the generations together.”

the leadership prograMs Many of our caMps offer provide caMpers an opportunity to grow in their faith, relationships and service.

experiencing the love of jesus starts young at kiddie caMp.

Engaging A Generation

page 16

then go out and minister. It was great!”“The majority of the campers had

very little idea of what the whole ‘Christianity thing’ was all about,” ex-plains Rod. “On one of the last days of camp, a camper was flipping through

one of our summer missionary’s Bible and came across a picture of Jesus on the cross. The twelve-year old innocently looked up and asked, ‘What’s the guy doing on the cross?’”

“In many cases we were the first ones to introduce them to Jesus… not just with our words but also with our actions. At the end of the week, the lead dietician came to our head cook in tears, expressing that in ten years of being with Camp Briardale, she had never worked with such a kind and caring kitchen staff.” Rod paused, then added, “I believe we did real ministry that week.”

That is the heart’s desire of over two-dozen year-round CSSM missionaries spread across the province – that real min-istry takes place; that people, especially children and youth, have an opportunity to experience, hear and accept the saving love of God through Jesus.

“All of these different ways of doing camp,” explains How-ard Weir, “come from seeing an opportunity to meet a need. I am thrilled that there is a new generation of directors that are committed to the Gospel and creative enough to share that gos-pel in a way to impact communities.”

There is no doubt that “camp” looks different today than it did in the days of Lloyd and Bertha Hunter, and yet the passion and vision that fuelled CSSM Ministries 80 years ago continues strong – to reach the current generation of children and youth with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. It is what has

defined CSSM Ministries in the past, and what we pray contin-ues to define us today, especially as we move forward to tomor-row.

Bill McCaskell, and his wife Bev, enjoy engaging all gen-erations with the love of Jesus as CSSM Ministries missionar-ies. This past summer, they made the big move from country living in MacGregor, MB – home for over 20 years – to city life in the Old St. Vital area of Winnipeg.

For the past five years, two of our camps in Manitoba have had the privilege of ministering to people with special physical or mental needs, with the purpose of sharing and showing the Good News of Jesus Christ. I have found that when some people hear about a special-needs camp, they shy away, thinking that it would be difficult; in reality these camps are full of fun and joy.

My name is Andrew Sevigny, and I have worked at Dauphin Bible Camp for the past four years during adult special-needs camp – definitely my favourite week of the entire summer. This year we had 60 campers, which is above average. Richard Bankert, the director of Dauphin Bible

Camp, is encouraged by the response. “We offer our special-needs camp because there are not many ministries out there that work with special needs and this is a unique opportunity to minister to these people. We design a program that is aimed to accommodate the needs of each individual, and the chapel sessions are planned accordingly.”

Roseau River Bible Camp is another CSSM Ministries’ camp

which ministers to those who have special physical and men-tal needs, focusing on campers who range in ages from eight to twenty-one. This past summer, 30 campers attended the camp, which aims to give campers the opportunities that they would not receive at another camp. Rod Reimer, director of Roseau River Bible Camp, says it like this, “We want to give these camp-ers more of our time because special children need special atten-tion. We double our staff to camper ratio, so that we can be more attentive and flexible and teach these kids at their own level.”

Elijah McKinney is a good friend of mine, and a cabin lead-er at Roseau River’s special-needs camp. He recalls being able to spend time with the kids as the best thing about the camp, “There were a few kids that would always bring a smile to my face – all the time.”

In fact, it was at special-needs camp in Dauphin this past summer that I have found the true meaning of joy and faith.

I was spending time with a man who has cerebral palsy and is in a wheel chair. This man cannot walk, he struggles to move his arms, and cannot speak, so he uses a board and points to let-ters to spell out words. As a fellow missionary shared with me how this man had gone through so many trials and struggles, I began to hurt so much for him. His life had been very, very hard.

Just then, he started to point out the letters to these words, “O-n-e d-a-y I g-e-t t-o b-e w-i-t-h G-o-d.” I later thought about

what he had “written” and burst into tears. A man who has struggled his entire life, who cannot talk, who needs people to help him move and help him eat, IS FULL OF HOPE.

All I could think about was how strong this man’s faith was and that nothing could ever hold him back from God. He knows that in the end his pain will be released, his chains will be set free, and yes, he will be free to run and free to dance.

This man was such an encouragement to me. Sometimes in life I may drift away from God or be angry and may not look toward the end, but here was this camper, looking to-ward the end, showing me what true faith is.

Special-needs camps are a great opportunity to serve those who deal with special physical or mental needs, but I think they are even a greater opportunity for God to show us, as summer missionaries, how we can live a more joyful life, a life that is lived everyday to the fullest, and a life that is lived each day for Him.

2011 marked Andrew’s tenth summer serving with CSSM Ministries, having been a part of the mission teams at Valley View Bible Camp, Dauphin Bible Camp, and Gim-li Bible Camp. Andrew received his Bachelor of Arts, major-ing in Youth Leadership, from Providence University Col-lege (formerly Providence College), and hopes to one day work full-time in camp ministry.

a n d r e W r e c e i v e d a n e W p i c t u r e o f W h at b e i n g i n lo v e W i t h j es u s lo o k s l i k e W h i l e h e Wa s a c a b i n l e a d e r d u r i n g s p e c i a l n e e d s W e e k at d a u p h i n b i b l e c a m p

led to Hope a n d r e W s e v i g n y

“He knows that in the end his pain wi l l be released, his chains wi l l be set free...”

use of a van was generously donated to adventure day caMp this suMMer. it was proMplty filled with supplies...and sMiles.

Call 1-204-6685-CSSM to bring ADC to your community or to join the team!

We’re looking forward to God continuing the adventure in 2012!

Adventure Day Camps place the fun & friendship of camp right in your

community! Through a week filled with team-building activities, energetic

games, creative projects, quality relationships, and awesome God-times,

Adventure Day Camp exists to help kids be all they were made to be!(Now also

includes community leadership opportunities for youth ages 13 and up!)

CRANE RIVERWINNIPEG

GUNTON PIERSON

WOODRIDGE EMERSON

DOMINION CITY TREHERNE

SELKIRK DESCHAMBAULT LAKE

CRANE RIVERWINNIPEG

GUNTON PIERSON

WOODRIDGE EMERSON

DOMINION CITY TREHERNE

SELKIRK DESCHAMBAULT LAKE

CSSM Ministries

Adventure Day Camps Grow. Experience. Shine.

“You’re the best... thanks for teaching me about God and Jesus.”

- Tiegan, 8 year old camper

“I have seen things happen that I never could have

dreamed of because of God working through this team.”

- Rachel, ADC Missionary

“I might have to go to Tinkertown, but maybe if

I fake sick, I’ll be able to come here instead!”

- Stephen, 7 year old camper


Chapel time!Pool noodles bring out the kid in all of us!

Some campers found a special delight in washing

the Day Camp van...

Framed Moment

A hand up!

His joy is our strength!

These are natural. Really. Healing Laughter

When one hug isn’t enough...There’s eight!The youngest member

of our team

Pre-Summer Team Building Exercises!

owners of the valley

view t-shirt unite!

Never too young to be a cowboy. (Never too old to play with a water gun)

Best way to play hide and

seek is when everyone hides

in the same place.

Captured in time


May 27, 2011Where am I at? • Hoping to succeed this summer• Really wanting to honor God• Afraid that my personal issues will get in the way• Cynical about some of the people I’ll be working with• Wanting to be seen as a fantastic CLT Leader

What do I think my part is in what God is going to do this summer?• One of the voices that God will use to teach the teens I’m leading• He’ll probably use my experiences to help relate to someone• Encouragement to others• Prayer

What am I most afraid of or challenged by going into this summer?• I’m afraid of failing• I’m afraid that my fear will incapacitate me• I’m afraid that I won’t submit to the leaders over me as I should• I’m afraid that I won’t be able to finish all the planning I need• I’m afraid that I won’t be able to unconditionally love others

What am I hoping God will do in me this summer?• Love me and show me His extravagance• Calm my fear and give me courage• Strengthen my faith and help me trust Him even more• Renew my heart and further transform me• Affirm and establish me in my identity in Christ

“Father, I know this summer will go well according to Your definition of success. Thank you for wanting me to be a part of what You’re doing! I’m terrified because I’m weak, but every time I obey and walk in faith You bless me somehow and glo-rify Yourself! Please help me do what You’ve asked me to do. It has to be You. Thank You!”

- Tim - Psalm 91:14

journalEntry t i m l e n ko

August 30, 2011Three months. A full three months and I stand in a very

different place than at the beginning of the summer. This sum-mer, under my Father’s guidance, I have journeyed from a place of bitterness, fear, and misplaced focus, through a maze of ministry, opportunities to love, and others’ needs colliding with my own. I now write from a position of so much more freedom and a realization that my God is FAAAAAR greater than I ever imagined!

One of my fears going into the season was the improb-ability of completing my planning for the summer (i.e., Cabin Leader Training, Teen Camp Chapels, Drama Camp...). As the time for CLT approached my co-leader and I did our best to iron out as much of the course as we could, and I steeled myself for how I would feel when it fell short of my expectations. A day into the first week I realized that my plan was actually sti-fling what could be happening with the CLTs! As I let go of what I had thought was best, I realized that my God also had a plan… and His design was far superior to my own. CLT ex-ploded into an experience eclipsing even what I’d anticipated! God is amazing!

My “broad spectrum expectation” for how God would use me this summer was “as a bearer of His Word to those placed under my care.” Again, I was blown away by how dramati-cally the Word of God could work through me! One week, I gave a devotional from Philippians 3:12-14 about the prizes God has in store for those who run the race He’s set out, and afterwards an eight-year-old boy came and told me, “Just so you know, I want to run the race!” In a conversation with a “previously-Christian” teen camper, I had the opportunity to take her through the Bible, showing her God’s plan in Jesus and answering her questions. By the end, her position had changed from “I don’t believe that anymore,” to “that makes so much sense! I see!”

While speaking at Teen Camp I had a long-time camper

Journal Entrypage 20


MARK THIESSENGeneral Manager

Ph: 204-746-8441 Toll Free: 866-746-8441

Fax: 204-746-8746 Cell: 204-746-0079Res: 204-746-8300

Email: [email protected] Box 69, Rosenort, MB R0G 1W0

1979 LTD.

www.rosenortmotors.comSpecializing in Pre-Owned GM Vehicles

We’re Growing!

Turtle Mountain Bible Camp204-534-6844 (Oct-May) Boissevain Manitoba 204-747-2587 (Jun-Sept) turtlemountainbiblecamp.com

This summer, we ministered to the highest

number of campers in 10 years

Fall and Spring group bookings continue to increase

Plans are being made for a new kitchen/dining room/ multi-purpose building project

And most importantly, as we grow, so do the opportunities to share the love of God with more and more children and youth!

So come along and grow with us!!

come to me and say, “Thank you, I’ve been unsure about all this for years, but you just helped me become a Christian!” Was it me? No. I’m the one he saw, but it was my unseen, loving, powerful, and perseverant God who did that work through me! I feared that something about me might hinder the effectiveness of God’s Word coming from my mouth or through my actions but NO! Nothing dilutes the power of God’s Word: “...so is my Word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isa-iah 55:11 NIV).

Writing everything that happened this summer would re-quire a novel! I’m grateful to those who were praying for our camps this summer; I pray He will bless and encourage them! Praise God for what He’s done!!!

Praying about/for staff. They are the key to this ministry. God works through willing vessels.

Don Roe

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Lance watched Tyler adjust his harness, grab the handle-bar, and lift his feet off the platform. “Whoo-hoo!” Tyler blasted down the zip line. “This is awesome!” he yelled back at Lance, Tori & Danica, as he flew past the treetops.

Back at the lookout, Zach, the zip-line instructor, began showing Tori how to do up all of the harness’s funny buckles for her ride down the line.

“Hey Zach,” Danica began, handing Tori a helmet, “re-member today when we played that pirate game, we had to capture all the cabin leaders who had committed mutiny and make them walk the plank into the swimming pool? I was just thinking… what’s mutiny?”

“That’s a good question, Danica,” Zach replied. “Mutiny is like…”

“Its like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden,” Lance spoke up, looking down at the zip line.

“What do you mean, Lance?” Zach asked.“Well, if someone shares something with people and then

the people just decide to do their own thing – like when God shared the world with Adam and Eve, and then they listened to the devil and disobeyed God – that’s like mutiny.”

“You’re right Lance! I never thought of it that way,” Zach said. “Just like a captain of a ship shares their ship with the sailors, God shared EVERYTHING with Adam and Eve – all

Kid’s Corner

Kid’s Corner!page 22

For more information call (204) 642-5707or email [email protected]

www.gimlibiblecamp.com

Planning a retreat?• Comfortable, fully winterized accommodations for 20-140 guests• Large sunny meeting room with fireplace, couches, piano & DVD player• No charge activities: broomball, skiing, shuffleboard, etc.• Available for rental September to June• Low rate of $14/person per day

We are

pursuing a new

chapel/gymnasium

addition to the Lodge

and would love to hear

your thoughts! Call us at

204-642-5707 for more

information.

For more information call 204-427-2445 www.roseauriver.ca

Ministry for us is a summer thing.• Fall Supper: October 23 (4-7 pm)• Senior Teen Retreat (Grades 9-12): November 25-27• Winter Fun Day/Christmas Tree Day: December 3• Men’s Retreat Weekend• Ladies Retreat Weekend• Facilities available for your church or youth group

year long

god always tells the truth!His love, the whole world, each other… everything they had came from God. And then they totally decided to just do their own thing!”

“When pirates commit mutiny, they walk the plank,” Lance said slowly, watching Tyler run back towards them after his zip-line ride. “But God… He didn’t kill Adam and Eve, did He?”

“Nope,” Zach replied, fixing Tori’s harness.“I would have just blown up the world and started over!”

Danica said. “God had trusted Adam and Eve with the whole world, and it was like they just handed it to the devil when they disobeyed God!”

“Good thing God isn’t like you!” Lance responded. Everyone laughed.

“Good thing,” Danica agreed. “I mess up too, just like Adam and Eve did.”

Zach finished with Tori’s harness and sat down on the plat-form with the campers. Tori grabbed the zip-line handlebars and waited, wanting to hear the end of the conversation. “Bot-tom line is,” Zach explained, “God made a perfect world and gave it to us. We messed up and didn’t follow Him.”

“We mutinied,” Danica inserted.“We did,” Zach agreed. “Now Satan makes ugly, bad things

happen. God loves us anyway. When we tell God we believe that Jesus died and came back to life, and that we’ll listen to Him…

“We become part of His family!” Lance yelled.“We can be His best friend!” Tori added.“We get to help Him bring help to a world that’s messed up,

just like we were!” Danica jumped up.Tori swung away from the platform. “That’s so awesome!”

she called back as Tyler came bounding up the stairs.“Hey Zach,” Tyler began. “I was just thinking about that

game we played today... what’s mutiny?”“Well…” Zach looked at Danica and Lance.“Ever heard of Adam and Eve?” they asked together.

Brian & Elaine FriesenPh. 204-242-2538Fax. 204-242-3491

Box 8, Manitou, MB R0G 1G0


journalEntry e l i j a h m c k i n n e y

June 22, 2011I’m at a desk at Gimli Bible camp in the office. I am at a point

in my life where I find it hard not to see and hear God. I rec-ognize Him often in peoples’ lives and in my own. His will is constantly pressing against my own; I find it easier and easier to become swept up in the current that is a life of following Christ. Even so, as I am in it, I know that I do not fully understand it, but it is a beautiful way of life.

I am a Head Cabin Leader. I believe my role is to set an ex-ample for the Cabin Leaders, showing them how they should treat one another, other staff and the campers. Also, I need to encourage them to grow and point them towards the Heav-enly Father so that they may follow Jesus in their lives. I need to make sure they are rested and prepared for the coming days, and I need to make myself available to talk to, not only to solve problems but also to be there for them when they need me to. So, in other words, I think my role is to care for their spiritual, social, emotional and physical needs.

I would say that my biggest fear is that I won’t make time for God this summer. We can get so caught up in working that we lose sight of what is most important, being in the Spirit. If that happens, I know I am going to fail at what I do for this rea-son: my calling, as a Christian, is to allow God to work through

me rather than me working for God; as soon as I stop taking time to let God love me and fill me I will have nothing left for the staff, the campers and myself. When I ask myself, “What am I hoping God will do in me this summer?”… the answer is as simple as a prayer: My Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom and the glory forever and ever.

I know that God will be faithful to give me what I need this summer, and for the rest of my life, as I serve Him. And my greatest desire, besides knowing Him more fully, is that His will would be done in my life. Whether this means living in the “small” things such as giving someone a smile or means giving my very life to further His kingdom, may God’s will be done.

September 10, 2011Right now, I realize that I have let things come in between

God’s and my will; in that way I do not feel as close to Him as I have before. As I let worldly worries enter into my life it cre-ates a spiritual buffer zone between my will and God’s own. The way I personally get rid of it is through meditation and study of the Word – it allows me to re-connect with God. I certainly did not make enough time to be with God throughout the summer and I certainly felt it weighing on me, but I am joyful in God’s steadfast love for me and His constant presence in my life de-spite my neglect in pursuing Him.

This summer stretched me further and in much different ways than I thought it would. I had to constantly be checking my own motives to make sure that what I was doing was not

A cow; makes great burgers.Rod Reimer

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only right, but also that I was doing it for the right reason, out of love. I would be lying if I said I did everything right; I am sure I made mistakes, as we all do. I know I certainly didnt meet all of the needs of the staff, although I found God worked through others when I was un-able to and I am thankful for God’s grace in such situations. As I look back on the summer I recognize one constant theme: God worked through me and worked through others, not because I or they are great people who do everything correctly, but because He is faithful to work His will in us despite our own shortcomings. God is faithful, graceful and loving beyond what I can imagine. If He were not all of these things, in us, through us, and to us, camp would certainly be an empty place.

e l i j a h m c k i n n e y

h e a d c a b i N l e a d e r , g i m l i b i b l e c a m p

2011 SuMMEr SnApSHoTSTurtle Mountain

Bible Camp

This summer a highlight was the kindness of

campers toward one another... one buying tuck for

a camper who didn’t have any; a

first-time camper who brought a

friend on registration day hop-

ing she could still get in (as her

previous medical appointments had

been postponed), only to find that

every bed on the girls side was full. She than asked

her mom if her friend

could take her place

instead... so we moved

a bed from the staff

residence to make extra

room for both!

Another highlight was

hearing campers say, “I

learned so much about

God this week. It was

the best summer ever!”

Total number of campers:

643

Total number of missionaries:125

Gimli Bible Camp

During our single moms camp I was sitting with some of the ladies watching their children play. A mother of a nine-year-old was remarking how her

son followed his cabin leader everywhere and copied every-thing he did. She said, “I

would be thrilled if my son could grow up to be like

your cabin leaders”.

On Thursday, as a group of 12-14 year olds were going up to do a drama before chapel, one of

our mentally handicapped campers ran up and sat on one of their chairs with them. His one-on-one worker didn’t

force him to leave but just pulled up an-

other chair. While the campers performed

their not-very-funny skit the boy mimicked everything they did with a huge smile on

his face. It was hilarious and I was crying, I was laughing so loudly. At the end of the skit he looked behind him as the projector (which shows pictures of campers when not being used for PowerPoint),

showed a picture of him. He cheered and took a big bow and received an ovation from all of the other

campers. One staff remarked, “we need a camper like him every week”, which is true because they help the adolescents be less serious and just enjoy being kids.


566Total number

of missionaries:96

Dauphin Bible Camp

My favorite memory this

summer was a group of

three guys who came from

Beaver Creek Bible Camp to be

staff for a week. After a harder July they came

and encouraged us and I really appreciated their

testimony to us during that week.

There was a constant need for us to open up

new cabins each week,

especially in August. Even

though we did not have

the staff we continued

to pray and pull in staff

from all over to make the

summer happen and God

was great and supplied

our needs for His pur-

pose and His camp!


670

Total number

of missionaries:

170

Adventure Day Camp

Halfway through the summer, we started having ‘listening time’. We would pray with all the kids, ask the Holy Spirit to talk to us, then play a wor-ship song and sit quietly for 5-6 minutes while we listened to God together.

The kids didn’t have to talk to God if they didn’t want to, but we asked them all to respect those around them by being quiet during that time. Kids aged 4 all the way up to 13 years old would sit still and listen

for His voice. Some would mouth their prayers, others would have their eyes squeezed tightly shut and faces

lifted to the sky, others would simply bow theirheads. Afterwards, the kids would journal what God had said to them and questions they wanted to ask

Him. I asked one of the nine-year-olds one day, “Mar-cus, what did God tell you today?” He was so happy,

and replied, “God loves me! He wants me!”

We seemed to gather more and more team members as we traveled around the province this year. We met some fabulous teenagers at some of our locations who were able to join our team on later weeks – Just when we

needed them! God is so faithful to provide and to

grow His kids up!


376


Quote Wall Leader to six-old camper:

Would you rather be Spiderman or Batman?

Camper: I AM Spiderman.

Roseau River Bible Camp

This summer, we gave away 100 Bibles. Several campers couldn’t believe that they actually got their own Bible to keep; some spent their whole

week reading it. One camper, in awe that she had her own, stared at it during the whole chapel session.

By random placement, a cabin of 11 boys had 5 campers who turned out to be rather ‘high

maintenance’ with ADHD, ADD, Terrets etc. The cabin leader was scared and in a panic. By Wednesday night he was on cloud nine, with the biggest

grin on his face, because 2 campers accepted Christ.

A teenaged boy limped 2 miles away from camp

before he swallowed his pride and took a ride back. The 2 mile ‘hike’ we took with him provided lots

of drama, complete with swearing, name calling,

and stone-throwing, but at the end we had calm

discussions about world religions, evolu-tion and consequences for decisions that we

make.


1133


Quote Wall If you turn orange in water, why are you a lifeguard? -

Camper

CSSM Provincial

OfficeIn early spring, our year-

round missionaries gathered together for a few days of

training and encouragement. It was still months until sum-mer ministry time, yet there

was tiredness in the room as people shared the stresses

and difficulties of their call-ing. We listened to each other,

prayed for each other; and then something wonderful

happened… God answered us.

God had recently impressed a portion of Scripture on the heart of one of our mis-sionaries, and, listening to her fellow missionaries,

she wondered whether she should share the passage. “Perhaps,” she thought,

“it would be God’s way of encouraging His people.” She

finally took a deep breath and read to us from Eze-kiel 37 – the vision of dry

bones:

… He brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle

of a valley; it was full of bones… I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their

feet—a vast army...

It was just the encour-agement needed – a remind-er that it would be God’s Spirit moving this summer,

making our “dry bones” come to life, creating

us to be a vast army for Him. We were encour-

aged with the picture of hope God gave us, and, perhaps in another way,

even more encouraged that God had answered us in such a personal, real way. God’s Spirit was breathing life into us, and has continued to do

so, all summer long.

Total number of KMs travelled:

77,450

# of attendees at Spring Support Raising Concert Tours:2,561

Approximate # of board meetings attended this year:67

Beaver Lake Bible Camp

“One night there was a storm and the wind had picked up. I woke up to the sound of the

storm and asked the Lord, “Should I go to my wife’s cabin?”. The Lord told me no, she

would be fine. I then asked if we would be all right and the Lord said we would be. At that moment I heard a big crack and

then “bang!”. I looked out-side and there was a 70 ft tree that had just missed our cabin by maybe a foot. We were all

right!” – Mitch

“I was standing in chapel just about to go into the sermon. A girl screamed my name

and came bounding over some pews. She grabbed on to

me and said she was feeling something that she had never felt before. We went outside, and I said to her that it was only natural that the more of the Lord that

goes in the more of the bad stuff that will come out. We

prayed and then went into the staff room to pray with her and another camper. When we came out of the

staff room there were campers everywhere crying and wanting

prayer. It seemed like the Lord said, “Today I will break into the hearts of these chil-dren...” It was amazing to see how powerful and intricate God truly

was!” – Angie

Total number of campers:1 1 1


Valley View Bible Camp

One of our summer missionaries shared this with us… “I work in the local schools

throughout the year; I see many of our camp-ers. I was burdened for their salvation and

prayed a lot about this sum-mer, and was so thankful

when a number of the stu-dents came to camp for the first time. (Four specifically,

who accepted Jesus into their lives.) As camp staff,

we don’t see who is praying for our camp-ers, and those praying

don’t always get to be at camp – I found it a real blessing to be on both ends, and to be reminded that God has His hand on His children’s lives

and will see that they are brought to Himself, how-

ever that happens.”

One night, walking back from a worship evening, one of our campers asked his

cabin leader if he could use the phone. “I need to forgive my Dad”, the camper said. “I know God can’t do anything with me if I don’t forgive

him. It has been 8 years since he left, and all this time I’ve just been angry.” The cabin

leader reassured the camper of their support

and offered to help him whenever he was able to. God is shifting things in families in

miraculous ways!

Quote Wall Camper One:

I know jujitsu. Camper Two:

Well, I know Jesus.



555

2011 SuMMEr SnApSHoTS


Midland Manufacturing congratulates CSSM Ministries on this edition of the Manitoba Missionary

Manufacturer of quality gravel trailers

www.midland-trailers.com

My husband and I were driving from Beaver Lake Bible Camp to Dauphin Bible Camp (DBC) when we received a phone call with an unusual request from the camp director at DBC. “Did we have a French Bible along?” was his question. We did not.

Apparently Monique, a French camper from Montreal, did not read or speak English. The cabin leaders wanted to give her a French Bible. My husband called a friend in Dauphin in search of the Gideon distributors in the area. When we contact-ed the distributor, he said, “I have ONE.” That’s all we needed, so they made arrangements for the pick up to be made. It just so “happened” that this man was driving through Dauphin at five o’clock the next morning, and could drop it off at a church near the camp where we could pick it up.

We arrived at camp, and Friday morning during staff de-votions, Monique’s cabin leaders asked me, “Do you speak French?” Upon answering “Yes,” they said, “We love you!” They had obviously been experiencing some language barriers in communicating with their camper and were eager to get some help. “Could you translate my camper letter to her?” one asked.

“Would you have time to translate the horsemanship test for this after-noon?” the wran-gler inquired. “If you let Monique sit with me in the back, I’ll translate for her during chapel if you would like,” I offered.

At breakfast I introduced myself in French to Monique and asked her how she had heard of Dauphin Bible Camp. She told me that her mother used to live in Manitoba and had attended DBC thirty years ago as a camper. Now her family lived in Montreal and they were vaca-tioning near the camp. Her mother had enjoyed DBC so much, she wanted her daughter to have the same experience.

When chapel started, the camp speak-er began to review the week with flannel-graph pictures, starting with Creation and

working his way through to Friday’s lesson. Monique began to tell me in French what she had learned that week. “On Mon-day,” she said excitedly, “we learned that GOD created the earth. There was a beautiful garden and a man and woman lived in it.” I asked her in French if it was Adam and Eve. “No,” she said in a matter-of-fact manner. “It was Adam and Eve.” (She said their names in English to me, as if to say that their names were English, not French.) I was amused but said nothing.

“Then on Tuesday, he told us there was a BIG flood and a guy built a boat to save his family. I don’t remember his name, so I’ll just call him Jacob.” “Do you mean Noah?” I asked. (This time I said Noah in English.) “Oh yes, that’s what it is. Noah!” Monique responded. ‘She must not have ever heard this story before camp,’ I thought to myself.

Monique seemed relieved to talk to someone in French,

Jesus in Frenchpage 31

jesus in Frenchn a t a l i e g i e s b r e c h t

“If you let Monique sit with me in the back, I’ll translate for her during chapel if you would like,”

god was faithful to Meet MoniQue right where she was at on her journey

towards the truth of jesus

Boys who face great challenges and rise above them (or at least survive them). I had a couple of rough years when I was young and I can identify with hurt-ing kids… any movie with a kid will make me cry.

Don Roe

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Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10Mitch Osiowy

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Bill McCaskell likes this.

and I was interested in finding out what she had understood from chapel that week. “Wednesday, I learned about the tower of Babel. I can understand that,” she told me, “because I was born in Nunavut and now I live in Quebec. In Nunavut they speak a different language and in Quebec I speak French with my family.”

Monique continued to explain her comprehension of that week’s Bible lessons, until she arrived at a question. “What I don’t really understand,” Monique said, with a tone that let me know she was trying really hard to wrap her mind around the thought, “is why did God place that tree in the garden if He knew Adam and Eve would disobey Him and eat from it?”

I needed a moment to think. ‘What a keen little girl!’ I thought to myself. I felt privileged as I explained free choice to her.

“God doesn’t want us to obey Him because we have to, He wants our willing obedience. He gives us the choice whether or not we will choose Him and His ways – He doesn’t force it on us.” I tried to think of an analogy. “When your mom tells you to clean up your room, do you think she wants to pull you into your room kicking and screaming and make you clean your room because you have to, or do you think she wants you to clean your room because you love her and you know it mat-ters to her?” Monique seemed to understand. “Its kind of like that,” I explained. She nodded, and her next question took me by surprise.

“What I don’t understand,” Monique said, almost frustrated that she couldn’t figure it out, “is why did all of creation have to be cursed when it was Adam and Eve who sinned? Why do animals have to die?”

I was impressed by the depth of her ability to reason through what she had heard all week in chapel. God had worked despite the language barrier and was stirring her heart. ‘Lord, help me. What do I tell her?’ I quickly prayed, taking a breath.

“Well…” I said, still unsure of how to answer. Then it came to me. “When God placed Adam and Eve in the garden, it was perfect and there was no sin or death; but when they chose to sin against God, He had to bring consequences. That’s why there are weeds to pull now and the animals kill each other. Adam and Eve brought sin into the world when they chose to ignore what God had told them.”

The chapel speaker went on to review the week’s lessons about Abraham and Isaac, the birth of Christ and Christ’s death on the cross. After chapel, I asked Monique if she and her fami-ly go to church anywhere. “No, not really,” she said. “Is this the

first time you are hearing these stories?” I asked. She thought for a moment, and then said, “Yes, I think it is.”

Her cabin leaders and I wrote little notes in the cover of her new bilingual Bible, underlining some verses for her and putting the page numbers by the references. We were all very excited to give her that Bible. She hugged us and thanked us sincerely for it.

Maybe one day, with continued prayers and contact, Mo-nique and her family will know the joys of a life committed to God. For now, our joy is to keep praying for her and trusting in the promise from Scripture which says,

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty,Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of

joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:10-12 (NASB)

“Her cabin leaders and I wrote little notes in the cover of her new bilin-gual Bible, underlining some verses

for her and putting the page numbers by the references.”

the chapel speaker at dbc used puppetry and visual aids to help present the Message

of salvation - and it spoke directly to MoniQue’s heart

Today is another day to conquer this ugly world with God’s grace and strength. “God, give me the tools I will need today, and give me a kick-start to spend another day glorifying You.”

Krystyn Gillies

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Coming February 24th to March 4th, 2012 Please join us for a wonderful evening of music and testimony as

Simon Ivascu, Steven Ivascu and Wesley Pop share their story of

fleeing Romania when they were only teenagers. The Freedom Singers

have sung with Legacy Five and Greater Vision and are part of the

Gaither Homecoming concerts. You will be encouraged and blessed!

FSFREEDOMSINGERSI N C O N C E R T

Tour Sponsorship and Hosting Opportunities Available. Contact Harold Giesbrecht for details.

CSSM Ministries Manitoba www.mb.cssm.ca 1 (204) 668-CSSM (2776)

204–668–2776www.mb.cssm.ca

As we approach our fiscal yearend, we thank-you for your partnership. Together, let us continue to see the unseen.

can you seewhat we see?

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Publications Mail Agreement #: 40019747Manitoba Missionary CSSM Ministries – Manitoba200-189 Henderson HwyWinnipeg, MB R2L 1L7

Five of our campers

became Christians … wow!

One of the h

omesick

campers ma

de it

through the

week and

had a very e

njoyable

and positive

camp

experience. P

TL

God, we had some super energetic kids (they had SO much energy!) It was awesome seeing You touch them during praise-n-worship!

They had those songs going though their heads afterwards as well.- Michelle, Day Camp Leader

My campers wouldn’t go to sleep because

they wanted me to read Romans and

Revelation to them. - Tim

Thank-You for

pouring out Your

Spirit on these

kids so that they

could know and

experience Your

love for them.

- Carmen, Day

Camp Leader

God told me He wants me!

- Marcus, 9 year old camper

4000+ campers attend… over 50% with no church background

One of my LDP girls experienced God's love radically change her life. The following weekend she ran to meet her parents and gave them a hug, for the first time. It was beautiful.- Emma, LDP leader

Dear God,thank-you

for pursuing me and

loving me first

- A prayer by a

LDP (Leadership

Development

Program) camper

Amazing staff unity all summer! Such a blessing. - Camp Directors

Cabin 10 is excellent, kids enthusiastic

about getting deeper with God

A returning camper to

ld

me that he w

anted to

attend Bible

college,

which came as a

com-

plete shock

and blessin

g

because thi

s camper did

not come from

a Chris-

tian home, and

had only

recently made a

profes-

sion of fait

h. The grace

of God changing

lives!’

Two campers came up to me with the biggest smiles on their faces I’d ever seen! They told me they had accepted Jesus,

and were so excited about having Him in their lives, they went around the camp telling everyone about their exciting news!- Summer Missionary

550+ summer

missionaries

serving God and

growing with God!

Thank-you God for seeing my insuffciency and loving me anyway …

I became a Christian this week and let

Jesus into my heart. – Brittney, Grade 8.

Whenever we had free time, all my campers wanted to do was read sto-ries from the Bible.” Courtney, cabin leader.

God has showed

Himself to me in such

a real way this

summer.

- Rachel,

Day Camp Leader

We are SO BLES

SED

and know it is d

ue

to the many wonder-

ful prayer warriors

who uphold each o

f

us daily befor

e our

Father’s thro

ne.”

-Camp Director.

My campers

woke

up early this

morning, so t

hey

could read the

ir

Bibles toge

ther!

- Jason

cabin leade

r

God answered

our prayers for

cabin devo’s last

night… the Holy

Spirit was

moving!”-Jessica,

Cabin Leader

When kids come to me and ask me to pray for them, the trust they place in me at that time is just surreal. Your presence is all over that moment, thank-You God.- Danielle, Day Camp Assistant

If people want to

boast, they should

boast only about

the Lord...

2 Corinthians 5:17

MB (Summer 2011) - Issue #2

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Transcript of MB (Summer 2011) - Issue #2