Bare Bones...

Here we are at Victory Week 6. We are down to 22 summer staff (from about 30) after losing Muffin (male dorm sup), Zakira (female dorm sup), Netta (Children's Ministry/D-Team), Jacob (dining room), Tyler (dining room), Becky (Teen Min), and Jalapeno (teen ministry/d-team).
So we're barely scraping by...but we've got enough to cover. God continues to amaze us as He works in us and through us. I am excited to see how He is going to teach the staff as we are all working hard, getting tired, and having to rely solely on Him to be our source of strength.
I know we would all appreciate your continued prayer for energy and strength as we finish out the summer conference weeks...take some down time next week...then gear up for Labor Day weekend. Be in prayer for the Leadership, as we are dwindling down in number...plus having to fill in a lot more holes. Also pray for those who have left us. Many are starting school and the transition between Keswick life and "normal" can be tough.
However, praise Him that we have made it thus far without any catastrophic occurrences, and that He has continually provided for us and blessed us. Also, praise the Lord for the staff that we do have left--they are doing a great job!!

Blessings,

Melia

Waaaaaaaay overdue...

So since our last update, much has occurred:

-On August 8, we held our annual "Iron Chef" competition. The "Snapple Apples" took the prize in "Battle Sandwich," winning by a mere 3 points.
-On the 14th, we had our annual banquet where we fellowshipped with some good food...Arroz con pollo, pico de gallo, etc. It was a spanish theme, can you tell?? Ole!
-Also that evening, we held our Summer Staff talent show...seems as if not too many staffers clued in parents as only a couple showed up.
-We are mourning the loss of Cameron, our snack shop supervisor, and Will (teen ministry) who had to return to school while celebrating the addition of new staff: Katie (dining room), Novella (dining room), Yvonne (children's ministry) and Emily (snack shop supervisor).

We are nearing the end of the summer season. I can't believe that Labor Day is only 3 weeks away! Eeeek! At the end of this week, we lose a lot of staffers to schools starting early. As the group disbands and returns home, pray for their adjustment from Keswick life to home life. Often times, the transition can be difficult. Also pray for those of us left here...we still have departments to run, guests to serve, and learning to do. Pray for energy and perseverance to finish well. God has done some mighty work this summer, and I'm looking forward to continuing to see Him teach us!

Until next time!

Melia

PS--check out my facebook album for new pictures! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2235687&id=55705017&l=288173abcb

Zechariah's Month

We find ourselves at an interesting place.

Despite the fact that the final month has just begun, we are still looking forward to some new additions to the staff! And with a rainy, yet funtaculous, trip to Six Flags behind us, we are taking this week to fully refocus ourselves on the Lord, that we may walk in a manner worthy of His call on our lives. Based on that brief allusion... you guessed it! We are studying Ephesians! Each day this week - Week Zero, as we have dubbed it - we have an extended quiet time devotional focusing on one chapter of Ephesians. The title "Week Zero" has several meanings, such as our zeroing in on God and His Word, our going back to extreme basics (further back than Week One... to Week Zero), and our own becoming "zero" that Christ may increase.

We've made it through four days of study, but the heart of our time still lies ahead. On Friday, we are devoting our afternoon to fully focus on God away from the distractions of work, play, and each other.

Please pray for:

- the adjustment and integration of our new staff members.

- focus and refreshment in God's Word and presence as we focus on Him this week.