Week 2 Volume 2 Malibu 2014

One of our favorite authors, Donald Miller (“A Million Miles In A Thousand Days”, “Blue Like Jazz”, etc) was visiting at Malibu and he snuck a pic in with him.

Janna prayed at the beginning of the week at the 'smokers pit', the place at malibu reserved for campers who smoke.  She prayed that kids who come here would learn to find peace in Jesus instead of from Cigarettes this week.  Presh! See photoThe kids got to dress up as some of the 'program' characters that come on stage throughout the week.  They knocked the ball out of the park.  See photo.

On the last morning of each week, all the kids that made a decision for Christ meet at 'the Point' to pray and throw a rock into the ocean, symbolizing that the 'old has gone and the new has come' (2Cor 5:17) in their lives.  It has been a highlight of the week for sure.

One of Jeff's life mentors, Marty Folsom, visited for 3 days last week.  It was a pleasure to enjoy some time to process life, theology, and the art of hitching a last minute ride on a yacht (the Aments) to Chatterbox Falls.  See Photo.

Lake Stevens and GPeak leaders were here and we enjoyed serving with them.  Jeff especially enjoyed some great time with his friend, Kyle Hoglund, husband of Heather, our beloved YoungLives Director.  See photo

Another great story is this….Bailey is a student in the Snoqualmie Valley.  He stopped Jeff on the ropes course and thanked him for speaking.  (Week 3 was an unusually thankful group, so this isn’t unusual.)  As he was waiting with Jeff for his final jump, he explained that he’s has some traumatic things happen in his life.  His brother committed suicide while his parents were getting divorced.  This really challenged him and his understanding of his place in this world while everything stable, good and familiar in his world was crashing down on him.  He really hesitated on top of the platform, of the ropes course scared to TRUST and jump off.  Jeff told him, he just needs to have faith, and take that step of faith.  After a few seconds of brief consideration, he jumped and said to Jeff, “I WILL”.  Later that evening in a cabin time with his friends and Young Life Leaders, he DID.  He took the step of faith spiritually and began a life with Jesus, reported his Young Life Leaders.  Bailey will find that all that’s required is faith the size of a mustard seed, and God will GROW that. 

Tanya had a great conversation with a Lake Stevens girl on the last morning.  She stopped to chat and explained a cool experience.  She has already known God and had a very encouraging time at Malibu. During her 15 minute quiet time, she was thinking and praying about going back home. Everything at camp is so conducive to growing a relationship with Christ.  At home things are different;.  People are too busy for community.  School sports and activities dominate time that could be spent with God.  She looked into the water and saw a seal pop up!  “How typical” she thought!  Then the seal went back into the water and stirred up the fluorescent green phosphorus, making a cross in the water.  That’s my sign, she thought.  She went back to her cabin time and passionately reported to her friends what had happened.  Some friends had to hear the story 3 or 4 times.  The amazing part to me (Tanya) isn’t the seal. It’s not the phosphorescence.  But you know the biology teacher in me LOVES that!  It is that this camper is passionate about furthering her growth in Christ, and is willing to share with her friends and even bring her friends along with her when they return to Lake Stevens!  She has a passion for community. That, my friends, is what Lake Stevens needs… It’s what the world needs!! 

Week 3 is almost over and week 4 will bring Everett, Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Bellingham, Issaquah, Tacoma and France!

Keep praying, Friends!