Hello from the remote parts of Appalachia!
~230 students, adults, and staffers from Kansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Ohio are joining us for a week of missions, Jesus, and fun! Lots of excitement has ensued...where to start??
First, this week I am pleased to blog that I have 4 wonderful ladies from Ohio as my kitchen crew. We have had a blast-from trips to Hazard to cooking lots of Mexican food last night!
Events?? Well, our Manchester day camp outreach is not going as planned...we have the goal of reaching alot of children but we haven't yet tapped into the holler population. (Seriously). This awesome youth guy (local youth pastor) is helping Big Creek find the unreached...at Mudlick Church of the Brethren. (No exagerration...I am absolutely eager to visit Mudlick Church of the Brethren.) According to my dearest counselor friend Lacy, Mudlick Church was started in the 1960's by a group of men literally known as the brethren. So yes...more to come.
Tonight we are heading to Blue Grass night in Hyden.
More pics, Jesus stuff, and info to come!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
God Maps
Good Morning! Preparations are in place for week 3 @ Big Creek Mission. Part of my challenge in blogging is expressing humor, life experiences, and what God is doing in my life & here at Big Creek.
Throughout my college career, God brought many special & unique people in my life. Jenn and I shared alot of talks and study time during my junior year (possibly the hardest in the nutrition curriculum). During this year we talked alot about our walks with God, the future, and the big subject in dietetics-the dietetic internship. This dietetic internship (which I will be starting in less than two months) entails alot of work for admission : 500 hours of experience, excellent grades, leadership, and recommendations. (Enough for a young woman with little confidence and shaking faith to cringe over)
Anyway, throughout this year, at times of anxiety, I would simply draw a "God map". I would literally start at the inititation of my college career and progress to where I was at currently, where I saw God in my life. Included were all of the people God had brought in to my life, my professors, church stuff, and ways that I saw God move. So I was thinking about one for Big Creek...here it goes:
(1) Randy Singleton becomes that music minister at EBC (I was one of the "signs" of the Singleton's coming- a really awesome God story)
(2) Singletons and my family become friends while I am at Tennessee. Chaperone backs out for Big Creek trip-I have the week off from ETCH-I chaperone at Big Creek (July 08')
(3) I am preparing to graduate in February of 09' and look for summer jobs. Apply at Wellspring weight loss camps, Camp Living Stones, and inquire about Big Creek. CLS is full, Wellspring offers me a position as nutritionist at their all girls camp in NY, and Big Creek doesn't give me a definite. I tell my Bible study that I am probably going to NY. God has other plans.
(4) April 09'-meet with Kevin and Katie (Big Creek leadership) and discuss summer 09. I still think that I am going to NY. In the end, I felt very guided toward Big Creek. Obtain dietetic internship in Dallas, still not sure about how all of life will work out.
(5) May 09'-move to Appalachian KY. God is moving. He provides daily what I need. Two of my former YOKE youth ministry come to Big Creek-seeds planted are now growing. Wow. Also, God provides Christian roommate for Dallas-who is assisting with apartment details. (Major answer to prayer). God is continually bringing new people into my life-encouragers, those who need encouraging, and many beautiful, unique children of His.
God mapping is not really new. In Hebrews 11, we can trace the faithful followers of Jesus throughout history. As God provided & they were faithful, they impact the believers to this day. Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
My hope is that I continue to have an increase in faith, that I would look for God in all things, and that He would be exalted.
I encourage you to try a God map-He is awesome!
Throughout my college career, God brought many special & unique people in my life. Jenn and I shared alot of talks and study time during my junior year (possibly the hardest in the nutrition curriculum). During this year we talked alot about our walks with God, the future, and the big subject in dietetics-the dietetic internship. This dietetic internship (which I will be starting in less than two months) entails alot of work for admission : 500 hours of experience, excellent grades, leadership, and recommendations. (Enough for a young woman with little confidence and shaking faith to cringe over)
Anyway, throughout this year, at times of anxiety, I would simply draw a "God map". I would literally start at the inititation of my college career and progress to where I was at currently, where I saw God in my life. Included were all of the people God had brought in to my life, my professors, church stuff, and ways that I saw God move. So I was thinking about one for Big Creek...here it goes:
(1) Randy Singleton becomes that music minister at EBC (I was one of the "signs" of the Singleton's coming- a really awesome God story)
(2) Singletons and my family become friends while I am at Tennessee. Chaperone backs out for Big Creek trip-I have the week off from ETCH-I chaperone at Big Creek (July 08')
(3) I am preparing to graduate in February of 09' and look for summer jobs. Apply at Wellspring weight loss camps, Camp Living Stones, and inquire about Big Creek. CLS is full, Wellspring offers me a position as nutritionist at their all girls camp in NY, and Big Creek doesn't give me a definite. I tell my Bible study that I am probably going to NY. God has other plans.
(4) April 09'-meet with Kevin and Katie (Big Creek leadership) and discuss summer 09. I still think that I am going to NY. In the end, I felt very guided toward Big Creek. Obtain dietetic internship in Dallas, still not sure about how all of life will work out.
(5) May 09'-move to Appalachian KY. God is moving. He provides daily what I need. Two of my former YOKE youth ministry come to Big Creek-seeds planted are now growing. Wow. Also, God provides Christian roommate for Dallas-who is assisting with apartment details. (Major answer to prayer). God is continually bringing new people into my life-encouragers, those who need encouraging, and many beautiful, unique children of His.
God mapping is not really new. In Hebrews 11, we can trace the faithful followers of Jesus throughout history. As God provided & they were faithful, they impact the believers to this day. Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
My hope is that I continue to have an increase in faith, that I would look for God in all things, and that He would be exalted.
I encourage you to try a God map-He is awesome!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
News from Hannah's Manna
Hello All! We had a great week 2. Many people accepted Christ, children's lives were transformed, and many students saw poverty in America for the first time.
My camera is not functioning well-no pics today. However, I have lots of great stories & info to share.
First, God provided (once again) in giving me excellent kitchen help from Georgia and Indiana. On Sunday evening it looked as though I would have only 1 person, Denise, from Macon, GA. Considering it takes ~3-4 people to cook, clean, and prep for 230 people, I was quite concerned. However, after dinner on Monday, Cody (from IN) volunteered to be our second official helper-what a relief & Godsend! A whole gang from Lenior City, TN came to assist with breakfast! It was so cool for God to send a plethora of people & personalities to help me for all the meals. I often feel mentored and encouraged throughout the week by these wonderful adults and chaperones who help me.
I also spent alot of time with several different students including Portia, Kailee, and many others. Daily we talked about life, cooking, and the adventures of Kentucky. It is awesome that I actually get to connect with students...most kitchen gals don't get to know their students. I feel that God has placed me here for dual purpose-food & relationships. God is teaching me ALOT about current ministry, future ministry, and relational evangelism. Please pray as I open His word more & more to find wisdom and encouragement for others.
As part of the kitchen job, I deliver hot food to our daycamp in Manchester. This week we made yummy tacos, pizza, pizza bread, and Petros. On Friday all of the daycamps (~40 kids) come to our mission to worship, eat lunch with us, and hang-out. I learned that Petros have many different alias including: fiesta (from TX) and tacos in a bag (from Nebraska). This was alot of fun for the kids and they love knowing where the students and staff live. We prayed really hard for this "field trip" for the daycampers and one said "this is the best day of my life"-a really sweet phrase to hear!
As possibly mentioned previously, Leslie County is one of the poorest counties in the United States. Part of the outreach of the community teams involves grocery shopping for a poor family each week. It is estimated that most families living in poverty spend $40 per week on food. Therefore, our students must make a menu, shop at the IGA (very popular here in KY), and come in @ budget with their week of food. I was able to assist with the first project & really enjoyed it. Each week I love to hear the stories-most students are absolutely amazed. It is really difficult to wrap my mind around the fact that we budget $30 per student for food each week yet that is almost enough to feed one family. Wow.
I definitely have more to share-God is working here. His truth is beyond my comprehension at times. The thing I love most about Big Creek is its authenticity-no emotional pleas with our students, no fake appearances...Truth wins.
My camera is not functioning well-no pics today. However, I have lots of great stories & info to share.
First, God provided (once again) in giving me excellent kitchen help from Georgia and Indiana. On Sunday evening it looked as though I would have only 1 person, Denise, from Macon, GA. Considering it takes ~3-4 people to cook, clean, and prep for 230 people, I was quite concerned. However, after dinner on Monday, Cody (from IN) volunteered to be our second official helper-what a relief & Godsend! A whole gang from Lenior City, TN came to assist with breakfast! It was so cool for God to send a plethora of people & personalities to help me for all the meals. I often feel mentored and encouraged throughout the week by these wonderful adults and chaperones who help me.
I also spent alot of time with several different students including Portia, Kailee, and many others. Daily we talked about life, cooking, and the adventures of Kentucky. It is awesome that I actually get to connect with students...most kitchen gals don't get to know their students. I feel that God has placed me here for dual purpose-food & relationships. God is teaching me ALOT about current ministry, future ministry, and relational evangelism. Please pray as I open His word more & more to find wisdom and encouragement for others.
As part of the kitchen job, I deliver hot food to our daycamp in Manchester. This week we made yummy tacos, pizza, pizza bread, and Petros. On Friday all of the daycamps (~40 kids) come to our mission to worship, eat lunch with us, and hang-out. I learned that Petros have many different alias including: fiesta (from TX) and tacos in a bag (from Nebraska). This was alot of fun for the kids and they love knowing where the students and staff live. We prayed really hard for this "field trip" for the daycampers and one said "this is the best day of my life"-a really sweet phrase to hear!
As possibly mentioned previously, Leslie County is one of the poorest counties in the United States. Part of the outreach of the community teams involves grocery shopping for a poor family each week. It is estimated that most families living in poverty spend $40 per week on food. Therefore, our students must make a menu, shop at the IGA (very popular here in KY), and come in @ budget with their week of food. I was able to assist with the first project & really enjoyed it. Each week I love to hear the stories-most students are absolutely amazed. It is really difficult to wrap my mind around the fact that we budget $30 per student for food each week yet that is almost enough to feed one family. Wow.
I definitely have more to share-God is working here. His truth is beyond my comprehension at times. The thing I love most about Big Creek is its authenticity-no emotional pleas with our students, no fake appearances...Truth wins.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Update on Camp Life
Here at Big Creek Missions we desire to equip students with the tools needed to literally change our world with relational missions. This year we have had a wonderful and diverse group of students-including those who are not believers.
As part of the "field training", students are encouraged to share their testimony in preparation for the outreaches in eastern Kentucky. Many times this stirs within the hearts of our non-believers & we are thrilled to say that 7 students have come to Christ and many seeds have been planted. Our God is providing beyond our dreams & He is doing great things!
Please pray for the staff-rest and spiritual renewal. Pray for our groups as they make the most of their last 2 days here in Appalachia!
As part of the "field training", students are encouraged to share their testimony in preparation for the outreaches in eastern Kentucky. Many times this stirs within the hearts of our non-believers & we are thrilled to say that 7 students have come to Christ and many seeds have been planted. Our God is providing beyond our dreams & He is doing great things!
Please pray for the staff-rest and spiritual renewal. Pray for our groups as they make the most of their last 2 days here in Appalachia!
Barbie on the Que
Again, I am sad to not blog more. Feeding 230 people is literally some of the hardest work I have ever experienced. However, please note that God provides-no complaints. He does. This week we have a wide & diverse group of students from FL, AL, IN, TN, and of course the great state of Nebraska. (My sweet friend Eric- a staffer with an amazing heart is a student @ UNK).
So what has happened??? First, our wonderful week 1 campers left us on Saturday & did an AMAZING job cleaning! As staff, we officially have "off-time" from Saturday (when the school is 225.6% clean) until Sunday at noon. We, the staff, feel like official natives...every Saturday we anticipate our big trip in to "town". This town is known as Hazard, KY. Recall from previous blog that we ate at Applebee's there recently. However, this night I suggested Mexican food & all agreed.
Our evening began with the 30 minute drive-a great time to do more bonding. We arrived at this spot & were greeted with yummy chips and salsa. However, I did not know what the future held. Additionally, in honor of the lack of shopping we do here (retail therapy), we visited the new store next door "Girly Goodies". Scary, I know. Anyway, I picked up some earrings,etc. and went back to dinner. Not too long after I began eating, my friends/staffers decided to try to warn me of danger.
All of the sudden I felt someone removing my sunglasses and putting a large hat on my head. Next a waiter dolloped three spots of whipped cream all over my face & the waiting crew sang "Happy Birthday". Clarification, my birthday is in January. However, my kind staff guy friends (Andy & Blake) like to make my life awkward-they once again succeeded.
Per the usual, after dinner we made it to Wal-Mart & came back for sleep.
Sunday mornings we take time to rest and reflect. Additionally, the Big Creek barber shop opens depending on the need. Pictured below is (@ the far right) Andy S with our fearless leader Kevin. Scary that fellow staffers have such control over other people's hair. I am thankful to say that everyone looks great!
Monday
As my usual Monday report, the bar-be-que chicken process went much, much better. I spent ~3 hours (2pm-5pm) grilling 230 pieces of chicken.
Per the weekly usual I made a trip with Tony, our film guy over to Hyden to pick up supplies. We stopped in to check on our Hyden day camp site. Big Creek has three main emphasis: Construction, day camp, and community. Day camp is literally vacation Bible school all summer long-these staffers and students are awesome!! Pictured below is day one of the Hyden camp at a prayer circle.
Tuesday
Each Tuesday we typically serve "Tex-Mex" style food at the Big Creek Cafe (aka: Hannah's Manna). Yesterday we celebrated two staffer birthdays and enjoyed some yummy tacos. Also, I found this great Latino hits CD at the Dollar Tree & we enjoyed dinner music. Camp life is alot of fun.
God is doing amazing things here at Big Creek. We are reflecting over John this summer & our calling to acknowledge Christ. What I am learning is to die to self (John 3:30) and to yield to Christ. It has occurred to me that I often rely way,way,way too much on my on strength. In John 6:31, God recalls when manna was fed to those in the old Testament looking for the Promise Land. People of that time continually expected more, weren't satisfied, or simply weren't happy. Instead of taking the manna that God literally provided daily from heaven & being thankful, they were not satisfied. In a way, I simply expect more-all what I want-all the time. I go to far & extreme lengths to achieve perfection (or what appears close) and things that I highly desire. I don't take the time to even acknowledge that Christ is in control. When my "manna" in life isn't what I want, I should not mope, expect some sort of quick fix, or even acknowledge that I have any control. All decisions, anxieties, frustrations, etc. should be brought before God.
John 6:35 "And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."
So what has happened??? First, our wonderful week 1 campers left us on Saturday & did an AMAZING job cleaning! As staff, we officially have "off-time" from Saturday (when the school is 225.6% clean) until Sunday at noon. We, the staff, feel like official natives...every Saturday we anticipate our big trip in to "town". This town is known as Hazard, KY. Recall from previous blog that we ate at Applebee's there recently. However, this night I suggested Mexican food & all agreed.
Our evening began with the 30 minute drive-a great time to do more bonding. We arrived at this spot & were greeted with yummy chips and salsa. However, I did not know what the future held. Additionally, in honor of the lack of shopping we do here (retail therapy), we visited the new store next door "Girly Goodies". Scary, I know. Anyway, I picked up some earrings,etc. and went back to dinner. Not too long after I began eating, my friends/staffers decided to try to warn me of danger.
All of the sudden I felt someone removing my sunglasses and putting a large hat on my head. Next a waiter dolloped three spots of whipped cream all over my face & the waiting crew sang "Happy Birthday". Clarification, my birthday is in January. However, my kind staff guy friends (Andy & Blake) like to make my life awkward-they once again succeeded.
Per the usual, after dinner we made it to Wal-Mart & came back for sleep.
Sunday mornings we take time to rest and reflect. Additionally, the Big Creek barber shop opens depending on the need. Pictured below is (@ the far right) Andy S with our fearless leader Kevin. Scary that fellow staffers have such control over other people's hair. I am thankful to say that everyone looks great!
Monday
As my usual Monday report, the bar-be-que chicken process went much, much better. I spent ~3 hours (2pm-5pm) grilling 230 pieces of chicken.
Per the weekly usual I made a trip with Tony, our film guy over to Hyden to pick up supplies. We stopped in to check on our Hyden day camp site. Big Creek has three main emphasis: Construction, day camp, and community. Day camp is literally vacation Bible school all summer long-these staffers and students are awesome!! Pictured below is day one of the Hyden camp at a prayer circle.
Tuesday
Each Tuesday we typically serve "Tex-Mex" style food at the Big Creek Cafe (aka: Hannah's Manna). Yesterday we celebrated two staffer birthdays and enjoyed some yummy tacos. Also, I found this great Latino hits CD at the Dollar Tree & we enjoyed dinner music. Camp life is alot of fun.
God is doing amazing things here at Big Creek. We are reflecting over John this summer & our calling to acknowledge Christ. What I am learning is to die to self (John 3:30) and to yield to Christ. It has occurred to me that I often rely way,way,way too much on my on strength. In John 6:31, God recalls when manna was fed to those in the old Testament looking for the Promise Land. People of that time continually expected more, weren't satisfied, or simply weren't happy. Instead of taking the manna that God literally provided daily from heaven & being thankful, they were not satisfied. In a way, I simply expect more-all what I want-all the time. I go to far & extreme lengths to achieve perfection (or what appears close) and things that I highly desire. I don't take the time to even acknowledge that Christ is in control. When my "manna" in life isn't what I want, I should not mope, expect some sort of quick fix, or even acknowledge that I have any control. All decisions, anxieties, frustrations, etc. should be brought before God.
John 6:35 "And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Week 1 = Awesome
Hello Friends, Family, and my new wonderful Big Creek people!
Our first week was phenomenal. God did awesome and amazing things from humbling me constantly to working in the lives of over one hundred students.
Above is a great group of BigCreekers from Maryville/Alcoa area-they are amazing! From playing bingo at a Veteran's Home (my favorite day) to teaching children at our day camps, we experienced amazing adventures. Here at BigCreek we say that you are on mission training experience here & your official mission field begins when you return. I am praying for so many special students who came this week-I will miss you!
On Friday, I got to drive to Hazard with one of our community service groups to spend time with 150 veterans of the military. From my previous visits to similar buildings, this one was excellent. (They have a fabulous dietitian!) Our visit consisted of simply visiting veterans throughout the home and playing bingo with them. I had so much fun sitting with two older gentleman who simply needed a pair of eyes to watch their card during bingo. I will admit we won multiple times but most of all we had a chance to hear their stories. It was great-I plan to return!
On Thursday we did a simple meal of loaded mashed potatoes, chicken fingers, green beans, and yummy cream cheese brownies (pictured above).
My two wonderful kitchen helpers J & K were so very helpful this week. They encouraged me, advised me, and were a joy to have. On a construction site, K's son cut his finger severely onThursday. After a trip to the local hospital and advice from a doctor here working, the family decided to return home. Please pray that this young man heals well (he will be having surgery next week!) Thank you Ms. K & J-especially for my kitchen frog & the new handmixer!
To Miss Lauren-I am so thankful that I met you. God has plans to prosper you & not to harm you...to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) Thank you for serving faithfully in the kitchen and singing at our bonfire! I will miss you & be praying for you!
Finally, I have to admit that I really miss my beautiful, loving nutrition girls. We graduated one month ago today (pictured above) and we are ready to conquer the world. I wish them nothing but the best! We know that our God has provided in so many ways. Thank you sweet gals for always encouraging me and pointing me toward Christ!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Bar-B-Que Wednesday
Sorry the blog hasn't been updated in what feels like forever! The past 72 hours have been amazing yet exhausting. Today I finally took a nap & felt highly rejuvenated! I have learned several memorable tips to share about cooking for the masses.
(1) Never, ever, ever attempt to cook 150 pieces of chicken on the grill in 2 hours...especially if they come from the freezer. Just say no. On Monday evening this incident occurred with me. Thankfully I had two wonderful church women (my kitchen assistants) who saved the day. However, the chicken did get done and tasted amazing.
Recipe: Place chicken (unseasoned) on the grill. On the side away from the grill, place a dab of garlic powder and small basting of Worcestershire sauce.
Upon flipping, generously baste the "up" side with bar-b-que sauce. Ensure cooking temperature and serve.
(2) You can create pretty much any amazing dessert using cake mix. Though Anne Byrn in the "Cake Mix Doctor" does an excellent job...she doesn't plan for ~150 people. I have used her recipes for inspiration and I have successfully produced a delicious strawberry cake, chocolate cake (as seen in earlier post), and last night a wonderful applesauce cake.
Unlike traditional commercial kitchens we have no real kitchen staff (I am considered volunteer) so mass chaos and a variety of ingredients may be found. Therefore, chocolate pudding and fruit cocktail creativity are simply a must. (I am still working of the fruit cocktail one...haha.)
Also, both of our handmixers died two days ago. Sad. However, my wonderful two ladies from Alabama working with me this week donated a new one-many thanks!
(3) Family recipes do come in handy...even at Big Creek. Two nights ago I decided to make a large bowl of banana pudding, a favorite of the Kevin's (our director) and Andy's (my official new little brother at Big Creek).
Please pray for several specific items: Big Creek is up for kitchen inspection soon (by late next week). This visit is unannounced so we have no idea when they will grace us & inspect us.
Pray for the staff-little sleep is had as a staffer & my fellow staff are simply amazing. God is working in many wonderful ways to reveal himself through them.
Our week 1 is officially over Saturday. Many people are hurting, confused, and need Jesus more than ever(some of our groups have experienced major tragedy). God has done amazing things this week & I am so thankful to be a part of them. I am learning that God doesn't call us when we know "all the right answers"...my skills regarding counseling are finally being used & I am so thankful. Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." This is my prayer- that the love of Christ would abound and my attitude would be only of that.
(1) Never, ever, ever attempt to cook 150 pieces of chicken on the grill in 2 hours...especially if they come from the freezer. Just say no. On Monday evening this incident occurred with me. Thankfully I had two wonderful church women (my kitchen assistants) who saved the day. However, the chicken did get done and tasted amazing.
Recipe: Place chicken (unseasoned) on the grill. On the side away from the grill, place a dab of garlic powder and small basting of Worcestershire sauce.
Upon flipping, generously baste the "up" side with bar-b-que sauce. Ensure cooking temperature and serve.
(2) You can create pretty much any amazing dessert using cake mix. Though Anne Byrn in the "Cake Mix Doctor" does an excellent job...she doesn't plan for ~150 people. I have used her recipes for inspiration and I have successfully produced a delicious strawberry cake, chocolate cake (as seen in earlier post), and last night a wonderful applesauce cake.
Unlike traditional commercial kitchens we have no real kitchen staff (I am considered volunteer) so mass chaos and a variety of ingredients may be found. Therefore, chocolate pudding and fruit cocktail creativity are simply a must. (I am still working of the fruit cocktail one...haha.)
Also, both of our handmixers died two days ago. Sad. However, my wonderful two ladies from Alabama working with me this week donated a new one-many thanks!
(3) Family recipes do come in handy...even at Big Creek. Two nights ago I decided to make a large bowl of banana pudding, a favorite of the Kevin's (our director) and Andy's (my official new little brother at Big Creek).
Please pray for several specific items: Big Creek is up for kitchen inspection soon (by late next week). This visit is unannounced so we have no idea when they will grace us & inspect us.
Pray for the staff-little sleep is had as a staffer & my fellow staff are simply amazing. God is working in many wonderful ways to reveal himself through them.
Our week 1 is officially over Saturday. Many people are hurting, confused, and need Jesus more than ever(some of our groups have experienced major tragedy). God has done amazing things this week & I am so thankful to be a part of them. I am learning that God doesn't call us when we know "all the right answers"...my skills regarding counseling are finally being used & I am so thankful. Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." This is my prayer- that the love of Christ would abound and my attitude would be only of that.
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