DIRT Update

When talking about DIRT Camp, every year we say, “This is going to be the best DIRT Camp ever!” and that statement alway proves to be true. Well, this year just saying, “best camp ever” is not big or grand enough to describe DIRT Camp 2010. This year’s camp is going to be EPIC in proportion compared to anything we have done in the past. That is why we are calling it “EPIC Adventure”.

Everyone involved senses something awesome shaping up that can only be described as “GOD-sized”. For example, I already have 17 young adults (college students and young professionals) who have applied to be our team leaders this year. Also, it is very likely that our attendance could double from last year. Wow! I am more excited about this year’s DIRT Camp than ever because more students means more lives being touched by Christ. I am most excited because I know there will be some students that will give their lives to Christ at camp. Praise God!

For the first time ever, I am going to reveal some of our big “Secrets” for this year’s camp. As many of you know we like to keep our camp plans a secret because we love the element of surprise. Although, this year I just can’t keep quiet about it so here goes:

Sequoyah Caverns - We are renting the entire property of Sequoyah Caverns! This property has a complete camp ground with bath houses, swimming pool, hiking trails, fishing ponds, and of course the caverns. By renting this property we will be able to offer an option to those who are interested in tent camping. Students can bring their own tents or they can bunk in one of the two large event tents we will have setup with cots.

Worship in the Cave - Now here is the best part of having the Sequoyah property. All of our worship gatherings will be inside the caverns! Have you ever heard singing in a cave? It’s like singing in the bathroom, everyone sounds good. I believe this is going to be an amazing experience and likely the only camp in America having worship services inside a cave.

More Activities - This year we are going to have almost twice as many activities for students to enjoy. Everything from swimming to extreme adventures of which I will keep secret for now (got to save something for the element of surprise).

More Missions - With twice as many students, that means twice as many missions. More serving in the community with the love of Christ. More lives touched, more good things accomplished, more students experiencing the blessings of service.

Now, Are You Excited About DIRT Camp?
I hope you are so excited about this year’s DIRT Camp that you will make a commitment to do your part:

We Need People to Pray
First and most important, we need people everywhere praying. This really is a God size event that is bigger than all of us. This is our Jordan to cross and we have already stepped into the water. We are trusting God to carry us amazingly through this EPIC adventure. Pray for the safety and protection of everyone attending the camp. Pray for our strength because this will be a physically and emotionally challenging week for both students and leaders. Pray for souls to be saved and lives to be forever changed.

We Need People to Give
Second, we need people to give financially. By faith we have committed more resources to camp than ever before. I know God can cover the cost easily through His people. That is how God pays for every ministry He leads. So I would ask you to consider what would be your part? Is it as one of our prayer warriors? Is it to be one of our financial champions? Please participate however you can. By your participation you can rejoice in the celebration once this camp has proven to be a “GOD-sized” success!

Click here for Camp registration information

WE WANT TO WISH YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS...

Another year has come and is almost gone, but we still have Christmas! I am always excited about ending the year by looking to our Savior for joy and celebration as we spend some quality time with family and friends. I wish I could have a big party and invite all my friends, which definitely includes you. Maybe one day that will happen, but this year at least I can send a letter with sincere Christmas wishes for you and you family.

A lot has happened for the DIRT Crew this year and God has really blessed the ministry. So many lives have been touched with the love of Christ. It has not all been easy but it certainly has been worth it. If we could have that party I would invite everyone that we have ministered to, every student that has served and every adult that has supported the work. What a wonderful gathering that would be. However you fit in this picture I want to say THANK YOU! We love you and appreciate your service, prayers and support.

PARACHUTES FOR COLUMBIA
I am so proud of our middle schoolers at Piedmont Church. In 3 weeks time they raised almost $300 to buy materials to deliver parachutes to Voice of the Martyrs for the sake of dropping bibles and radios in the war torn jungles of Columbia. They not only raised the money but they also made  27 parachutes one Sunday afternoon. Along with the parachutes we provided the funds to purchase solar powered radios, spanish Bibles and other materials to be attached to each parachute. Pray with us that God would  guide each parachute to those who need the hope found in Christ.

WINTER DIRT CAMP WILL BE AWESOME
Please remember to pray for our first ever Winter DIRT Camp (Dec. 30 - Jan.2). I am so excited because the Lord has given us some brand new ideas that will make this camp very special. Because you give we can offer this camp below cost for students. We have many who could not come other wise. Thank you for believing in the DIRT Crew!