Ministry in the Kaléo Program

April 19^th 2013

                This year in the Kaléo Program I have had more opportunities to serve in ministry than I have ever had in my entire life. Three of these areas have been in my church, on my mission’s trip and at the camp. At my church I was able to serve in different areas such as the children’s programs, reading scripture during the serves and mainly in the Wednesday night youth group. For most of the year, working in the youth group was challenging for me, it seemed as if I was just present during the youth group and I wasn’t connecting with the youth especially the girls in the youth. As one of the girl leaders I was struggling with relating to the junior high girls. But going every week eventually paid off. I was able to make a few good connections with the girls, I think that just showing up every week for eight months eventually showed the girls how much I really did care for them. God taught me a lot through this ministry. He taught me that to minister I don’t need to shove the gospel down people’s throats but that I need to just love them by being there for them no matter what.

                The next area of ministry was the mission’s trip. During the missions trip we were able to go to an organization called Potter’s Place. This was a place where people off the streets would go to get a meal, but also with the meal they would hear worship and a sermon. At Potter’s Place we were able to share testimonies during many of the services. It was crazy to see how eager those at Potter’s were to hear our testimonies. Many people were touched by our stories. Through this experience God has taught me just how powerful testimonies are.

                A third area of ministry has been camp ministry. This year I have had two opportunities to counsel during retreats. The first opportunity was the first time that I had ever counseled, so I think that during that weekend I learned what counseling was like. The next opportunity my eyes were opened to how broken the families are of the kid’s that come to camp, and how open they were for the love they received at camp. During this second retreat I was able to give some Bibles to the girls in my cabin. I have never seen anybody so excited to receive the word of God. That was so eye opening. I loved counseling so much.

                Overall, the ministry aspects of the program have stretched me beyond belief and have helped me to grow in my faith immensely. Ministry has definitely been one of my favorite aspects to the program. 

                April 11, 2013

After finishing the course, Camp and youth ministry, and being involved in camp and youth ministries throughout the year, I have come to really appreciate good programming  In the past I have not paid much attention to good programming but I can really see where it can be so very important. If you have good programming it shows the kids, “I love you,” and the kids will respond better. If you have a very poorly programmed event, the kids will zone out and not get much out of the event, except for maybe screwing around.

                During the Juniors retreat, I could see how well they programmed the weekend to fit around the kids. Form the messages, to the games, to the activities, and to the food; everything was planned into the interest of the kids. It helped a lot to give the kids the best experience they could have that weekend.

                I saw God work miraculously this weekend. I counseled a cabin of eight girls, many of whom were from some tough situations in their homes. But God worked in their hearts this weekend. They had so many questions about the Bible and Christianity, they were so open to Jesus. One of my girls, Makayla, even made the choice to follow Christ. At the end of the weekend I had the privilege to give most of the girls in my cabin Bibles. They absolutely loved them, and I pray that they will be able to learn and Know God’s love through his word. Overall, the weekend was amazing.