Economists have labeled this period in history we live in as “The Great Recession”. Everyone has been directly affected including all involved with Camp Machaceh and all those we serve.The million dollar question: What is the solution to this recession?

The prophet Micah brought a curse against Israel:

“14 You will eat but never have enough. Your hunger pangs and emptiness will still remain. And though you try to save your money, it will come to nothing in the end. You will save a little, but I will give it to those who conquer you. 15 You will plant crops but not harvest them. You will press your olives but not get enough oil to anoint yourselves. You will trample the grapes but get no juice to make your wine. 16…You will be treated with contempt, mocked by all who see you.” (Micah 6:14-16)

The Israelites’ worship was hollow and ritualistic. God brought the charge against them of not being just and not being faithful to Him. For these reasons they were cursed. I was haunted by this passage when I read it with regard to what our society is facing.

Our society has many idols and is full of injustice. We definitely are surrounded by a people who are never satisfied with what they have, who have all of the things but no reserves, and who toil only to receive no reward. This societal pattern is greatly reflected even in our church.

The root of the “Great Recession” will be debated by economists for generations. However, Micah was very clear that the root of the problem is the depravity of the heart. It is sin that led to a culture that can not be content, that overlooked the needs of our neighbor, and was filled with nominal church members. God required his followers to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). The only reasonable way this is accomplished is through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus lived life with the outcasts of society. He touched lepers, empowered women, praised children, and healed gentiles. But Jesus did not stop there. All of these actions were great, but they were signs. Signs that the Kingdom of God had arrived and all who believed could freely participate. Jesus challenged hollow religion, redefined it, and liberated us; Jesus is the liberating king. The disciples understood the truth of Jesus’ liberation at Pentecost. They then burst out in the crowd and proclaimed the good news.

How excited do we get about our liberating king? We are faced with a society shaped by the broken and wounded. Do we choose to live according to this corrupted pattern? No. As followers of Jesus we must break free and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must live justly, with mercy, and walk with God. For it is in the freedom of Christ that we can truly find contentment and the solution to the “Great Recession”.

Last summer, Harold joined our team as a volunteer for all three weeks of camp. Without his help, camp would have been much more stressful. Recently, we asked him a few questions about his experience.

Camp Machaceh (CM): How has your life been impacted by Camp Machaceh in general?
Harold: I know more about inner tubes than I expected. Participation in the camp activities, daily rallies, daily worship, prayer activities, and working with the kids reinforced the importance of my daily quite time and provided a renewed emphasis on helping others.

CM: What made you decide to volunteer with Camp Machaceh in 2008?
Harold: I had been praying for opportunities to serve and help others. I have fond memories of camps and wanted to participate in making the camping experience available for kids who otherwise would not be able to attend a camp. It just took someone asking me to help.

CM: In your own words what was your role at Camp Machaceh for Summer 2008?
Harold: I was the camp roadie, in charge of water balloon filling, inflation and deflation of inner tubes, setting up equipment for games, running errands, and occasionally throwing water balloons. I tried to help the directors and counselors prepare for the games and have equipment and supplies ready for their breakout sessions.

CM: Please describe your favorite experience from the summer.
Harold: I enjoyed interacting with the campers, counselors, and camp staff. I helped make s'mores for kids who had never eaten s'mores in their lives.

CM: What was the funniest thing that happened last summer?


CM: How are you continuing your involvement with Camp Machaceh?
Harold: Recently, I became a Board Member and plan on participating in the camp this summer.

CM: Why should someone volunteer for Camp Machaceh this summer?
Harold: Aside from helping groups of campers experience a camp of a lifetime, the experience will bring back memories of your own camp days and build new memories. The experience will give you an opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life, providing memories and happiness to kids who have had their share of challenges.

CM: Is volunteering with Camp Machaceh difficult?
Harold: The weather may be hot, the trails dusty, or the camp director may be stressed, but the work is satisfying and fosters great memories.

CM: What is the most important thing to know about volunteering with Camp Machaceh?
Harold: The camp is a true blessing to both the volunteer and the kids who attend. You will see the kids grow, enjoy the music, and you will feel God’s presence at the camp,

Harold, Aaron, & Stephanie

This summer, we are running our camp with only a volunteer staff. We have positions ranging from camp counselor and rec team to van driver. If you enjoy working with youth and volunteering at Camp Machaceh sounds like fun to you, head on over to our website www.campmachaceh.org for more information. Camp Machaceh Camp Edition is July 5-10, 2009 at Forest Glen Springs Christian Camp near Waco, TX. We hope to see you there!

Every year, the Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA) has a national gathering. Aaron and I went back in 2005 when Camp Machaceh was in the planning stages, and we decided it was time to go again. So we packed up and headed to Disney World. (Did I mention that was the location for this year?)

The conference was awesome! We heard from some amazing speakers and met some amazing people from camps all over the world. It's awesome to hear how God is using camps in other countries to reach people for Christ. The theme for the conference was Reimagine, and we were challenged to do just that. We learned a lot and were challenged by the speakers. Our favorites were Leonard Sweet, McNair Wilson, and Bart Tarman. We came home refreshed, energized, and excited about Summer 2009 and beyond!

The CCCA is a great organization! We are glad that Camp Machaceh is a part of it.

Speaking of Summer 2009, registration starts on February 2. That's in about three weeks! We have much to do before that day, so please keep us in your prayers!

Having never been to Disney World, Aaron and I decided to go a few days early as a 4th Anniversary present to each other. Enjoy these pictures of our trip!