We’ve been packed out with groups over the past month or so, and I’ve even had a role change – read on to find out more! My position here at Gaines Manor with Camp XL is self-funded; if you feel able to partner with me financially, you can do so here.
Day 621
It was great to have back with us a group of dads and lads from a church near Chester, who last came to us 2 years ago. We got stuck into 2 Timothy in the meetings, where Paul gives instructions to his spiritual son Timothy to stand firm – so it was a great fit for the dads and lads. We had an action-packed weekend with the boys: there was rafting, combat archery, a bonfire, football at every opportunity, air rifles, an unforgettable evening of karaoke, and we also celebrated Beth’s birthday on the Sunday!
Day 628
We loved having one of our regular groups back with us: Kensington Baptist from Bristol. Myself and Ben wrote a new teaching programme for the weekend called ‘The King is Coming’ looking at the last 4 chapters of Revelation – needless to say the ask it basket was very full! But it was so encouraging to see the youth getting really stuck into God’s Word and asking lots of questions. Other highlights from the weekend included: getting competitive in combat archery, creating some arty designs in the graffiti room, enjoying smores round the bonfire, a murder mystery, and a walk in the beautiful countryside.
Day 631
I headed up to the beautiful Lake District for a week-long conference called ‘Culture Uncovered’ which was a joint venture between Keswick Ministries and Growing Young Disciples. Ted Turnau challenged us to think how popular culture and apologetics intersect. The week definitely left me with lots to go away and think about more, and I also managed to squeeze in a walk up Skiddaw, although it was quite windy and cloudy at the top!
Day 635
A new, relatively local group were with us for the weekend. They got really stuck into all the activities: wide games in the woods, toasted marshmallows round the bonfire, combat archery, kayaking and more. And for the Bible teaching, we based ourselves in Hebrews 12: looking at what it looks like to keep running the race as a Christian.
Day 640
Intern life over the past few weeks has been pretty varied: sorting out all the dressing up stuff, refilling the beanbags (which involved Emily making a snow angel on her birthday), working outside in the grounds with Neil, helping out at Holiday Bible Club at Woodgreen Church (and Beth getting gunged), and Neil (very bravely) agreeing to let Emily and Mary shave his head!
I’ve been busy in the office sorting out programmes, communicating with future groups, sending out newsletters and more. And was grateful to have some time off to see friends at the end of October.
Day 647
During an office team day (it was actually more exciting than it sounds) I received the exciting news that I’ve been promoted to General Manager! Which means I now oversee most of the practical aspects of day-to-day life at Gaines Manor. I’m so thankful to be working alongside Ben and Jeremy who graciously recognise the gifts God has given me.
Day 649
For our final youth group of 2018, we welcomed a new group from London: the Ethiopian Christian Fellowship. Despite a late arrival on the Friday night, we had a great time! For the teaching, we were looking at holiness from 1 Peter; a challenge for both the youth and ourselves. Other highlights from their time with us included: combat archery, hanging out in the Dive playing pool and table tennis, karaoke, a walk in the countryside and a very competitive indoor games competition!
Day 653
Most of the team headed down to Saint George’s House in North Devon (where we ran ‘The Beach’ back in August). It was great to be able to enjoy some fellowship with other Christian centres, hear about their joys and challenges over the past year. And surfing and rock climbing were pretty fun too!
Day 656
The students from Birmingham City Uni Christian Union came to us for the weekend; this was a new venture for us, and I’m pleased to say the students loved it! It was a slightly more relaxed weekend for us, as they loved sitting round the fire drinking tea and playing games. Ben taught us from Nehemiah, showing us the importance for God’s people to be united around God’s Word. It was a real encouragement for us to be reminded of the unity we share with other Christians, and to see students living for Jesus at uni and wanting to share the gospel with their fellow students.
Coming up…
Our final group of the year: Worcester uni Christian Union are coming in today for the weekend, then next week we start maintenance, and plans for New Year House Party (fancy coming? Book here!) are also under way!
Please Pray!
- Thank God for the many groups we’ve had come to us in the past month, pray that they would come to know Jesus as their King
- That we’d remain united as a team as we have a change in working patterns with only one more group before Christmas
- That God would keep us safe in the different maintenance projects we’ll be undertaking
Gaines Girl 