Third time is the charm....

Children's Camp 2007 has now come to an end and what a great time it was.  Truly, this being the third year of camp, I think this was the best yet.  Yes, it was filled with challenges, but God was so in this providing every step of the way.  We finished with another witness of God's power in the lives of these kids but even more, I think this year was the beginning of a partnership between the Latvian and American churches that will enable this to be sustainable for many years to come.  

Speaking personally (this is Dennis), yesterday after the American team left I think I was the most exhausted, yet excited, I have ever been about the ministry among the children of Ogre.  I have seen a deposit made in the lives of these children that will enable them to grow closer to the Lord.  Yet I also see people here taking on the cause of building into their lives.  In the days and weeks to come I hope to give you a bigger glimpse into their lives.

I'm also thankful this camp has ended without any major incidents.  That was a major concern for me this year.  I mentioned earlier that this site had a pond on it.  Though one boy cut his leg while diving, no major incidents happened.  Also, this camp was two hours from Riga along the major road between Riga and Moscow.  This is a two lane road heavily traveled by trucks and crazy drivers who just MUST pass everyone.  I spent much of my camp handling logistics and driving between Riga and camp and saw many accidents.  Thankfully, we were spared any major incidents.

We did have our share of 'brakes' however.  One of the borrowed vans lost it's front brake pads while traveling.  This was on Saturday night.  Thankfully we were close to a friends house and managed to find parts.  In his front yard, we did our own brake job while the kids played at a water park.  

At the service project, Lee Benson was mixing cement when the drill he was using hung and twisted his hand in a direction it was never meant to go.  We took him to the hospital in Riga where we discovered he had two broken bones in his hand.  After receiving mild anesthetic in his hand, the doctor twisted and set the bones back in place.  I learned that human bones sound much like chicken bones when they are cracking and twisting in ways not intended by our design.  Ouch.

There were certainly many other challenges this year - 'interesting' meals, 4 legged rodent friends in our rooms, fleas where fleas should not be, 4 showers for all 150 people, exhaustion from many late nights.  But all this seems so minor to what we saw God do.  Into the lives of these young ones was placed a seed of faith and hope that their lives can be so much more than what they presently see.  And not only is the hope communicated by a team from America that returns home with heavy hearts, but a team from Latvia has risen up to carry forward the message that God loves them and they can have hope that their plight is not ignored.  Pray with us in the weeks and months to come that these precious ones will cling to Christ and He would draw them near with his strong arms.

Thanks for being part of this - do keep checking back as I post about what happens in the weeks and months to come with these youth.  Also check out the photo gallery where you can see some of the pictures I took at camp.

Blessings to you all - Dennis

Testimony!

God's hand has truly been upon us. Among our team, we have seen his provision and protection for us time and time again. Among the kids, he has changed lives. Let me end this day with some brief testimony that I have heard.

From Aivis, a teenager from Jaunjelgava: I came here because I wanted to the staff from last year. They weren’t here but I met new staff and have enjoyed them. They are funny and very good people. Amy is also a good car driver but CRAZY. Every day they have a smile on their face and it makes me feel good. While here I feel better because I have started really believing in God. Please pray for God’s work in my life and that I would find God and get closer to Him.

From Edgars, a teenager from Ogre: I thought it was going to be boring, but I came and it has been fun - the staff are always smiling. They treat me like I have been a friend for a long time. I like that very much. I hope I can help others more after camp. I really like Amy – she makes me smile. Amy is a good driver but crazy!!! I would like to say to everyone in America – please don’t forget us – please come back next year.

Thank you all for praying and NOT forgetting about these incredible kids in Latvia.
Blessings to you all, Dennis

Vroom!

Wow - I don't even know where to begin other than to say it has been an incredible busy few days since the last post.  The teen camp was amazing, the children's camp has begun, and God has been tremdously gracious to us because camp certainly hasn't been without challenges.  I've spent most of my time in the front seat of my van transporting people and materials all over this country.  But today I'm around camp for most of the day, so I hope to get several posts up to really let you know what is going on here.   So, hang in there - more is coming!
Dennis

Over the valley and through the woods....

...and off to camp we go. Yesterday evening the majority of the team AND their luggage arrived successfully. One family didn't make it because they were in Heathrow airport when somebody was nice enough to leave a piece of luggage behind promoting a cancellation of all European bound flights - including theirs! They will hopefully be in tonight.

Those who did make it loaded into 5 vans and 1 trailer and made their way to camp two hours away from Riga in the little town of Vecbeberi. And, let me emphasize that this is a 'little' place. Last week I asked for the address of the school we are at and was told "there is none - just list the name of the school and the town - that's enough."

It was a beautiful drive out here driving beside the Daugava River with fields of rapeseed and their beautiful yellow blooms all around. Also found are huge stork nests, many ancient farmsteads as well as the crumbling edifices of old collective farms from the communist occupation.

I'll tell you more about the school tomorrow, but it is beautiful - the main building is an old 'muiza' or manor house. Inside a large atrium is a huge fireplace. I can close my eyes and just picture people for generations standing around warming themselves at it.

Around this are the classrooms and auditorium. In the basement is the 'staff room' that this year comes complete with natural 'air conditioning' which is a nice change from last year.

The staff are busy getting ready for the kids. Everyone seems to be ready, rooms are ready, supplies in place. The kids will get here tomorrow about 3:00 or 4:00.

Keep praying for good weather. Last night the rain was horrible and temps in the lower 50s, but the skies have cleared and we're ready for the kids!

Everyone feel free to leave comments for the staff and kids - I'll be sure to pass them on. If you want, you can just write an e-mail directly to camp@5sinks.com and I will forward it on.

Until tomorrow, Dennis

Stuff.

Betty gives me a hard time because I overuse the word "stuff."  She asks "What are you doing?"  My stock answer is 'stuff.'  Of course, it's also a noun meaning 'things' and generally, we have lots of it.  Especially if you are doing camp for 70 staff and 120 kids over the course of 10 days.  I've spent most of the weekend collecting stuff and took the first load to camp yesterday.  My poor van was sitting so low and as it traversed the bumpy Latvian roads, it told me about it.  Part of why I was so heavy was thanks to over 300 liters of liquid - water, soda and juices.  We made it just fine, but SO much more stuff has to get there today.  Thirty five American staff arrive today with 70 pieces of luggage.  Add to this MORE water, and more supplies from the last two years of camps we have already done.  So, seven vans, 1 trailer and oh yes, the bridge to camp is out so we have to take farm road through the countryside.  See you at camp.  Dennis.