Reflecting this morning on the current crisis, a flood of unanswered questions enveloped my mind. I was somehow drawn back to some simple truths which both built and sustained this ministry over many years now. Of course there are concerns which may remain without answers or solutions at this time. Do we resume activities in groups larger than ten in May? What about summer camps? How do we pay the bills when suddenly revenues are dramatically down? What can we do to further a mission normally accomplished by bringing people together? How can we practice physical distancing without actual social distancing?

While we have not yet located a book on the specifics of how we are to serve the needs of people during this global pandemic, my thoughts have been drawn back to core values which are contemporary and relevant. They could be expressed as follows:

*Our lives (and ministry) are to be characterized by a walk of faith.
In scripture, Abraham is often portrayed as perhaps history’s greatest example of faith. God called him to go out to a place he had never been, to a land that God said, “I will show you”. As a backpacker, I can assure you that these are not directions which I relish. I much prefer to travel with a map (or GPS) in my backpack, a plan in mind, and a destination ahead. Backpacking, like our faith journey, is a matter of taking one step after another.In a sense, God calls each of His children to follow Him in this way. While we may know the ultimate destination, we often may not discern the route or the stopping points along the way.

In the year prior to acquiring land on Lake Rathbun for what is now Camp Appanoose, four original board members met and prayed concerning the future direction of the ministry. With roots in a women and children’s auxiliary of a rescue mission, each person had a passion for young people and a commitment to the gospel. Each was faithfully taking steps of faith by ministering to young people through foster care and other venues. What became Camp Appanoose was not fully expected. However, step by step, God provided faithful people (mostly volunteers), needed properties, and a growing passion for young people. In this season, that early journey of faith continues on. We know the One who determines our steps, Proverbs 16:9.

*Our priorities are not temporal or material, but spiritual.
There are only a few things in this life which are eternal. Truth, disclosed by God, in Scripture, stands forever. Isaiah put it this way, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever”. In nature there is a continual process of both birthing and dying. Just this morning while out on some of the seven miles of trail maintained by this ministry, I noticed new life emerging through last season’s brown leaves and withered grass. The truth of God’s word, given in time and space, will forever outlive the temporal world in which it was given. It is truth revealed by God, who is truth. Designing creative programs for the purpose of making truth known is an investment in that which is eternal. Solomon wrote, in Ecclesiastes 3:11, that God has placed eternity in the heart of man. Made for eternity, there is nothing of the material world that will ever bring lasting satisfaction to human life, because man himself was made for the eternal glory of his Creator.

As parents, grandparents, teachers, or just caring people we need to keep in perspective the eternal value of disseminating truth and investing in people. The apostle, in Ephesians 4:15 alludes to the balance of eternal values where he mentioned, “speaking the truth in love.” Truth is eternal. Love expressed to others in truth is an eternal investment. Several years ago, upon finishing summer staff training, one of our counselors said, “to sum up our entire time of training, you could simply say that we are here to love young people and to tell them the truth”.

*Our values are best expressed in relationships.
From Adam’s creation, God intended community for His creatures. In fact, God Himself is triune, eternally relational within the godhead. Broken families, social hostilities, wars, violence have nothing to do with God’s plan, but rather are an expression of human brokenness. Redemptive ministry begins with relationship restored. Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary’s cross and His subsequent resurrection made forgiveness possible, restoring human beings to their Creator. This is the good news, the great news, the greatest news on the little blue marble! This greatest news is the heart of the message of Camp Appanoose.

The greatest news translates into many other restored relationships. In the structure of Camp Appanoose, a great premium has been placed on relationships within a small group of campers as they relate to one another and their big brother/big sister leader for the week. We find that young people in need of that greatest news often respond best when truth is communicated in a setting of trust and acceptance.

In this time of distancing, we have found a preference for the term physical rather than social distancing, because it will always be our intention to show the love of Jesus Christ the wonderful Creator of human relationships. We, here at Appanoose Ministries, want to encourage you to find ways during this time of global crisis to connect with others, beginning with your own family, while maintaining all of the recommended hygienic safeguards.

Pray for us; we pray for you!
-Pastor Pat