Winter Weekend

This weekend I was assigned to work as a server in pine tree, however we had over 1000 people on the hill and we needed a little more help in the kitchen. So I was able to cook and get to know what goes on behind the scenes at Hume. The weekend conferences only lasted till Saturday, as a result I only had to work on Friday and half of Saturday.
Saturday afternoon I was able to go snowshoeing with Jordan Stonerholm and a few of my other friends up here. It was a blast; we arrived at our destination: Buena Vista, at sunset and the reflection of the setting sun on the snow, and later the moon, was a spectacular view. There came a point on the hike when we were climbing nearly straight up and could see the Moon and all the stars in the sky. It was a spectacular view at the top, we could see 360 degrees around us at the moon soaked mountain ranges. I could not help but marvel at how amazing a God we have that could make something as beautiful as the sights we saw and as enormous as the stars and still care about us enough and love us enough to send His only Son to die for all of the atrocities we have committed so that we could spend eternity with Him in heaven.


I tried as hard as I could to get all the stars, but it just didnt work...
Sunday we were able to take a trip to the General Grant Tree in Kings canyon National Park, and were surprised to see the 85th annual Christmas celebration and Veterans Memorial service. We stayed to watch the old carol singers sing Christmas songs in many different genres including rock and rap, and watch the ROTC color guard present the colors and salute the veterans. It was a great time full of fond memories and fun people.

SUN-SHINE!

This last week we have been blessed with wonderful weather up here in Sequoia National Park.
My first weekend working support services went very well. It is surprising how much fun you can have cleaning toilets, mopping floors, and picking up after messy campers if you have the mindset that you are doing it to bring glory to God. It’s funny to think that something as insignificant as cleaning can be used to praise God.
This week we have been training on how to use the snowboard run, tube run, and referee broom hockey. So if any of you want to visit I can take you on any of those!
Our speaker this week was a man by the name of Dave Hanson, president of Student International. Student international is a ministry in developing countries, using college students who want to join a short term ministry team; we will be working with SI in the Dominican Republic. Dave discussed missions, and why we are called to do missions and reach out to the poor. Yet, what I enjoyed the most was how he said that not all missions is going oversees; granted some are called to go to foreign lands, however it is necessary that people remain in the states to support, get college degrees, and even use those college degrees for missions later on. God will use you where you are at, as long as you emulate Christ in everything you do. This encouraged me because I feel the desire to go oversees while I am still young and minister to those less fortunate than I; yet I still want to go to college and get the degree I want.
I have just applied to Moody Bible Institute in Spokane, WA, and San Diego Christian College to study aviation. Both have fairly prestigious aviation programs, however Moody doesn’t cost as much, and seems to be a little better schooling. I am leaving it up to God, and wherever I get accepted is most likely where I will go. All of your prayer would be really appreciated since this will be the second most important decision I have ever made.
Tonight we had another themed dinner: Joshua 50 year reunion. It was a very fun night, full of apple sauce, prune juice, and bunko. Needless to say, I felt very much like grandpa… Just look at the pictures…

Seasons greatings

Back at the building!

Well its been a fun couple of weeks. Mexico was amazing. I learned so much from the deaf children and the hearts of the people at the Ranch. It was truely amazing to see how happy they were with so little; I felt convicted because I have so much and take it for granted. Most of the week was spent working around the Ranch and playing with the children, however we were able to go into Ensenada and watch the Baja 1000: The biggest offroad race in America!

We had to leave mexico a day early because Hume was having a snow storm and we had to make it back in time to leave again for Thanksgiving break.

I finally made it home and had a great week with my family. I got to see mommy for the first time since July, and have a really great time with freinds and family on Thanksgiving day.

Back here at Joshua everything is white and cold. But that doesnt stop us from having a little fun. Being home for break was great, but I realized how attatched I have become to this place and the people here. Its still just as exciting and fun for me as the first day that I got here.



Well thats going to be all for now, all I heard back home was how long my post were and the rarity of them. So I will do my best to post frequent short blogs.
Missing you all!
-Eric

Hello dear freinds and family!
The past couple of weeks have been really busy for me. I usually post every monday afternoon, but it was difficult last week. I passed the Philipians 1 test after a few attempts to recite it and I turned in my 8 page paper for our inductive bible study class. We have been learning so much, that it is diffcult to process; so that could be one thing to pray for: that I can use my time well to study what I have been learning.
We had a pumpkin carving contest a few days before Halloween. The girls won, but I still think the zombie pumpkin was the best.



Halloween night we had a small party for one of the guys leaving Hume, A birthday party for one of the Joshua students, and a halloween themed pinata. A girl got hit in the face with the pinata stick and looks like she got in a really bad fight, she could harly open her eye. She was really tough about it though, and even started laughing when she saw it.
Oh yeah! we had our first snow on the 30th. But its been sunny since then. Oh! scratch that, It just started snowing and everyone is going bonkers.

This week:

Monday-
After having our first Israel Prep test, we had our speaker come in and teach us our Ministry skills class. Our speaker for the week was Matt Lantz, he is the director of a program similar to Joshua called the Forge. The forge is based out of a camp called Pine Tree located in Texas. Matt brought three guys up with him to hang out with us, and to also learn about Joshua. Matt was a great speaker and introduced many great ideas; during ministry skills he had us become an elder board of a church and think of ways to fix the problem of not having enough volunteers for the churches ministries. We came up with many great ideas, however heart of the problem is in peoples fear of commitment, they don't want to sign up to volunteer because they would have to follow through and actually do something that might inconvenience them. It all demonstrates the selfishness of human nature and lack of desire to do the wok God calls us to. During our evening discussion Matt divulged the importance of obedience in our faith and how “God desires obedience that comes from faith, instead of a show of self-righteous religion.” This was Matt’s thesis for all of our talks, every night giving a different problem with our obedience as Christians.

Tuesday-
Our morning class was Old Testament with Mark from the Well. (A church partnered with Hume) He is teaching the book of Exodus over the next few weeks; I love his passion for the word of God and his ability to paint a clear picture in my head that makes the Bible come to life, and creates a hunger to know more. Tuesday afternoon I worked down in main camp with the activities people. While cleaning up one of the sets used for the summer themes I accidentally sanded my arm with an electric sander- probably one of the dumbest things I’ve ever done. (dont worry mom! its just a little scratch.)
Tuesday evening discussion was similarly themed. However we discussed the problem of obedience and how many Christians believe that obedience to religion comes first, and then you will receive faith. Yet, it is quite the opposite; “Obedience is not the source of righteousness, it is the course of righteousness.” –D. Willard. As Christians, our faith and love of Christ should compel us to be obedient to God’s commands.

Wednesday-

During breakfast I was able to talk to Matt for a while about one of my biggest fears: that the ones I love will not go to Heaven, but will suffer forever in Hell. Matt gave me many ways to minister to those close to me that wouldn't be offensive and push them further away. During the Grill Matt gave us excellent advice on dating, and his theory of the 7th date DTR(dating should just be casual and respectful, and every seven dates you define the relationship; overall a really great insight. Lately I have been feeling really annoyed with people here not respecting the staff and others by not being on time, immature comments, and overall disrepect. So to clear my head I went for a run around the lake, which helped initially, but I quickly fell back into the funk. It wasn't until I spoke with Josh Coffie (the guys RD) that he helped me realize I was being selfish and prideful, thinking that my standards were the best, and that I was better then everyone because I was the only one who could meet my standards. Yet, when I decided to give control to God and only live on his standards, it affected how I interacted with those around me. I was able to enjoy being around people I usually was annoyed with, and I could have the uplifted carefree attitude that I prefer.

Thursday-

Because we have been so busy, and bogged down by school and Joshua life, the staff took all 56 of us down to Fresno to drop Matt and the Forge guys off at the airport. Afterward we toured Fresno Pacific; it was an interesting tour, but I don't think that will be on my list of schools to apply to. Following the tour we were given 4 hours of free time to shop, relax and look for a Christmas present for our designated child in Mexico. We were told to bring 80’s themed clothes for some surprise activity; after a short drive, we ended up at a bowling alley for some awesome 80’s night bowling!


The weekend was fairly uneventful. I worked in the Cedar hall kitchen and got to spend time with my freind Jacob Wieland before he leaves. Sunday afternoon I was asked to go shooting with one of the Pause family dads and a couple guys, it was a cool time to hang out and do manly things. After church we had a "family meeting" where Rich told us that Falynne and Chelsea are in isolation for three days to determine there position and whether or not they really desire to be at Joshua. They had been struggling with turning stuff in on time and being on time places, and the consequences werent severe enough, so the were sent away from the rest of the Joshua family. Afterward we all came together as brothers and sisters and prayed for the girls that they would be used however God wants them, but that God would want them here. It was an amazing feeling seeing just how connected we have all become over 2 months, and realizeing how awesome the community is here.

This next Sunday we are leaving to go to mexico! And after mexico I will be coming home for thanksgiving. I look foreward to hearing from you!

-Eric Dean.

The longest week ever!

This week was so long and busy!



Monday-
The first part of our day Monday was spent driving an hour and a half to Hartland Christian Camp. Hartland is a small camp near Hume Lake that we have partnered with to help them grow. Our task for the week consisted of removing all small trees and shrubbery that could fuel a fire for the first mile of the road entering Hartland. When we arrived, we were greeted with abounding gratitude and warm hospitality. After lunch we wasted no time in getting to work; right away I was assigned a chainsaw, Rich must have told them how much I loved chainsaw work. Total there were 4 chainsaws, 2 buzz saw brush cutters, 2 pole saws, 6 loppers, 5 wood chippers, and 56 able bodied students with great attitudes ready to get the job done. After dinner we had an intro video from Bob, the director of Hartland, and an insight to the plan he has for us when we come back to work with the camp in May. The evening discussion was followed up by volleyball, basketball, and Rich’s Human Slingshot. GET SLUNG!




Tuesday-
Tuesday was another fun filled day of working our tails off. We had few complaints and few injuries. However lumberjacking does not go without perils; our friend Tucker Was hit in the face with a log and received some pretty good cuts, but was fixed up and right back to work in no time. Tuesday evening we were reminded that we were serving so that we can learn discipline, work ethic and teamwork while bringing God glory.

Wednesday-
Wednesday morning I woke up and was feeling a little under the weather, but I didn't let that stop me from grapping my saw and getting to work! I worked all day with Calen, heading the group through the forest and cutting trees while Calen would pull them out of the way. I am so glad that Grandpa taught me how to use a chainsaw, I am very grateful for everything I have learned from him. Yet, I am never done learning, I learned new ways to fall trees and to sharpen and detail the chainsaw from an old lumberjack named Jeff whole was helping Hartland with tree projects while we were there. After lunch we finished clearing the rest of the forest. Looking back I saw the work we did; on both sides of the road were stacked tree limbs and logs six feet high for one mile. It took us the rest of the day to finish chipping all the remnants, but we ended up clearing quarter million square feet of brush and debris. At the end of the day I had no energy left to play games in the gym, so I headed to bed at eight o’clock.

Thursday-
I am definitely sick. I woke up half of the night coughing up phlegm, and could hardly sleep. Luckily we only had cleaning to do to turn the camp back over to the Hartland crew. Over the week I realized how supportive the staff are of each other, and how they don't hesitate to help one another out; this is one trait that I would like to help implement wherever I work. I was also proud of myself for keeping in any complains of tiredness or of being sick, because if I start complaining, it gives others liberty to do the same. So I took it with a grain of salt and kept up the good morale in the group. Finally after a long hard week of work we headed home. After finishing washing the vans I took the long awaited sleep I needed in my nice comfy bed, only waking up for dinner, then going back to sleep to get rid of my sickness.

Friday-
I think this is the longest day I have ever had…at least at Joshua. We had 5 a.m’s this morning because we did not keep the building clean the previous weekend. During 5 a.m’s everyone has to do their chore for the day for 2 HOURS! Luckily I was assigned the kitchen with about 8 other people and there was plenty to do, so the time went by relatively quickly. I just feel sorry for the people cleaning the corners of chairs with cutips because they couldn't find anything else to do. I applied everything I had learned at Hartland, about not complaining and keeping a positive attitude, and it made group morale better and the time move faster. I ended up taking a nap between our classes and heading off to work, probably the most well spent 30 minutes ever. I was assigned High Adventure again this week for the men’s conference! I definitely think that would be a good place to work over the summer. With such a bus weekend ahead of us, Jordan decided to run 2 High Adventure sessions, a paintball session and a zip line session. I was able to run one of the paintball sessions and one of the High Adventure sessions. At dinner I got to talk with Jordan again; he is a really great guy with a great attitude toward life. He sees the opportunity in everything and loves living life to its fullest extent; he would be a really great guy to work for and learn from. After dinner we went to listen to the speaker speak about being salt and light to our communities, showing them the light of Christ and causing them to be thirsty to know more. Following the speaker was an illusionist that blew my mind; he did so many tricks that seemed impossible, yet he always related it back to God.

Saturday-
Saturday was another fun filled day; full of paintball, High Adventure, zip lines and cleaning up the paintball field with stumpers and chainsaws. In my High Adventure session I was leading a guy across the balance beam, 30 feet in the air, when I decided to demonstrate how strong my tethers were. I sat back in my harness and heard a loud snap then fell onto the balance beam; I looked up to see my prussic cord hanging loose, luckily my security tethers were still attached. It turns out that my prussic, the cord that shortens the rope, was outside the carabineer and only attached by the small plastic rope stabilizer piece. Needless to say, I was freaked out, but I played it off well and Tim, the guy I was leading across, hardly knew something went wrong. The rest of the session went without a hitch, and we were able to finish the rest of the day smoothly.

Sunday-
Sunday morning I walked down to breakfast early and was fortunate enough to have some devotional time. This good start to the day made everything run smoothly, even though I was still a little sick. We had no sessions today, so Calen and I were assigned to clean out the stumps from the paintball field using the giant stump grinder and a chainsaw. This kept us entertained throughout the day and we hardly realized when it was time to go to dinner.

Well I am back at the building now ready to catch upon some sleep. We have a huge essay due this week, and our Phillipians test...so please pray for that!

Blessings to everyone!
-Eric