This past weekend was our biggest weekend ever! It was great to see so many first time hunters, and some of our old friends. It’s a blessing when groups come up that focus on bringing new people to experience the ministry. We ended up with about 47 people for the weekend, which put our bunkrooms at max plus a couple of us sleeping in campers. There is nothing like a full camp to bring a smile to your face.
The kids were excellent and we had a couple of the mentors do the devotions for Friday Night and Sunday Morning, Saturday messages were brought by Bro. John Staszefski. We appreciate all who take a part in making this ministry all that it is.
Hunting this week was great. Most of the hunters saw deer and there were a couple of deer brought back to camp after almost every hunt. We ended up five bucks for the weekend and three of them were first kills. For someone to go out into a stand for the first time, to have never been hunting, to have never shot a rifle, to have never seen deer in a plot, and to successfully take a deer, it’s definitely amazing. And add into that amazing weekend four church services and you end up with a pile of amazing memories.
And at the camp house everything ran smoothly. And that’s what this weeks post is about. The final lesson was on the body of Christ. The speaker talked about how important it is for every part. And how important it is for all of us to take a part. God has a purpose and a plan for each and every one of us. And at times in our lives we fill that we just don’t fit, or we are not enough. But in God’s eyes we have a spot to fill. The question today, is are you filling your spot?
At the camp house, we all have a spot. Some come in to help cook, clean, or just wash clothes. Some of us come in just to mentor. We have a couple of pastors that come in just to bring messages. Some ladies just send brownies or cookies for the weekend. We have a few that work at processing the deer. Everything comes together to make great weekends.
Just like at Briar Ridge, we all have a part to play in the body of Christ. The Lord has given each of us a gift, a purpose, a plan. It says in 1 Peter 4:10-11,
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
I pray that God is getting glory through your life. I pray that everything you do is profiting the kingdom. And if it’s not, I pray you get in line with Him. If you are seeking a purpose and a plan, he has one for you. If you are looking for somewhere to fit, I promise he has a spot carved out just for you. I can promise you, He loves you just as you are.
If you need someone to talk to, we are always available. And if you know someone who needs our ministry please contact us.
Love in Christ,
Briar Ridge
January 6-8, 2023
