Harvest of Kids

Filled with Skill

Called to restore the Historic Philip Houston House at Shepherd's Staff as a personal retreat

Preparing the floor

Working in wood

The master tile setter

Skilfully papering a corner

When the chef calls - you better come !

Final trim pieces fits perfectly.

This is the easy step

"Then Moses said to...he has filled them with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts - to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship." Exodus 35:30

Hold Your Breath

The slow slow assent if over. It's time to hold your breath. Right at the top of the highest point- just before you know the rush is eminent. That point where there is no return - just enjoy the ride!.

Last week end I took my 11 year old grandson to Six Flags. He was far braver than I anticipated, wanting to go for every one of the rides - the scarier the better. He wasn't scared, but I was for him as I watched from my bench in the shade at the exit door.

After months of planning for Creative Arts Camp at Shepherd's Staff, today was packing day. The schedule chart has been shuffled multiple times. The Health forms have been sent out. The cabin groups have been assigned. The wonderful staff members have volunteered thier time and talents to serve the campers. Bible study material is in hand. Program planning is in place for a terrific week of fun, learning and growing- it is all about to begin.

Three car load of kids will come from Texas (some 620 miles away) Other cars will bring excited kids from Hays, Goodland, Oberlin, Oakley, Quinter, Wamego, and Colorado.

By Sunday the activity areas will be set up and campers will arrive in time for dinner, a trip to the ropes course and then a campfire progam of singing and a message. The rest of the week will be a memorble time for all , with an evening performance on Friday.

Under God's Big Top is the theme for the week as we study the Greatest Story Ever Told - of God's redeeming Love .

Eyes That Roam

It is wonderful to have many friends, especially friends in many places.

For the past few weeks I have been preparing for Creative Arts Camp at my home in Texas. In order to not miss any calls to the Rexford office of Shepherd's Staff, I have the phone there forwarding calls to my cell phone which now lives on my belt.

So when my trusty Blackberry shows 785 I answer Shepherd's Staff, this is Joan.

When It shows 817 I answer Hi this is Joan.

My friend Connie who is on our camp staff, arrived in Rexford a few weeks early and offered to "cover the bases" ie fax the bills to me each day as well as some other activities there. (Like putting out buckets where the two roofs now leak)

Today, I got a call from Eunice, a friend in Kansas who had happened to meet Connie who was shopping in her home town near by. Connie identified herself as a Staff person and Eunice in turn shared that she too was my friend. (Kinda like Face Book ).

Later in the day, Eunice called 785 , which rang at 692 and said "do you know Connie's cell phone number? She has left her purse at the store where we met and I have taken it to my house for safe keeping.

Now only the rarest cell phone rings in Rexford these days so I told Eunice I would email Connie that her purse had been found.

So I first tried to call 785 in hopes that Connie was in the office. However, 785 bounced back to 817. Then Connie got the hint and called me back.

"Hi Connie- are you in the office?"

"Yes,I'm sitting at your desk"

"Is your purse there?" I asked.

"Oh no, do you know where it is? I've looked frantically everywhere for it . It is full of my important identity stuff etc." How did you know I have lost it?"

"Oh I have lots of godly friends who care for me and the ministry of Shepherd's Staff," Eunice has your purse and here is her phone number and address. "

God takes care of His children, even when we lose stuff! Even when we are scattered across the earth.

"For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His" ( II Chronicles 16:9 NAS)

Rain on the Just and the Unjust

Rain is wonderful except when it rains inside. The Bible says God sends rain on the just and the unjust. When it includes hail - great damage is done. Shepherd's Staff has multiple buildings including the Main Center and the Office building. Both of these must now have new roofs and quite a bit of interior damage repaired as well.(approx cost $33,000 )

As with most insurance coverage, after depreciation and deductables are taken off, there is a huge balance due.

We are trusting that some of our donors, friends and user groups will assist us in getting back in "the dry" as quicky as possible.

We have a week till the Gideons meeting, and two weeks before Creative Arts Camp begins.

Certainly we are hoping that another "downpour" won't occur before the new roofs can be installed.

We look forward to seeing this accomplished. Should you wish to assist, go to www.shepherdstaff.org.-Donate

Filled With Skill

Called to restore the Historic Philip Houston House at Shepherd's Staff as a personal retreat

Preparing the floor

Working in wood

The master tile setter

Skilfully papering a corner

When the chef calls - you better come !

Final trim pieces fits perfectly.

This is the easy step

"Then Moses said to...he has filled them with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts - to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship." Exodus 35:30

Here We Go Again

.

For many years my 95 year old mother would shout"Here We Go Again"as we piled into our van. Her enthusiasm was similar to a group of our friends who gained the tag the Six Month Bunch. About every six months they have headed from Texas to Rexford, Kansas to volunteer their skills at Shepherd's Staff.

Now their number has expanded and yes, "Here We Go Again" for another week of restoration work on an antique building.

These folks live out the message our Pastor shared this past Sunday on Agape Love.You know, the kind that comes only from the heart of God Himself and showers over His "sheep". This is the kind of Love that releases our time, energy and money for someone who is a stranger -- who will never thank us for our skinned knuckles, sore back or paint stained clothes that are a result of a project done for their behalf.

The guests at the Shepherd's Staff won't even know their name, but they will experience God's Love because the "sheep" have followed their Shepherd to do a good work of creating beauty in the middle of the prairie.

"He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." Psalm 23:2-3 NAS