Teens For Christ

Each second Saturday evening , Rexford Kansas comes alive! It's Teens For Christ night.

Coming from some eight rural communities, 150 or so teens arrive in force in church vans and leaders' cars.

They begin their evening at the Ranch House where the members of the Shepherd's Staff serve up burgers, choc. shakes, nachos, and fries. It's a bit awsome as all these guys burst in hungry at one time.

The happiest sounds in the world are giggles, laughter, and excited chatter as they renew friendships.

An hour later- they vanish to "Hiram Hall" across the street to enjoy fun skits, singing and a variety of activities . In October they have been known to have a pumpkin toss contest with group made launchers . Other months are planned to give maximum fun.

The heart of the evening is the time of spiritual challenge and encouragement to live their lives in the light of the example and teachings of the Lord.

Each summer they are involved in mission trips, helping others.

They are a most welcome group each month.

"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom,teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16

Tri-State Men

The Tri-State Men's group returned to Shepherd's Staff early this month. Coming from Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado they enjoyed renewing friendships of men from the multiple towns represented. They did enjoy the meals and never left the table hungry.

There was much laughter, kidding, story telling , reminiscing and singing, There is something gripping to hear a room full of men's strong voices, praising the Lord.! Time in the Word and in prayer was fruitful.

There were a few Pastors, many lay leaders, farmers, as well as new believers in attendance. As each one had opportunity to share their story, the whole group was encouraged and challenged.

One confessed he really had not wanted to come, but would "never want to miss another retreat." He was so glad his friend had persisted in his invitation.

No one left early in spite of the threat of snow . Shouts of "I'll see you soon"- "Next time"-"Bring your friends"-"Remember all are welcome" - were drowned out by pick-ups as they reluctantly headed for home.

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things which you have herd from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:2

Praise in Gourd Art

We are delighted to welcom Kristin Johnson to our Creative Arts Camp staff. She will be teaching Gourd Art and other art projects to our campers June 14-19.

Kristin comments ," When I create Gourd Art I am praising Jesus. I start by incorporating a verse that has touched my life, then I spend endless hours creating simple designs around the words. "

"My profession is an Art Teacher. I tell my students when I give them a blank piece of paper that their fingers are like magic..what amazing things will happen with that piece of paper?

Or I look at a gourd and often imagine a bowl from the bottom, a vase from the top, and many beads from the middle. I wood burn the basic lines, cut the gourd apart with my knife, then clean out the innards. I spend lots of time carving and sanding each piece. Then I wood burn intricate designs inside and out of the gourd. My favorite technique for adding color is to use oil pastels. I color them on a paper, dip my brush in mineral spirits, then brush the color ." (Quote from the Etsy web page )

Doesn't that sound like great fun!!! And a wonderful gift for someone very special. This is sure to be a favorite class. Registration forms are available on the Shepherd's Staff web page.

As in the building of the Tabernacle - "the Lord has filled him 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 35:31-33 NIV

This Little Light

A brightly burning "candle" at Shepherd's Staff is the Creative Arts Camp offered each summer. It is a unique camping experience for kids 6-14 years old. We strive to highlight the enjoyment of performing through puppets, drama, music and signing. Other art activities include ceramics, art, and leather craft. Our campers are thus equipped to share these gifts with their home churches , friends and families- that is to let their little lights shine.

Each of us have gifts and talents, that need to be shared with others. Why else have them? Perhaps you think they are "little" or undeveloped? Step out and enrich the lives of others with your own uniqueness.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

The Sheep Follow the Shepherd

Last year my husband and I were invited to a new friend's home for lunch after church. What a delightful time this was as we enjoyed a delicious meal and their beautiful home. Outstanding to me was the open kitchen and the eye catching hand painted tiles above the countertop. Not only were they charming, but the tile setting was obviously done by a real craftsman. Almost every tile had to be cut specially, and the art work had been lovingly done by our hostess. Shepherd's and lambs always touch my heart.

The next summer our hosts and 23 others from our church travelled the 720 miles from our home town to Rexford,Kansas . The goal was to donate their time and talents in assisting with the renovation of the Center's latest project - the historic Philip Houston House. This house will become a part of the Shepherd's Staff conference center when work is completed.

After only a few hours working in the stripped down kitchen area, our friend exclaimed - "You know I have enough green tiles, shepherd tiles and lamb tiles to cover the counter area if you would like" !

The next week in church, she was telling me of the skilled tile setter that had installed the tiles in her kitchen. I asked his name and we were both surprised to learn he is our next door neighbor!!

And yes, he will be a great help after we set the cabinets in place in 2 weeks. One would think "Someone" had this in mind all along!.

When we "sheep" hear and follow our Shepherd's voice, He leads us in beautiful ways and to lovely places. He works all things together, in His time.

Quilting Retreat

This weekend these ladies enjoyed doing their favorite activities - quilting, enjoying good food and knitting their relationships at Shepherd's Staff. It was very appropriate that our collection of antique quilts hung in the Sea of Galilee Dining Room for them to enjoy.

The quilt pictured on the left was created by local ladies to celebrate the Centennial birthday of Rexford, Kansas. (1888-1988) . The other one pictured was pieced together from "friendship squares" - each lady embroidered her name in a square and others stitched them together to make the quilt.

At the end of each meal, the chatter and laughter softened and the whirl of their sewing machines soon filled the hall once more. The variety of the quilts reflected the creative gifts of each lady.

As I reflect on their time together, my thoughts go to how precious are the lives of our friends as our hearts are knit together with cords of joint experiences. Each one adds to the beauty of our life and strengthens us to develop our own gifts and interests and callings.

"But if we walk in the light, as HE is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." I John 1:7 NIV

A Good Samaritan Will Help Me

During a recent retreat at Shepherd's Staff one of our guests shared this account with us all.

He and his wife were returning from a day trip with a group of Senior citizens in a van. While they were stopped for gas, some of the travelers went into the convenience store while others remained in the van.

As they waited, a pick uptruck puled along side of them and two "grubby" looking guys got out to fill their gas tank. As the minutes went by, it was observed that they both seemed quite nervous - looking around frequently and finally pulling their truck up several feet forward.

As they did so, there appeared a small child in the bed of the truck , under a tarp. Only her head was sticking out.

Then quickly the two hopped back in the cab and sped away in the opposite direction the Seniors were going.

As soon as the group had all returned to the van and resumed their trip towards home, the leader could not shake his concern at the site of the child in the pick up. He called 911 and reported the suspicious nature of the event to the police.

A few hours later, he received a call from an officer, thanking him for his assistance and told him they had indeed investigated and found that the child in the back had been kidnapped, but was now safe.

He also reported that the little girl told him that she had just kept saying "A Good Samaritan" will help me" A Good Samaritan will help me" to the abductors. She said once more to the officer, "I knew a Good Samaritan would help me."

The reason the men had become so alarmed at the gas station became evident. The name printed on the side of the van was GOOD SAMARITAN ASSISTED LIVING.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." And again He said "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise."

Welcome to Prairie Candle Reflections

Welcome to PRAIRIE CANDLE REFLECTIONS - keeping alive a flickering rural history, with its values and strengths, its stories and its uniqueness.

26 years ago the "Candle" of the work of Shepherd's Staff Conference Center was first lit on the Kansas prairie. Since then its light has been touching lives and warming relationship.

"If the walls could only talk" - well perhaps they now can with this new voice on the internet.

I look forward to sharing reflections in the days ahead, of insights gained watching and listening to the events at Shepherd's Staff. Joan

"You are my lamp, O Lord, the Lord turns my darkness into light" 2 Samuel 22:29