Hi Kids,
Hard to believe the summer is over. Just a couple of days ago we were opening registration and now... it's almost time for registration for 2007.
But before we head toward next summer, I wanted to reflect on the Wired days of 2006. I stand humbled before God as I reflect on the stories we have heard and the evidence of God's presence in every part of our camp. He brought us just the right interns with his spirit just beaming out of their hearts and actions. He brought us just the right speakers and musicians and we heard truth and melodies that were without question from another world. He showed us stories of campers and leaders that were evidence of his mercy and grace in the midst of the chaos and frenzy of this world.
We indeed, have been wired for another world and we see the evidence all the time. We have been wired for wealth and wow, we are all wired weird...we are wired for worship and for this world to make a difference in the lives of all the world. And we were WIRED TO WIN. What an incredible night each week, to see hundreds of kids stand up to say they WIN...they changed all of eternity by saying Yes to Jesus. It was breathtaking to see thousands of kids being led into worship by Rick Pearson. His legacy will live on thru the lives of thousands for a long time. This summer was indeed, a summer to remember as there was no doubt that God himself showed up in some ways that we can't begin to explain. Thanks to all of you who came and prayed and smiled and sang and shared with us in these remarkable times.
I am honored to be a part of this ministry and to share with you as God shows his face. Meanwhile...the world is getting smaller as we see how big God really is. Africa has a little piece of BigStuf going on inside it. And the piece is getting bigger. Our excitement just keeps on growing because a bunch of you have said you would like to join us as we try to make a difference across the world in the county of Kenya. We sponsored over 2500 kids this summer. A lot of you have said you want to do more and we are making a list and checking it twice to send to you so let you know what all the opportunities are over there that we can synergistically sync up on. (check out that sentence) We'll be building orphanages, pastors homes, churches, wells, whooooosh! Can't wait to get the list to you. We already have watched as three teenagers in Bentonville Arkansas led their youth groups for a few weeks in fundraising efforts and presented a check for over 40 thousand dollars! Lots of kids in Kenya will stay alive and grow because of that. We are hearing more stories even this week about students who are taking the lead and raising money to change the world. WOW! God's up to something big.
Our Journey program for college students got kicked off this summer with 18 brave souls spending 5 weeks in unfamiliar, not-so-comfortable, gotta-depend-on-God situations while they watched their own lives as well as others experience life-changing times.
Our staff is growing. Our vision is growing. God is birthing new relationships and new wide-eyed wonders in and around us. I am blown away. I won't keep rambling here though cuz next year is just around the corner and all the new information needs to be flowing from these fingers on the keyboard in time to let you get in on it.
Nine camps in Panama City next year. New rooms, new furniture, new paint, new beds. The Boardwalk is putting six million dollars into the renovation of our facility. That means of course they are gonna charge us more but it promises to be worth the hike. And then we have one camp...or is it a conference? Or is it a camp/conference/celebration, extravaganza. We have a new BigStuf in a new place. In July of next year we are having this extravaganza in Daytona Beach, Fla. We will be in a huge arena, right across from the beach and we get to hear Andy Stanley and Louie Giglio together again. The two best communicators in the country...THAT IS BIGSTUF! And....we are opening it up to college students as well, and we're gonna have Louie do some special college student stuff just for them.
OK kids...that's about all I can write without going nuts. Registration opens Oct 9th. Be ready. Watch our web page. Also be watching for new curriculum from Rethink and brought to you thru the wires of BigStuf.
Lanny Donoho