Go..

About 2 months ago my friend Craig told be about this ministry called Brackenhurst. It's a ministry that works with missionary kids. It runs year round; but during the summer they have camps for all of these kids.

I did some research and talked to Craig about his experiences; i decided to apply.

3 weeks ago I had my interview and was officialy accepted as staff for their summer camp. This is a 10 week program (May23-Aug.1). 5 Weeks of camp, 3 weeks of working in villages, 1 week of training and 1 week of sight-seeing. Brackenhurst is so unique, because it is the only ministry that works with missionary kids. And it gives staff the opportunity to serve in a variety of ways. The camp consists of sports, games, rock climbing, rafting, bible studies, and worship. The coolest part is that these kids are not all Christians. Kenya has a large amount of missionaries but some are Hindu or Buddhist. Their parents know that this is a Christian summer camp, but they send them to Brackenhurst anyway because it is the only safe place for them to be. How cool is that?!

Well, I have started getting ready for camp. The biggest part of preparing for camp is the letter campaign. Basically, I work a minimum wage part-time job and I definitely do not make enough to get to Kenya all on my own. It's a strange feeling. Knowing that I will be asking people to support me financially. It's not something I have done before. I mean, I will be asking for support by whatever means: financially, prayer (always), verbal encouragement, whatever. I have to start writing this letter to send to family, friends, and my large church family.

Prayers... that's what I need now

that i would know the right words to say.

I know God has prepared my list of people for me. But also, that he gives them discernment when they recieve my letter...prayer for that.

As I wrote my list of people; I realized how absolutely fortunate I am to have such a huge family in Christ. What a wonderful blessing.

For me, this summer is an amazing opportunity to serve. I will get to be the hands of feet of Christ. This will be a chance to find out who Jen really is. For 22 years, I have lived in Cape (basically), gone to class, worked, participated at church, served...but over the last 6 months I have felt like I'm living in this little bubble. I think that's because my identity in Christ has blossomed.

I've always lived trying to please, and be the good person, and do the 'right thing'. And not that those are bad things, but they start to form a thick layer over you... and it becomes inauthentic, a mask, if you will. Not that my beliefs weren't real. But that I was saying a lot and was really good at looking like i was a-ok....but i wasn't. Praise God for this past year. It was hell ...straight up. But because of that, I am new in Him.

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."- Galatians 1:10

This summer will be amazing. Without a doubt.

Pray for:
courage; 3 months is a long time
wisdom
people receiving letters, that they may have accepting hearts
kids who will be at camp
families in the villages
the rest of the staff; Kim and Amanda (camp leaders)

I know that prayer was started long ago, and I am so grateful for that

"Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. who is this King of glory? The Lord of Hosts, he is the King of glory!" -Psalm 24:7-10