Fusion Fun

It's been a few days and the Fusion Camp is rolling right along.  We've reached the halfway point at camp and are making great progress for the concert that is the culmination of the Fusion Camp.  We've been learning a number of songs that range from current popular music to gospel/Christian music as well as a traditional Slovak song.

A typical day starts with breakfast, choir rehearsal, music workshop one of two, lunch, afternoon sports program (today is the Survival Challenge), the second music workshop, dinner, evening evangelistic program with music, message and small group discussions.  The day is topped off with a special event highlighting different cultures.  A couple of nights ago we had Colorado night that included cowboy hats, bandanas, line dancing, a Wild West shoutout, photo booth and beef jerky.

Many of the students come from broken homes.  Slovakia is a country who's history has included communist oppression and therefore has been atheistic over the past century.  Kids come to camp to connect to something they know and love- music.  They also get to hear about and incredible God who loves them very much.  A good number of these students have been connected to the Fusion ministry that happens throughout the year and they are challenged to invite friends to camp.

Last night we prayed specifically for a student who has been seeking truth and talking to a lot of the Christian leadership with the Fusion Ministry.  We heard this morning that she finally came to a point where she is placing her trust in Jesus Christ.  Praise God!  There are other students wrestling with issues and seeking an answer for their lives.  Many seem on the cusp of placing their trust in Christ.  Please continue praying for the camp and the students who are here.  As a matter of fact, the camp theme is "You are Here" using a map to find a reference point for where we are and where we are headed- in our relationships, families and eternity.

The team is doing well as expected for an exhausting experience.  Everyone is giving their all and building relationships, leading workshops and serving those here leading this ministry.  Continue to pray for our health and energy as we are about halfway through the camp.

Getting Ready For Camp

Yesterday our team made our way out to camp to begin preparations for the students who will join us on Monday afternoon.  It's been fun getting ready for the week by joining forces with the interns serving for the summer, the Josiah Venture staff and the students who are joining us as assistants.  In all there are about 25 of us getting ready for the students to show up at the camp.

Trying to orient myself, we are located about an hour outside of Bratislava in the rolling hills of the Slovakia countryside.  There is always logistical challenges when working in facilities that are very old and challenging to hold a full music camp.  We've created space for a choir and full band and it feels tight already with those of us here now.  Can't wait to see how it all works when we add about another 60 students to the mix.

The location of the camp also means I have no cell service (if I needed it) and wifi that is spotty and inconsistent.  So my hope is to post as much as I can with photos but it will depend on the wifi signal out here.  In writing that I realize how spoiled I sound with my technology demands.  There is a balance I strive for between being on mission and keeping the church family and friends updated with what's happening on the other side of the world.

On To Slovakia

This is a little change of pace.  I have the privilege of leading a team from Faith to participate in a music camp outside of Bratislava Slovakia.  We get to work with people near and dear to us from Fort Collins as we reunite for a couple of weeks playing music and sharing the gospel with the youth of Slovakia.  Making the trip even more special is the fact that there are four young interns serving in Slovakia for the summer from Faith making our arrival a family reunion of sorts.

The plan for the next week and a half is to update the journey of this mission team as we have the opportunity to use music to minister to the youth and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them.  Many of the countries in Easter and Central Europe have emerged from the communist oppression of the former Soviet Union.  A characteristic of communism has been that these countries are very atheistic.  The younger generations in these regions essentially have not heard about God or the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Our team is exhausted from our journey adjusting to an 8 hour time difference.  We are excited to begin our preparations as the camp starts on Monday.  I hope to post pictures as I have wifi available which at best can be a hit or miss thing.  Thanks for praying for this team and the work that lies ahead for us!