Spring

Spring draws to an end...let's go back.

Well the kids are winding down school, youth pastors have turned their attention to summer activities, families are planning their summer vacations, and we're gearing up for our summer camps, I guess that means that Spring is over. Not to mention that it got to 102 yesterday in parts of Oklahoma. So let's look back at the Spring we have had.

We are very happy with the way things went with Compass this Spring. We more than doubled the number of students who got to come on trips with us and we had an overwhelmingly positive experience with them. When growth like that happens, it is easy to be excited about it, thinking that growth in itself is the goal, but it's not. It is the quality of the experience that is paramount, so we really want to make sure that the huge increase in the number of groups that we have had doesn't compromise our quality. We have had such a great response from the groups that we are proud to say that indeed, we were ready for the increase in volume. We received more unsolicited positive feedback this Spring than ever before and I believe that we fostered an experience with God and with each other that will impact the students for their whole lives.

We have developed several new staff members that are becoming more self-sufficient with every trip, and are going to be great assets to whatever organizations they find themselves in in the future. Some of them will be in vocational ministry, some in education, and hopefully some will choose to make careers with Compass, but hopefully all will benefit from the time that they share with Compass and the groups that we lead.

This summer we are bringing on an intern whom many of you have met, John Oxford. He guided several trips this Spring and is interested in a career in camp management, so we'll take him! You'll hear about John and from John later, but for now, be praying for him that he develops the skills he needs to provide a life changing experience for those who work with him.

Last but certainly not least, let's turn our attention to the future. Like I said, we're gearing up for the summer, which will entail an exodus for many Texans and Oklahomans to the great state of Colorado, where we will meet with many groups this summer. Be praying for Lance and the staff that they have the passion and energy to bring the gospel to the groups that come. Pray that the students meet with God when they come, and that we are all working toward bringing the Kingdom of God to Earth!

Grace and Peace,
Steven