The Journey

Thanks K-Colorado

I've been to many many christian camps where its a sunday school thing. You know bring your bible, sit down, memorize verses, pray every day and the classic altar call. Don't get me wrong I liked it kind of, I just wanted to have something different. Something that could help me in my walk with God.
When i first came to Kanakuk Colorado I felt like this is a place where we really get into the bible, ask tough questions, and figure things out together with a group as eager to learn as I do. That, and acceptance, I've never been so comfortable where i can sit with my counselors, cabin girls, or Braner and talk about the situations/things i did/had to go through that past year. This was a huge deal to me because before kamp I didn't really trust anybody.
Kanakuk Colorado, Andy, and Jamie Jo Braner have been one of the biggest influences in my life. I'm very grateful.
 
Natalie Mondragon

Thanks K-Colorado

Kanakuk Colorado has been my second home for the past 6 years. The community at K-CO is indescribable and has impacted me in so many ways that I cannot express into words. From the extreme Colorado sports to KLIFE to the KCO Challenge, I will never forget how special each one means to me. I do not know where I would be without Andy, Jamie Jo, and the staff and the influence they all have had on my life. Kanakuk Colorado prepared me for the real world and for college. Institute especially has been a strong point in my life and will never be forgotten. No matter how many summers I went to Institute at K-CO, I never could get enough. I am very thankful for my summers spent at Kanakuk Colorado and I have absolutely no doubt that the Braners will do wonders with Kivu. I cannot wait to see the plans that God has for Kivu and how God will work through teenagers’ lives in America and all over the world. Thanks again Andy, Jamie Jo, and K-CO staff, I could not be more thankful.

Jessica

A Modern Day Miracle

It was 2002, and the whole State of Colorado was on fire. There was a big fire near Denver, and on June 10th, the Missionary Ridge Fire started about 10 miles away from camp.  I called the fire department every hour on the hour for three days, and they assured me we were in no danger. 
On June 15, we evacuated. 
We sent 200 high school students home, and 100 staff had to be released for three weeks, as the fire department, the national guard, and the local police department kept us from being able to get to the camp.  I remember thinking, "Well, K-Colorado was a good idea.  I guess I'm looking for a new job."
After three weeks being out, we drove up the road toward camp one Sunday morning.  I remember praying, "God, please let us get in there and see what happened." 
Sure enough, the national guard vehicles were gone, and we drove right up to the gate. 
I expected to see buildings smoldering in small ash piles on the ground. 
I'd been dreaming of what it might be like to see all our equipment burned to a crisp.
I just new, it was over.
As we pulled up to the front driveway, I couldn't believe my eyes.
The camp, and everything within the gates was still in tact. 
No signs of fire...AT ALL!
The chief of police said, "Andy, you know the big man upstairs was looking out for you."
The Fire chief commented, "I've never seen anything like that.  You guys are super lucky."
But I knew.
I knew God spared this place for a reason. 
I knew He had a mission He wanted us to accomplish.
I knew this was a modern day miracle. 
If you look at the map, the burn area looks like a huge butterfly on the page, fanned out in every direction accumulating over 75,000 acres.  But what the map doesn't show, K-Colorado in the middle of the supposed burn area, SURVIVED!!  It was amazing!
I tell this story almost 6 years later because I know God still has plans for this place. 
He still has work to do in the lives of teenagers around the globe. 
In fact, just two days ago, we had a student here who came from a Muslim background. 
We didn't try to convert Him.
We didn't try to twist his arm to believe in something he didn't want to.
But on the last day, he stood before his friends and said, "I've seen the real Jesus here among you.  Thank you for showing me how to live in a community to love each other." 
He went back to the Middle East yesterday, and is engaging in his normal life among his Muslim friends. 
God has blessed us in such amazing ways. 
It's such a blessing to be a part of His will.

Thanks K-Colorado

Kanakuk Colorado was a God send to my life. I came for the first time 3rd term 2007 and had the most amazing experience. Kanakuk Colorado obviously had the Kanakuk name, but there was something more happening there. I knew that immediately. I was all ready for Kamp 2008 when I heard about a mission's trip to Kiev, Ukraine that I was instantly pulled to. Kamp ended July 7th and I was to leave for Ukraine on July 8th. That was fine with me, just as long as I didn't miss Kamp. I was so excited to get filled up at Kamp and then give it all away in Ukraine, but God had other plans. The leader called me and told me that the organization that planned the dates of the trip pushed us back one day. So, I was to leave on the 7th. That was still ok, I was just going to have to leave Kamp one day early. My Dad worked so hard to find a flight quickly, but they were all so expensive... it was impossible to do both. I prayed about and thought I would have a couple weeks to decide, but God had other plans for that too. One day, I got a call from my Dad during school. I picked up the phone and my Dad said, "Alex, they're booking the flights for Ukraine right now and you have to make your decision. I'll be there in 10 minutes." I was in shock trying go over my pro/con list. Obviously, Kamp was important. That's where I wanted to be, but I had this strange pull on my heart that told me Ukraine was the right choice. My Dad got to my school and pulled me out of class and I stood there for half an hour hoping God would tell me that I should go to Kamp, but that wasn't going to happen. I began to sob and the people that were changing classes told me later they thought a family member died. I was so heart broken, but I chose Ukraine. My heart was closed off to it for the rest of the spring, but when we got there I knew God had once again taken care of me. I learned so much from those people and that culture. Kanakuk Colorado was one of the main reasons I was able to listen to the voice of God in my life. I was able to give away as much as I thought, but I was also able to receive just as much. Coming back 3rd term '09 was untouchably incredible. I can't wait for KIVU. Thank you Kanakuk Colorado for giving so much to a generation that needs support. You have blessed our lives and enabled us to go out and do the same for others.

Alex Taylor

Lazy Summer Afternoons

Yesterday I was walking down by the ropes course, and look what I saw....

Remember the days you just relaxed by a river, or a lake, or a stream, or just some sort of trickle in the backyard? 

Remember feeling carefree?

Remember having time to talk to your friends, and just enjoy life?

I just smiled and thought, "This is the way life's supposed to be."

Lots of FUN...Lots of Music

Just Chillin on the Volleyball Court

The first year I was doing camp, I went to the new volleyball court, and there was NO net, NO ball, and the sand was really rough.  I was just a counselor at the time, and didn't know any better, but I figured there were issues if the equipment wasn't up and running.

So, we decided to make our own game.

We called it, hide the treasure!

The objective of the game was that someone would take off a sock, and dig a hole in the sand, while the rest of the cabin hid their eyes.  Then when the person digging felt like they finished well enough, they would say "GO!" and everyone would dig around the volleyball court to find the sock.

I know, it doesn't sound very appealing.
I know it sounds kind of ghetto for a camp to play 'hide the treasure.'
But you know...

Those kids still talk about that game, and it was 10 years ago.

Of course we've since ordered all the equipment to make sure we're running a good program, but it's interesting that 'hide the treasure' is still at the top of the list of favorite camp games.

I think it's not so much the stuff that keeps kids interested, but the time we spend with them.  I think if we took a second out of our busy lives to just invest relationships with other people, it doesn't matter what you do....it will be the favorite.

I sure love what I'm doing out here.  Developing friendships from all over the globe.  WAY FUN!!

Have a super day...

And go play a little 'hide the treasure.'  You never know the memories you'll be making.

Community Service #3

Fourth of July Fun!!

At The Top

Sometimes when I read the Bible, I find myself asking questions about all the parts that are clearly NOT in the text.  Things like...

What did Jesus and the disciples joke about?
What did they 'do' all day?
When they traveled, were they all serious all the time, or did they just lay around and talk about the creation of the world?
What kinds of questions did they ask Jesus?

It's probably not on the forefront of your mind, but when trying to re-create a place where students can know the intimacy of Jesus life, it's part of life that comes up.

Leisure time is a part of life.  We CAN'T go through life working EVERY SINGLE MOMENT.  God gave us a picture when the Bible says, "And on the Seventh day, He rested." 

Another reason I love being a part of this kind of ministry out here in Colorado.  We are re-enforcing the ministry skills necessary to go out in the world and share the Love of God, but we're also committed to helping kids understand the necessity of leisure.  They work SO hard during the school year, and trying to keep up with all their friends; it's healthy for them to come and REST!

Here at the top of the rock, they just hang out, enjoy the view, and talk about the deepest issues concerning their life.  It's AWESOME!!

Thanks for hanging here.  We're so excited about the newest part of the ministry.  Camp Kivu is up and running online, and we'd love for you to come and join us online at  Camp Kivu.  You can sign up for a profile, register for camp, or see the newest, up and coming events happening in the lives of teens around the country. 

Happy surfing!

On the Lake

Biking

Summer on the Water...There's nothing like it.

There's nothing like being in the mountains in the summertime.

Most of you know, we're just south of Vallacito Reservoir, a mountain lake created to supply ranchers in the heat of the summer months. 

Well, for whatever reason, summertime sports having taken off on our little mountain lake up here, and the ranchers are getting plenty of water.  The kids LOVE IT! 

We've got wave runners, big ski boats, big wake board boats, and the activity of the summer, SURFING.

I'll post more on that later. 

So, when your sitting at home, wishing you could cool off, come and join us up here in Durango.  It's AWESOME!!

FUN on a Sunday Afternoon

See...Teenagers Do Care

Isn't it always the case that teenagers get such a bad rap?  I mean think about it.  If you walk outside and see something vandalized, the first people that get blamed, "Those darn kids."

Or, what if the house gets messed up, it's always, "Why in the world did we have those kids?"

But...

There is a generation of teenagers growing that see the value of reaching out to the community.

We don't do this so we can feel good about ourselves.  No...we do this because a good friend of mine says, "That's What Christians Do."

I even got in a conversation with one of the grounds keepers after we were finished with this project.  He asked, "Why do you guys do this?  No other group picks up after themselves."  And my response...

"That's What Christians Do."

See...teenagers do care.  They just need to be challenged to go and make a difference.  Watch this!!

Figuring out the Problem

Have you ever tried and tried and tried to figure out a problem only to fall over and over again?  

Bouldering does that to me.  I get ready to scale a big rock, and then the tiniest little issue, and I'm down on the crash pad below.  I do know guys that are awesome at this, but I just don't get it.  I think my body just wasn't made to climb in these intricate little spaces.

But the lesson is still there.

Sometimes when we look at life's little problems, they become the little things we get hung up on right?

Like the time when I try to go down the road, and someone pulls out in front of me.
Or the time I go to the restaurant, and have to wait an hour.
Or what about when you're looking for your shoes, and they've suddenly disappeared?

It's the little things that can tear your goals up.  It's just like Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life" (Matthew 6:25-27)

I guess if I just listened to what Jesus said, and had an opportunity to really grow my faith that God was going to take care of the little things.....

Well, wouldn't we all be better off if we just put things in right perspective?

Pirates and Ninjas

Durango is a Beautiful Place

I'm not trying to brag, just trying to tell the truth; Durango is one of the coolest towns in the world.  Mt. Biking was virtually invented here, and the culture of bikes in this town is overwhelming.  EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE, has a bike or is involved in biking in one way, shape, form, or another. 

So when we take kids out on our bike trails, we treat them to some of the world's best single track Mt. Biking.  It's AWESOME!!

Not to mention, it's almost the end of June, and we've still not hit 80 degrees yet. 

So all you Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Ohio, and Minnesota folks, come on out and join us.  The weather is GREAT!!

I love talking straight with teenagers and college students

It's time we start talking straight with our kids.  Moms and Dads, it's time to get down to the heart of issues with teens, because it's defiantly a scary world for young adults in the world today.  I've held off from saying it's a lot worse today than when I was in High School, but this conversation, shown in this picture, although it seems happy here, was a deep dark look inside the hallways at the local schools.

The question this day was, "Ok, so shoot me straight...what is it like dating in High School?"

The answers would cause even the most 'in the know' adults to drop their jaws. 

You can't even imagine the stuff that's going on at the high school dances, the parties without parental advisement, even the stuff that happens in class as teachers continue lecturing unaware.  The sexting is rampant, the physical relationships have far exceeded anything normal and acceptable, and my concern has grown exponentially.

We must begin address this somehow.  We've got to get to the heart of the issue, and I truly believe the issue is that kids today are feeling ever more alone than ever.  They have no outlet of community, so they're reaching out and allowing hormones to fill a deep cavern of loneliness. 

I also believe we've allowed the DJ's, Movie Moguls, and Celebrity lifestyles to teach our kids what relationships are all about.  Britney, Christina, Paris, and Lil' Wayne are teaching us that sexuality is something we do because it's fun, rather than the emotional relational factor that accompanies such an act of commitment.

If you have teenagers, please; talk to them about the relationships at school.
If you don't....Please pray for the state of the union with our kids.

There are real live consequences for kids today, and we MUST be about helping the next generation transfer from childhood to adulthood with as few consequences for poor choices as possible. 

Because...Today....it's life and death.

Communication

The study of communication is an interesting discipline.  How do we communicate?  Where does language come from?  How do we interpret each other?  What play does body language have in our communication?

Probably the most interesting studies are developing in the areas of e-mail, texting, and cyber communication.  It's amazing to watch, especially dealing with teenagers as they try to understand how to communicate over the airwaves.

One of the issues I see developing is the miss-understanding that cyber communication is something of a personal activity.  Teenagers have this weird perception that if it's in an e-mail, no one else will be able to see it but the recipient.  Hilarious!!

We have an e-mail system here at camp, and we have a program installed to censor certain words.  It's unbelievable that a boyfriend back home would detail his physical relationship with his girlfriend here at camp, OVER E-MAIL!!  I mean really??  Does he think no one will be able to see what all is going on? 

This morning, I read an e-mail to the team that was pretty VULGAR, filled with sexual innuendo, and foul language.  (I skipped over the nasty parts) But the point added to my intrigue. Here is a boy back at home, ooing, and gooing over his 14 year old girlfriend that is having a BLAST out here at camp.   He talks of their intimate encounters and how he would, "Climb every mountain to be with her."  Really?  Wasn't that a song in the '80's?

I'm very interested in the fact that this boy thinks communication over e-mail  is something private, and that it is never going to be seen by anyone.  There have been several cases where kids know employers check e-mails from time to time, and I'm just surprised.  I'm intrigued that he would actively put things on the internet or over the phone waves that we might not want to be seen, but is willing to take the risk, somehow thinking it's private.

Of course, the other issue is privacy on the internet.  When will have a ruling on someone's private data that crosses the internet? Or will we ever?

I guess, in this instance, it all boils down to being who you are in private as well as public.  The things you do in private ARE who you are.  They are the things that define who you are, and how you live in this world.  So, be careful what pictures you post.  Be careful what words you write.  And for sure, don't send racy e-mails to a Christian camp. 

Here I Stand to Worship

So here I stand to practice worship in our teaching facility.  It's a pivotal time during the day, when the students come in and see the truth presented in a way they can actually use when they go back home.  For, it is my hope that this not become a think tank for theological systems, but rather; a place where teenagers can encounter REALFAITH they can put into action. 

I believe God has given us a play in the global system of reconciliation, and our work here on earth will be instrumental in setting the stage for the coming Messiah. 

May God be glorified today, in spite of us!

Long Video, but if you can wait, 6:50 is hillarious

Summertime Fun

I can't think of anything more fun than getting out on a 70 degree Durango summer day, and climb some rocks.  It's awesome!!    What a blessing to have 200 teenagers in the mountains of Colorado, as we teach them how to navigate skills, learn about how to perform safely, and most of all introduce them to a comprehensive view of the Christian Worldview.

It's been an awesome week talking with these students.  They are bright, excited, and ready to take the world by storm. 

So when I saw this picture, I thought...up...up...and away!!!

Thanks for Praying.  We need it!!

Today was one of the BEST!!

 

Today will go down as one of the best days of conversation we've had here in a long time. 

I started in on the media/entertainment/culture discussion and with Psalm 24, "The Earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof" (v.1)  All entertainment is a creative process, and we must recognize God's hand in allowing us to create.  He gives us the choice to create healthy entertainment, and He also gives us the freedom to choose to create unhealthy entertainment.  But the bottom line is...The world and everything in it belongs to Him.

Then we started talking about personal responsibility, "He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD 
and vindication from God his Savior." (v. 4-5). 

I asked the kids, "Who wants to receive a blessing from the Lord?" And all the hands went up.

Then we ventured into Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." and things started getting heated up.

I asked, "How can we transform our minds?" and they gave answers like...
Pray
Spend time with God
Be careful about what entertainment we participate in

And then out of no where, a 15 year old stood up to say, "Well, I just do what I know to be right?"

That's when things got interesting.

"How do you know what's right?" I asked.
"Well, everyone just knows what's right as their parents teach them." he replied.
"What if your parents teach you it's right to kill someone?" I asked
"That's a common understanding of morality" he tried to argue.
"But the Nazi's thought it right to kill"
"Yea, but they were wrong."
"How do you know?  Maybe they woke up and thought it right to commit the awful works of the holocaust?"
"But the general thought was, it's wrong."

And it went on for quite a while.

The point this student proved to me is, there is a generation of students who don't even know how to regulate right from wrong, for whatever reason.  They are unable to even acknowledge some forms of entertainment are simply not right, because they can't even discuss with any logic how we can deem something right or wrong.

We went on for a while, and I think we got down to the bottom of the issue, which is; we must find a standard of truth and morality before we can even begin to identify a movie filthy, or a band that might influence us in a way that places thoughts in our minds. 

The Bible is clear concerning transformation.  2 Cor. 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, behold all the old has passed away, and all the new has come."  Paul even writes further when He says, "Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (10:5)

I guess the best part is when all the students began to see the flaw in just allowing someone else to tell us the right way to think apart from God does in fact give us a mis-representation  of right and wrong.  It was BEAUTIFUL!!

They left thinking aboutt how to define what is good, and what might not be good. I wish you could have been here to witness the exchange.  At the bottom line, they're thinking, and that's the activity I hope we produce out here.  It's the essence behind the movement from apathetic mediocrity to a place where we take our spiritual development by the horns and decide to be serious about the way we build our faith.

Thanks for all the comments about Media you guys posted below.  It was a wonderful thing to read those comments out loud to the big group this morning, and use them to fuel the discussion. 

God is doing some really cool things out here as we train teenagers to "make their faith their own" rather than relying on the waves and tide of culture to shape their spiritual lives for them.

May we be a people full of Grace and Truth.
May we be the salt and light of the earth.
May we spend time thinking about our own spiritual growth.
And May we move to a place where we can Hear God through all the culture noise around us. 

Trust

 

A few years ago, I was in an intensive counseling session, and learned a lot about the nature of who I am.  You know, those times in life when the "A-HA" moments take over, and something so obvious to others suddenly becomes clear to you? Yea, well, mine was a little more obvious to my wife and snuck up on me to slap me in the face like a ton of bricks.

I don't know when it started, but I suppose early on in my life, I developed a healthy distrust for people.  I can't pinpoint any moment of betrayal that would have set it off, and certainly don't have a recollection of someone calling me to any moment of truth; but for whatever reason these counselor folks identified some interesting tendancies in my relationship building.

They said I created walls for people to climb over, mazes for friends to find their way through, and artificial tests to make sure people are trustworthy.  Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think I had any really big issues here, but I did have something to work on when it comes to developing friendships.  Especially the ones that matter most, those in my house. 

So at the end of the meeting, the counselor looked over at me and said, "Andy, you can make it through life without the pain of disappointment, but you're going to miss out on the thrill of close friendships.  And...if you don't start working on this issues, you're going to wind up a lonely old man."

And that's when it clicked.

I was setting myself up for a life void of community.  I was out trying to save the world on my own, and didn't need anyone's help to do it.  It was PAINFULLY OBVIOUS.

So when I read this morning, "Trust in the Lord with all you heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."  It means something.

It means, I'm risking my natural tendancies to distrust, and I'm wandering in places I know Only He can Help me through. 

Only He can help me figure out how to be a good father.
Only He can help me figure out how to be a good husband.
Only He can help me understand how to lead college students.
Only He can help as we undergo this massive transition in the camp. 

So, today, I'm focuesd on living life with the Lord.  I'm working on trusting Him with everything I have.  Risking all I am, in order that He might be acknowledged through my life. 

Being a responsible part of the community

My buddy Luke Parrott took this video yesterday.  I just want to show you the culmination of what we're trying to do out here at K-Colorado.  It's WAY fun to walk through theology, worldview, and the basic apologetics part of our program, but this is the culmination of why we do what we do.  This is how Christians give back to people, and get involved in their community.  What do you think?

Hold On

When the snow melts, the lake fills up, we move the boats and jet skis in the water, and then the kids come.  We've had more fun at the Vallacito Reservoir playing, surfing, skiing, wakeboarding, skurfing, and just hanging out on the dock.

Nothing like Lazy days at the lake in the summer.

Hope you guys are having a good summer. 

Keep praying.  God is doing great things!

Pirates Vs. Ninjas...an Epic Battle

 

Last night was the Pirates Vs. Ninja party here at Kanakuk Colorado.  We were all set for an epic battle between the two most beloved villains in film history.  The kids came prepared with moves from Jet Li, and Jack Sparrow.  It was quite a show. 

As you can see here in the background, the heavens decided to open up and drench us for a while, so the battle had to be put on hold, but the epic clash of the Titans was only postponed.

We do these kinds of parties for a reason. 

Everybody loves to have fun. 
Everybody needs to laugh.
Everybody loves dressing up and playing pretend.

It's how we were made.  Somewhere between our childhood and adulthood, "play" becomes more about leisure than telling stories, or pretend.  Well, out here we invite those teenagers to return to a place where they can play games, have fun, and be together.  It's a wonderful way to show students there are other ways of having fun than drinking or abusing controlled substances. 

In any event...the kids loved it.  They had a blast. 

Just another awesome day at K-CO!

She's Just Having Fun

One of the best parts of this job is inviting teenagers to explore things they've never done before.  I'm a firm believer that every one of us is created to enjoy and be good at something the world has to offer, as a gift from God.  It might be as easy as encouraging, serving up compassion, teaching, or it might be an affinity for climbing rocks. 

As we continue to develop an experience that students can come to apply different life lessons, it's always fun to have them enjoy themselves on the way up. 

Thanks for praying for us this first session.  We're seeing God move in the hearts of teens like the thousands that have gone before them.  We only have a few more days to go, so if you could continue to pray, we are so thankful for your support. 

God bless.

Another Beautiful Day in Paradise

Here they go, scared, screaming, anxiously anticipating the water hole right in front of them, and when it's over, WOW, what a rush.

A rush of Adrenaline.
An event captured with a friend.
A story to tell, about the time it was cold on the Animas river in Durango.

It's another day in Paradise out here.  Wish you could come join us.

Be sure to check out our new web presence at http://www.campkivu.com.  Make a profile, and come join the discussion with teenagers online. 

A Night At K-Colorado

K-Life

They Just wanted to Say Hello

I was showing the students our new website, http://www.campkivu.com; and they wanted to be posted online.  I thought, "Yea, why don't you say hello to your families" and so they agreed.  Here you go mom and dad.  Enjoy!!

When 200 Teenagers Worship Together

The Necessity of The Beginning

 

Yesterday I was teaching on the foundations of a Worldview that enables a person to understand the significance of following Jesus.  I know for some it seems elementary, but for teenagers today, there are so many different things in the world vying for their attention.  And in America, most teenagers look at me and ask, "Why?  Everything in my life is going well, Why should I follow Jesus?  What has He done for me lately?"

It's unfortunate we live in a culture where the God of the Universe has to continually be lined up with the latest Billboard #1 on the pop charts, or the latest Will Ferrell movie; but some of these students have never had the chance to explore the foundations of the universe. 

So yesterday, I started in John 1, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  You should have seen their eyes!  Priceless!  "WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!"

But when I showed how John wrote a Gospel that started with an introduction that went all the way back to the beginning of time, and He was telling the people that everything they knew about God was about to multiply they began to soften a little.

When I told the "The WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us." (v.14) they started to engage.  And when I tied in the fact the same God in the Beginning was responsible for the very creation of humanity, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness." (Gen 1:21) they were with me. 

How necessary is the fact we dwell in God's creative beginning? 

I believe the foundations of our theology begin with the verse, "In the Beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth." (Gen 1:1)  And, even though there is a raging debate between science and faith as to how it all went down, one thing is for sure; without the Word, without the one who is "is before all things and in whom all things hold together" (Col. 2:19), the faith of Jesus followers is in serious trouble. 

Today we're going to start talking about the Bible, the beginnings of our relationship and response to God, and our individual responsibilities to the world around us. 

We love the fact this community is united in prayer around the globe.  We need the covering of God's spirit, and I would love it if you took a few moments to think about lifting us up in prayer today. 

Off to 200 teenagers.  Until next time...

On the Eve of the First Day

And Today we start Debating

Today we start debating the foundations of Worldviews.  Both Atheistic and Theistic worldviews will be explored.  I found this video of William Lane Craig, and Christopher Hitchens, very interesting.

And The Starting Gun Goes Off

Today is the beginning of the summer season for me.  I just picked up 45 students from the airport, and brought them back into one of the most exciting places on earth.

The counselors are going crazy.
The kids are ready to be here.
The programs are all in place.
And tomorrow, we start rocking away.

It almost feels like we are running the race. 

Right at the starting blocks.
Full of anticipation and anxiousness.
We know we've trained well.
We know we've got the skills to compete.

And now it's time to run.

Thanks again for your prayers.  We're excited to provide a place where transformational ministry can be brought full circle. 
I'll keep you updated as the weeks press on.

God bless you today!!

The Calm Before the Storm

Today is the Eve of our first day of the camp season 2009. 

As I look into the horizon and try to anticipate all the things necessary for this place to be the Highest Quality camping experience in the country, I'm anxiously anticipating the beauty that's coming out here. 

We know there are campers packing, some traveling, some already in town; ready to experience the greatest two weeks of their life.
We know there are campers bringing unbelievable joy to brighten up this facility we've labored over for the last 10 days.
We also know there are campers coming here for a refuge.

They need a place away from normal.
They need a break from pain.
They need a breath of fresh air blown in their spiritual sails.
They need a new friend.

So as I look over the horizon on the Eve of this incredible season, I'm reminded when Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you est.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from  me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  (Matthew 11:28-30)

We want to be a place where people can find rest.
We want to be a place where people can fuel their souls.
We want to be a place where Jesus can remain at the center of all we do.

So as Spike White used to say, "the Kids are coming...the Kids are coming" and the calm before the storm is a beautiful sight, because I sense God is getting ready to rain down something special on us this summer. 

I'll keep you posted as the summer continues on. 

Thanks for praying, and being a part of this online meeting place.  It wouldn't happen if you weren't here.

A Body of Believers is about Sacrifice

I've had and emotional last couple of days.  Not sure if it was seeing all my old friends, and reliving all the good ole days, or I'm just now feeling the pressures of transition; but the fact is, I'm on the verge of tears...ALL THE TIME!!

I was listening to a sermon yesterday by Rev. Don Davis on Lamentations and how God is in the business of seeing us through sacrifice and suffering, and then today I was talking to our staff about the ground rules for building community.  It's interesting to run into people who think the Bible was written as a declaration of individual liberty; when in fact the sacrifice we make to God (Romans 12) has little to do with individualism, and a whole lot to do with the Body He desires to propagate. (Romans 12:3-8)

In any event, it brought me to tears as I thought about the Iron man duo Dick and Ricky Hoyt.  These guys probably embody the beauty of community and sacrifice more than anyone I've seen.  WOW, how cool would it be if the body of Christ could read into this story the ways they could sacrifice for one another!!  Then the world would see the Truth behind the faith we claim to know.

The Sabbath

I think, if we read the Bible seriously, we really need to re-examine how we treat the Sabbath day.  After all, it is one of the ten commandments God gave to Moses in Exodus 20:8. 

God told Moses to work six days but keep the Sabbath day Holy. 

I've always struggled with this verse.  Probably because I'm addicted to productivity, I've always thought God wouldn't mind, at least as long as I was working for Him.  But the Bible is chalked full of examples where people set aside a day in remembrance of God.

I don't think God means that we just sit around and pray all day.  After all, as the narrative of the Bible points out, it's not necessarily that God needs a day of glory or praise or more of our dedication.  It's actually a day built into the "Ethos" of God from the very beginning. 

Remember when I wrote a few weeks ago about John 1?  The Bible says that "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men."  That light is literally the "Ethos" or esscense of God.  It is built into everything that we see.  Whether nature or supernatural stuff, the ethos of God can be seen in everything we enjoy in this world. 

And, as the narrative points out, the Israelites were kept from putting aside a day of remembrance when they lived in Egypt.  Every day for an Israelite was the same.  They woke up, got their daily breakfast, and went to work making bricks for Pharoah.  Brick after brick, backbreaking work for the world of production was the life of the Pre-Exodus Israelite.  And God had enough.  He commanded them to work, but He reminded them that inside of His Ethos of creation was a time set aside to fill their souls.  He wanted them to remember that they were made for more than simply baking bricks.  He wanted them to live in the creation He made, and enjoy the things that made them Human. 

So on the Sabbath out here, we try and make the most of filling our souls.  It started with Church this morning, and then we moved on to the activities here at camp.  And, I'm here to tell you....well, check it out for yourself. 

WOW, What a great day!!

After a stop at Durango Mountain resort, because we were 15 minutes late, and a four hour viewing of some of the greatest bikers in southwest Colorado, the whole gang made it up to Andrew's Lake for our staff picture. 

If you're interested, there are lots of views of Southwest Colorado, great pictures of bikers, and our annual staff/alumni weekend highlighted in the video below.  Thanks so much for praying.  We're having a wonderful time here getting ready for the summer of a lifetime. 

Enjoy.

Today is the Famous Race

Today is the famous Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in Durango Colorado. 

When we first started this camp out here, a couple of my staff found out there was a famous race that happened every memorial day weekend.  One of them came to me and said, "You know, this race is in the bicycle magazines as an 'Epic' race.  We should do it." 

At the time I hadn't ridden more than 20 miles at a time, and thought it might be a good idea to challenge myself. 

So, we took off on the Saturday before memorial day, and rode the classic race from Durango to Silverton. 

It ended up being the longest 4 hours of suffering of my life, and I loved every second. 

We didn't actually race it.  We entered in what they call the citizens tour, which is a kind way of saying, "All you people who don't have the lung capacity to make it 55 miles uphill, just take it easy and enjoy the scenery." 

So for the last 9 years, we take this Saturday off to allow the staff to join the 2000 other riders along the road to climb up over two 10,000 ft. passes in Colorado, and take in some of the most breathtaking views. 

And for those who choose not to ride, they just go to the end of the race and cheer on EVERY SINGLE rider that passes the finish line.  It's quite a festival, and another way that we can encourage the community. 

It's so fun to stand at the end of the race and hear the comments people make when they realize there are 120 K-Colorado staff people forming a cheering section for people they don't even know. 

"Who are these guys?"  Some ask.
"It felt so good to ride into a line of people that truly cheered for me."  I've heard others say.

And that's what it's all about. 

A day of fun.
A day to enjoy the community.
A day to be a part of something outside the gates.
And, Ultimately, it's another memory made as we continue developing a team of people who learn to care about more than themselves.

So today, we're on the route. 

Some riding.
Some watching.
Everyone cheering.
And lots of fun had by all. 

Thanks for your continued prayers for the summer.  This staff is already measuring up to be some of the best we've ever had.  And, if you're coming out to join us this year, get ready for the ride of your life.  These folks care about, not only making a difference at camp, but reaching out to influence the next generation of world changers. 

I'm so thankful for the people God allows me to hang with. 
What a blessing. 

Alumni Weekend Begins

Hey guys, we're having some great fun out here at Kanakuk Colorado.  We decided to invite the Alumni out here this year, basically all the staff and counselors that have been a part of this project over the last nine years; and we're having a BLAST!!  Just a few images for you here.  Enjoy.

The Staff Arrives Today

 

It's finally that time of year when the staff out here at K-Colorado will start entering the gates.  What a thrill!!  For some, it's been 9 long months waiting and watching for the chance to come back and be a part of a greater family.  For others, this will be their first time to join us in our work to help influence a generation. 

The nerves are on high.
The expectations are all over the map.
The reunion will be an incredible orchestra of hugs and screams, as joy invades this place.

We're so excited to see what God is going to do out here this year.  We are patiently anticipating incredible things as we wait on the Lord. 

If you think about it today....

Please pray for us.
Pray that we are constantly following Jesus, as we try to glorify His name.
Pray we are a people that see the value of togetherness.
Pray for our training sessions, as they will set the stage for thousands of teenagers to come and experience God in a wonderful setting.
Pray we will see the vision God wants us to see.

And, if you want to join me today on the radio, we're going to open this session up right.  Just click on the button below, as we talk about the last week's blog entries, and continue developing a community of faith online.  God bless.  Hope to see you soon.

Listen to Braner on Blog Talk Radio

And so it begins...

Every summer starts the same, here at Kanakuk Colorado.  The first rag tag bunch of guys rolls in ready to roll up their sleeves and get dirty.  It's called "Uncle Week" in honor of Uncle Bill Lantz, the Father of Kanakuk; and to be honest, it's one of my favorite weeks of the year. 

With the rough and tough manliness that comes through the gates today, there is a delicate balance of fun and work.  The project management that has to be thought through is like a 500 piece puzzle set, and if you miss a piece, it has the potential of sacrificing for the staff who come in just under a week from today. 

This week is really important to the vitality of the Kamp.  And I couldn't ask for a better group of dudes to walk with.  Jarod Sickler has done an unbelievable job putting together a group of guys who are wide eyed and ready to tackle the world. 

They'll be many power tools used.
Lot's of logs moved.
Much painting done.
And at the end of the week, we'll be ready for 150 staff members to come in and start training. 

If you're praying today, please pray for safety. 
Pray that we can grow in our relationships.
Pray that we see the mystery of God in the fullness of who He is.
Pray that the fellas can begin setting the tone for the summer.

Thanks so much. 

Opening day is just around the corner, and I can't wait to share it with you. 

God Bless.

A wonderful wedding day

it was a beautiful spring day. The green shown through the forest like an emerald island after weeks of intense spring rain.

The landscape was groomed with immaculate precision, and the music began to play. As the cello started in on the deep melody, the mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers were all seated.

I lead the groomsman down a maze of stairs to a little private pond back in the deep woods. We walked out on the dock, turned, and waited.

The music suddenly changed, and the beautiful bridesmaids came walking down the staircase, some smiling, others crying, but all added to the most gorgeous wedding I've ever been a part of.

Finally the moment everyone was waiting for, the wedding march.

Sweet Julia, escorted by her father, made the long walk out to the end of the dock, joined the groom to begin one of the most sacred ceremonies we have the chance to participate in.

It was a wonderful reception, many kind words were shared, but the image of the bride joining her bridegroom on that quiet little dock, was stirring.

I guess the beauty was exaggerated, because it was only a year ago I sat on the same dock with Will, the groom's younger brother.

It was a weekend of tragedy, as some of you remember, when sweet innocent Maria was killed in a freak accident last May 21.
This was the same dock I wept with my friend over the loss of his sister.
It was the same dock I held him tight and prayed for the enemy if guilt to be defeated.
It was the same dock we watched the moon come up over the horizon, and both feared the dreams poised to haunt us that night.

But yesterday, the scene as quite different.

The dock once known for tragedy only a year ago, became the place of celebration.

For now, the dock represented a union between a man and a woman under the banner of God's love.
It was no longer a place to weep, but rather; a place to rejoice for my friends who were on the verge of committing their lives to one another.
It was no longer a place of defeat, but yesterday, the enemy was defeated in the same place he tried to claim victory only a year ago.

What a sacred privelege!!

To walk on holy ground, and be a part of something so special!! I'm honored to be a part of what God is doing to create life changers who are committed to following Jesus, and seeing the victory through to the end.

Thanks for praying.
Thanks for your continued support.
I'm so grateful for your friendship.

Today, the first of our staff start rolling into Durango. It won't be long now, "the kids are coming" Spike White used to say. And I can't wait!!!

Hope to see you soon!!

A quick peek into the introductions I'm sending to the K-CO staff

The Final Video from Rwanda

One of my favorite guys in the whole world was our resident videographer on the trip.  After a few weeks to get his legs under him, he's finally released our official K-Colorado video from Kigali.  If you have some time, check out the "whole" trip.  It doesn't take much time, and I'm way proud of him for taking the time to edit this.  Joe...You're the MAN!!

You Asked For It, New K-Colorado News

  Well, you asked for it.  Every now and then the poll over on the right hand side will change.  Most recently the question was, "Here on the Journey would you rather read about..." And the majority of folks chose to hear more about what's going on out at K-Colorado.

I'm excited to announce that we have some BIG changes coming down the pike fore the near future, and I'll be unveiling those changes on the radio show this  Thursday. 

So...if you're interested in K-Colorado news, come and join me this Thursday, 4:00 CST, at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/braner; and you'll be the first to know what's going down. 

God bless, and I hope you have a super day!!