What's been going down...

In my element

"Wow, you are really wearing all the hats this year," the GEM-K director commented just weeks before the winter camp as we finalized my role and responsibilities. It is never my plan from the outset to be doing all the things, but I thrive in the camp environment, so it feels natural to take things on. This time around I once again led a small group, musical worship as always, and taught a workshop (in addition to the little things we all pitch in with).

Of the five boys in my small group, one I knew from past events (and not just because we share a name), three had been at our summer event earlier this year (but to my shame I didn't remember them), and one was at his first ever GEM-K event. All of them made an indelible impression on me during the week. Even if they took a little longer to get to a deep discussion, I enjoyed the chance to make even the smallest impact in their spiritual growth. I also blew their minds by teaching them about the different versions of the Star Wars films.

For over a year now, I have been teaching guitar to a GEM-K who lives in Frankfurt. When I asked her last year about playing with the worship band for camp, she declined, but this year she felt more than ready to join. More then just accompany the band, she offered creative insight and helped with some arrangements. Also joining the band were two first time staff, one a former GEM-K. Each year I feel the musical worship gets just a little bit better as I continue to build and it continues to be a favorite of mine, although I must say, it was a tight fit in the car with all the instruments and gear.

Our focus for camp this winter was how our stories fit into God's story, a topic in which I am well-versed. As such, I had the opportunity to share a number of my passions and how they connect to the truth of the gospel. In my workshop we discussed the role of fantasy in our lives and what it teaches us about reality. It was a solid mix of nerding out over our favorite characters and drawing the lines to real-world truths.

More please

Our collective of artists continues to grow with now over 30 members, including three first-time attenders at our last meeting. The Christmas concert we played at the refugee center was a massive success. We set up in a tiny room that was quickly filled with children and their parents who joyfully sang along with most of our songs. At one point their voices overshadowed our instruments. It was so much fun we were asked to come again. This was the foot in the door we had hoped it would be. Currently I am working with musicians in the group to plan at-home concerts that we can put on for our neighbors to get to know them better. The first step is organizing bands and getting accustomed to one another because few of us have played together.

Join the team

I am once again in a season of support raising. The dollar doesn't go as far as before and with added costs of inflation, my budget has become very tight. To be fully funded, I am in need of $800 more in monthly support. Over the years, I have been impressed by the generosity and faithfulness of my partners, who have joined me in expanding God's kingdom in Europe. Together we have touched hundreds of hearts with the gospel of Christ and trained countless disciples making an impact for eternity. What a shame it would be if something as trivial as money brought that to a halt.

To aid in achieving this goal, I will be visiting San Diego, April 9-22 to share about what God is doing and how to be a part of it. If you want to get together use this Calendly link. I believe that God will continue to provide through you, my ministry partners, and for that I am forever grateful. Please prayerfully consider supporting the mission by giving.

*There are no photos with this post because I avoid publishing photos of minors' faces for their safety. However more photos are featured in the newsletter. Click "Stay Updated" to sign up.