On Tuesday night I took Kelsey, my 10 year old daughter to YFC National middle school camp at Island Lake, near Poulsbo. This was an opportunity to have a “daddy/daughter date” as well as watch some of our Tacoma YFC staff and volunteers in action. Kelsey was immediately struck by how many people were at camp – over 200 – and really surprised when I told her that over 100 were from Tacoma. However, my greatest joy was that she overheard conversations I had with both kids and staff.

Trent, our Jason Lee Campus Life Director, shared that although he was surviving on only two hours of sleep, all of the boys in his cabin surrendered their lives to Christ during cabin time the night before! He pointed out several leaders around the room who were “running on fumes”, but you would never know it by observing their attitudes and playfulness with the kids.

Kelsey also overheard my conversation with Daniel, one of our volunteers. Daniel took a week’s vacation from his job at Starbucks so he could bring a group of kids from Keithley Middle School. “We’re having a great time…pray for the Lord to move in their hearts…He’s already at work.” Kelsey even listened in as Ken, our 23-year YFC veteran and Campus Life Director asked me to pray specifically for “Nick” who was dealing with deep emotional issues.

What a great “daddy/daughter date”! As we drove away from that evening camp visit, I thanked God for faithful adult leaders who love even the most difficult middle schoolers…on little or no sleep, fueled by camp food, all to point these kids to Jesus.

Tillicum Update:

As I write this blog we are nearing the end of the Tillicum Youth & Family Center project remodel.  I stopped by the work site yesterday morning and ran into Dan, our landscape guru with his crew from Clover Park Technical College and they are doing great work. I still can’t believe the transformation that has taken place!  Below is the most recent picture.  We’re hoping to open the facility to work with kids within the next two weeks and praying for the Lord to continue to provide the finances to finish our $1.5 million capital campaign (we’ve raised $950,000 so far).