Monday, May 26, 2008

Have a Part in the Ministry

Each year, Southland has their staff send out letters of support for both them and the camp. Below are two letters (one from Peter and one from the camp director, Todd Sasek). Please prayerfully consider supporting Peter this summer. If you cannot financially support Peter, we understand but ask that you support him with your prayers and emails (peter4christ@gmail.com).

Peter, Rusty or I will be posting updates to this blog at least once a week. Please check for updates or register to automatically receive updates via email.

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May 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

This summer, I have the wonderful opportunity at Southland Christian Camp of investing my time into the lives of others. I am one of 70 staff members here at camp seeking to make a difference in the lives of over 1,500 campers and sponsors that will come our way during the course of the summer. I am really looking forward to the great things the Lord is going to do in their lives and in my life. I am excited to see what great changes will be accomplished.

Specifically, I am serving on the operational staff. Much of my ministry involves keeping the campsite clean and functioning correctly. Throughout the week, I also desire to take the opportunities that present themselves to speak with and challenge campers that are here. I also have the opportunity to counsel the young people who come forward after the evening services to make decisions. It is a great blessing to be used in a “behind-the-scenes” capacity to make a difference in the lives of these campers. I know that I need God’s protection in my life and His strength through my life and that is why I also need your help this summer.

I am inviting you to partner with me by praying for me. I know that I cannot change a life, but the Lord can take me and use me for His service, and He can change lives. Please pray for my physical strength, spiritual wisdom, and for God to change lives. Also, pray for God’s wisdom and protection for the entire staff as we know that Satan would love to render our ministry ineffective. Thank you for praying. I will send you an update on what God is doing in a couple of weeks.

Thank you again for your prayers,



Peter Ralph

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May 2008

Greetings from Louisiana!

I am excited about the team God has put together this summer here at Southland. I have watched God take almost 60 young individuals and begin molding them into a team that is truly serving for God’s glory and other’s benefit.

The team member who sent this letter to you truly desires and needs your prayer support as he or she serves this summer. Our team members have given up their entire summer to serve God and others and they will not be able to do it in their own strength. Through your prayers, you are partnering in the ministry of your friend or loved one.

I know that you are unable to give an entire summer to a particular ministry, but you do have the opportunity to be a partner in this ministry. I am inviting you to help support the ministry of your friend or loved one through prayer and possibly provision. Southland has committed to “paying” each team member a small “wage” along with room and board for their labor this summer. We are also making it possible for others to partner in the ministry through the tool of finances. Fifty percent of every designated dollar received will go directly to the designated team member. The other 50% will go towards off setting the training costs incurred by the camp. Once a $1000 of designated funds, ($500/ individual & $500/ camp), are received for any individual, that individual will receive 100% of every other dollar received.

Most people are uncomfortable discussing money in the ministry (myself included!), but the Lord has made it clear that there are many gifts represented in the body of Christ. We are not afraid to invite people to preach, teach, serve, work, or pray; but there are many who are unable to give of their time yet can give of the resources God has entrusted to them. Please do not feel pressure to give financially. We are simply making the need and the opportunity known for those whom God would have to be a part of this particular area of the ministry.

I would, however, ask each of you to be praying for your young person and the ministry at Southland. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me personally.

In Christ,



Todd Sasek
Director

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