A Taste of GC

From YD Camp to GYC, ASI, and yearly camp meetings, I love occasions that give an opportunity to recharge spiritually, fellowship with friends and loved ones, get new ideas, and connect with those in ministry.

Now imagine a gathering with 60,000 believers—that lasts for ten days! I’m talking about the General Conference Session, of course. If you’ve never had the privilege to attend, let me paint you a tiny picture.

The mere size and scope of the GC is hard to take in. Picture standing on an upper level of a huge arena—and spotting almost no empty seats. Think of entering a huge exhibit hall, realizing that you may never explore it completely, because you’ll keep stopping to chat with long-lost friends and acquaintances. Imagine sitting among a massive crowd on Sabbath morning as Elder Ted Wilson speaks words that inspire, encourage, and challenge you and make you so glad you’re a Seventh-day Adventist.

All during the week, there’s an almost electric atmosphere in the air, as you hear reports of the latest topic under discussion in the GC Session or the name of someone nominated for a great responsibility. You know that history is in the making—and it’s thrilling to be there.

Now think for a moment of how tragic all this would be without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Thankfully, this does not need to be the case. Please join me in praying each day for a rich outpouring of the Holy Spirit on every officer, delegate, and attendee at the General Conference happening right now in San Antonio, Texas.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this were the last GC to ever be held on Earth?

P.S. This year’s exhibit hall, more than 100,000 square feet in size, features 600 booths for SDA ministries and vendors. If you’re here, come see us! We’re booth #C1733. Here's a snapshot of the booth and our lovely young assistants!

Mission Update

by Emily Heagy
Former YD designer now serving in Cambodia

My friends and I meandered along the trail that ran beside the broken-down remains of a Buddhist temple. It was a school holiday, so we were free from our teaching duties for the day. To get to know the area a little better, we had decided to explore the Angkor Wat complex here in Siem Reap, Cambodia. We finally reached our real destination at this particular temple site: a large lake with trees and birds and bushes. It was such a peaceful sight!

However, we were not alone. Two little local girls, laden with trays full of postcards, bracelets, fans and magnets, came to us with pleading eyes and simple English. "Do you want to buy this? This one—one dollar!"

Captive to Calling

It's coming. They're coming. It's here.

And I get excited, as usual. For 8 years now, I've been getting excited.

However, I once was not excited.

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2007: I stepped out of the car that summer, scared stiff and looking the part. I didn't really want to be here. I mean, honestly, these people were weird. I didn't know them, had never seen them, but I'd read that handbook--probably 25 times or more. I just knew I was staring boot camp in the face; complete with wearing a skirt all day, every day, for an entire week. I was convinced this was a kamikaze mission.

2008: A little less harsh, a little more open, but still afraid. Excited now. Hoping for the best...and remember the amazing, overwhelming wash of Christ I'd received the year before. I'm in a unit with who this year? And she's my counselor? Why in the world am I taking Literature Evangelism? Can I dare to open myself up?

2009: A friend in tow. More excitement. More open. More of a smile. Still fearing. Breathing deeply that camp smell. Shivering from anticipation. Looking at LE again. Something feels a little different...but what?

2010: Bounce out of the car. Exuberance, but you wouldn't know if you looked at me. Still locked up, but bubbling over inside. Skirts all day? No problem. Even more of a smile. Two weeks this year. Literature evangelist again. Applying for the Mission Experience. Yes, I like it...I love it. Home away from home.

2011: Early arrival. Counselor. Nervous, still silent, but changed, greatly changed. Girls, schedules, procedures and responsibility. Staggering proposal of internship. Inner wings wanting to stretch....

2012: No arrival this year. I've been here since September. Excitement building, but sitting in the office most of the day. Watching the activity from the outside. Dissatisfied, even almost unhappy, and yet, almost... Almost there...

2013: First time as staff. Proofreading, photography, and any number of odd jobs. Song in heart, smile on face, such a different drum beating inside. Happier, more open, more satisfied, more...

2014: No arrival again. No departure when all's over. Eagerly anticipating others arrival. Satisfied. A little shy and quiet, but no longer closed, no chains, no prison, no bars. Happy.

And, most of all, waiting to see who's going to be freed this year.

I can trace who I now am back to a hot summer in July, 8 years ago, when a 14 year old captive set foot on a little campus in the sticks of Washington. God, through Young Disciple, has made the difference in my life. It's taken a captive and brought her to a calling.

Every once in awhile, I see counselors run past the window. And I smile. I wonder whose life-journey is going to begin here this year....

Canoeing Day!

Last Thursday, the YD Staff took a little excursion out on the lake during our lunch hour.

The kids came along and helped carry the paddles.
(Pictured: Genesis and Caleb Evert)

Janet Evert and Caleb Evert in kayaks, with "Grandma" Phyllis Potts and Will Evert in the canoe beyond.

Our beautiful view!

Tony Evert's family: Tony, Christian, Genesis, Sylvia, and Hannah. (Baby Bethany is on Mom's lap.)

Heidi stretches her out. feet So nice to relax!

In this world, all good things must come to an end. Kezzia Keener and Tony Evert pull the canoe up onto shore.
Soon our lake will ring with the laughter of dozens of campers. See you there!

All photos by Heidi Reinecke.

Choose a theme song!

Hey, guess what? We’re choosing theme songs for YD Camp . . . because in just a few weeks we'll be singing them with you! Exciting, isn’t it? 

YD Campers and staff have shared many great ideas with us each year. Now we’d like to hear your theme song suggestions. Submissions may be Scripture songs, hymns, or other songs, and should correlate (if possible) with our theme texts which are Psalm 1 and 2 Peter 1:1-10. So, comment below and let us know your suggestions! 

By the way, have you checked out our Construction Cam lately? The roof is up on the girls' showerhouse and the shingles are being put on as I type. Watch it happen!