"Who do you say that I am..."

So, somehow I am supposed to be able to write these reflections in the midst of the most incomprehensible and amazing summer of my life. This summer has been one of new experiences, new ideas, first times, and new friends. I gave my first morning watches in North Carolina, as well as gave my first attempt at the Cross Fit workouts (thanks Cory), and I watched some of the funniest YouTube videos I’ve even seen in Oklahoma. I even attempted my first labyrinth as a worship station last week at Central Christian Camp in Oklahoma. Let me just say, those are a lot easier in theory. It took me two hours in the sun, I was late for dinner, and after inhaling way too much spray paint, I stood drenched in my sweat to realize I hadn’t done it completely right (which actually worked out for the best). On top of that, I have welcomed in and been welcomed in by some the most wonderful people in the world and have had experiences that have completely changed who I am…and I’m not even halfway through the summer…

In North Carolina the week’s theme was “Facing your Demons,” which was a focus on all of our live’s burdens and how we confront those to live more fully with God. In Oklahoma it was “Get Real” and looking at who Jesus was and still is, while attempting to understand what Jesus means in our lives. The question raised last week in Oklahoma on the first day was “Who do you say I am,” which Jesus asked his disciples in Matthew 16:13. This was the question that set the tone of the week and led into looking at who is Jesus and the various names for him – Jesus as Friend, Jesus as Teacher, Jesus as Healer, Jesus as Savior. In reflecting on this, it seems that the better question to ask yourself is, “Who does Jesus say I am?”

This question stands out to me and I think rephrasing it may help us better understand our responsibility to the world. We have the tendency to get caught up in all the amazing things Jesus did for us, but what are we doing in return? How are we living in the example he set for us? It is really easy to understand that Jesus was a friend, a healer, and our savior. Now my question to myself and to you is: How are we being friends, teachers, and healers? How are we living in the example of Jesus and being the body of Christ? We still live in this world and one that is very, very messy. As Christians we are called to be the body of Christ so why, then, are we avoiding the messes of the world?

The thing is, this concept, like the labyrinth is very simple in theory, but there is always something burdening us, holding us back, or standing in our way. So what I have concluded is that in order for us to live out the example of Jesus, we might want to recognize the issues that keep us from doing that. For many of us, we have our personal barriers. At the same time, if we are going to make a difference in the world, we may want unmask our society’s problems instead of trying to hide them because its easy. Just remember, as the campers in North Carolina pointed out, you are all worthy of love and belonging and it is okay to allow yourself to be vulnerable with God, or with the world – no matter how difficult that is to do. Jesus didn’t choose easy; rather, he jumped head first into the mess and now, as the body of Christ, it is our turn to jump.

There is no doubt in my mind that the hope for our future is bright. I’ve seen it everyday the last three weeks in all the people I have encountered and it is often times in the smallest of gestures. Like when a camper reaches out to someone completely different than themselves, to an outsider, and pulls them into the dance circle to make them feel welcomed and loved. Then there was the time when a camper questioned the camp for not recycling. Or, I saw it even more clearly last week when the camp in Oklahoma packaged 57,000 meals for Kids Against Hunger, and many of the campers gave up two days of their swim time to do it. Of course, it is easy to do this at camp, but I fully believe these kids are ready to take the peace and acceptance they find at camp to everyone they meet. They understand that they have a responsibility to do more than celebrate our salvation, but to be arms and legs of Jesus – to be the teachers, the friends, and the healers. They also know that it is going to be hard and that there are always obstacles.

Now, the challenge is on us, so ask yourself, who does Jesus I am?

-Daniel

Texas Two Step

My first two weeks as a peace intern have brought me to the Lone Star State—to the cacti and cattle ranches of Gonzales and to the lakes and wooded trails of Athens.

While driving through Gonzales to get to camp I was struck by the town’s flag. Its emblem is a black cannon and its motto is “Come and take it.” Besides reminding me that one shouldn’t mess with Texas, the flag also got me thinking what I will take away from my summer as an intern. What will be the lessons I learn from the campers and counselors who share the summer with me? Will I grow stronger in faith?

Will I faithfully witness to the peace and love that Jesus embodied in his life? Will I be able to make a difference as an itinerant intern, discussing peace and social justice in the hope that in doing so the world will be a more just, more peaceful place? I admit that I have doubts for this journey—great ambitions don’t often lead to great results. But I have hope that God is moving in my heart and in those of campers across the country, transforming us into agents of peace and love who can, even in the smallest of ways, make this world a better place.

Already I draw encouragement from my experiences in Texas. As an outsider (and a Yankee at that) I have been welcomed with love and grace into the camps’ communities—surely an example of Jesus’ unconditional hospitality. I have heard powerful keynotes on loving and accepting ourselves and each other, remembering that God created us, with all our imperfections, lovingly and with a good purpose. I was reminded of the universality of God’s love, knowing that we are not loved because we have value, but have value because we are loved. I was inspired to continue seeking God, to open my heart and my senses to experience God, and to act with God to manifest Jesus’ love and welcome to all.

I am encouraged by the honest and open conversations I have had with campers and counselors as we explore what it means to live meaningful lives of faith. The Spirit moves in mysterious ways at church camp, opening us to be honest with others, allowing us to recognize our vulnerabilities, and helping us to celebrate God’s creation in all its beauty.

I expect I will continue to be encouraged and surprised in the weeks ahead. Dancing, singing, praying, and worshipping with those in Gonzales and Athens has energized and inspired me for the road ahead. I am blessed to be a peace intern this summer, and I am excited as I ponder all that I will take and leave behind on my journey.

Jonathan Cahill is a 2014 Disciples Peace Fellowship Intern, sponsored by Federated Church of West Lafayette.

“Surely God is in this Place – Holy Ground”

So, here is my first attempt at a blog for the summer. I am not quite sure how exactly these things are supposed to work, therefore I would love some feedback from you, my readers (or reader more likely)…

The first week of my summer led me to Camp Kum-Ba-Ya down in western Kentucky. Being from Kentucky, I have always been familiar with KBY and even spent a week there as a camper in 8th grade for Eighter’s Camp, but it had been a long time and I was not sure what to expect. This was really my first time truly experiencing a camp not called Wakondaho. On top of that, I had all the anxieties and pressures that I had put on myself that accompanied my newly acquired title of Peace Intern. All the natural questions filled my ahead: “Would I fit in at this camp?
Would anyone get anything out of my message” What in the world am I doing with my summer?” There is no doubt I was nervous, anxious, but certainly eager and excited to be starting my summer.

The always incredible Randy Kuss keynoted and taught the camp a song that had simple words, but truer words have never been spoken. The words were “Surely God is in this place…holy ground.” That simple. And I must say God was truly in that place and in all parts of it. I saw God almost the second I got there and from the second I left. I could feel God in everyone on staff, in the car rides with Jeff Bruce, my small group with Jeff (the other one) and Kelsey, in hashtag jokes with Billy, and in the way Catherine so easily welcomed me in. I saw God in the many cups of coffee, all the energizers, and in all the keynotes. One night at vespers it started raining, but everyone managed to stay dry due to the cover of the trees, and in a moment like that, how could I not laugh and think God has a great sense of humor? I especially saw God in the campers, in their willingness to interact with each other, in their openness to new experiences, and especially in their unconditional love for their camp and each other. It was amazing.

So as Randy posed the question: “If you could inject one good thing into the world with your life – what would it be?” I knew God was in that question because at the height of my self doubt that question took the wind out of me. It was that question that stood out so much because it doesn’t call for a lot, but it asks us to think about one thing that we can do differently to make the world a better place – just one thing. As a peace intern, it is easy to bite off more than you can chew and try too hard to do so much when really it is as simple as changing one thing. It is the smallest of changes that can have the biggest of impacts on the world and that is an important reminder for me as a carry on with my adventures this summer. However, it is also I question that I want others to think about. In a world filled with violence, injustice, and genuine chaos, what can you change? What can you do differently to make the world a better place? In a world where everyone goes with the flow, I challenge you to be someone that can be just a little different and watch what happens because I have a feeling the ripple effect will surprise us.

Remember, God is in this place, all of it, not just at camp though the connection tends to be a little clearer. But, if you take just a second and listen, you might actually notice God trying to say something to you, or maybe making a little joke.

-Daniel

Radical Hospitality in Alabama

As a native Ohioan who is used to tumultuous storm clouds and trudging through snow, I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to Alabama Northwest Florida’s Beach Camp in Orange Beach, Alabama… Just kidding! Even though my fair skin wasn’t used to such direct sunlight, I couldn’t have asked for a better first week of the summer.

Apart from my obvious enjoyment at spending an entire week literally 50ft from the beach I had the pleasure of being met with open arms and open minds. Upon arriving in sunny, 90 degree, Mobile, Alabama, I was greeted by a wonderful man who showed me what I suspect is true southern hospitality, and what radical hospitality it was!

I was whisked away from the airport, treated to a wonderful lunch on the beach, and brought successfully to Romar Beach Baptist Retreat Center. After taking a much needed nap, I was greeted by a woman with an entire basket of goodies for me—brand new bedding (including a delightfully soft pillow!), a plethora of fresh towels (beach towels, shower towels, hand towels, oh my!), and a conglomeration of deliciously unhealthy snack foods that I promptly devoured.

Over the next few days I was met by many smiling faces and welcomed into a close-knit camp family. I won’t lie to you, part of me expected to not be welcomed so readily. Of course, the campers and leaders had hosted DPF interns for years, and of course, they had requested an intern and knew how to handle one, and of course they would welcome me happily, but a part of me was still worried. Who am I to come barging into this family, an unfamiliar face, expecting to find something similar to my camp family back in Ohio, someone who doesn’t know their traditions, songs or inside jokes?

All qualms aside, I was welcomed unconditionally with radical hospitality yet again.

After learning the names of a few early-arriving campers and introducing myself a bit awkwardly on Sunday evening, I started to feel at home. As a counselor I bunked with a room full of Chi-Rho girls, and a few other young counselors. They shared secrets with me, asked for my prayers, played games with me, and told me which boy campers they were crushing on. Once again, I saw radical hospitality in their openness.

While I was continually shown radical hospitality time and time again throughout the week, I’ll leave you with only one more example.

On Thursday I was asked to give a keynote that followed the theme for the week: questions. In the past year, campers had asked intentional questions that they wanted answered, such as why do bad things happen to good people? And what should I do when someone counteracts my faith? I decided to ask and answer a question of my own: how are we as Christians called to respond to people of other faiths? And do we worship the same god/God as people of other faiths? Of course, these are hard questions to answer. Isn’t our role as Christians to spread the Gospel news, witness about Jesus’ love for humankind, and share our faith experiences with others? And do we really worship the same god? The same god who tells people to kill in that god’s name? I then shared examples from different religious texts that each depicts a god who expects unconditional love of all that god’s followers, and demands respect from all people for all people. I asked the thoughtful campers one more question: does it matter if we worship the same god?

To my delight, they responded with a resounding “no!”

Their openness towards my ideas about interfaith dialogue and acceptance of all people showed me, yet again, their radical hospitality, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their insightful and challenging discussions.

So I’d like to pose the same question to each of you:
Do we worship the same God as people of other faiths?

And finally, my answer:
Does it matter?

Following the path to radical hospitality,
Cara

Faith, Hope, and Love

One Bible verse that always struck a chord within me was 1 Corinthians 13:13, which reads: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” It’s a classic verse seen on paintings, bracelets, and read at thousands of weddings. Up until now, I have always agreed with it. Love is a very powerful force which should be valued. Love can do amazing things.

However, this summer, I have been overcome with hope. I have met youth at camps all over the summer who give me hope for their generation, for the world, and for our church. This was really apparent at the Pacific Southwest Region’s CYF 1 Camp at the idyllic Loch Leven Conference Center. As our keynoter was leaving, he spoke about how we wished the campers would take what they had learned back “down the mountain” from camp. He played the song “Beautiful Things” by Gungor. The lyrics spoke to everyone in the room, and really touched me.

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

The campers I met this summer have been through things that I cannot imagine. They face the challenges of suicide, depression, abandonment, economic struggles, and more. Yet they still came to camp. They still gave up a week of summer to be with people who they hoped would love them and support them. They allowed themselves to be changed by God and be made into something beautiful.

I feel that our society has grossly misunderstood and underestimated these young people. I have seen firsthand that they are intelligent, dedicated, passionate, and driven. At all camps, we talked about how much camp was like an “escape” and not the “real world.” I couldn’t help but think about what it would be like if camp was the norm? What if our churches could recreate the feeling we experience at camp? We could have such an amazing community full of life completely run by young people.

Faith was apparent this summer at camp. Love was abundant. But hope – hope truly stood out at the greatest of these.

Peace,

Aly