So, this will be old news for some of you, but I have stepped down from my position as program director at Cowboy's Rest. Don't panic! I still love Jesus and I'm still super excited about what He's doing at The Rest. You can read more about my reasons for leaving in the following note. Thank you all for your support and prayers!
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Dear Friends,
Chelsea and I want to let you all know that we have stepped down from our full-time positions at Cowboy’s Rest Christian Camp. This is not a decision we made lightly. I’ve been involved with Cowboy’s Rest since before its founding in 1999, and the camp has played a vital role in both our lives. (After all, we first met on the stairway between the upper and lower lawns.) Beyond that, we sincerely love the ministry of Cowboy’s Rest and all the people involved in it, both campers and staff. That’s what made this choice so difficult.
However, after taking quite a bit of time to pray and seek godly counsel, it just became evident to us that, as a couple, we’re not called to full-time camp ministry. The craziness of the camp schedule, while a ton of fun for a week or two, can put a strain on a marriage when it’s kept up month-in and month-out. That probably sounds like whining, but it’s simply a reality we’ve both had to face. During this season in our lives, we just need to take a step back to focus on our relationship with the Lord and our relationship with each other.
So, what this decision means is that we won’t be at camp next summer. What it does NOT mean is that we’re upset or disgruntled with Cowboy’s Rest in any way. The Board of Directors and the Senior Staff have been nothing but supportive throughout my past decade of employment. Both Chelsea and I are very grateful for their wisdom, encouragement, and friendship in our lives and for their godly leadership of this ministry.
Our decision also does NOT mean that we’ll never serve at the camp again. Both of us are looking forward to helping out in a volunteer capacity in the near future. Believe me, I’m planning to get lots of mileage out of that aggravating phrase, “I’m just a volunteer.”
Finally, and most importantly, our leaving Cowboy’s Rest does NOT mean that the ministry of the camp is over. Far from it! Plans are already in full swing for summer 2013, and it’s very exciting to hear the new ideas for rec games and activities that are being tossed around. If you want to get a head start on planning for camp, check out our 2013 calendar here…
And remember, registration officially opens on February 1st. That’s just two months away! Keep an eye out for summer camp updates here…
Beyond summer camp 2013 (which, did I mention, is going to be awesome?), I’m confident that the ministry of Cowboy’s Rest will survive my departure because it’s never been about me in the first place. CR is Jesus’ camp. He is the One who founded it and who has kept its gates open. He’s the One who has graciously worked in thousands of hearts and lives over the years. And He’s the One who should receive all glory and praise for the amazing things that happen at The Rest. I’m simply grateful to be one of the tools that He has used to accomplish His work, sometimes in spite of myself. Both Chelsea and I are praying that the Lord will continue to use Cowboy’s Rest in a mighty way for decades to come, by His grace and for His glory.
So, there’s not much left to say … except, thank you. Thank you to everyone who has made this job so much fun that I feel kind of guilty for getting paid. Thank you to all the staff members who have worn ridiculous outfits, endured countless Opener rehearsals, and worked criminally long hours, all to show the love of God to His children. Thank you to all the campers who have cheered “just a little bit louder,” who’ve sat through torturously drawn-out Closers (“And in eighth place…”), and who have consistently refreshed our hearts with your sincere love for Jesus and your hunger for His word. And thank you to all of you who faithfully pray, promote and financially support the ministry of Cowboy’s Rest. By God’s grace, I know the best is yet to come.
And now, it’s with fond memories and overflowing gratitude in our hearts that Chelsea and I say farewell to the Rest. If I could, I’d get up on that chapel stage one last time, raise the microphone to my lips, take a deep breath, and then tell myself…
“YOU ... ARE … OUTTA HERE!”
