Every November (the week of Thanksgiving) our entire staff gets together for two days packed full of meetings. When you say it like that, I’m sure many are thinking ‘what a miserable two days!’ In reality, it’s two days that Stephen and I look forward to every year.
These meetings are one of the few times that our entire resident staff is in the same room. It’s a time of brainstorming, looking at the future of the ministry, praising God for what He’s doing in the ministry, being challenged from the Word, and just having fun together.
I am so thankful that God has called us to this ministry. Our leadership has a burden for what God is doing not just in the ministry, but in each of us as individuals. As we look at how God has worked, it just reminds us to be excited for how He will continue to work!
I’m also thankful that we are a team that knows how to have fun together. You should see the snack table – this year’s included everything from chocolate to pomegranates, seaweed to pop tarts. Every year we also have a friendly competition of some type. This year that includes “ping pong connect 4” and “not pool” – aka games from Mr. Sam’s very creative brain.
Another one of our favorite times of these meetings is the staff picture. Have you ever tried to get 50 people – with multiple children under two – looking at the camera at the same time? It’s always an adventure. But the best pictures come from our “Pygmy” pictures (these are all the staff kids). We count it a good year if only a couple of the littles are crying. The Lord has really blessed us with the next generation!
As we look ahead to 2025, we are waiting expectantly to see what God has in store for our ministry, for our family, and for each of you! Our founder, Mr. Walt, shared a challenge this morning that reminded us who “wins” when we trust God – not just ourselves, but everyone we come in contact with. We’re so thankful for many of you who make it possible for us to minister at Camp and to be able to share God with so many!
Watson's Out West 