Day 5: Day five already. In some ways it seems like forever ago that we first drove down that bumpy road to Moose Deer Point. But, in many ways, it seems like we just got here. It was an exhausting week for sure, but we can honestly say that we were all sad to make that final drive off the Reserve, and didn’t want it to end.
We had an amazing day of sunshine and laughter, and some tears and hugs for sure. Many a t-shirt was signed, and many prizes given, not to mention the 9 gigs worth of digital pictures that were captured today.
Praise the Lord for a week where we were able to get to know, and love some children in a very tough life situation. We were in consensus that we learned as much from these kids, about our faith, about our lives and beliefs, as they may have learned from us. We praise God for these children, for their hearts and their souls.
Thank you for your prayers this week. We really felt that prayer was a powerful part of the amazing time we had, the great weather that seemed to work around our schedule, the smooth running of the programs, and the relationships that we were able to build.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Moose Deer '08 | Day FIVE Report
Thursday, July 24, 2008
MooseDeer Day 4 – The End is Nigh, sniff ☹
Day 4: It seemed easier to get up at the crack of dawn today, knowing that we would be back at the cottages by 1 instead of the usual 4 or 430. Today was baseball day, the one night of the week that we organize a big softball game on the Reserve. That was scheduled for 6pm so we had to make sure we had some time to get some fuel and a short nap before heading back. So no swimming today with the kids.
The day was kicked off with another rousing opening session with songs, challenges of “can you get”, group aerobics, installment 4 of the “Mo and the Rabbits of Cottontale Farm” skit, and another message from our man Rodway.
We played British Bulldog (don’t worry, non contact, and no one was injured) as an entire group, which was a big hit with most of the kids. We also played soccer baseball, created jumping frogs in crafts, and solved puzzles about the 10 plagues. Bump was again a popular game with the older kids, and “Bible Bill” even made an appearance and showed-off his prowess on the b-ball court.
It was a hot day so there was a lot of hydrating and snacking going on throughout the day. Praise the Lord for energy, as the heat was working against us; fueling the fatigue.
There was definitely a bit of a sadness creeping in today, as kids and councilors realized that there would be only one day left of camp after this day was done. It is amazing the relationships that have been built already in 4 short (but man did they feel long) days. We know it will be a difficult day tomorrow, the last time we will see each other for a very long time.
The baseball game was a roaring success, as most of the kids we see during the morning showed up, as well as many more parents and young adults we had not seen before. We played 9 innings of rock em’ sock ‘em softball, and the winning side didn’t celebrate too much, because everyone were really winners tonight. It was a great opportunity to not only spend more quality time with the kids, but also meet other people on the Reserve, and give us a chance to get to know them. (We have yet to download the baseball pics, but we’ll send those along tomorrow.)
Please pray …
- For continued energy and health for the councilors
- That we would continue to love these children as God loves them
- For the goodbyes, that we would have strength and wisdom, that the kids would know we really do care about them and are not leaving to be never heard from or seen again
- That the Lord will continue to protect us from evil
- For all the kids at the camp, for their families, and for their hearts and souls. That they would come to know Jesus, and that their lives would be changed forever
Praise God…
- For our baseball game in the community, for the turnout and the relationships built/strengthened
- For the energy and health that our team members enjoyed today, God answers prayer!
- The unity we have experienced as a team
- The beautiful sunshine today
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Moose Deer '08 | Day THREE Report
Written by team member Jordan Turner today:
Day 3: Off to another early start, which everyone seems to be getting used to. It was an amazing breakfast to start the day – pancakes and sausages!!! When it seemed like we were going to be late for camp, our drivers got everyone into the cars and off to camp with plenty of time to set up and get the kids.
The kids were starting to show their true colors today by bonding with their leaders and also by showing how much of a handful they can be. After a great wide game (“Capture the Baby Moses” – a twist on Capture the Flag!), the kids enjoyed making “burning bush” pin wheels and played “stones” in sports, with some of the kids playing another Bump marathon.
With the weather being overcast and cool today it made swimming with kids hard so, while some of us braved the water, others used the time to talk with them. After dinner, a few of us went to the local church meeting, where we met some of people that go to the church and Bill Halll got to talk about Jonah. The rest of the group had a fishing marathon, and then we all finished the evening with discussion and games.
All and all an amazing day.
Please pray …
- For our baseball game in the community tomorrow (Thursday) night – please pray
that some of the older members of the community would join us for this event
- For the community as a whole
- For the church congregation on the reserve … they have a faithful group of about 7 people!
- For energy and health for our team members
- That we would give all of ourselves to these kids for the remainder of the week – that we would be wholehearted and gentle with them
- That there would be less distinction between people living on the two sides of the reserve … that the kids would be able to enjoy and value each other
- That we would love these kids as God loves them
We praise God for …
- The unity we have experienced as a team
- The fact that one of the older boys we mentioned yesterday did come to camp for the first time today and was fairly well behaved
Moose Deer Point, Day 2 | More Bugs… but a Blessed day for sure!!!
PICTURES HERE. Day 2: It was another early start, up for breakfast at 6:45 – Camp kicked off at 9:30 with the addition of a few new young faces. Despite forecasted showers, it was a day of sunshine. God has definitely been in control of the weather this week. PTL!
We had several exciting events that the kids really enjoyed today; a giant 4 way Tug of War contest, a razzing display of water balloon toss, and an exciting, hour long, “Bump” marathon at the basketball court. We also performed our 2nd skit, sang songs with the kids, and had an enthralling bible teaching on the topic of giving your burdens to Jesus.
More relationships were built today, as the counselors got to know the kids better and the kids warmed up to the councilors. We praise the Lord for every opportunity to build into these kids,
On the negative side, Becki Lee unfortunately had to leave the group tonight (don’t worry, it was planned)! She is heading off to Edmonton where she is starting the next portion of her journey with Athletes in Action at U of A. Her enthusiasm and skill with the camp kids will be greatly missed, as well as her spiritual leadership and, of course, her laughter. Sadie, one of the 8 year olds at the camp, gave Becki a present today because she knew it was her last day. (awwwwww) We all, and Becki, thought that was pretty awesome.
Prayer Requests:
- Kids behavior tomorrow, as a few of the more difficult older boys are expected to attend tomorrow that didn’t today.
- Becki as she transitions: Prayer for comfort as she misses our group and the camp, the smooth transition to her new life out West, and protection from any spiritual attacks after a very spiritually moving few days.
- Continued protection from spiritual attack
- Get rid of those bugs!
Praise:
- Kids behavior today
- Beautiful weather
- Kids have been very attentive and focused during the bible teachings so far, a big surprise for sure!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Moose Deer Point, Day 1 | Rain … sun … BUGS!!!
Day one of Moose Deer day camp began with torrential downpours as we drove to the reserve. However, as Bill is so fond of saying, “The Lord doth” … by the time our “opening exercises” ended, the skies had cleared. Approximately 35 kids enjoyed the first of the skits we had prepared to tell the story of Moses … or “Mo”, the rabbit, in our adapted version. Although the skits were humorous, only later did we discover the real reason for their laughter … “Mo” actually means “poo” in Ojibway! Whoops.
After the Bible teaching, groups rotated through snacks, games and puzzles, t-shirt designing, and outdoor sports. The sun brought with it swarms of bugs, but the kids eagerly participated and we did our best to tolerate the bites! We ended the morning with a hot dog lunch, then spent the afternoon swimming with the kids.
Back at “home”, we shared a tasty dinner, debriefed our day, and participated in a devotion that encouraged us to reflect on the unique gifts we each have to offer the kids and our team.
All in all, it was a great start to the week! We look forward to seeing what God is going to do at Moose Deer Point this week and are so appreciative of your support.
Please join us in praying …
-for Divine energy … our days are long and very full!
-for one of our campers who has shared that she is tormented by visions of dead people and speaks to animals by way of gifts that “Creator”, their native god, has given her. She has struggled with this her whole life and longs to experience her childhood in peace.
and in offering praise for …
-the torrential rains stopping in time for us to run our outdoor programs.
-the positive changes we have seen in many of the kids we have prayed for since last year.
-the provision of beautiful accommodations where we can rest and prepare for our next day.
Thank you! We are so encouraged to know that our church family is praying for us while we’re here.
CHECK OUT PICTURES HERE.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Community Life & Prayer | A Reminder
On Sunday night, we prayed in a way we have several times before - facing the directions of the places to which we feel called to serve, to love and to be Jesus's tangible body.
Share with one another those places on the TILT forum so we can continue in prayer together.
Also, use the prayer map! If your info is out of date, please email tilt.toronto AT gmail.com with new info. If you'd like to be added, download the form from the link.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
COMMUNITY LIFE & PRAYER | Forever
We are now using the community boards for prayer. It adds a couple of steps to the process, but in the end we hope it will further more dialogue and engagement.
So, you can post prayer stuff here.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
COMMUNITY LIFE & PRAYER | January 1 Week
It is a new year! An appropriate time for reflection upon the year that was and the year will have now entered. Use the prayer of examen this week to guide you.
Pray for the turmoil in Kenya in the aftermath of the elections and ensuing tribal violence.
Use the prayer map by clicking on the image below. Email tilt.toronto AT gmail.com if you'd like to be added!
Monday, December 3, 2007
COMMUNITY Life & Prayer | Week of December 2
Barb led us in prayer last night by handing out sections of various newspapers. Why not continue to pray through what we see and read this week. Some newspapers:
The Globe and Mail
The Toronto Star
The Toronto Sun
The Metro News
As always, add a comment for prayer!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
COMMUNITY LIFE & PRAYER | November 4 Week
Jeremy led us through the Lord's Prayer on Sunday night. Here's the Voice's translation of it:
Our Father in heaven,
let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth,
as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day's bread, no more, no less,
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive those who owe use something.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
But let Your kingdom be,
and let it be powerful
and glorious forever.
Amen.
What does this lead you to pray for? Leave your thoughts/prayers/comments here. What does it look like when we pray the Lord's Prayer for one another? Use the new prayer points map!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Resources for the Week | 11/01 - 11/07
Resources for this week are found here:
Once-A-Day Approach for Nov. 1 - 7 - this is for those who desire reading, prayer and a song once during the day.
The Divine Offices Calendar is an easy way to do the offices online.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
COMMUNITY Life & Prayer | Week of October 28
There are still a couple of glitches to work through (sorry Lesley and Michelle...soon to be fixed) All fixed I hope! CHECK OUT THE NEW PRAYER POINTS MAP. The new map is done in Flash - if you are using Internet Explorer, you might have to click on the image once before all the controls are activated. You can click on ANY star at ANY time to go to a specific place. Click on each name to see where the person is in the city. Let me know how it goes by commenting below. An explanation of the prayer points map is here.
Many people still aren't on the map. If you're interested, just send me (tilt.toronto {at} gmail.com) the info. This form tells you what I need. No exact addresses or full names are used. Also, email me to update your various places as well.
Of course, please leave your prayer requests here by commenting!!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
COMMUNITY Life & Prayer | Week of October 22
Gene led us in prayer on Sunday night, rooted in this passage from James 5:
13 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.
16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Who is going through hardship? Who is happy? Who is sick? What do we need to confess? Let's continue to pray for one another, for our community, and the world.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
COMMUNITY Life & Prayer | Week of October 15
Let's continue to pray for our community, and our city:
:. Sarah P and her family as they deal with her dad's illness
:. Lindzie's mom is back in the hospital - pray for her and the family
:. Pray for the new Ontario government (well, re-elected) - that they would lead with integrity, that we as the church would submit to them yet challenge them with the reality of God's Kingdom
:. Pray for anyone at TILT through the prayer map here. (NOTE: If your information is out of date, please let me know - tilt.toronto AT gmail.com!!)
:. Pray for the many students at TILT in the midst of mid-term madness.
As Peggy was praying on Sunday, the Psalms reflect so much of our struggle in this life, yet our confidence in God. Check out Psalm 28:
Psalm 28
Of David.
1 To you I call, O LORD my Rock;
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.
2 Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.
3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,
with those who do evil,
who speak cordially with their neighbors
but harbor malice in their hearts.
4 Repay them for their deeds
and for their evil work;
repay them for what their hands have done
and bring back upon them what they deserve.
5 Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD
and what his hands have done,
he will tear them down
and never build them up again.
6 Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.
8 The LORD is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;
be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
COMMUNITY LIFE & PRAYER | October 9 Week
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. 11 Come, my children, and listen to me, 15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; 19 The righteous person faces many troubles, 21 Calamity will surely overtake the wicked,
This was the Psalm at the end of our confession liturgy on Sunday night (Psalm 34). Pray through this psalm throughout the week... 1 I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
2 I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together.
He freed me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need.
10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
12 Does anyone want to live a life
that is long and prosperous?
13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies!
14 Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
his ears are open to their cries for help.
16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil;
he will erase their memory from the earth.
17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous;
not one of them is broken!
and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him.
No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
COMMUNITY Life & Prayer | Week of September 23
Colossians 3:12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Continue to pray for Sarah and her family as her father is terminally ill, and for Lindzie and her family as they deal with her mom's illness.
Continue to pray for one another through the prayer map (please let me know if you need your profile updated!).
And of course, please post your prayer requests/praises/stories/...
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
COMMUNITY LIFE & PRAYER | September 11 Week
Let's pray the prayer of John Wesley throughout this week, for us where we are, and for TILT as a community and the Church throughout Toronto and Canada:
Let the inspiration of the Holy Spirit prepare and assist me in all the duties of this, Your sacred day. That my wandering thoughts may all be fixed on You, my devotion centered upon You, and my apathy quickened into longing for and thirsting after You.
Let me join in the prayers and praises of Your Church with committed and holy passion. Let me hear Your Word with listening ears and a determination to obey it. And when I approach Your altar, the tree upon which Jesus died, pour into my heart humility, faith, hope, love and a holy character which reflects the crucified Saviour.
Let me make use of this entire day to the ends for which it was intended, doing what must be done but also living out mercy, in prayer, praise and meditation; and let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be always pleasing in Your sight.
Amen.
The prayer map, as always, is a great way to pray for one another.
Click on COMMENTS below to post a prayer request.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
COMMUNITY LIFE & PRAYER | September 3 Week
"Grant us, Your servants, the courageous confidence we need to go ahead and
proclaim Your message while You reach out Your hand to heal people, enabling
us to perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus" - the prayer of the community of believers in Acts 4, displayed in God's power in Acts 5:12-16. As we prayed on Sunday, we continue to pray this for our community, for revival at the hand of God, using us as His instruments.
The prayer map is a great way to pray for one another. You can still be added!
As always, please add prayer requests by clicking on "COMMENTS" below or go here...
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
COMMUNITY LIFE & PRAYER | August 21 Week
Thank you for your prayer support last week as many of us were up at Moose Deer Point Reserve in Muskoka. I don't think any of us within TILT desire this to be a one-time one-week connection, but seek to build a relationship with the people of Moose Deer. So, continued prayer for that community is a vital aspect of such a relationship. Prayer for broken families, for fathers to return to their children, for healing, for breaking cycles of violence, negativity and defeatism. Prayer for hope, and peace. The list could go on, but pray as God leads!
As always, please post prayer under the comments below. It's easy to do and a great way to stay connected during the week.
We continue to use the prayer map - read about it and view it from this posting here.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
COMMUNITY LIFE & PRAYER | August 7 Week
The prayer map, as ever, is a great tool for pray for each other. Read about it here (I'm still looking for people to add!). View it here.
Of course, add your comments through the week below as items of prayer, praise/stories come up!
