Spring 2024 Update
So much has already happened this spring that we’re a little behind on sending this newsletter out to you. We do apologize for the delay.
Frybread Fundraiser
Twice a year we hold a Frybread Fundraiser to raise money to support our camps program. Frybread is a Native American treat that can be served in many ways. Our fundraiser offers attendees a frybread with their choice of taco toppings on top for the main meal and frybread with honey and powdered sugar for dessert.
It’s always a big hit with the neighborhood, with many people commenting on how they look forward to the event. With each fundraiser comes the reminder how important people are to the ministry – both those that give of their time to prepare and serve and those that come eat to support Southwest Ministries Camps.
March Camp
March 8-10 was the elementary camp weekend. Throughout the weekend’s messages, campers were reminded about the importance of honesty in all of our lives.
Lesson 1 - Not-So-Little White Lies (2 Kings 5:20-27): Gehazi's deceit towards Naaman served as a lesson that no lie, regardless of its size, is insignificant.
Lesson 2 - You Know What I Heard? (James 3:3-12): Using the analogy of the tongue as a fire, campers learned the danger of gossip and the spread of rumors.
Lesson 3 - The Real Me (Genesis 12:10-20): Using Abram's deception with Pharaoh, campers were reminded of the importance of being honest and not pretending to be someone they're not.
Lesson 4 - The Hard Truth (1 Kings 22:1-28): Through Micaiah's prophecy against Ahab, campers learned the importance of speaking the truth, even when it's difficult to do so.
April Camp
We just returned from April Teen Camp. The first morning we awoke to about an inch of snow! There were a handful of campers who had never seen snow in-person before. Watching them enjoy God’s creation was like being with kids in a candy store. They were so excited and in awe! Just that one experience was worth the time and effort put into camp.
Campers also heard powerful messages about being broken and how the answer to the brokenness is Jesus.
Lesson 1 - The Struggle Is Real (Romans 7:15–25): Christ offers us hope and help in the battle between our sinful and redeemed natures.
Lesson 2 - When it Rains, it Pours (1 Kings 19:1–18): God never leaves us lost or helpless—He always pursues us with His merciful provision.
Lesson 3 - Consider What Joy?! (James 1:1–12): God helps us joyfully persevere and grow when we rely on Him through the trials of life.
Lesson 4 - Help! (John 5:1–13): To fix the brokenness in our lives, we need to actively seek God’s intervention.
From the frybread sale to weekend camps, we are continually reminded of the importance of using our gifts to expand God’s Kingdom. For example, with elementary camps, we often use skits to help the children better understand the lesson. And skits are always more fun when costumes are involved! Prior to camp, we were blessed by Becky’s cousin Teri who used her eye for fashion to help us shop and put together costumes. Becky’s Mom put her sewing skills to use to help make frilly aprons also to enhance the skits. Another dear friend, Denise, used her artistic talent to teach us a craft project we could use at camp.
We say all this to ask – “how has God gifted you?” “How can you use your talents and hobbies to help your church or a nearby ministry?”
Thank you for your prayers and support!
- Doug & Becky