Greg Johnson, Director
September Update
The Ministry
I am thankful for the opportunity to direct staff, students, and resources towards the only One who makes a difference, Christ! I can't believe our 16 summer staff are already gone and back to school. They were an incredible crew, with hearts desiring to serve and to see kids transformed. I could list all the testimonies from kids that built significant relationships or have simply decided to change behavior in some way, but instead I leave you with this. Brokenness comes in many forms and for 12year old Ryan it was the wall of isolation. Now, being director, I don't get out in the field much, but on this particular day I was. Ryan was in shut-down mode, with every excuse under the sun why not to climb, wondering, watching, looking for someone to reach out to understand his world. That day after working with Ryan, I was reminded why I have always wanted to serve Christ through adventure based ministry. Ryan struggled on that rock for close to an hour, which brought him to finally commit his whole body to reaching the top. Eventually, Ryan made it to the top of his climb both physically and spiritually, because the next day of the trip, Ryan gave his life to Christ.
The Adversity
Many students like Ryan have made decisions this year simply because they have come to a point of acknowledging their inadequacies and how small they are in the greater scheme of things. Some finally felt believed in, while others were impacted by the activity or the facilitator. But for most, it's having the world stop for a moment and taking the opportunity to see, hear and rely on our mighty God! It really does amaze me how little we have and how little it takes for us to realize that we are not in control. The perceived adversity that we provide is nothing in comparison to Hurricane Katrina. We pray for the families impacted, as well as the many students that have tasted the growth that eventually comes through adversity.
The Move
Many of you know of the pending move to the east side of the mountains for our staff and families. We are currently very close to buttoning up the details and finally making the jump. Our staff are excited to operate on the 138 acre property in Plain. Besides being the base for YD Adventues, it will become an ideal location for retreats and events for the greater YD areas and other outside groups. I continue to be amazed by the amount of logistics and the workload this job has required, in addition to understanding what YD Adventures will look like once we move. The one thing I am confident of is this: everything is for a reason. As someone recently told me, "Isn't it interesting that you recently worked at a ranch" We pray for God's hand of direction as we have changed our mission, name, director, location, and programs.
The Johnsons
I hope this letter finds you accepting where and what God has planned for you. We have to continually be reminded that life is about the process. This year Stephen turned 12 with a summit of Mt. Adams, Kaylie is coming into her own at age 9, Aliya age 6 with her perpetual smile loves to sing and ride her bike without training wheels, and Josiah age 3 is keeping up with them all. It's a joy to see them adapt and grow in daily situations.
As doors of opportunity and change are constantly before our family, we are fortunate to have such a faithful support team. We would love to hear from you either by mail or a visit. We will keep you posted on the progress of our family and the ministry, and please keep us in your prayers.
Reaching out to the un-churched youth
Motivation behind compassion of churched youth
Giving leadership and direction to the team
Schooling of our children
Ursula's health
Housing on the east side