mb (summer 2012) - issue #4
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Summer / Fall 2012 | www.mb.cssm.ca2
Giving Gratefulness A Voice
Years ago, there was a poor Scottish
woman who maintained a spirit
of praise. She enjoyed supporting the
pastors sermon by interjecting Praise
the Lord, or Amen. You would think
the pastor would welcome this verbal
affirmation, but he didnt. He considered
it annoying. So, on New Years Day, he
confronted her about her public praises.
Betty, Im here to make a bargain,
he said. If youll quit interrupting
my sermons, Ill give you two wool
blankets.
Since Betty was impoverished, the
offer was attractive. She agreed to the
terms and remained quiet for the first
several Sundays of the New Year,
picturing herself snuggled under those
warm blankets. In truth, it wasnt
that difficult; the pastor was a boring
preacher!
But eventually, a visiting preacher, full
of joy, ministered. He preached with
fire and enthusiasm on the blessedness
of forgiveness. And when he got stirred,
Betty got stirred. She did all she could
to restrain herself, but eventually those
visions of blankets faded and the glories
of redemption brightened.
Unable to contain herself, she
jumped up and shouted: Blankets or no
blankets, Hallelujah!
In 2 Corinthians 9:15, the Apostle
Paul said, Thanks be to God for his
indescribable gift!
I can almost imagine the great
Apostle Paul who never seemed to be
at a loss for words becoming almost
speechless as he paused to consider
Gods wonderful plan of salvation.
In this Fall 2012 edition of the
Manitoba Missionary, we have
attempted to give voice to our
thankfulness by sharing just a few of
the stories of camp this summer God
blessed us with so many indescribable
gifts! We want to say Hallelujah!
for the changed lives that we have
been able to witness, and to praise the
Lord for allowing us to be His vessels
in proclaiming the good news of His
redemption through Jesus Christ.
I want to also express to the Lord
my personal voice of thanksgiving
for the men and women young and
not so young whom He has raised
up to be our CSSM Missionaries. I give
thanks to the Lord for both those who
Wayne Eisbrenner | CSSM ministries manitoba field d irector
worked on the front lines with the
children and youth and for those who
are the unsung heroes, putting in many
hours of labour behind-the-scenes so
that camps could run smoothly. I give
thanks to the Lord for many of you
who support our camp ministries, both
through your daily prayer and through
your sacrificial giving.
Truly, Gods gift is indescribable; we
give thanks to Him!
Directors Message
This spring, Wayne emerged as the erce bunny
ghter during the paintball showdown at
Leadership Training weekend.
Summer missionaries gather together around Wayne & his wife Judy to pray for them at Summer Missionary Training 2012.
Wayne Eisbrenner
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Summer / Fall 2012 | www.mb.cssm.ca4
Where Ive Come From
Idont even know where to begin. Lets
start off by telling you how I got here.
In the beginning of July, my family
and I moved from Port Alberni, B.C., to
Flin Flon, Manitoba. This was a huge
change. No more close-to-home friends
(half a country between me and any
close friend Ive ever had); basically any
teenagers idea of the worst summer
ever.
Only a few weeks after arriving in Flin
Flon, our church was notied of a teamof CSSM Day Camp workers, wanting
to come up and run a day camp here;
and before I knew it the team was here,
and they were ready to start running
the camp. I asked if they needed a hand
helping out with running things, and
they welcomed me that week with open
arms.
The rst week of helping out the Day
Camp team was awesome. It started out
a little bit slow; I didnt know what I
was doing some of the time. I felt out of
place for a little bit because the team was
used to running day camps and this was
my rst time; but before I knew it, I was
having an absolute blast running the
day camp with the team! My summer
basically flipped itself entirely around,
in one day. I was having so much fun,
growing so much closer to God, helping
children grow closer to Him, and making
some of the best friends I have ever had
all in less than a week.
About halfway into the week, I started
to think a little bit negatively; of how
after this week was over I would just be
left in a town with no friends, with no
one to grow in faith with, so I decided
to include those worries in my prayers
that night. The next day was going
great, and shortly before we started up
the day camp, Danielle and Rachel (the
two Day Camp leaders) asked to talk
to me outside. Before I knew it, I was
being asked to join them for their next
day camp the following week, at a First
Nations community. I was in awe; theprayer I prayed just the night before
was just answered right in front of my
face!
The next week was a whole new
experience for me, unlike anything Ive
done before. It was a time for me that
I used to grow closer to the team I had
around me, as well as a time I used to
give my all to the kids there. Being able
to run the day camp at the First Nations
community really opened up my eyes to
a whole new perspective on the culture
I grew up in. It taught me to be thankful
for the things I grew up with, because
the kids that came to Day Camp often
didnt have any of the blessings that I
did growing up: a full fridge, toys to play
with, proper medical care, etc. Looking
back on that week, the ultimate gift that
I was able to give to these children was
just the ability to receive Gods love.
Seeing these kids who came from
needy and/or broken-up families come
to God, and praise Him through songs,
as well as crafts, games, etc., was one of
the most heart-warming experiences Ive
had not only this summer, but in all
the years Ive been a dedicated Christian.
It nally started to dawn on me that
I wasnt going to be able to hang out
and teach the Word of God to morewonderful children with the team
any longer. Elanna (the Day Camp
coordinator) and I would joke about how
awesome it would be for me to be able to
come down all the way to Winnipeg for
another week to help the team out with
their nal day camp in Selkirk. I didnt
realize at the time how real the jokes
Elanna and I shared together would
become. Before I knew it, I was taking a
nine-hour car-ride down to Winnipeg,
just three days before the start of the next
day camp at Selkirk!
I feel as if God has done all this, and
allowed all of this to happen in such
short notice for a reason to carry
out HIS mission! I still cant come to
comprehension of how great His love
is for anyone who seeks to carry out His
will. My summer went from being dead,
to being completely alive in His love.
He was with the team and me the entire
way, and I cant come up with words to
describe how much He has blessed us by
allowing us to influence the lives of so
many different children, in the name of
the LORD.
Joel Galbraith | Adventure Day Camp CorrespondEnt
Adventure Day Camp
Joels faithfulness & willingness in jumping in
to serve with the Adventure Day Camp teampaid o in ways he couldnt have expected
this summer.
Joel Galbraith was
completely adopted onto the
Adventure Day Camp team,
and now Skypes in for team
get-togethers in Winnipeg
(the place where he learned a
lot about city bus rides this past summer!).
Joel enjoys meeting new people, football,
hair products, and exploring iPad apps.
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www.mb.cssm.ca | Summer / Fall 2012 5
Michelles Story
As we were getting ready for a game of Duck, Duck, Goosewith some younger
kids, I noticed a boy who stepped away from the group and sat down by himself.
I went over and sat down beside him. I asked him what was up and he responded
saying he wasnt really good at sports. He was generally a bit quieter, but as we began
to talk I found that he had lots to say. I started asking him what he did like to do. He
said, Well, I like climbing trees. He also mentioned several other things he enjoyeddoing. I pointed out that there were lots of things he was good at. Soon he felt better
and said he was ready to go play with the others. He joined them and actually seemed
to enjoy it! This summer I realized that God uses us to point out things to our
campers that they often look past like skills and gifts that they have. I also found
that He can use those same campers to point things out to us, like our own strengths
and weaknesses. God is so amazing!!
The Tire
Our team was in the middle of a two-week stint up north, visiting two locations in
two weeks. We had just had a great week of Day Camp, and were really looking
forward to our next location One of our teams favorite places! The day before we
were scheduled to leave for the second location, a tire on our travel vehicle went fl at.
Being that it was the weekend in a small town, there were no mechanic shops open
for us to get a replacement tire! After exhausting our options, folks from the town
warned us that we should plan to leave the following day but that would get us to
our second location late. We joked with the pastor of the billeting church, Why dont
you make an altar call for a tire during the service this morning? He took us up on it,
and after we had provided the tire specications, someone volunteered to track down
a place where we could get repairs done. A local mechanic opened his shop especially
for us, removed the tire, and donated a new one For free! Praise God!
Directors Thoughts
When my team had wanted to head to Deschambault Lake, SK, for a week
this summer, I hadnt been 100% sure of the decision at rst. The isolated First
Nations community is more than a ten-hour drive from Winnipeg, and I had memories
of the Day Camp there last summer being one of those crazy weeks almost 90 kids in
total attendance with a missions team of only ve!
However, I also remembered Deschambault as the place where God taught our
team about the power of love not the power of program or organized activity, simply
love. My assistant director was so excited about the opportunity... so I submitted to her
passion. Once again, we packed the Day Camp van and trailer to the brim, and headed to
Saskatchewan.
It was awesome.
Our team had doubled in size as people from various communities we had already
visited during the summer had jumped on board to serve. I love watching God meet the
Adventure Day Camp team as they stretch themselves, not knowing the outcome.
The staff at the community Health Clinic welcomed us with open arms, arranged
for us to stay in their staff housing, and bought oodles of food for us to serve the kids for
lunches. It was wonderful to feel so at home; one of the staff members in the commu-
nity even donated the use of her house as a billeting location!Then there was the kids. On day one, we had 92 campers. All the love we had poured
into them last year seemed to have built into this summer, and they soaked in prayer
times, Bible lessons, and worship songs. (One night, we were headed to bed and we
could hear some of the kids out our window... Singing! God is good, good, good...). They
wouldnt stop asking us to spin them around, hold their hand, and sing them songs. 130
children had joined us at Day Camp by the weeks end. Our team began to realize that
we can call things what God calls them... and He calls Deschambault, Place of Hope.
Weeks like Deschambault make me so grateful for the people I get to do life with,
cause me to realize how utterly dependent I am on other parts of the Body, and bring
home the reality that Gods love creates the perfect environment for faith and dreaming.
The team is already talking about doing two weeks in Deschambault next summer!
- Elanna Truijen, Coordinator, Adventure Day Camp
A D CADVENTURE DAY CAMPCamp Recap
Adventure Day CampCSSM Ministries MB
200-189 Henderson HwyWinnipeg, MB
R2L 1L7Tel: (204) 668-2776
Email: [email protected]
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Summer / Fall 2012 | www.mb.cssm.ca6
When God Calls a FamilyBoyd & Sharon kliever | Roseau River Bible Camp CorrespondEnts
Boyd and Sharon Kliever made the
decision to move their family of
eight to Roseau River Bible Camp late last
spring, stepping out into what was quite
an unknown for them by joining theCSSM team to serve as site managers! One
late night, after their new-born twins
were in bed, Boyd & Sharon Kliever sat
down to ll us in on their journey, and
tell us what its like to serve at camp year-
round now with a family of ten!
Tell us your God-story
BOYD: Looking back, it was awesome to
grow up in a Christian home. It was there
that the foundation of Biblical truth was
laid. At a Barry Moore crusade, when I
was eight years old, I went forward to
declare publicly that I was a follower of
Jesus. Since then, I see faith wrapped up in
everything that I do.
SHARON: I became a Christian when
I was 8 years old with my Mom. My
faith-walk took off when I was 37 years
old. I realized I accepted Jesus as Savior
out of fear of going to hell when I died; it
had had nothing to do with God. A friend
of mine taught me a bit about fasting. It
was the rst time I started to really see
Jesus and what I could do for Him instead
of what He can save me from.
How did you meet?
SHARON: Boyd was playing fastball withthe Steinbach Whips at A.D. Penner Park,
Diamond #1. My friend and I were driving
around and saw the lights on at the park;
we decided to go and check out the game.
Boyd played second base, and, looking
from this position, his focus changed from
the pitcher to a girl sitting on the bleachers
behind home plate me! The only player
that my friend recognized was the second
baseman who was her teacher at SBC. He
kept looking over at us and I thought he
was looking at her
BOYD: I knew her friend and I wanted to
meet the girl she was with. In between
games, I walked over to ask her friend a
question but with super high anticipation
wanting to meet this girl.
SHARON:This guy came over and talked
for a bit...
BOYD: I said we had another game to
play
SHARON: I said, Well, he wont be tired
because all he does is stand there at
second base!
BOYD: I thought this girl would be a lot of
fun to get to know
SHARON: I will remember his laugh and
smile from that moment til I lose my
mind!
Tell us about your familys lifebefore camp:
SHARON: Boyd was working as a
carpenter. We lived on Boyds family
farm. We raised chickens and had a large
garden.
BOYD: Sharon did a lot of canning
and baking. The kids helped a lot. We
home-schooled, the kids took piano and
swimming lessons, and played hockey.
How did you decide to come toserve at Roseau River?
SHARON: My sister heard about this job
in her church, and called us that day to
tell us about it. We tend to over-analyze
things, so we wont share all of our
thoughts! The idea of working at a camp
was planted 10 years ago by Harold
Giesbrecht when he called us regarding
a position at Valley View Bible Camp. At
that time, it was too far beyond the walls
of our comfort box. In the fall of 2010,
we heard about RRBC. We came out and
talked with the director and landed here
The Kliever family knew they were in for a ride of faith when they joined the team at Roseau River Bible Camp, but werent
aware of the blessings that would come as a result of their decision.
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www.mb.cssm.ca | Summer / Fall 2012 7
Roseau River Bible Camp
in June of 2011. As we looked back over
the past few years, we could see how God
was preparing us for this place. The job
itself was a shift in thinking because this
is a ministry position. Taking a course in
managing nances helped us be prepared
to work with what God supplies!! Boyd
quitting his teaching job and working as a
carpenter helped us to start the transition.
Even as Boyd faxed his resume in to the
camp, I asked if this was OK.
What was the decidingfactor in the move?
SHARON: Andy Stanleys DVD series on
Faith was helping us see the answers.
God wanted us to step out in faith and
He would take care of us. Just as Jesus
disciples helped feed the 5000, they just
had to be willing to hand out the food not worry about where the food was
coming from.
What was your first thoughtof camp?
BOYD: When we walked around camp as
a family and stopped at the pool, I said to
Sharon, I feel like someone just gave me a
million dollars. It was exciting and scary.
Whats it like to be a missionaryfamily at camp with eightkids?
SHARON: We have seen our children
grow and each become their own person.
They adapted easily; they got used to thenoisy dining hall. We love seeing Daddy
more often. We enjoy all the features of
camp pool, zipline, etc. It is a family-
oriented position Daddy can come
home whenever he needs to. Its rst-hand
servant-hood.
What are the responsibilitiesof a Site Manager?
S - Snow clearing
I - Ideas to gather
T- Toilets, toilets, toilets
E - Exterminate waspsM -Mowing, mowing, mowing (Boyds
favorite job)
A - Are the horses out again?
N - Never seen/done this before!
A - All aboard for another hay ride
G - Garbage, garbage, garbage
E - Eeyu! Is that the sewer?
R - Running circles, looking busy.
What has God taught yourfamily at camp?
BOYD: We thought we gave up so much
to follow God to RRBC, and yet He has
shown us that His blessings will far
out-weigh any sacrices we think wemade. Our family has learned to live
with anticipation as to how God will
send the next blessing. If we live with
the spirit of contentment, even the
smallest things become gifts from His
hand.
Boyd & Sharon Kliever live onsite at Roseau
River Bible Camp. Boyd enjoys hockey,
tight collars on t-shirts, and Christian
comedian Mark Lowry. Sharon loves to
read, likes Italian food, and does a great
job being mom to the Klievers eight
children - including the twin girls that
arrived on the scene a few weeks before
camp! Some of the Kliever familys
most memorable camp experiences
include Boyd dislocating his pinky nger
catching Sharon on the zip-line (ask Boyd
for the story), lots of swimming, new
friends and TUCK!!
Wawanesa, MB204-824-2172
www.lbgraintrucks.com
L & B Friesen Ltd.Grain Trucks
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Dear Roseau River Bible Camp
I love coming to this camp. This is the best year I went to this camp.
You are the best. You have the funnest games here.
- Andrew
Tamaras Story
Hi. My name is Tamara Bater and I have worked at Roseau River Bible Camp for
2 summers as a Senior cabin leader and a lifeguard. Working at camp has been
an amazing experience, helping me grow in many aspects of my life. I have grown
in my faith and learned how to work with children of all ages... Even if campers
are not well behaved and dont always listen, they always seem to nd a special
place in your heart. There is one camper that I will always remember from this past
summer.....
Her name is Kelly. She was one of my Junior campers, along with 8 other young
girls in my cabin aged 7-9 years old. Kelly has difculties in her life. She is a fosterchild, and because of her mental health and struggles she has been bounced around
through many foster homes. She was very scared to come to camp and as soon as
she got to my cabin, she started asking me many questions, like, Where do I go for
horsemanship?, How many girls are in the cabin? and, How many nights do I
have to stay here?. I could tell that it was her rst time at camp and she was scared
and nervous and did not know what to expect... Every night as it got closer and
closer to bed, Kelly would start to get more on edge and nervous. She would tell me
that she didnt feel good or she needed to drink some water. All signs that she was
anxious about going to sleep that night.
About an hour before bed time, she would really start to get scared and nervous.
She would leave the cabin and start crying. To comfort her and make her calm down,
the Program Director suggested that I take her for a walk. I was excited for this walk
because I knew after she calmed down I would be able to start talking to her aboutGod. We would walk around and look at all the amazing plants and stars that God
created. It became evident to me that she really didnt know a lot about Christian-
ity, even though her current foster family attended church. These walks seemed to
calm her down, and she felt comfortable falling asleep after them (me too!). Every
night after Devotions (which are right before bed), I would take Kelly for a walk. We
would walk and look at the stars and talk more and more about God, faith and what
she had learned that day.
Kelly may have been a stressful camper but she helped me learn patience and
kindness for not only easy campers, but also for the kids who need it the most.
On the last day Kelly told me that she loved camp, and most importantly that she
understood that God loved her. This was the highlight of my week. After talking to
her about God and how to commit your life to Him, she said she wasnt ready to do
so, and I understood. Just hearing that she is starting to understand the love that
God has for her was amazing. Sometimes just planting a small seed inside a child isall I can do, and as a cabin leader, I need to trust that God will nurture that seed and
help it grow. Kelly is a camper Ill never forget, and I pray that she will come back
next summer and enjoy camp and continue to grow in her faith in God.
Directors Thoughts
Great summer, the quickest to-date which indicates a good summer. Most
weeks had a challenge like the hot water heater not working, sound board
not working, staff calling in sick on opening day, surprise inspection from health
ofcer God showed up in each case and it all worked out.
- Rod Reimer, Director, Roseau River Bible Camp
Summer / Fall 2012 | www.cssm.mb.ca8
R R B CROSEAU RIVER BIBLE CAMPCamp Recap
Roseau River Bible CampBox 110Roseau River, MBR0A 1P0Phone: (204) 427-2445Fax: (204) 427-3784www.roseauriver.ca
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www.cssm.mb.ca | Summer / Fall 2012 9
Manufacturer of quality gravel trailers
www.midlandtrailers.com
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Menno & Brenda have seen the faithful hand of God at work in their relaonship, throughpast
job opportunies, and in weaving together the detai ls to introduce them to TMBC.
Summer / Fall 2012 | www.mb.cssm.ca10
Turtle Mountain Bible Camp
God Moments
It was a most unusual thing during
my lead-up to the offering in
Killarney during the Freedom Singers
tour of 2012, Simon Ivascu, group leader
of the Freedom Singers, came back up
on stage, took the microphone from
me, and told the crowd that each person
there that night was there for a reason.
Then, he gave me the microphone
back, and I continued. That was ratherstrange, I thought. That was the only
night of the tour it happened. Only later
did I nd out what God was doing in the
crowd that night. And now we get to
share it with you as well
Over the last several years, I (Menno)
felt God was preparing me for some type
of mission work, but I wasnt sure what
that was going to look like. Brenda and
myself went through a very difcult
time in our relationship and God helped
us through that time. God used that trial
to draw us closer to Him, in ways that I
couldnt have even imagined. Over the
more recent years, we went on some
mission trips to Mexico, and this was
also something that I felt God was usi ng
to develop us for service. But as we
prayed that God would reveal His plan
for us and show us where He wanted
us to go and what type of service He
wanted us in, we became very d iscour-
aged, since the answer wasnt coming.
In September of 2011, I was driving
home from a business meeting and
feeling extremely discouraged. I was
crying out to God that He would make it
possible for me to get back into farming.
Within two days, my brother-in-law
called and asked if I wouldnt come help
him with the harvesting. This was an
incredible answer to prayer. Over the
next week or two, God lifted my spirits
by allowing me to spend time on the
combine. After that I went back home,and felt quite condent that God was
going to let me go back into farming
full-time, starting in spring of 2012. But,
God had other plans. In February, the
door to the possibility to farm closed.
Even though this was a very difcult
thing to accept, I felt at peace with that
and also felt that God would answer our
prayers and show us where He wanted
us to go, and show us He did.
In early March, the small group from
church that Brenda and I attended had
decided to go see the Freedom Singers
CSSM fund-raising concert in Killarney.
As it turned out though, Brenda wasnt
feeling well the night of the concert. I
was really tired from work all day and I
debated for a while whether I would go
on my own or not. In the end, I decided
to go after all, even though I was tired
and also late.
During the intermission two things
happened. At the time I didnt realize
their importance, but it was then that
God was speaking directly to me and
Harold Giesbrecht & Menno Bartsch
started showing me what He had
planned for us. First, Howard Weir went
up to the platform and gave his report
from TMBC and also (said) that he was
in the process of going through resumes
for a Site Manager position at TMBC.Secondly, Simon, from the Freedom
Singers, mentioned in the intermission
that each person there that night was
there for a reason. Both these things
really stuck with me.
The next day, we drove to Winnipeg
for a church conference for the weekend.
I mentioned to Brenda about the
position at TMBC and whether I should
check into it or not. Nothing too serious,
but the seed had been planted. We never
really discussed it further that weekend.
Sunday night when we got home,I went online and checked out the
TMBC website, only to discover that
the application deadline for the Site
Manager position had already closed
a week earlier. That was discouraging,
but I still felt that if God was leading us
in that direction, that He would make it
work. The next day I emailed Howard,
asking if I could still apply for the posi-
tion. I wasnt very hopeful at this point,
but thought I would try. Amazingly
enough, his reply was sure I could still
apply. Well, I did and Gods plan for uswas unveiled.
As I write this, we have now spent
an entire camping season here at TMBC.
What an incredible experience it has
been, seeing Gods love shown to the
many campers that came to TMBC this
past summer. God had so much more
in store for us than what I could have
planned for on my own.
How exciting it is to hear the rest of
the story - what God was doing behind
the scenes that night in Killarney.
Were excited about the other storiesthat will emerge through the Bartschs
ministry at Turtle Mountain!
Harold and his wife,
Natalie, enjoy hosting
the annual CSSM
Ministries Manitoba
Concert Tour, and enjoy
hearing the stories of
how God works through each evening to
meet His people right where theyre at -
camp ministries and attendees alike!
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CSSM Ministries Manitobainvites you to the 2013 Support Raising Tour!
Returning April 2013
TheBrowns
We really enjoyed hosting the Browns during the 2011 Concert TourRosenort | Oak Bank | Dauphin | Killarney | Portage la Prairie
Morden/Winkler | Steinbach | Gladstone | Winnipeg
And were looking forward to having them join us once again!
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Summer / Fall 2012 | www.mb.cssm.ca12
Recently someone asked me in
sincerity, I believe Does summer
Bible camp really matter? Do the
ministries of our CSSM Ministries camps
serve any kind of a purpose; is thisministry really of value anymore?
Several years ago, I became
acquainted with the commentaries of
Michael Josephson, one of Americas
leading ethicists and the founder of the
Josephson Institute of Ethics. In 2003,
Josephson penned the following poem
entitled: What Will Matter. With the
authors permission, here it is:
Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will nally disappear.
So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It wont matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end.
It wont matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.
So what will matter?
How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but
what you gave.
What will matter is not your success but your signicance.
What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage, or sacrice that
enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a
lasting loss when youre gone.
What will matter is not your memories but the memories that live in those who
loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesnt happen by accident.
Its not a matter of circumstance but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters.
What Will Matter?wayne eisbrenner | CSSM Ministries Manitoba
Out of the passion to reach those with the least opportunity
to hear of Christ, CSSM Ministries began their camping
ministry in 1928 with a donated campsite and 29 campers.
Lile did those involved know how far-reaching the impact
of such a launch would truly become!
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On a cold wintery night in 1913, a young Baptist preacher
named Rev. J. Lloyd Hunter led a ragged, lost alcoholic to
the Christ. That night not only did the ragged and lost alcoholic
come to a revolutionized life, but Rev. Hunters life was also
revolutionized.
He began to realize that when an adult comes to Christ,much of his life has already been spent away from Christ, but
when a child comes to Christ, a whole life is saved. He became
burdened for all the unsaved, unreached children, and he saw a
need for a missionary organization with the distinctive purpose
of reaching children for Christ.
In May of 1914, 98 years ago, J. Lloyd Hunter began working
with the American Sunday School Union now known as the
American Missionary Fellowship. Beginning his ministry in
Montana, and then moving to North Dakota and Minnesota,
Rev. Hunter became Canada-conscious. In 1916, a woman by
the name of Mrs. William Holman of Winnipeg pleaded with
Hunter to come to Canada.
After 10 years of praying, seeking guidance and contacting
several people in Winnipeg, Rev. Hunter made the trip by train
to Winnipeg. He met with a group of Christian businessmen
who were burdened for the spiritual needs of rural Manitoba
but no course of action was decided on during that meeting,
leaving Hunter discouraged and wondering if he had made a
mistake in considering Canada as a mission eld.
However, a miracle caused him to decide that this was
indeed the call of God.
Hunter went to his hotel room and was praying for $150.00 to
be given to him as a sign that he ought to get a missionary work
started in Manitoba. Just then, a Christian man to whom he
had spoken in the lobby brought him a cheque for $50.00.
When the man left, Rev. Hunter knelt to pray and to thank
God. Again, he was interrupted by that same man, who
explained that he had not given all that God had asked him to
give. With that, he handed Hunter another cheque this time
for $100.00.
As a result of that gift, and the Hunter familys steadfast faith,
on April 5, 1927 85 years ago, a new missionary organization
came into being, recognized ofcially as the Canadian Sunday
School Mission.
By the time of the Missions rst annual meeting in May
of 1928, 3,742 pupils in 252 public schoolshad enrolled in the
Hunter-inspired Bible memory contest, working at memorizing
500 verses each so they could attend camp for free. The children
memorized a total of 75,000 verses; 356of the children professed
faith in Jesus Christ and 19Sunday Schools were organized!In 1935, J. Lloyd Hunter had to leave Canada due to illness,
and his passion for souls and pattern for reaching them was
passed on to D.R. Aikenhead. Under Rev. Aikenhead, CSSM
Ministries was blessed by God and gradually became a national
ministry. Saskatchewan, Ontario and Alberta became a part
of CSSM Ministries in 1930, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
in 1941, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island in 1944.
Quebec was added in 1946 and Newfoundland in 1950. Today,
43 camps and 23 churches across this great country of Canada
are part of the CSSM Ministries family.
I wonder did J. Lloyd Hunter ever envision the impact that
he would set in motion by being willing to stand strong as a
man of God, by choosing to live a life that matters?
There are those who do think that Christian Bible Camps
have outlived their purpose and that they dont really matteranymore. Let me share a few hard statistics to debunk that
kind of thinking.
This summer in Manitoba alone, we were able to proclaim
the good news of Jesus Christ to 4,654 individuals, of whom
3,970 were children and youth. Over 2,000 (45%) of these
individuals were either unchurched or not signicantly
afliated with any evangelical church. We also were blessed
to have 389 make a rst time profession of faith in Jesus Christ
or dedicate or rededicate their lives fully to God! Each of those
lives certainly matter to our Lord. Additionally, we were
blessed to have 780 individuals give time and energy to our
camping ministries this summer as either short term/seasonal
staff or volunteers.
However, in answering the question of What Will Matter?,
the hard numbers tell only part of the story
During one of my visits to Dauphin Bible Camp, I had the
opportunity to connect with the camp speaker for that week.
Her grandfather, a non-believer, came to DBC to help with the
construction of the main camp building. While he was there,
There are those who do think that Christian
Bible Camps have outlived their purpose.
No maer the cost, Lloyd Hunter was determined to see children
across Manitoba introduced to the life-saving message of Jesus Christ.
CSSM Ministries Manitoba
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he came into contact with one of the camp volunteers who
shared Christ with him over the course of their working together.
Sometime later, her grandfather came to personally accept Christ
and began taking his grandchildren to church. In turn, the
grandchildren began coming to DBC during the summers, and
now she herself a devoted Christian and grown woman with
children of her own had come to DBC to be the camp speaker
for a week!
Her story didnt end there while she was at camp, she had
had occasion to meet one of the senior DBC camp volunteers,
who recognized her maiden name. He enquired if she was
related to a man whom he had met at DBC many years ago...
Constructing the main camp building! The speaker told him
that indeed, she was this mans granddaughter, and that her
grandfather had come to know the Lord in a personal way
shortly after working at Dauphin Bible Camp as a direct result
of this mans testimony and witness! How awesome is that!!!
Does CSSM Ministries matter? Do all the many hours of
camping ministry matter?
Based on what Ive experienced this past summer as Ive
travelled from camp to camp hearing and experiencing
rsthand the difference camp has made in many, many lives
my answer to that can only be, without a question or a doubt,
they do matter! Truly God has blessed us and we desire to give
Him all the honor and glory.
Wayne Eisbrennerenjoyed connecting with summer missions
teams at each of our seven Manitoba camping ministries this
summer. A kid at heart, one major highlight was the water
ght during Turtle Mountains Family Camp against the kids!
Serving as CSSM Ministries Manitoba Field Directors, Wayne &
his wife, Judy, continue to look for Gods heart in the things that
matter.
My favourite camp memory - taking a boyat sunrise to grant his greatest wish; to seea wild animal. Hoping to see a beaver butinstead found ourselves in a family of mooseas the fog lifted. #GodReallyLovesKids
Don RoeGimli Bible Camp
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the naons
shall bow down and worship before You Psalm 22:27 (NASB)
CSSM Ministries Manitoba
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Every summer, CSSM Ministries
Manitoba reaches some 4000
campers with the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. This summer, over 700 summer
missionaries joined us in sharing
the love of Jesus at CSSM Ministries
seven Manitoba camping ministries.
Heres the story of Susan and Caylyn
Wahlstrom, a mother-daughter duo that
served at Gimli Bible Camp this summer:
Susan
Caylyn and I have worked at GimliBible Camp a few times. She was acabin leader for a couple of years and
I was the Health Ofcer one year and
in the ofce the second year. Back in
June, I received an e-mail from Don
(GBCs director) asking if we knew
anyone who could ll some positions.
I am not able to get around too easily,
so I talked to my daughter to see if she
would be interested, as we both have the
same qualications. Cay wasnt feeling
condent enough to do it on her own, so
she and I talked to Don about doing it
together. Thus began our month of July.
Jesus said, Let the little childrencome to Me, and do not hinder them, for
the kingdom of heaven belongs to such
as these (Matthew 19:14 NIV).
Bible Camp staff members are a picture
of open arms to campers young and
old. It was a privilege to see the young
people who used to be campers step
[up] and be cabin leaders and staff. This
summer I had the honor and blessing
of working alongside my daughter;
she and I were asked to write about
our experiences as a mother-daughter
nursing duo, so I will begin by saying
how amazing it was to see my daughter
shower the campers with a genuine love.
He called a little child to Him, and
placed the child among them. And He
said: Truly I tell you, unless you change
and become like little children, you will
never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore, whoever takes the lowlyposition of this child is the greatest in
the kingdom of heaven. And whoever
welcomes one such child in My name
welcomes Me(Matthew 18:2-4 NIV).
Our world is a world of suffering
and pain, and Gimli Bible Camp campers
are not exempt from it. Sometimes it is
difcult to look past a misbehaving child
and see him the way God sees him. I
would have to say my highlight at camp
is seeing children being loved and to
Fish Flies & Bus RidesS u s a n & C a y l y n W a h l s t r o m | G I M L I B i b l e C a m p C O R R E S P O N D E N T S
Serving at Gimli Bible Camp together gave Susan &
Caylyn Wahlstrom the opportunity to give each othe
what they each needed for that period of ministry
giving us a beauful picture of life in the body of
Christ! Neither le GBC the same
Gimli Bible Camp
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Gimli Bible Camp
see them begin to let their walls crumble and accept that love!
It was amazing to watch Cay as she set all hindrances aside
and opened her heart to each child, and it was fascinating to
see some of the walls of some of the campers come crumbling
down.This is one of my favorite moments: When we rst got to
Gimli this summer, there were sh flies all over the place, and
Cay would jump and shiver a bit every time one got close to
her; she really disliked/feared them. Often Cay would go down
to the beach and nd campers who were sitting alone and go
and engage them in conversation and play in the sand. This
one particular time, one of the little boys sitting by himself
decided to claim a sh fly as a pet. Cay stuffed down her fear
and let this little boy put his pet sh fly on her leg, on her arm,
and then her shoulder. I found it humorous that she had to
stifle her fear in order to gain the trust of the camper. I also
found it to be a huge life lesson about putting ourselves aside in
order to let God do His work.My daughter has a beautiful passion for children, so my time
spent at camp was a blessing I got to see her in action. She
fell in love with the campers, and it was evident they fell in
love with her. Caylyn teaches me daily; over the years I have
learned a great deal from her; putting things into Gods hands
and having compassion for others are the two biggest ways she
has impacted my life. More often than not Cay sees the good
side and the positive in every person, so needless to say, being
able to share the nursing position with Caylyn was a gift from
God that I will cherish.
With that, I will let Cay share some of her stories.
Caylyn
This past summer I spent the month of July serving as a nurse
alongside my mom. God has blessed me greatly with the
close relationship that I have with my mom, and after being at
college for a year, it was really nice to spend that close time with
her. My mom has been a camp nurse for many summers before
and this was my rst time; I was sort of a trainee. Many times I
would nd myself getting discouraged, and have feelings of not
being good enough to be in the health ofcer position. The truth
is, I wasnt. Thanks to my mom though, I was reminded that I
was put here for a reason, and if God put me here He wasnt just
going to let me go. Again, God taught me that He is my refuge
and strength, and that I have nothing to fear because He will be
with me wherever I go (Joshua 1:9).
Through my mom, God really encouraged me and got me out
of my comfort zone this July. It was a great learning experience
for me one that had its difculties but joy came through those
difculties. One of the greatest weeks for me that July was whena seven-year-old boy got a hold of my heart. This boy was in the
foster care system and was very troubled, but for some reason he
chose me as his best friend that week.
Through getting to know him I could see that he had a big
desire to help others and for people to be happy with the work
he was doing. He stuck close to me, and at one meal, he spent the
time telling me about how he didnt want to be at camp and that
he was going to run away; the next meal he was telling me that
he never wanted to leave camp.
The hardest moment that summer was seeing him get on the
bus to go back home. I had no idea what he had to go back to, but
the tears in his eyes said a lot to me. After they had left I spent
over an hour crying my eyes out, wishing I could have adopted
him or something. Praying and searching out the Word, I came
to some passages that talked about how God takes care of us and
knows us better than we know ourselves. I had to trust that God
was with this boy and could remind him of Who He is daily.
I still think of him often, and wonder what he is doing, if he
is trying to be a good boy, if there is anyone around him who is
willing to listen to him, to hear him out. I hope I will see him
again. Lord willing, I will see him again. So, if you think of it,
please pray for my little friend; that God will just get total control
of his life and that he will have a huge hunger and thirst to learn
more about Him and live a life that is pleasing to Him. Pray also,
that God would put him in a God-fearing family who will teach
him the difference between right and wrong. I would really like
to see him in Heaven someday.Having the privilege to work at camp is a huge gift from God,
something everyone should experience. It teaches us great life
lessons. Camp is fun, but it is also hard work, challenging and
stretching. Learning to totally depend on God for strength and
knowledge (and the wisdom to know what to do with that
knowledge), and learning to love unconditionally those are
two of the things we learned from working at GBC. This can only
be described as a blessing!
The Wahlstrom familyisnt strangers to CSSM Ministries -
theyve been spotted at Dauphin Bible Camp and Gimli Bible
Camp, and there are unconrmed reports of other sightings as
well. :) They farm in Saskatchewan, and spend their winters
studying at Briercrest Schools in Caronport, SK.
Susans grandchildren
visited Susan & Caylyn
at Gimli Bible Camp
The Wahlstroms begintheir camp involvement
at a young age!
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Frans Story
This year, God had me really step out of my comfort zone. Before this
summer, I was always working in the [kitchen] dish-pit, and did not really
involve myself with much of what was happening at camp; I was always
afraid of putting myself out there. I did not think that I would be able to cabinlead but this year I learned to really trust God, since it wouldnt really be me
doing anything, it would be God. I really started to grow from watching my
campers explore what camp had to offer. I saw what God was doing in their
lives, especially my last week cabin-leading. There was one girl in our cabin
that tried to argue constantly with our devotions; she tried to bring it all back
to evolution. While we tried our best to explain to her how that all worked, she
did not seem serious, and only liked to argue for fun. However, on the last full
day that week, our cabins girls were in chaos during cabin devos and I was not
sure how to handle them by myself, but God knew what He was doing. This
girl who always argued about evolution was the only one who was not being
chaotic with the rest of the girls, instead she sat with me and asked starting
with Abraham about who all these guys were in the Bible. After she named
one person from the Bible, I would read the best passage there was to explain
who they were and what their background was. She did not seem exactly
ready to accept Jesus as her Savior quite yet, but this one time she did not
argue, and she actually listened and continued to ask questions. I saw that as
Gods start for her.
What Ive Seen
Gimli hosts hundreds of kids, mainly from the core area of our city an area
where there is great need physically, spiritually and emotionally and
every year at Gimli, I get to tell those kids about Jesus for a total of just under 10
hours during chapel time.
Its during these times that I see most of the boys take in the story of creation
and the fall being acted out with about 30 kids and some very creative props!I watch out of the corner of my eye as the girl on the floor, nestled near her
counselor, absorbs the truth of becoming a princess in the Lords kingdom as
she watches me construct a crown.
Ive seen the lights go on in a childs eye and a hush fall over the crowd as
they identify with Samuel and his foster family Eli, Hophni and Phinus.
These reasons are enough to keep me coming back year after year, and Im
thrilled to be part of the team!
- Lorrie Truijen
Directors Thoughts
Probably the most encouraging thing that happened this summer came
on the last evening of camp. We end our summers on a high note with
youth camp, and the last evening with a coffee house, where the campers
drink floats and talk until 1:00AM. Some staff and many campers shared
their testimony about how God has changed their lives. This went on for
over an hour. I was exhausted after a long summer, and it was very late, but
I was overwhelmed by how God heals and guides these young peoples lives
through camp. And I felt very fortunate to be there, listening. If the large
number of young people that took our Leadership Development Program
application home with them follow-up and apply, we will be looking at the
wonderful problem of having to run two sessions to train our future staff
members! God is good.
- Don Roe, Director, Gimli Bible Camp
G B CGIMLI BIBLE CAMPCamp Recap
Gimli Bible CampBox 1579
Gimli, ManitobaR0C 1B0
Tel: (204) 642-5707Fax: (204) 642-8596
Email : [email protected]/gbc
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Camera WarSay cheese!
Just hanging
around
Good food,
great cooks,big smiles!
Here, in the palmof my hand... I hold
the future of DBC!
Welcome to
Paintball City
Or... you co
the tube sid
The best booever
Captured in Time
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Did someone sayFun, fun, fun?
For youGoing up....
Ready for the
next adventure
One of Godsmasterpieces In awe of the climb
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Howard & Kathy Weir consider themselves beyond blessed by their camp
family, especially aer they watched each one live out their surrender to
God in various ways this summer.
Summer / Fall 2012 | www.mb.cssm.ca20
FAMILY! Whether it be flesh and blood (our children,grandchildren and extended family members) or the bodyof Christ (at church, camp and beyond), there is something to be
said about the incredible gift of belonging to a family.
Every fall we take time to celebrate Thanksgiving and
express our gratefulness to our amazing God. Instead of one
of my own cooking stories, Ive decided to share about a time
someone blessed ME in the kitchen along with a few ways
weve been blessed this summer by our unified, God-focused
camp family. When one hurt, everyone hurt, when one
rejoiced, everyone shared in their joy. We watched the Biblical
picture of one bodyworking together as it should...sometimes
as broken or weary vessels needing love and encouragement,
other times having each others backs and being there tostrengthen, pray with or bless someone who was struggling.
A special highlight occurred prior to our closing staff
firesidea surprise memorable date night.
Some staff tried to help us find appropriate apparel for the
occasion. It became apparent this gals teen figure has been
gone a long time! Unfortunately, none of the lovely formals in
the dress-up room were wearable, as they all required closing
a zipper. They finally found me a dress that fit perfectly (if one
was capable of very shallow breathing and didnt need to move
Cooking with KathyKathy WeIr | Turtle Mountain Bible Camp Correspondent
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at all)! Not wanting to disappoint the
gals, I was victorious in the challenge
of getting the zipper done up! It turned
out to be very helpful that the outfit
included a jacket over top. As the
evening progressed, so did the separation
of the seam on my dress! It did make
things cooler, allowing me to eventually
breathe normally and allowed room
to enjoy the incredible dinner that was
served. We got the giggles so badly as the
seam separation continued throughout
the evening; I was sure I would need to
retrieve and don the table cloth in order
to get back to the Directors Den!
The original location of our eight
oclock evening dinner for two
was planned for the lookout at the
waterfront; that course of action
was superseded by plan B due to a
thunderstorm! We were escorted to the
Shilo building, where small candles
lined each side of the staircase leading
into the basement. White Christmas
lights encircled the dining table and a
lovely heart made with many tea light
candles in the corner lit up the room.
There were two chairs covered with
white bed sheets and wide red ribbon
making them look like thrones. The table
was set with tablecloth, candles and
flowers. As we entered, the entire staff
was standing in the room and shouted,
WE LOVE AND APPRECIATE YOU!
They proceeded to present us with a
lovely gift. (A white frame with a pictureof me in the center trying to take a water
gun from Howard, with encouraging
notes written by each staff member
around the picture.) It was beautiful and
so meaningful and appreciated!
The staff departed and the waiters
came to the table to serve us glasses
of lemonade and fabulous wedding
soup which two of our Russian cooks
had made. Hannah was our French
waitress, who whispered behind her
This moment was captured in me, framed
by TMBC sta, and now hangs in Howard &
Kathys home oce as a reminder of both
surrender and the miracle of Gods family
Cookingwith Kathy
hand to Ben, our waiter, to translate.
It was very entertaining! During the
meal, the two of them played and
sang beautiful love songs (primarily
from Disney movies, but they were all
extremely well done). It was truly an
unforgettable evening.
The fireside that evening was so
encouraging as staff members shared
highlights and lessons learned.
However, one couldnt miss the
recurring theme of thefamily bondeach
one felt. Our summer theme, Surrender,
had become a vital part of each of our
lives this summerliving unselfishly
and giving ourselves wholeheartedly for
God, and in turn to one another and to
the campers entrusted to our care.
Camp is like adopting and becoming
parents to over 30 young people all
summer and we couldnt have chosen
ones that we could be more proud of! We
enjoyed a delicious appreciation dinner
on the final Saturday afternoon with
58 summer staff, followed by the bitter/
sweet time of goodbyes. Albeit we were
all weary from a full, busy summer,
we miss everyone immensely. It is
definitely the people that make camp,
and now as we are in the midst of fall
church and school rental groups and
camp clean-up, our cup is overflowing
with praise to our faithful God for the
wonderful conclusion to summer 2012!
Howard and Kathy are in their 11th yearof ministry at TMBC and their 30th year
with CSSM Ministries. They are the proud
grandparents of now 3 precious jewels, as
Njiva Joan was born this year in Zimba-
bwe on June 30th! They were thrilled to
discover running around at camp provided
a good weight loss program (albeit not
enough to t into the provided dress). They
really miss their families both camp and
personal and always look forward to
hearing from them!
Setting aside time to rememberand express our gratitude toGod for the many things He
blesses our lives with... thosethat we so easily take for
granted! #Thanksgiving
Kathy WeirTurtle Mountain Bible Camp
Grateful for the strength and
assurance God gives on a
daily basis. #Grace #GodIsBig
Howard WeirTurtle Mountain Bible Camp
Camp is like adopting and becoming parents to over
30 young people all summer and we couldnt have chosen
ones that we could be more proud of!
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Directors Thoughts
O
ne generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your
mighty acts Psalm 145:4 (NASB)
Only our loving, amazing God could have compensated by allowing us to be-
come parents to the 30+ youth each week who helped meet our need and hearts
desire for family when our loved ones were so far away! The family atmosphere
at camp was incredible. We were blessed with kitchen ladies who went the extra
mile in not only providing wonderful meals, but dressing up for various theme
meals. They even held a tea party inviting the married ladies for fresh scones one
afternoon.
When staff were asked why they came to TMBC, they responded, This is where
I became a Christian. The DNT program totally changed my life and I want to
make a difference in the lives of others. I grow so much spiritually whenever
Im at camp. Its an opportunity to give back and allow God to work through me
to touch peoples l ives. Camp has had a huge impact on who I am today. Youmake the most amazing Christian friends who continue to be a blessing in your
life. The needs of some campers are huge and you learn patience and to exhibit
His love when it doesnt come naturally. There are so many lessons you learn,
like what it means to rely on GOD for everything and making PRAYER #1! It is
really important and we cant have a relationship with someone unless we spend
time with them. God continues to show me that I need to spend more time with
Him. We see so ma ny answers to prayer. They may not always be what we want,
but He has reasons for everything and I take comfort in knowing that His plans
are the greatest.
When staff were asked how this summers Surrender theme had impacted
them, they responded: Ive actually really struggled with this theme...its a hard
thing to do. I tried to find something new each week that I hadnt given to God
yet. My worries, ti me, plans for my future. It took a lot of prayer for some of them
cause its not always easy. For instance, my time someti mes I would much
rather catch up on needed sleep tha n continue giving my all to t he campers. Ive
had trust issues, wondering if God really knew whats best for me. Surrendering
my future to Him was a huge step I made this summer. He challenges me daily to
take up my cross and give my life to Him. Its a big step to ta ke, being able to give
your everything to God. Ive definitely grown, even though its hard and takes
time. I will take so many lessons with me from camp. These commitments are not
something I will regret.
No wealth, fame or anything the world offers can compare to the JOY and
fulfillment experienced as the body of Christ works together in unity for His glory.
We are keenly aware of the spiritual battle and attacks of Satan that are thwarted
through the daily intercession of our faithful prayer warriors. Every day, eternities
were being changed! Despite the challenges and variety of issues that are daily
part of camp life, we choose to focus on the countless highlights, victories andGod moments that make all the lows so worth it.
For the past 65 years, Turtle Mountain Bible Camp has desired to passionately
show campers how awesome God is. He again blessed us with a record number of
campers and an amazing staff team who wholeheartedly lived out Gods Word and
took every opportunity share His love with campers. Many surrendered to Him,
finding hope and meaning that He alone can give. Others let go of things hinder-
ing them in their walk with Christ. It was so incredible watching God change
the attitudes of campers, who started the week angry, untrusting, and lonely, but
ended having softened hearts to hear the Good News of the Gospel.
- Howard & Kathy Weir, Directors, Turtle Mountain Bible Camp
T M B CTURTLE MOUNTAIN BIBLE CAMPCamp Recap
Turtle Mountain Bible CampBox 1198Boissevain, MBR0K 0E0Tel (July-August): (204) 747-2587Tel (September-June): (204) 534-6844www.turtlemountainbiblecamp.com
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Rob & Heidi Dreidger travelled north
to Beaver Lake Bible Camp to speak
in chapel for the nal week of summer
camp. Not knowing what to expect,
they found themselves surrounded by
kids with tender hearts and hungry
spirits and found their own children
to be Gods bridge between the campers
and themselves.
My expectations of the week were
minimal as it concerned the campers. I
didnt know what to expect, so expected
the worst: I thought they would be a
rowdy bunch of kids that didnt care
about anything. I got to see quite the
opposite. Yes, they had the habit of
spitting everywhere and they werent
much into cleanliness No worries!! I
deeply love their hearts!
There were SO many highlights!
How can I name all of them one that
stands out was when I was cleaning
my nine-year-old daughters infected
wound. I told Hannah it may hurt a
little, but to hold someones hand while
I was doing it. She was surrounded by
her cabin mates; all of a sudden there
were twelve small brown hands want-
ing to hold her little white one to make
sure that she was okay. So beautiful! She
was brave and I sang her a nonsense
kind of song while I cleaned her wound
out. I came to a part where it was na
nan a nan a, and said, All together
mainly as a joke. But the children took
me seriously, and all started to sing a
song they didnt know in order to make
Hannah feel better. After the worst was
done, Rob, my husband, asked if any of
the kids wanted to pray for Hannah to
help her get better. They said, YEAH! I
asked who wanted to pray for Hannah
to make the infection go away. A little
girl of about ten said yes, and immedi-
ately asked, how do I do that? I told
her how, then asked who wanted to
ask God to make the skin grow back all
better. Once again, I immediately got a
volunteer, but again, the question was
asked How? I asked for another to
bless her and had two girls volunteer,
but they needed explanations as to
what a blessing was and how to bless
someone. I was happy to answer all
of the questions and they were happy
to pray! It was so touching. Such open
hearts, and kindness to the core!
Ustum, Little One (Come, Little
One) was common for the boys (ages
8-12) to say. That rocked my heart, big
time! Boys! That age! Caring for a baby!
I wasnt sure what to expect from my
kids, but Schnirkle, my baby, was the
greatest 20lb evangelism tool we
could have thought of. What a joy. The
girls would carry the baby everywhere;
they spent their free time taking turns
caring for the baby by helping him up
the ladder to go down the slide. I was
able to connect with them on a real
level, not a fake push-this-religion-
down-your-throat level. Truly, I
www.mb.cssm.ca | Summer / Fall 2012 23
Beaver Lake Bible Camp
Excerpts from My JournalHeidi Dreidger | beaver lake bible camp correspondent
Beaver Lake Bible Camp invites children
from surrounding nor thern communies
to take part in life skills, canoe trips, cabin
devoons, and to explore the heart of God
for them and their families.
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have never met a larger group of children who had such an
understanding of babies and baby care as this group. What a
gift they gave to me!
The week went on and on like this Im sure I could ll
a whole book My heart is certainly for the campers. They
are so sensitive to God. Theyloveto praise His name. I found
that they loved stories, had fun with would you rather (an
energizer game of choice that wed play to get everyones
attention) and would comment on my stupid random fact
that I would share about myself. They loved action songs and
I loved to watch them sing and enjoy the songs for God with
their whole being. They loved songs about nature, like If I
Were a Butterfly and My God is So Big.
Many kids said, this is the best week of my life, or, I wish
I could stay here forever. I did too! How I love those little
ones all of them. They loved the staff, and although each one
had their individual cabin leaders in their cabins, everyone
was able to interact with everyone else. They loved all the
staff so much!
I lovedthe kidsso much. Lord, bless them and protect these
young ones. Bring them to a place where they can really learn
on their own, so they can have a relationship with You that
will meet their needs and exceed their expectations. God, savethem from dangers that may befall them. Please help them
to continue their relationship with You. Have mentors and
teachers teach them The Way.
Im not sure who learned more this week, the kids or me!
What a joy to be back in the North, with amazing creation
all around and a group of kids who truly have a heart for
God, even though they may be going through some difcult
situations. Pray for them to continue to grow.
Rob & Heidi Dreidger met and married at a
Manitoba camp and later became year-round
staff. Knowing the impact that camp had on
them as kids, youth, and year-round leaders,they just had to be involved once again. After
moving out to their ranch (where Rob trains
horses and Heidi homeschools most of the kids), they wanted to
show their kids a little of what theyd experienced over the years.
Rob & Heidi recognize that Christian camping is a special thing
and involves dedicated individuals passing the torch on from
one year to the next. They enjoy helping out where they can with
their six kids!
Summer / Fall 2012 | www.mb.cssm.ca24
Beaver Lake Bible Camp
The best thing about Thanksgiving is that
Gord & I were married on Thanksgiving
weekend a few years ago.
#ThankfulForMyHusband
Roseann LangCSSM Provincial Support Team
This summer, God was the One who enabledme to step out of my comfort zone and interact
with people on a deeper level.#SummerLessons
Dale BuhlerValley View Bible Camp
Auto & Ag repairs ~
Welding & Fabricating
~ Autowrecking
Conklin Product
FranchiseBox 213
DAUPHIN, MB
R7N 2V1
PETER & LINDA SCHULZ
Ph. 638-5436 or 648-4712
Sunnyside ServicesThe Country Shop with Country Value
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www.mb.cssm.ca | Summer / Fall 2012 25
B L B CBEAVER LAKE BIBLE CAMPCamp Recap
I Loved It
Hi my name is Hannah and I am in the 4th grade. This year me and my family
went to beaver lake bible camp. I learnd a lot about God and plus, I had a lot of
fun. I led a kid to Christ and I was the only wite kid there. I loved it.- Hannah
My Memories of Beaver Lake
It all started in early spring this past year, when my husband and I decided to go
up north for our 25th wedding anniversary
We had decided to go to Bakers Narrows Lodge to rent a cabin for 3 nights, which
was wonderful. Yes, its a long drive, but I just love the peaceful serenity that sur-
rounds you when you go up there! Part of our trip included going to visit Beaver
Lake Bible Camp, which we found to be such a beautiful setting when we initially
gazed upon the landscape. Although nobody else was there, we felt that the Lord
was in this place, and had great things in store for the camp. I didnt know when
we would be back at the camp, but felt that possibly the Lord wanted us there in
the future to serve Him in some way.
My brother, whom you all know as Harold Giesbrecht, called me on August
18th and in the conversation, mentioned the fact that he was planning on going
up north to Beaver that week. I couldnt have jumped higher in my chair!! I was so
floored; the dates would coincide with my work schedule and it couldnt be more
perfect timing! So, long story short, we went up to Beaver August 20-21, and it was
a great time. I got to see the camp in action for the first time in my life, and not just
that, I saw those brown eyes looking at me, and I fell in love with the First Nationspeople. I had already felt the Lord pulling me to work with First Nations, but I
didnt know how, or when, or where.
My husband and I are still seeking the Lord in how He wants us to serve Him in
this capacity, but we know He has His hand in our lives and will show us what we
should be doing to further His kingdom!
Thank-you for allowing me to share just a small portion of my story of how
Beaver Lake Bible Camp has impacted me, and I hope you will also feel the Lord
tugging at your heart, to serve Him in some aspect somewhere!
- Marion Heinrichs
Beaver Lake Bible CampCSSM Ministries MB
200-189 Henderson HwyWinnipeg, MB
R2L 1L7Tel: (204) 668-2776
www.beaverlake.cssm.ca
Comecelebratewhat God is doing
across Canada!
CSSM Ministries Fundraising Banquet
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church
500 Lagimodiere Blvd, Winnipeg
For more info, please call (204) 668-2776
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Summer / Fall 2012 | www.mb.cssm.ca26
Have you ever been in prison?
Im thinking that the answer for most of us is, no.Maybe we have driven by a prison, or have had the
opportunity to do prison ministry, but we likely havent been
a prisoner at least not in the physical sense.
The reality, however, is that we know that we were all
prisoners once not locked in by concrete walls and razor-
wire fences but rather chained to our sin, doing what we
didnt want to do, not able to do what we wanted to, and
powerless to do anything about it. No matter how much we
tried to make life work, the hard reality of being behind bars
and wanting more than anything to be free stirred our
hearts and minds to look for someone to free us.
Do you remember the day? The day when you realized that
only Jesus could truly set you free? Do you remember where
you were when you realized that He had come to take your
place and that the door to your cell was already open? It does
well for us to remember because it is in the remembering
that we are moved to tell others of the new life of freedom
that they also can experience.
In Acts 5, Luke tells us that the Apostles were thrown in
prison because the Sadducees were lled with jealousy over
the attention the Apostles were receiving. Of course a jail
is nothing for God, and He sent an angel to open the doors,
bring them out and deliver a message; Go, stand in the
temple courts, he said, and tell the people all about this new
life. (Acts 5:20 NIV).
Prison
BreakBy Bill McCaskell
Whether a camper comes from a home of hurt and pain or a place of joy and laughter, each one sll needs to come face to face with the love
of God, enabling them to accept the freedom He oers.
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www.mb.cssm.ca | Summer / Fall 2012 27www.mb.cssm.ca | Summer / Fall 2012 27
The Apostles were set free to tell.
Jesus set Lloyd Hunter the founder of CSSM Ministries
free to tell; his heart burned to proclaim the gospel of Jesus
Christ to children throughout Manitoba who had never
heard of Gods plan for their lives.
Jesus has set our summer missionaries free to tell.Go, sit in
your cabin, stand around the campre, work in the kitchen
and tell the people all about this new life. (We didnt think
Luke would mind the paraphrase!)
Jesus has set our ministry teams free to tell. Surrounded
by CSSM Ministries church planters, camp workers, Field
Directors, and ofce missionaries, were amazed at the story
behind each life, and how God has uniquely equipped each
one to live out His love in such a time as this, for a harvest as
massive as this!
Jesus has set you free to tell.He has you where you are
right now because He wants you to know in deeper ways this
freedom He has given you. He wants you to tell others about
the freedom they can only nd through knowing Him like
you know Him.
As Bev & I connect with our CSSM Ministries missionaries
across Canada, were in awe of how God uniquely gifts each
of His children with special abilities to tell the story of their
own prison break, as well as to speak His words of life in
encouraging others to live free. We love the fact that God calls
each of us to be His mouthpiece, treasure sharing the journey
of telling with other members of His body, and have arrivedat the conclusion that, really theres nothing quite like
living free.
Bill & Bev McCaskell have enjoyed making the
transition to grandparents this year with the
addition of Micah Hadden to their family! While
they consider themselves full-fledged Winni-
peggers now, fall usuall y nds them back on the
road, connecting with missionaries and sharing
the heart of CSSM Ministries from coast to coas t.
Ph: 204-746-8441Toll Free: 866-746-8441
Fax: 204-746-8746
Cell: 204-746-0079
Res: 204-746-8300
Email: [email protected]
Box 69, Rosenort, MB R0G 1W01979 LTD.
www.rosenortmotors.com
Specializing in Pre-Owned GM Vehicles
WESTFIELD
Go, stand in the temple courts, he said, and tellthe people all about this new life. acts 5:20 (NIV)
Our McCaskell family
and Our CSSM Ministries oce family!
CSSM Ministries
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Summer / Fall 2012 | www.mb.cssm.ca28 Summer / Fall 2012 | www.mb.cssm.ca28
Andrew & Tasha SevignySite Directors, Dauphin Bible CampAndrew and Tasha each have years of experience at CSSM Manitoba camps, where theyve served ascabin leaders, program directors and a lot of things in between! They were married in May 2011, and areexcited to work in ministry together. Andrew spends his time doing maintenance and administration. This pastsummer he also led DBCs Work Crew, discipling teenagers as he worked alongside them in everyday tasks atthe camp. Tasha spent her time during the summer leading the horsemanship program, and continues to leadlessons and trail rides during the fall.
Boyd & Sharon KlieverSite Managers, Roseau River Bible Camp
Left to right: Back row: Kade, Keagan, Keturah, Karah. Middle Row: Sharon, Keyandrah, Kayleah, Boyd.Front Row: Keziah, Kilah.
Boyd & Sharon and their family of K s moved off of their Elkhorn family farm in spring of 2011 to try out life as par t
of the Roseau River mission team. The Klievers loved camp life, sensed the call of God, and officially joined the
CSSM Ministries family in July of this year. Boyd spends his time being j ack-of-all-trades a t the camp, and Sharon
enjoys being a stay-at-home mom. (The kids love having Dad so accessible now!) Were grateful for the Klievers
ability to jump right into where God is leading, and are excited for the adventures ahead.
Menno & Brenda BartschSite Managers, Turtle Mountain Bible CampMenno & Brenda came to TMBC largely due to a divinely orchestrated experience during the Spring
Concert Tour. Menno has enjoyed learning his way around the camp shop and grounds, while Brenda settles
into their new home, which was donated as a new Site Managers residence before Menno & Brenda evenaccepted the position! We love their passion to hear Gods voice, and are excited to have them - and their
adventurous spirits! - as part of the team at Turtle Mountain.
Jon & Melanie MushalukAdventure Day Camp Coordinator/Communications
L-R: Owen, Jon, James, Ethan, Melanie
Melanie began her new role at CSSM Ministries in September, and brings a rich background in childrens
ministry (and just all-around creativity!) to the table. Her husband Jon is self-employed, working mainly in
construction, but also in the music industry, either playing with the band or working the sound system. Their
three boys love soccer, waterslides, and building snowmen.
Dale & Melody BuhlerSite Directors, Valley View Bible Camp
L-R: Stacey, Darcy (back), Robert (front), Melody, Da le
The Buhler family joined the CSSM Ministries family right before summer, after having previously resided in
Austin, where Dale worked as a shop mechanic. Melody is continuing her work as a Registered Nurse and
works part-time at the MacGregor and District Health Center. Their daughter, Stacey, is a freshman a t Mil-
lar College of the Bible in Pambrun, SK. Darcy is the athlete of the family, and Robert likes farms, equipment
and cowboys.
Introducing...
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Valley View Bible Camp
The Language of Servanthood
Iwould like to thank all those who
prayed for me, those who drove
me from one camp to another, those
who put me up on the weekends and
other days, all those who I worked with;
for their patience towards me and with
my English. Thank you all!
My name is Nadia Labbe. I live in
Magog, Quebec. I turned 17 in July this
year. I came to Manitoba by invitation
of Natalie Giesbrecht, for the purpose of
learning English and of glorifying and
of serving our Lord. One of the reasons
why I want to learn English is that God
has called me to be a missionary in Asia.
I arrived in Manitoba by plane on
the 21st of June. Harold and Natalie
Giesbrecht met me at the airport and
took me to Turtle Mountain Bible Camp
Nadia Labbe I Valley View Bible Camp Correspondent
Translated by Marilyn Lessard
for Summer Missionary Training. I must
tell you that I had quite a headache that
weekend, trying so hard to understand
what people were saying around me.
In spite of trying to understand I didnt
catch much of what was being said.
After the weekend of staff training, I
went to Valley View Bible Camp to serve
on the work crew. I must say that before
the rst of July, I was the only one there
who spoke French. So, as soon as I got
there, the staff with whom I would be
working taught me several new words
so that we could communicate.
I found the rst three days difcult
to speak English to them because I was
afraid to make too many mistakes and
that they would not understand me,
especially those I did not know so well.
But God reminded me why I was there,
and that totally changed my way of
seeing English. I then started trying to
speak a few words in English to have
contact with the other members of the
staff. At the same time my relationship
with God greatly deepened. Instead of
spending only 15 to 45 minutes a day
reading and praying, I spent more than
an hour per day. And this helped me to
make many Christian friends.
I had been at Valley View for 4 weeks,
when, one Thursday evening while I
was doing dishes with the other kitchen
staff, I received a call from Natalie
saying that Dauphin was in need of
staff. Dauphin Bible Camp had heard of
me and they wanted me to go there. I
hesitated a little as I was beginning to
Oen we think of Quebec as being a mission eld - a mere 0.5% of the provinces populaon are evangelical Chrisans!
This summer, CSSM Ministries Manitoba was blessed to have two missionaries y from La Belle Province (Quebec) to
Manitoba to serve at camp, Nadia being one of them. A smile was constantly on her face as she found ways to serve past
he language barrier.
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make friends and was starting to understand the conversa-
tions going on around me. Finally, I sensed God calling me to
go there. And I went.
At Dauphin, there was a girl who spoke French, so the
transition from Valley View to Dauphin wasnt difcult. I
was there for two weeks as a kitchen helper and made several
friends there.
I went back to Valley View for one week and was able to see
many of my friends that worked there.
At that time, I received another call to say that Gimli Bible
Camp was needing staff. So for my last week I was a Junior
Cabin Leader at Gimli Bible Camp. It was quite an experience
because I was not yet bilingual. I understood the majority of
the time, when they used a simple vocabulary and they spoke
slowly; but I still had a hard time to express myself in English.
But I had a lot of fun with the girls in my cabin.
During the weekends I was able to visit all the other CSSM
camps in Manitoba (Roseau River and Beaver Lake). I really
liked my experience of spending my summer in the CSSM
camps of Manitoba. I returned to Quebec the 22nd of August. I
have started to take English courses so that one day I will be a
missionary in Asia.
Thank you to Natalies mom Marilyn Lessard for the transla-tion. Thank you very much.
Nadia is the eldest of her family of six girls! Three years ago, the
Labbes took a forty-day trip, traveling all the way from their
home in Quebec to the West Coast while camping in their tent
trailer. They even spent a few days in the Winnipeg area, trying
to teach Harold Giesbrecht some French. At home, Nadia assists
her mother with various duties around the house while her father
extends a warm Bienvenue au Canada! to visitors arriving at
Canada Customs where Interstate 91 enters Quebec.
I still had a hard time to
express myself in english...
but I had a lot of fun
As a Mom wanting to stay home with my young
children, I never knew how I could return to
ministry. I am so thankful to God for providing
me with this opportunity to serve at CSSM
Ministries. #GodThing
Melanie MushalukAdventure Day Camp
Valley View Bible Camp
Thank Youto our sponsors!
Schumacher Realty
L & B Friesen Ltd.
Midland Mfg.
Reimer Soils
Norfolk Transport
Rosenort MotorsSteinbach Bible College
Sunnyside Services
H&D Auto & Farm Supply
Funks Toyota
Gerald T. Groening
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