MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

1/36

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

2/36

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

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

3/36

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

4/36


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.

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

5/36

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]

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

6/36


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.

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

7/36


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

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

8/36

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

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

9/36

www.cssm.mb.ca | Summer / Fall 2012 9

Manufacturer of quality gravel trailers

www.midlandtrailers.com

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

10/36

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.


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!

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

11/36

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!

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

12/36


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!

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

13/36

www.mb.cssm.ca | Summer / Fall 2012 13www.mb.cssm.ca | Summer / Fall 2012 13

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

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

14/36

Summer / Fall 2012 | www.mb.cssm.ca14 Summer / Fall 2012 | www.mb.cssm.ca14

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

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

15/36


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

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

16/36


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!

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

17/36


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

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

18/36

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

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

19/36

Did someone sayFun, fun, fun?

For youGoing up....

Ready for the

next adventure

One of Godsmasterpieces In awe of the climb

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

20/36

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.


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

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

21/36


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!

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

22/36


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

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

23/36

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


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.

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

24/36

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!


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

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

25/36


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

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

26/36


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.

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

27/36

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

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

28/36

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...

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

29/36


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.

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

30/36


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

8/9/2019 MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4

31/36

Documents

MB (Summer 2012) - Issue #4