Summit

So I'm about to the halfway point of my time on staff at Summit Ministries this summer. I am blown away that God allows me to be a part of what goes on here! This ministry has impacted countless lives since it began 47 years ago here in Manitou Springs, CO. For those who don't know, Summit is a Christian Worldview and Leadership academic camp for 17-25 year olds [www.summit.org]. I was a student here in '06 and '07, and until now, they were basically the best 4 weeks of my life! Now I'm being given the opportunity to provide that experience for other students...what an incredible blessing!

While here, my job on staff is as Nightwatch. 3 guys and I stay up from 11pm-7am, doing various duties like mopping the kitchen, washing towels for the 188 students, vacuuming the lobby, and doing rounds of the "Summit Village", the smattering of cabins and houses and property that Summit owns around the hotel here (hotel from the 1890s, I might add), chasing off bears and hippies. This was exactly the job I wanted here, and God blessed me with it! I get to interact with the students in the late afternoon and evening, then have wonderful peace and quiet all night!

It will be so hard to leave here in 2 weeks. I am already praying that God allows me to return next summer, hopefully for much longer! My heart and soul are so at peace here. It is truly home away from home. Perhaps the best way to describe it for those who have not experienced it is this: for me, it is the closest I can get to heaven this side of eternity. In heaven, we will be one body, with one mind and one purpose--to worship the Father. Here, though we as a staff have different duties and shifts, we have one mind and one purpose--to serve the students and help them enter into a greater understanding of their Creator. All this we do with an attitude of service and love, giving glory to God!

Well, that's a brief glimpse into my life at present. Father, you are so good for giving me this time! Teach me, mold me through this experience. Make me more into the servant you've designed me to be for your kingdom!