Many doctrinal statements affirm what the church believes.  We wish to go further and to link belief with praxis.  Our model is the Apostle Paul . . . in Colossians his profound and wonderful portrayal of the supremacy of Christ issues in down-to-earth teaching on what it means to be rooted in Christ.

S. Douglas Birdsall and Lindsey Brown, The Cape Town Commitment:  A Confession of Faith and a Call to Action

A Slice of Fresh Bread

I carried my raincoat all over Europe.  The forecast predicted rain every third day in November so I thought it was a good decision to bring it along.  Most days were magnificent:  cool, sunny, brisk, a few clouds -- but no rain. 

A few drops greeted us as we began a tour of a campsite in Spain, but most of the sky was clear.  Drops turned to drizzle and by the time we reached the farthest corner of the grounds, the rain started in earnest.  Unfortunately my “good-decision” was still packed in my suitcase back in my room.

Raincoats only work when we put them on; and there are a host of spiritual qualities that will benefit us and others only when we put them on.  In Colossians 3:12, 14 Paul tells us to, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Way too often I leave my kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love in the suitcase back in my room. I need to put them on for them to benefit me and those I meet. 

The more I wear these Christ-like qualities, the more comfortable they feel.  Camp is a great place to try them on and to allow them to become a comfortable fit.  Start a fashion statement in your home, camp, church, school, or neighborhood by wearing the spiritual qualities you want to see on others. 

Prayer Requests

Lloyd Mattson, long-time USA Christian camping leader and author of numerous books on Christian camping underwent cancer surgery last week.  Please pray for his speedy and complete recovery.

CCI-Mexico holds is national conference November 18-21.  Please pray for the leaders of CCI-Mexico as they work to finalize the plans for this event and that it is a great time of training, encouragement, and inspiration. 

CCI-leaders from throughout Latin America will meet in parallel with the CCI-Mexico conference for planning and strategy sessions.  Pray for wisdom and direction during this meeting.

November 25-26, CCI-Romania will hold a Camp Directors’ Meeting.  Please pray for the planning and promotion of this gathering.

CCI-Philippines will hold a training event entitled: Leading Transformative Camping November 28-29.  Please pray for the success of this important event.     

CCI-Korea will hold its General Meeting December 9-10. Please pray for planning, preparation and promotion for this event.

In just over six months (April 19-24, 2012) participants from around the world will meet at Pinos Reales, a Christian camp near Madrid, for the CCI-Worldwide Summit.  Please pray for the preparations and funding for this major training and planning event.