The world intersects at the Amsterdam airport:  languages, races, dress, odors, and currencies comingle in a fascinating, colorful, exotic cultural mixing bowl.

In the midst of this human cacophony is an unmistakable landmark called the Meeting Point.  Large, red and white blocks and checkerboard walls surrounded by restaurants, shops, and train access portals mark a natural place for arriving travelers and their hosts to connect. 

The Meeting Point worked and Gert, a volunteer from our host camp, de Betteld, soon had Cay and me and our luggage in a van heading toward Zelhem, 90 minutes east of Amsterdam.

Gerhard and Anita Hobelman were wonderful hosts – great food, comfortable accommodations, and warm conversation.

The next morning we traveled an hour by car to a meeting of the CCI-Netherlands board and membership.  About 30 members addressed typical business meeting issues:  reports, minutes, budgets, and strategies.  Jet lag caught me, but a helpful translator helped me stay up with the details.

Fortunately, there were three key issues that my translator could coach me through well enough to grasp their significance.  First I was moved by the presence of the widow of a former CCI-Netherlands Board Member who lost his life a few months ago in a tragic drowning.  The group reached out with love, comfort, support and encouragement. It was more than a professional meeting – much more a family gathering.

Second, due in part to this untimely death, and also because of the resignation of another Board Member over medical concerns, only two people remained on the Board to shoulder the entire responsibility.   In response to a plea for help, four new members volunteered to serve on the Board of Directors. 

Third, I was fascinated that the meeting was attended by Dutch camping leaders who operate Christian centers not only in their home country but also in Luxemburg, France, and Sweden.  I learned that Dutch Christian camping leaders also operate centers in Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. 

My visit to CCI-Netherlands reminded me of what is taking place in our associations around the world:  1) the love and support of a caring community,  2) The sacrifices of many who lead and manage the Association’s work,  3) The commitment to reach beyond local boarders and extend the impact of CCI around the world.

About 15 years ago, a pastor friend called and asked me to meet with a man in his city who wanted to start a camp.  I reluctantly agreed to drive seven hours into the heart of Texas to kick dirt, dream dreams, and pray that God would make His plans clear. 

The site was stunning.  The headwaters of the crystal clear Nueces River, over a mile of river frontage, unique cliffs and rock formations, 1,400 acres of rugged West Texas wilderness, billions of stars, and a few dilapidated buildings that once had been the corporate playground of a now defunct business giant. 

I’ve intersected with the development of Camp Eagle several times over the past 15 years, but I had not been on the ground since 2007.  A lot has changed in the past five years: new buildings, effective programs, skilled staff, focused resources, and clear mission.           

Years ago, I learned (not original with me but not sure of the source) that there are four critical elements in every successful non-profit organization:  1) a clear purpose/mission/vision; 2) a strong, active, healthy board of directors; 3) a leader who embodies the values of the organization; 4) the ability to attract human and financial resources – people and money!

I would add a fifth – the grace of God!

Sometimes we do all the right things, yet we have the ministry of Jeremiah.  His calling was to minister faithfully his whole life only to experience pain and see little or no success by human standards.  But sometimes we are called to serve like Nehemiah.  He was blessed to see God use his efforts to rebuild, restore, and to lay the groundwork for revival. 

Whether in the good times or tough times, it is remarkable to see God’s hand at work over the long-haul.  I love visiting camps but really love revisiting them and seeing God’s plans worked out in His time and in His way.

Last week, Cay and I were privileged to join 18 Texas Christian camp directors at Camp Eagle near Rocksprings, Texas for three days of fellowship, devotions, sharing, prayer, late-night conversations, good food, relaxation, and planning. 

I have known some of the people around the table for over 20 years; others became new friends. Some were enjoying seasons of peace and blessing while others were struggling and discouraged. Some were young, just starting into the Christian camping ministry; others have spent a lifetime serving the Lord at camp. 
 

The directors came from camps that were big and small, denominationally affiliated, independent, and privately owned. Some drove eight hours or more to attend. The common bonds uniting the group were their love for Christ and their love for Christian camping.

We explored the twin challenges of rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep (Romans 12:15). And we spent time discussing professional challenges and opportunities of importance to the whole group. As joys, successes, and achievements were shared, there was a true sense of rejoicing within the group; no envy was evident. When the conversation turned to hurts, struggles and failures, the group united around the ones in pain.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews probably didn’t have Christian camp directors in mind when this warning was penned; Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). But Christian camp directors, more than most, seem to need, enjoy, and benefit from time away, sharing from God’s Word, building relationships, reveling in the beauty of God’s creation.

Camp for the camp directors – what a great idea!

Idaho is very, very beautiful; at least the eastern part where my wife, daughter, son-in-law and I spent a week of vacation earlier this month. Green fields of alfalfa carpeted the fertile valleys that rolled into forests of towering trees that in turn blanketed the wild hills that buttressed the magnificent Teton Mountains.I’ll share just a few impressions and remembrances of a great trip.