Winter camp with O Naz

Winter camp was a fun time. I was called on to either be security or part of the worship band. Usually ended up being both. Other times as a counselor. I took a day of vacation off from my job and went with the O Naz youth group. We'd meet at the church and take the bus. Some brought just enough clothes to make it through the weekend. Others, usually the ladies, looked as if they were moving out of their homes. I remember this girl brought about three very large, rolling suitcases for the 2 and half day trip. I enjoyed the bus rides up the mountain. I would sit by some of the guys who got into trouble or the quiet ones or just where I felt like. I was a goofball, but I really think they knew that Jen and I cared about them and loved them. We were in our mid to late 20's, but we still remembered how life throws an occasional wrench into the works. We had some good talks with them and some fun times hanging out. Winter Camp was a weekend long time where they could hang out with friends from other Nazarene churches. I met some of the other church kids and answered some questions they were dealing with. I remember a couple of times when I was a counselor and we were supposed to do this thing called Cabin Wrap up or something around 10:30/ 11:00pm every night. Basically, the adult counselors were to oversee about 6 kids and ask some questions about the sermon from that night. Try to see what they took away if anything. Well, it came time to do wrap up and there were 3 rooms that circled around a common bathroom. Like I said the ratio was supposed to be 1 adults to 6 teens. The other two counselors sacked out way early. The guys from the other rooms joined my discussion group. We got through the questions pretty easy and quickly. They had other questions. Questions about life and family and school and girls and other stuff. We talked for a long time each night. It was pretty awesome. I'm not trying to brag and say that I'm this great guy, but it was a total God thing. He gave me the words to speak.

Getting involved (Ontario Nazarene) part# 1

After going to Ontario Nazarene, I had a desire to get involved. I wanted to help out any way I could. I was always into music and sound equipment, so I decided to talk to the sound guys and see about joining the group. I got involved with sound ministry and I was the guy running the board for weddings, funerals, church services, kids programs, and choir programs. Jen helped in the children's ministry. It was great to be involved and helping. After a couple of years of being at Ontario Naz., I was asked to help out with the teens. First, Darren, Larry and Sandi's son asked me and then Eddie Acosta asked me. I said okay. I was thinking maybe a little help with the sound, setting up chairs and tables, and stuff like that. I didn't know that Darren was leaving and Eddie was taking his place. Jen and I helped Eddie and his wife Sarina for a number of years. Eddie knew that I played guitar and wanted me to play with him for the teen services. To make a long story short, I picked up the bass. It was great and we had a lot of fun. The next thing I know is he is encouraging me to teach Sunday lessons and occassionally on a Weds. night. This was really the furthest thing from my mind. I hated standing in front of people. I took a lower grade in some classes that had us do oral reports. I couldn't do it. I prayed about it and then I went for it. It wasn't so bad after all. Some of you might disagree, but I think it went pretty well.