Lantern and Compass Project

Clarity and Direction

war room

What Would HE say?

Have you ever entered into the Holy of Holies? Have you ever stood on Holy ground and been in the very presence of God? Have you really thought about sitting next to Jesus in your most favorite place? What did the conversation with Jesus sound like as you sat and talked with Him? Did you feel the warmth of His presence as you sat there with Him, saying nothing?

I wish I could adequately share the experiences that a group of PK/MK students were having at a weekend retreat; experiences that potentially changed the direction of their faith walk with Jesus.

But that’s exactly what happened for a group of elementary students. Each chapel Jesus wanted to meet with them and spend time with each one individually. What happened looked different for each student. To give you a glimpse of the time spent with Jesus take a look at what one student wrote in their journal.

I had just finished sharing the story of Moses giving his attention to and going to see the burning bush and how God told Moses to take off his sandals because he was on Holy ground. I further shared the conversation that God had with Moses there.

As each student was led into their own Holy of Holies and the very presence of Jesus they were encouraged to share their thoughts and ask Jesus some simple questions.

The first was, “Jesus, what do you want to tell me today?”, to which one student wrote this.
Then the students were prompted to ask Jesus what they were to do with what was just shared and this was the answer.

The final question was simple, “What else do you want me to know?” Very simply said was the following response.

So went the entire weekend. Going into the Holy of Holies and spending time with God himself. The students began to realize that their time with Jesus could be more interactive and more intimate. They recognized that Jesus wants to spend quality time with them and desires to have a two way conversation. 

I know that Jesus spoke to students that weekend as evidenced by feedback, comments and testimony. Here is just one from the camp director. “We’ve gotten such good feedback about the kids time at PKMK Retreat. The kids had a blast but the best part has been hearing how they’ve talked with their parents about listening for God in prayer and endeavoring to continue the practice at home. One parent said that her son “took a leap forward in praying.”

Another testimony was from a student that shared, “Jesus told me that I am blessed and I need to share that with others”

A chaperone shared, “Jesus told me that I am loved as much as anyone else and that I need to tell the world.”

Pray that more War Rooms (Prayer rooms for students) will be established, giving our younger believers the experience they need to carry their relationship with Jesus to a whole different level of intimacy.

Trailbreaker Fun & Faith

Ah, Camp Wannahockalugie—the name alone sparks a smile, doesn’t it? It’s the kind of place where kids trade their screens for sunshine, their everyday worries for water wars, and their usual routine for something extraordinary. This summer, we embraced the theme of Trailbreaker, inspired by Isaiah 40:3: “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” And what a week it was!

Each morning began with a skit featuring our delightful underground-dwelling dwarfs, who had lived their whole lives in the dark—until they met the Trailbreaker. This mysterious guide, who lived above ground, was carving a path through the wilderness, preparing to share the light of Jesus.

Through laughter, mishaps, and poignant moments, the dwarfs discovered that the light wasn’t something to fear but something to embrace. By the end of the week, the entire underground crew decided to step into the light, joining the Trailbreaker in pointing others toward Jesus. It was a beautiful reminder for all of us: the light of Christ changes everything.

After the skits, kids dove into breakout sessions that blended fun with faith.

  • Arts and Crafts: Tiny hands painted, glued, and glittered their way to masterpieces that reflected God’s creative nature.
  • Music: Voices rang out in joyful songs, some accompanied by stomping feet, clapping hands, and a few surprise dance moves.
  • Prayer Room Time: A quiet, sacred space where kids could meet with God, talk about their week, and listen for His voice.
  • Recreation: Whether it was a relay race or an epic tug-of-war, every game reminded us that teamwork and laughter are gifts from God.

Camp Wannahockalugie isn’t just about learning; it’s about living the adventure. Water wars left everyone soaked and smiling, while pool time provided splashy fun for kids and leaders alike. Camp Harding offered a playground for carefree play, where friendships blossomed and memories were made.

But the highlight of the week? The baptisms. Seeing kids declare their love for Jesus and their desire to walk in His light was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The week culminated in a celebration service that brought everyone together—kids, leaders, and families—to worship, laugh, and reflect on the journey we’d shared. Songs of praise echoed through the camp, and the story of the dwarfs stepping into the light reminded us that we’re all called to be trailbreakers for Christ.

As the sun set on Camp Wannahockalugie, we packed up our crafts, wrung out our waterlogged clothes, and said our goodbyes. But the lessons we learned about stepping into the light, blazing trails for others, and preparing the way for the Lord? Those we carried home in our hearts.

Here’s to the Trailbreaker who guides us all—and to the kids of Camp Wannahockalugie, who are ready to shine His light wherever they go!

You have no idea what filled the week until you take a look at the recap video!

Mark your calendars for next summer… June 23-27, 2025 so your kids don’t miss out.

Anticipated Prayer

As a children’s pastor and missionary to children, I know the value and the importance of bringing children into a better understanding of prayer and the impact that it can have on their lives. For years, God has been stirring my heart to provide opportunities for kids to experience prayer in different and meaningful ways. It started nearly 10 years ago at district camp. God was leading our team to emphasis prayer options following the evening chapel. That was the beginning of something absolutely beautiful. Over the years prayer during day camps, overnight camps, midweek services and Sunday morning classrooms have become the time that kids look forward to with great anticipation.

July 2021, “The War Room” was introduced at The Good Shepherd Ministries day camp. (The War Room is the name given to our prayer room) Pastor Kenny and I had talked in great length about the idea, the implementation and the expected outcome but I couldn’t articulate exactly what that would look like in a real setting. We might not have known the particulars but Holy Spirit knew exactly what needed to be done to draw these kids into a spiritual realm where they wanted to be and expected to meet with God himself.

The week began with 30 minutes in The War Room. We entered into the presence of God with reference and respect and left after having a meaningful encounter with God. By the end of the week each group was spending upwards of 60 minutes and wanting more time in the War Room with Jesus. They had experienced just a touch of God and were craving more.

Our kids can be drawn into the spiritual realm and have an intimate relationship with Jesus. Are we providing them with the opportunities that they need to draw into that relationship? Are we allowing them time to practice their skills in hearing God’s voice? Are we giving them a variety of ways to enhance their time with Jesus?

Our children aren’t lost because they don’t know who Jesus is, but they don’t know him personally