Lantern and Compass Project

Clarity and Direction

What’s Up Blog

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.

Camp That Transforms

Ability Camp is something truly extraordinary—two weeks of summer camp that offers adults with special needs a place to grow spiritually, form lasting friendships, and experience God’s love in tangible ways. Designed to be fully inclusive, Ability Camp is a haven of acceptance, joy, and faith. Here, every camper is invited to deepen their relationship with God, experience His grace, and embrace the truth that they are beautifully made in His image.

At Ability Camp, each camper is seen as a beloved child of God, created with purpose and worth. Disabilities are not viewed as limitations but as part of the unique and intentional way God has crafted each individual. In this loving community, campers are valued, welcomed, and reminded of their belonging in the Body of Christ. Surrounded by others who share their faith, campers experience an environment of true acceptance—a place where they are treasured just as they are.

From fishing to spirit led chapel time, every Ability Camp activity is carefully adapted to ensure all campers can fully participate. These activities go beyond fun; they are spiritual experiences, too. A peaceful morning fishing at the pond becomes a time to marvel at God’s creation, while a chapel service turns into uninhibited worship. Campers are encouraged to encounter God in every part of their day, whether through prayer, Bible study, or simple moments of reflection in the beauty of nature.

At Ability Camp, adult campers are given a unique opportunity to grow in both faith and independence. Many activities are designed to allow campers to practice making decisions, assisting with daily tasks, and developing confidence in their own abilities. Through structured Bible studies, prayer times, and moments of personal reflection, campers are encouraged to trust God’s guidance in their lives. They leave camp knowing they are capable, strong, and supported by a loving God who walks with them through life’s journey.

One of the most meaningful aspects of Ability Camp is the chance to form deep friendships, rooted in a shared faith. As campers pray, worship, and share experiences together, they create bonds that can last a lifetime. These friendships offer spiritual encouragement and support, providing a sense of community that continues even after camp has ended. Many campers find lifelong mentors in their counselors, who offer guidance, compassion, and a constant reminder of God’s love.

Above all, Ability Camp is a testimony of God’s boundless love and grace. Here, every camper is reminded that they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and that God’s love is unconditional. Through moments of worship, personal reflection, and the kindness of counselors and friends, campers experience God’s grace in real and powerful ways.

In a world that sometimes overlooks individuals with special needs, Ability Camp shines as a reminder of the Kingdom of God—a place where every person has purpose, every voice is heard, and every life is cherished. Ability Camp offers more than just a summer experience; it provides a sacred space where adults with special needs can walk in faith, grow in confidence, and know beyond a doubt that they are cherished by a loving and faithful God.

Ability Camp isn’t just a break from the routine; it’s a transformative time for campers to draw close to Christ, discover their gifts, and celebrate the truth that they are beloved members of God’s family.

If you’d like to be part of Ability Camp 2025 reach out and request additional information. We’d love to have you join this special family.

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.

Superpower Unleashed

It’s a bird, it’s a plane. No, it’s superman! We’re all familiar with this superhero’s powers yet even he was vulnerable to kryptonite. The Kryptonite “pushes” out Superman’s stored energy and replaces it with poisonous radiation he cannot process! Even Superman has a weakness that renders him powerless.

Aren’t you glad that you have a power that nothing can render useless. Paul writes to the believers in Ephesus and encourages them as he shares the magnitude of God’s plan and the power He gives us through Holy Spirit.

“Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.”

Through Superpower Unleashed, the third in our Unleashed series, our team shared how God’s power works through ordinary people and how each person can receive the power that will help them understand, love and accomplish God’s plan for their lives.

Eric Valentine, founder and owner of Team Works, shared each week how God has empowered him through his business and how the skills and gifts that God has given him, enables him to do more than he would ever dare to ask or hope.

Each one of us have access to that power. The power that enables us to do far more than we could ever imagine through Holy Spirits power living within us as followers of Jesus Christ.

Grub with Grayson

The weeks leading up to camp are both exciting and exhausting. The team and I are making last minute preparations and making sure that we have completed everything on the task list. All knowing that it will be a week where campers have tons fun, make new friends and be exposed to Jesus in a way so that their journey with Him will begin or deepen.

That is the ultimate goal but along the way some other pretty exciting things happened, like Grub with Grayson. We had been encouraging campers to consider what superpower they had received from God. What gifts had they been given that they could use to reach others with the Good News of Jesus’s love and forgiveness.

This year I had the joy of connecting with Grayson through English Muffin pizza discussions. Yes, English Muffin Pizza! Little did I know that Grayson had discovered his joy of cooking. Over the week Grayson shared with me the recipe, brought me a sample to taste and then wanted to share his gift of cooking with the camp. The best way to maximize his exposure was through media. So, Grayson brought the toaster oven, all the ingredients and we set out to create a video where Grayson’s talent could be highlighted . Thanks to Josh, our tech guru, the final video was shared with campers, their families and friends at Friday afternoon’s celebration service.

Grayson was my inspiration for the week and I trust this will inspire you to discover your gifts and superpower or help someone else discover theirs.