This past Travel Camp was a major spiritual event
in my life. Not only was Chas not going as a co-director,
but Larry Maupin, our bus driver for 26 years, was also
not able to go. Being a person that leans toward self-doubt
and high anxiety, I wondered how “old Paul”
was going to hold up.
My growth started the Sunday before we left as the Scripture
for my sermon was “Humble yourselves therefore under
the mighty hand of God, that He might exalt you at the
proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him because
He cares for you. (I Peter 5:6-7) I did not forget that
passage in the days to come. I made a conscious decision
to place myself under the loving hand of my Heavenly Father
who cares very much about me.
Needless to say, I found God to be faithful, and found
that trust is much easier to live with than fear and anxiety.
God provided me with a wonderful wife and staff, He twice
stopped the rain at just the right moment, and at St.
George, Utah when we arrived for a three night stay and
found that our campground had been bull-dozed out, the
Lord provided a wonderful, beautiful place to stay. There
were many other incidents like this that forced me to
walk by faith, and to find that “He who promised
is faithful.” I learned that in ministry Christ
is the Master and I am only the servant. To watch the
Master “take charge” when I released my fears
and walked by faith was an experience that I shall never
forget. Please pray for me and the ministry of CRC.
From the Heart (Chas.)
Check out some of these survey result headlines from
Barna Research Group: Most Adults Feel Accepted by God,
But Lack a Biblical Worldview; Americans Donate Billions
to Charity, But Giving to Churches Has Declined; Born
Again Christians Just As Likely to Divorce As Are Non-Christians;
Faith Has a Limited Effect On Most People’s Behavior;
Number of Unchurched Adults Has Nearly Doubled Since 1991;
Only Half of Protestant Pastors Have A Biblical Worldview;
Spiritual Progress Hard to Find in 2003.
Other findings? The percentage of adults in the United
States who attend church is decreasing; Roughly half of
all churches in America did not add one person through
conversion growth last year; Conversion rates reveal that
Christians are not even reaching their own children; Dropouts
from Christianity are escalating; More churches are closing
than are opening every year; The decline of Christianity
has been going on for nearly 50 years; The behavior of
churched people is virtually identical to their unchurched
counterparts (excerpted from Lost in America, by Tom Clegg
and Warren Bird, 2001).
Certainly there are good things happening, too. But,
overall, it appears that the American Church is not doing
well. In fact, it appears that it is lying in ruins. Conversely,
my guess would be that most Christians’ homes and
incomes are better than ever. If nothing else, over the
past 50 years of church decline, the wealth and possessions
of Christians has increased.
Something is wrong with this picture, would you agree?
The prophet Haggai said it this way: “Thus says
the LORD of hosts, ‘This people says, “The
time has not come, even the time for the house of the
LORD to be rebuilt.”’” Then the word
of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet saying, “Is
it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses
while his house lies desolate?”…Thus says
the LORD of hosts, “Consider your ways!” “Go
up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple,
that I may be pleased with it and be glorified,”
says the LORD.” “…My house…lies
desolate, while each of you runs to his own house”
(excerpts from Haggai 1:2-9, NASB).
God’s temple is no longer a physical building
made with lifeless stones, as in the Old Testament. In
the New Testament, His temple is a spiritual building
made with living stones. His temple, today, is the Church,
His people. Consider the following passages: 1 Corinthians
3:16-17 (“you” plural); 1Corinthians 6:19-20
(“you” singular); 1 Peter 2:5. We are the
temple. By our own disregard, the portion of the temple,
here in America, is sorely in disrepair.
Why? Could it be because we, as Christians, have been
running to (or concerned with) our houses more than we
have been concerned about rebuilding God’s house
(His Church), local and universal? Would it be prudent
to “consider [our] ways!”? What has been the
priority of our time, our money, our thoughts? Have we
been chasing The American Dream or “The Christian
Dream”? Paul said, “And we proclaim Him, admonishing
every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that
we may present every man complete in Christ. And for this
purpose also I labor, striving according to His power,
which mightily works within me” (Colossian 1:28-29).
If I were to be brutally honest with myself, I would
have to admit that I have not made building God’s
house a higher priority than building my own, in many
areas. How often will I do home repairs or watch a sporting
event, rather than repair the broken heart of a brother
or “watch” for the ministry opportunity? How
often will I set aside money for luxuries or my children’s
“activities”, rather than for a person or
a church in need? The application is limitless.
So, how did the Jerusalem saints respond to Haggai’s
oracle? What was the outcome? “Then Zurubbabel…and
Joshua…with all the remnant of the people, obeyed
the voice of the LORD their God…. And the people
showed reverence for the LORD. Then Haggai…spoke…saying
‘“I am with you,” declares the LORD.’
So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zurubbabel…and
the spirit of Joshua…and the spirit of all the remnant
of the people; and they came and worked on the house of
the LORD of hosts, their God.”(excerpted from Haggai
1:12-14).
The lesson learned? When God’s people make Him
and His house (Church) their main concern, they experience
His blessings rather than His judgment. The blessing of
obedience and reverence is the backing and power of God.
So, how will we respond? Will we leave God’s house
in ruins? Or will we come together in unity, forsaking
our own houses, and work to rebuild His? Time will tell.
FOOTPRINTS
Size 8—Paul
What a great summer. I thoroughly enjoyed it. My summer
actually begins in the late spring as I start getting
the CRC grounds and facilities ready. The CRC 40 acres
are becoming more beautiful each year as the trees grow
and mature, and we landscape new areas. It takes many
hours to prepare and maintain the grounds and facilities,
but it is well worth it.
Aside from working on the “40” my summer activities
included Pastoring at Stockham Community Church, counseling,
Chapel services (3) in Aurora, and two weddings. Kathy
and I are very honored to be able to serve through the
ministry of CRC and we deeply appreciate your prayers
and support.
Size 12—Chas
Summer for me at CRC was filled with The PRâRI Course
in June, speaking at Junior High Day Camp, grading student
assignments, and speaking at Okoboji Lakes Bible and Missionary
Conference in August. It was very difficult to not be
a part of all the camps this summer. I mourn the loss
of spending time with Paul and Kathy and the loss of enjoying
the ministry and grounds of CRC.
At York Evangelical Free Church, I am doing a sermon series
on the book of Haggai. Its message is quite challenging
to me and the congregation; probably in that order. Read
it and see what I mean. It is fairly short. Also, we are
considering purchasing a different storefront building
that is five times the size of where we are currently
meeting. The offer that the owners have made to us is
quite hard to resist. It was a grocery store, right across
the street from where we are now. Other exciting things
are taking place, as well. Some people are coming to Christ;
others growing in their walks with Him; and others stepping
up to positions of leadership. I am humbled and feeling
a bit unequipped for what God seems to be doing with us
and preparing us for. Thankfully, it isn’t my power
with which I strive.
SUMMER CAMPS
Travel Camp
Our theme this year was “Lift Him Up,” based
on the verse, “If I be lifted up from the earth
I will draw all men unto myself” (John 12:32). Our
studies looked at the person and work of Jesus Christ,
and how His death and resurrection provide the basis for
our forgiveness and eternal life.
This year’s camp was a blessing to me (Paul). The
campers were very well behaved and eager to learn. We
had several incidents where God did some very special
things for us and we all experienced how God cares, guides,
and provides for us.
The places that we saw on this camp were Salt Lake City,
Bryce and Zion National Parks, the Glen Canyon Dam, the
Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, and Silverton Colorado.
Our staff this year included Paul and Kathy Nauman, Clayton
and Sandy Kliewer, Isaac and Tera Schelkopf, Ryan Potter,
and Amanda Shaffer. We had a great staff and I (Paul)
deeply appreciated them.
Junior High Day Camp
Our theme this year was “Getting a Grip on the
Pressures of Life.” Chas did an excellent job explaining
to our Junior Highers how to understand and deal with
the many pressures facing them.
Our activities for this camp included time at CRC, a trip
to Omaha with a boat ride on the Missouri River and a
stop at the S.A.C. Museum, Island Oasis, Skate Island,
and swimming at the Henderson Pool.
Elementary Day Camp
Our theme this past summer was “Got 2 B Tru—Those
Who Stood for God.” We looked at some men and women
in the Scriptures who “stood for God” in the
midst of great opposition. We were then challenged to
“stand up for God” in our generation.
Aside from devotions and singing, we had nature talks,
court games, field games, canoes, obstacle course, archery,
and go-karts.
THE PRâRI COURSE
This year’s course went very well, with 9 students
and three wives attending. We would have had a full class
of 10, but one was called up to active duty a couple of
weeks before the course. The students were enthusiastic
about the value of the course, as we spent the last morning
together evaluating it. They were anxious to promote it
in their respective areas of ministry and education. The
speakers did an excellent job; the best yet, from my standpoint.
I am underway preparing for next year’s course.
The PRâRI Course 2006 will take place June 5-15.
Please promote it where you are, if you would. I am also
in communication with a pastor in MN who would like to
help organize a pared down version of the course in his
area. So, that may be the first expansion of the course.
Please keep this in your prayers.
SUMMER INTERNS
Our summer interns this year were Sandy Kliewer and Ryan
Potter. We also hired Sandy’s husband, Clayton to
help with music and leadership in our camps. Clayton helped
only part time. CRC was blessed to have these three paid
staff plus many excellent volunteer staff. Our camps went
very smoothly and all of our staff were of great service
to the King. We had a great summer and much credit goes
to those whom the Lord sent to help us.
CRC WINTER YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Junior High FCA in the Giltner area
High School FCA in the Giltner area—Ryan Potter
from Hastings College will be the leader
Aurora Counter Culture—a high school Bible
study on Wednesday mornings from 7:15-8:00 at the Jay
Hunnicutt home in Aurora. A breakfast is included (our
thanks to Lori). If you are interested or need information
on any of these activities, please call CRC at 402-849-2606.
MIQRA INSTITUTE SEMINAR ON ROMANS
Every quarter The MIQRA* Institute of Lincoln offers
a four-hour seminar open to the public on the reading
and study of a particular book of Scripture. On Saturday,
November 5, the Christian Resource Center of Giltner will
be sponsoring this seminar for interested participants
in Central Nebraska. The seminar will focus on the Book
of Romans, and lecture topics by the MIQRA faculty will
cover a variety of topics relevant to the responsible
reading, interpreting, and proclaiming of that book:
How Romans fits into the Bible and the entire Bible
seems to fit into Romans
The role of the Holy Spirit in Romans–ministering
God’s presence, promoting God’s program,
transforming God’s people
The centrality of chapters 9-11 in Romans and the
centrality of Israel in God’s grand story
And more
The content of this seminar is pitched for students and
teachers of Bible, including but not limited to pastors,
campus ministers, school teachers, Sunday school teachers,
and small group leaders. Everyone who thinks seriously
about the Bible is welcome.
Date/time: Saturday, November 5, 8:00
a.m.-12:00 noon
Place: Monroe Evangelical Free Church,
in the Fellowship Hall
1001 W. 18 Rd.
Phillips, NE
(402) 854-2212
Directions: From Aurora: 5 miles west
on Hwy. 34 and then 5 miles north on K Rd.
From Grand Island: 2 miles east of the Giltner spur on
Hwy. 34 and 5 miles north on K Rd.
Cost: $45.00 per person, married couples
$67.50. Payment may be made in advance (payable to The
MIQRA Institute) or at the door (Registration: 7:30-7:55
a.m.)
Registration: Please pre-register (no
payment necessary) by mail, email, or telephone on or
before November 3.
Contact: To pre-register or for additional
information, please contact:
CRC, 603 South “K” Road, Giltner, NE 68841
(402) 849-2606 / www.ChristianResourceCenter.info
The MIQRA Institute, 6121 S. 58th St., Suite B, Lincoln,
NE 68516
(402) 420-7677 / www.miqra.net
*Miqra (pronounced mik-ra) is a Hebrew word meaning “reading,”
specifically, “the reading of Scripture.”
For additional information on the Institute’s mission,
ministries, and staff, visit www.miqra.net.
From My Heart (Paul)
It has been a year since we found out that Marley was
a “special” child. The Lord has used her to
change our lives forever. She has taught us much about
unconditional love, the value of life, and the nature
and character of God. We are finding that God does work
“all” things together for our good as we seek
to understand His purposes and obey His will. We are honored
that God would entrust Marley to us and we are committed
to maximizing her life and her impact on those around
her. Please pray for Marley, and for us. Marley continues
to progress and we attribute that to God’s grace,
and your prayers.
I would also ask you to pray for the Board and staff of
CRC as we are seeking to discern God’s will for
the future of the ministry. We are convinced of the value
of our ministry and are seeking how we can improve and
expand our facilities and programs. We are considering
a new, larger building for our offices, and for various
teaching and program opportunities. We are also looking
at how we can develop the 40 acres so they can be better
used by churches, groups, and families. We have established
a building and development fund and trust that the Lord
will direct us as we seek to be good stewards of His resources.
If you have an interest in helping us, please feel free
to contact us about any questions or for more information.
From My Heart (Chas.)
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
That’s what Jesus said to Peter, after he failed
to walk to Him on the water (Matthew 14:22-33). “O
woman, your faith is great; be it done for you as you
wish.” That’s what Jesus said to the Canaanite
woman, who wanted Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter
(Matthew 15:21-28). Peter was rebuked; the woman commended.
He failed; she succeeded. What was the difference?
God has been teaching me a lot about faith, lately.
I’ve learned much from these two contrasting examples.
Let’s take a brief look at some of the differences
between Peter and this Canaanite woman.
Though Peter had been with Jesus (seeing Him, hearing
Him, knowing Him), he still failed. Though the woman had
likely never seen or met Jesus (only heard of Him), she
still succeeded. Peter saw Jesus walk on water. The woman
had never seen Jesus heal a demon-possessed person. Peter
asked Jesus if he could come to Him. The woman did not
ask permission to come to Jesus. Peter was invited by
Jesus to come. The woman came uninvited. Peter had, at
least briefly, experienced the thrill of walking on water.
The woman had only experienced the heartache of seeing
her daughter suffer. Peter was immediately rescued by
Jesus, when he cried for help. The woman was “snubbed”
multiple times by Jesus. Peter was socially acceptable
as a Jewish man. The woman was a social outcast to the
Jews as a Canaanite and a woman. Peter had to breach no
cultural barriers to come to Jesus. The woman had to breach
many (a woman was not to speak to a man in public without
her husband present; Canaanites were considered unclean
by Jews and would not associate with them; the Messiah
was not sent to Canaanites, but to the Jews). Peter saw
the wind (forget the fact that he was walking on water!)
and became afraid. The woman saw obstacle after obstacle
and yet stayed her course. Peter wavered (To “doubt”
means to be double-minded) in his belief that he could
reach Jesus. The woman persisted in her belief that she
could gain a hearing with Jesus. Peter did not have to
respond to Jesus’ objections. The woman did. Peter
obviously had more faith in the ability of the wind to
“mess up his plans” than he did in Jesus to
grant Him success. The woman obviously had more faith
in the ability of Jesus to heal her daughter than she
did in the ability of “obstacles” to prevent
her from success.
Truly, this woman’s faith WAS great! She persisted
in begging Jesus for help, NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENED! How
many times I give up after Jesus’ first objection.
How many times I “assume” the answer to my
requests must be “no”. How many times I get
tired of waiting. How many times I don’t consider
my request as viable. How many times I doubt that Jesus
can OR WILL really grant it to begin with. Jesus, increase
my faith! Increase my FAITH! Increase MY FAITH!
INCREASE MY FAITH!
INCREASE MY FAITH!
INCREASE MY FAITH…!
FOOTPRINTS
Size 8—Paul
My winter schedule is now coming to a close. This past
winter I taught two youth Bible studies (one in Giltner
and one in Aurora), two adult Bible studies, one men's
study, one adult Sunday School class, and preached at
Stockham. I enjoyed each of these opportunities and personally
grew as I prepared my lessons. It was a very rewarding
winter for me spiritually. I also am involved in several
counseling situations, had several funerals, and am involved
in community activities. I am now very busy preparing
for the summer camps, keeping the grounds in shape, and
working on our new addition at church. In early May my
son, Nathan, will graduate from Dallas Seminary and we
plan on going down to celebrate with him.
Size 12—Chas
My winter months for CRC have been spent promoting and
developing The PRâRI Course. We now have 8 students
registered. 10 is a full class. So, I am pleased with
our progress from last year’s 4 students. I have
also been working on building the Executive Team, which
helps in the planning of the course. The Team has been
a tremendous help over the years and continues to be a
great encouragement to me in this ministry. The word is
getting out about The PRâRI Course, and I am receiving
more invitations to speak and write regarding it. I just
recently finished an e-interview for an e-newsletter that
goes out to numerous town and country pastors. Also, I
am scheduled to speak at the Okoboji Lakes Bible and Missionary
Conference, July 29-Aug. 7, at Arnolds Park, IA (www.okobojiconfernce.org).
I will be spending 5 days speaking to people and pastors
regarding rural and rurban ministry and trust that this
will be a boost for the course and CRC.
At York Evangelical Free Church, I am in the middle
of a sermon series entitled: Moved by the Master. The
series focuses on how Christ’s very presence (His
Being, actions, and teachings) moved people to radical
action; either of obedience or disobedience. The one thing
He did not tolerate was mediocrity. This has truly been
a moving experience, if for no one other than myself.
Discipleship, counseling, and visitation (in that order)
fill out the rest of my time there. I am enjoying spending
time training leaders for pastoral ministry, both in and
outside the church. Shepherding is something I am still
quite inept at, but am learning on a daily basis.
I am looking forward to the summer months. I will have
The PRâRI Course and will be speaking during Junior
High Day Camp. My responsibilities for the summer camping
ministry have been graciously minimized, as I prepare
for the possibility of pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree
from Dallas Theological Seminary. One stone is left to
be placed in order to allow and confirm that direction.
SUMMER CAMPS
Travel Camp
The dates for this year’s Travel Camp are July 26-Aug
5. Our theme is “Lift Him Up,” a study on
the life of Christ. The places we visit this year are
Salt Lake City, St. George, Bryce and Zion National Parks,
the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde Indian Cliff Dwellings, and
Silverton, Colorado. We still have a couple of spots open
for campers. The cost is $400. You may call us to register
or for more information.
Junior High Day Camp
The dates for this camp are June 28-July 1. Our theme
this year is “Getting a Grip on the Pressures of
Life.” Our activities will include time at CRC,
a visit to the Sac Air Force Museum, a boat ride on the
Missouri River, Island Oasis, Skate Island, and swimming
at the Henderson pool. Those who may come are students
going into 7th through 9th grades. The cost is $40. Feel
free to call us to register or for more information.
Elementary Day Camp
The dates for the camp are July 4, 6, 8, 12, 14 for grades
3-4 and July 5, 7, 11, 13, 15 for grades 5-6. We base
our groups on the grade the camper is going into the next
year. Our theme this year is “Got 2 Be True.”
We will study Bible characters who remained faithful to
God in the midst of great opposition. Our activities will
include go-karts, canoes, games, crafts, archery (5-6
grade) obstacle course, singing, and Bible lessons. The
cost is $15. Pre-registering is helpful but you can also
register as you come.
ARBOR ACRES COOPERATIVE TRAINING PROGRAM
This year’s course is looking to be the best one
yet. I believe the immersions are going to be just what
I have been hoping to achieve over the past few attempts.
We have double the students of last year. More people
are becoming involved in helping with the course. And
the seminars are looking to be better than ever.
If you know of any pastors who may be interested in the
course, please let them know about it and to check it
out on our website, or to call me (Chas.). If any of you
would like to attend any or all portions of the course,
please consider yourself invited. We only ask that you
consider chipping in a bit of funds to help cover some
of the cost. We’d love to have you join us. Look
on the course schedule, under “Syllabus”,
on our website, to see if any seminars interest you.
CRC BOARD ADDITIONS
Two new members have been added to the CRC Board of Directors
this winter; Doug Swanson and Rick Goertzen. If you have
any questions or concerns please direct them to any of
the board members or staff here at CRC.
CRC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mike Brill
Rick Goertzen
Paul Huenefeld
Jay Hunnicutt
Dick Kremer
Kathy Nauman
Doug Swanson
Allen Troester
Kevin Williams
Dan Wilson
