• Lilley In The Field: The “Running” Man Executive Director Jeff Lilley expounds on the miracles all around us.
• Time To Prove It! Thousands of young people were challenged this winter to live a life that follows Christ.
• Donors Partner With Hume At Vision Dinners Hume hosts 14 dinners; sharing the vision for the ministry with donors.
• Erik Thoennes Speaks for Summer Preaching Series The Summer Preaching Series promises to be outstanding as Hume welcomes back Biola University professor Erik Thoennes.
• Lives Are Changed Through New Meadow Ranch Chapel Five hundred Junior High students fill the new chapel each week.
• KDUV fm Teams with Hume Lake to Honor Mothers Two like-minded Christian organizations band together for Mother’s Day weekend.
• Alumni: The Hume Family God is doing big things through our family—both here at Hume and around the world.
• Plans for Hume East Continue Reaching East Coast youth with the Gospel.
• Joshua Wilderness Institute: Where Faith Moves Mountains A student shares how her faith in God has grown through the Joshua program.

JOHNIE MOORE

Johnie Moore joined the Hume staff as an Outdoor Education instructor in 1988. Since then, he has served in various roles within the Program Department, including the past 4 years as Program Director.

Johnie is a native of Fresno and graduated from Fresno State University with a degree in Business Administration. He and his wife Becky have been married for 16 years and have two daughters, Darbi (13) and Madison (11). Becky works as a physical education teacher and office aide at the Hume Lake Charter School.

As Development Director—Donor Relations, Johnie’s focus is building Hume’s relationships with donors and supporters. Please feel free to contact him the next time you’re planning a trip to Hume and he’ll gladly arrange a tour of the camp, or treat you to a cup of coffee or Snack Shop treat.

JON LOKHORST

Jon Lokhorst is a recent addition to the Hume staff, after serving as Chief Financial Officer of Youth Works, a youth mission organization based in Minneapolis, MN. His professional background is as a Certified Public Accountant in private practice for over 17 years.

Jon relocated from the Minneapolis area last November with his wife of 25 years, Barb, and their youngest son, TJ (17). Their older children, Rob (22) and Kendra (19), are students at Bethel University in St. Paul, where Jon received his degree in Business Administration. Barb is on Hume’s marketing team as registration supervisor.

Jon’s responsibilities as Development Director—Operations are focused on implementation of Hume’s development plan, including mailings, newsletters, dinners, seminars, special events and other donor communications.

FACT: If you are shivering from the cold, you can stop the shivering by doing a long division math problem. The very second you solve the problem you will begin shivering again. At this point in my career, it is better that I not tell you how I know this is true.

This works because of a gland about the size of a walnut that is nestled comfortably in the middle of your brain. It is known as the hypothalamus gland, and, apparently, it can only do one thing at a time. Either it controls your shivering in an attempt to warm you up by the rapid muscle movement, or it is trumped by the more pressing need to do math problems.

I am fascinated by how many things my brain can actually do at once. The other day I was running up a small mountain (slightly larger than a walnut) and was amazed at all my body was doing at one time. I was praying and thanking God for the wonder of His incredible creation when I decided to think through what my mind was allowing me to do:

1. TO THINK...

...rather abstract thoughts about a supreme being that I have never seen face to face.

2. TO DRAW ON MEMORIES...

...of Scripture passages that referred to the nature of this being. (Where exactly are those memories kept? And who pays that librarian?)

3. TO RUN.

This means my brain was telling my legs to bend and pull up in just the right way, at just the right speed, while flexing my foot to reach out for the ground so it could handle the 200 plus pounds of me slamming back to the ground.

4. TO COMPENSATE...

...for the muddy ground. With every step my foot would slip, sometimes a fraction of an inch, sometimes six to nine inches. My body simply adjusted, taking that mud into account as my toes pushed my entire body off the ground for the next stride.

5. TO BREATHE.

Running causes our lungs to consume large amounts of oxygen. I was breathing, but I wasn’t telling my lungs to expand or contract, they were just doing it, and doing it just right (well, I was wishing I had just a bit more).

6. TO HAVE MY HEART BEAT.

This is amazing when you think of it. When we are still in our mother’s womb our heart starts beating, and continues beating, on average for 80 more years! If we need to work harder, it works harder, and without a word from us.

7. TO SWEAT.

My body would overheat and drop me with heat stroke unless it could cool me down. So it does just that, causing me to perspire all along my skin surface so the evaporative process can pull heat away from my body. I don’t even know where the on/off valve is, or the thermometer that controls the process.

About this time my face itches, and my mind, knowing exactly where that itch was on my face, causes my hand to come up and, gently, with just the right pressure, scratch my itch all while running wildly up a muddy mountainside. But before my hand is finished my mind also directs my hand to quickly wipe a drop of perspiration from my eyebrow before it gets into my eye! How did it know?

As you can imagine, this list of small miracles continues on and on every second we live. Whether I am shivering or doing math, I rarely think about the incredible gift of life. As I get older I think about mortality more often. I find myself appreciating one more day. When I was young, it took a lot for me, the invincible me, to ever think I might die. I thought even less about whom it was that kept me living.

Then there is the miracle of salvation, where the price for my soul was calculated, extracted and paid for, without me even noticing. God’s best work.

Now I find myself working for an organization entirely focused on this one miracle. That the God who created a brain that can scratch the face of a slipping, sweating, running man, has also chosen to send His son to die for that same running man. I am surrounded by a staff here at Hume Lake who has determined this one priority—salvation—trumps all others, even long division problems.

To Sign Up For Jeff’s “Week In Review” Visit humelake.org/subscribe

WINTER CAMP 2008

Snow covered the ground as this winter thousands of students arrived filled with excitement for camp. For the last year they dreamed of the day they would be able to defend their broom hockey Kurth Cup Championship Title, compete in the first annual Box Sled Blitz, listen to amazing speakers and worship God with Campaign, Hume’s Winter Camp band.

Now they’ve finally arrived! They rushed out of the busses, eyes wide as they looked upon the newly designed tube run. Leaving bags behind, they ran to grab a tube, expecting the long exhausting hike to the top of the hill. Not this year! Instead a new tow rope was there to pull them effortlessly to the top, laughing and eating snow as they made their way up the hill.

Also new to Winter Camp this year was the first annual Box Sled Blitz. Each church made a sled solely out of cardboard and duct tape, requiring real ingenuity and team effort. Creative sleds careening down the hill included: a biplane, a submarine, an army tank, a Viking ship– even a teacup and a bathtub! Teams were awarded points on sled design, speed and most air off the jump. Best of all, the winner of the Box Sled Blitz took home the cherished Golden Mailbox.

With “Proof” as this year’s Winter Camp theme, campers were challenged to prove their for love Christ through their actions. In Matthew 7:16 Jesus says it is by our fruit that others will know we are His followers. Campers shared they knew a lot about Christ, but their actions were not reflecting that relationship. Many were convicted that too often they choose to act the way the world wants them to, rather than live a life for God. The goal of winter camp was to encourage students to live a life that is DIFFERENT from the rest of the world, and PROVE they live a life that follows Christ. Throughout Winter Camp hundreds of campers experienced Christ’s love and countless more were inspired to make their faith REAL.

VISION DINNERS 2008

The Development Team had the privilege during January and February to visit 14 different cities hosting our annual Vision Dinners. The Vision Dinners are the most visible way Hume Ministries raises funds. Equally important, they are our way of personally thanking our donors for their partnership in the ministry and sharing the vision of Hume Ministries for the next year. We value the visits and the opportunity to connect with so many of you.

For those who were unable to attend, Executive Director, Jeff Lilley, shared one of the principles that guide many of the decisions we make regularly in our own lives. The principle is this: we are willing to pay for services that exceed our perceived, or felt, value. We recognize attending a camp or conference at Hume is, for many families, a careful decision, especially in a weak economy. And yet we know, from our own history and from studies done by others, the number one way to impact a student’s life is camp. We believe spiritual transformation can and will take place if we can continue to attract students and adults to Hume. Our staff is constantly working to elevate the experience our conferees have through “people, programs and facilities”. Those three key areas require investment on our part to continue to attract guests. We asked then, and will continue to ask throughout this year, if you will join us in that effort to meet the following goals.

THREE KEY FUNDRAISING GOALS WERE IDENTIFIED:

PEOPLE

Meeting the needs of ministry staff through housing that can accommodate their families.

PROGRAM

Adding new recreation and program options that will allow Hume to remain competitive with other recreation and vacation options. This year we have committed to upgrading winter activities. Changes include: the ability to make snow in more areas, a huge new snack shop with a western theme called The OK Chalet, and the creation of a new tube run, complete with a rope tow and specially designed tubes.

FACILITIES

Renovation of a camp property that shows the wear of 60 plus years of use and thousands of guests each year. Look for a renovation of buildings and landscaping, especially around the lake.

If we missed you this year, consider joining us by getting in touch with our Development Department at Hume Lake Christian Camps. We would love to meet with you. In addition, please join us at one of the Dinners next year. We are certain you will be encouraged and blessed to hear testimonies of campers whose lives have been changed, in large part because of your partnership with Hume Ministries. It is a chance to be a part of something big…to make a difference in lives. And by the way, if we missed your city, contact us and let’s talk about how we might come and reach into your circle of friends or schedule a dinner for next year. Thanks for being a partner with us.

NEW SUMMER PREACHING SERIES SPEAKER

Each summer there is a lineup of dynamic speakers for our Summer Preaching Series. This summer is no exception. One of our featured speakers is Erik Thoennes. Erik is Associate Professor of Theology at Biola University and teaching pastor at Grace EV Free in La Mirada, CA. He has been awarded the University Award for faculty excellence as well as named the Professor of the Year in both 2003 and 2007. His latest book, Godly Jealousy: A Theology of Intolerant Love, was published in 2005.

As a kid Erik never attended a camp, which is why he so appreciates Hume’s ministry. Erik and his wonderful wife Donna have spoken at several conferences at Hume, and have been impressed and impacted by their experiences with the people here. “Without a doubt, meeting all of the dear people we’ve been privileged to know in the past few years has been the highlight of our time at Hume.”

Erik is a passionate follower of Christ. His enthusiasm for God’s Word is evident to all who are around him. Erik’s primary goal in life is to know God and make him known, by his grace and for his glory.

Please join us for the SUMMER PREACHING SERIES. Be encouraged and challenged as noteworthy speakers present God’s Word Sundays through Fridays June through August.

Since the early 90’s, the Meadow Ranch Jr. High camp has hosted 300-350 campers each week. In 2000, we were faced with a fun challenge – more students wanted to come to camp. The students and counselors were almost sitting on top of each other to fit in the chapel. We needed more space.

Soon drawings were created for a stick figure building at a healthy price tag of $4-5 million. At this cost it would be a few years before we could use it. We determined a Sprung Structure would better suit our needs. For just under $1 million we were able to complete the building in a matter of months. The Meadow Ranch Chapel was finished in spring of 2007. As we opened the doors for the 1st time, the students and counselors ran in, excited about the new possibilities the chapel brings, as well as the comfort!

Each week of the summer we were able to seat over 500 students. This translates to over 1100 new students that were given the opportunity to hear the Gospel.

Here is the story of one life changed because of our larger chapel, as told by Derek Geer, Junior High Director… “I remember one particular student who was submersed in the skin head lifestyle, following after his father’s footsteps. Just months before he came to camp, his brother was shot and killed. This young man came to camp calloused and bitter. Come decision night, the gospel was presented and I can’t help but remember the tears running down his face. I remember watching as the youth pastor went over to him afterwards to talk to him. The boy confessed he wanted nothing to do with the lifestyle that had so plagued him and wanted to be freed of the burden he was carrying because of his brother. The youth pastor then led him to Christ. I remember specifically the moment he prayed to God for the first time, because he was sobbing so hard he could barely speak.”

…this is just one life impacted for Christ.

“This is one of those situations where we wonder what took us so long to do this,” says Eric Simpson, Hume’s Adult Ministries Manager. “KDUV has a heart that is so much like that of Hume. We make great partners on so many levels.”

For the Mother’s Day conference, KDUV brings their expertise in Christian Music, the desire to promote the conference to their listeners, and the fun factor that only a group like KDUV can offer. KDUV selected the perfect artist for this inaugural event, internationally popular singer/songwriter Bebo Norman. “Bebo’s songs have appeal to every member of the family” according to Shannon Steele, KDUV’s Program Director. The conference also features a spectacular Mother’s Day brunch, free family portrait sessions on the lake, a Sunday morning service honoring moms, worship with Brent Lamb, and all of the regular Hume activities. KDUV’s on-air staff will be at Hume for the weekend, participating in activities and making new friends.

The KDUV partnership will continue to extend beyond this conference. KDUV will be working with Hume on other conferences and promotions throughout the year, and assisting us with music selections in our stores.

KDUV’s roots in the valley are very similar to that of Hume. A local farming family, Bob and Judy Peart, caught the vision in the late 1980’s with a burden for the Central Valley. They believed there was a need for a radio station that would broadcast Contemporary Christian Music 24 hours per day/7 days a week.. KDUV fm now serves Fresno and Visalia at 88.9, and Bakersfield at 100.1. Like Hume, KDUV believes strongly in partnership with the local church and an unashamed presentation of the Gospel. As the old saying goes, this is a partnership made in heaven.

For more information on the Mother’s Day Family Weekend visit
HUMELAKE.ORG/MOTHERSDAY

To learn about the work being done by our friends at KDUV fm visit
WWW.KDUVFM.COM

COMING HOME

There are two things that will never change at Hume Lake Christian Camps. The first is our dedication to presenting the Gospel message. The second is our amazing staff. The faces may change—and often do. But the heart of our staff never will. Year after year, I see a staff completely dedicated to sharing the Gospel. For some, this means counseling a camper late one night after chapel. For others, it means cleaning bathrooms with a smile and washing dishes until you drop. But the goal is still the same: working towards the common goal, which makes our staff a family.

I love the cheerful visits to my office and bumping into old friends out by the lake. We have a big family. We’ve lost tabs on many of you, but we want to hear what God is doing in your lives. I cannot wait until the day when we all get to be together again and see just where God has taken each and every one of us. That will be the ultimate family reunion! But in the meantime, stop by my office and say hello. Shoot me an email or give me a call. Where has God taken you since Hume? I’d love to hear about it. Besides, aren’t you supposed to call home every once in a while?

CONTACT SUZANNE WEST
swest@humelake.org
humelake.org/alumni

HUME EAST UPDATE

Over the years, Hume has explored the possibility of launching a camp on the East Coast. There are two to three times more young people living on the East Coast than California, and yet there are no large youth camps like Hume. We believe God is calling us to reach this and future generations with the Gospel. For years youth pastors have asked and continue to ask, “When are you coming out here?”

This past year we got close to making an offer on an existing camp located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. The property is about 90 minutes outside of New York City, and within five hours of nearly 65 million people from Boston to Washington DC. However, due to a number of issues, we chose to back away–for now.

We are fully committed to the concept of launching a camp on the East Coast within the next few years; we have simply stepped back from a specific property at this time. We covet your prayers in this process as we believe there is a huge potential for significant ministry in the years to come.

We are looking for rental facilities where we might be able to run camps during the interim period. If you have any contacts, or wish to get more involved in this exciting project, we would love to talk with you. We continue to raise funds for the possible purchase of land, and our commitment to partnership with East Coast churches remains strong.

JOSHUA WILDERNESS INSTITUTE 2008

Since 2000, the Joshua Wilderness Institute has been preparing college-age students for the challenges of this world by stretching them to new limits, providing strong Biblical insight, and giving each student Christ–centered confidence. To participate in Joshua you must be willing to agree to certain terms that some might not find too appealing. For example, dating, listening to music on the radio or iPod, and watching television are not permitted. The students are also required to memorize the book of Philippians during the year. Through these sacrifices the Joshua students have gained strength through one thing – FAITH in God.

Through weekly guest speakers who lecture on a number of topics including Biblical History and Dating Relationships, and monthly service trips across California and even into Mexico, Joshua students become equipped to bring hope to a world that desperately needs Christ. They live by the motto Sola Fide, which is Latin for By Faith Alone, and desire to let God use them in powerful ways to glorify His kingdom.

Erin Royer can testify to the amazing work God is doing in her life through the Joshua program. Although the journey over the last year has at times been incredibly difficult, it has certainly left a lasting impression that will forever inspire her to trust God.

ERIN ROYER

Erin grew up going to Hume and when she was 14 she remembers praying about one day going through Joshua. Last year, when Erin began to seriously consider attending Joshua, she thought it really wasn’t a good idea. Erin recalls thinking “I’m a good kid; I don’t need Joshua to help get my life together.” Erin had just completed cosmetology school and was already beginning a successful career as a hair stylist. Life for her was exactly how she wanted it, and Erin knew if she went to Joshua she would have to give up something she loved. But deep down she was thirsty to grow and knew God wanted her to do more than just make money. “If I can’t give God a year, how am I supposed to give Him my life?” Erin said.

Since the beginning of Joshua, Erin’s passion for women’s ministry has grown. As a hair stylist, she saw how many women looked to others for encouragement and still felt empty. An influential point in the year for Erin was a recent community service trip to Los Angeles where she met Katherine. During their conversation, Katherine broke down in tears because she was poor and embarrassed by her appearance. Erin knew then that telling women the Lord knows they are beautiful was a bigger calling than putting rollers in their hair. This hit home for Erin because she has personally struggled with looking for encouragement from other people and not from God. Through Joshua, Erin has gained a new perspective. She wakes up each morning and says, “I don’t have it all together, but God knits me together every day.”

COUPLES’ CONFERENCES COUPLES’ WEEKENDS May 23rd-25th September 19th-21st September 26th-28th FAMILY CONFERENCES MOTHER’S DAY FAMILY WEEKEND May 9th-11th MOTHER - DAUGHTER WEEKEND May 16th-18th FATHER - SON WEEKEND September 12th-14th FATHER - DAUGHTER WEEKEND November 7th-9th NEW YEAR’S FAMILY CAMP December 30th - January 1st MEN’S CONFERENCES FISHERMEN’S CONFERENCES April 18th-20th April 25th-27th May 2nd-4th MEN’S CONFERENCE October 23rd-26th

WOMEN’S CONFERENCES WOMEN’S CONFERENCES October 3rd-5th October 10th-12th SPECIALTY CONFERENCES FIREFIGHTER’S CONFERENCE April 4th-6th YOUTH PASTOR’S CONFERENCE April 28th-May 1st SERVANT’S WEEKS May 12th-15th October 27th-30th DEAF & HARD OF HEARING September 5th-7th SINGLE ADULT WEEKEND September 12th-14th PASTOR’S CONFERENCES September 29th-October 2nd October 6th-9th POLICE CONFERENCE October 31st-November 2nd HUME LAKERS November 7th-9th