New Kanakuk Website

Ya'll gotta test out the new, awesome, Kanakuk webpage. Click on the links below. Leave comments of what you would change, hard to navigate, or any suggestions and I'll pass it on to our marketing/software people.

Don't know the first thing about Kanakuk Kamps? Discover it!
Wonder what the hype is about? Feel The Impact!
Need a new friend? Meet The People?
Want to see Joe White in a suit? Drink in the "Unquenchable love"!
Want to ask a question or tell your Kanakuk story? Why don't you Sayso!

We've hidden a treat on the new www.kanakuk.com. Just type the letters "JOY" on your keyboard to find it.

Share any of these pages with a friend! Just click on the little envelope at the bottom of the website.
Today, you get a sneak peek at the nearly ready, all brand new, http://www.kanakuk.com:2008/Default.aspx. We need you to check it out, kick the tires, try to find problems, and let us know. When you find a flaw in the new website just click on the ladybug at the bottom of each page and send us a short description of the problem and we'll fix it.

Some known problems:
Internet Explorer(IE) 6.0 looks bad, messes with our flash content, doesn't like going places, etc. If you are running IE 6, upgrade to Firefox or the latest version of IE. We'll eventually work all the IE 6 bugs out.

You can login with your regular Kanakuk id (probably your email). You don't need it to get around most of the site but if you want to track your Sayso conversations or get to any of the personal stuff you'll need it.

Forgot your password? Click on the green "Login" button and follow the links so we can send it out to you.

Thanks for helping us with this. This has been a huge project and we really have poured ourselves in to it. Our vision is that you find it easy to use and a place that has a lot of value for your life and your Kanakuk experience. Today we lay the foundation for that.

A conversation with an Atheist: Round 2

A comment was made by an atheist on the article I wrote early this week in regards to a question sent to me from a teenage Christian. He made some good points and I think there is some valuable dialogue we can have. That being said this is the comment made on the blog post. This post is in regards to paragraphs two and three.

"How can there be a loving God when there are 33 million people in Africa with HIV?""You seem to imply that the Africans with HIV lack faith in some way, or they are being punished for completely unrelated people lacking faith. Either way, it leaves the feeling that God could be a bit sadistic.

On the topic of that video, I have heard that story a bazillion times, but never actually seen a citation saying who this professor is. It also implies that atheists are horrible oppressive people designed to turn Christians into more of these horrible evil Atheist monstrosities. As an Atheist, I always find this incredibly offensive just as a Jew would find being accused of having gold, a Christian of hating Jews, books, and free thinking, or a Muslim being accused of being a terrorist.

The entire video implies that there is only one path, as if there is what about the numerous chains of Christianity, are some left out? Or what about the Jews and Muslims, they still believe in the same God. Or what about the Buddhists, they only try to help people and seek inner peace by doing good deeds. I may not believe in heaven, but if there is a big club in the sky for those who are good, shouldn't it be open to everyone who has helped one another?" -Kaiserbill

First of all I agree with Kaiserbill in regards to the video (which can be seen on my original post). I would like to see a citiation before I put all my eggs in that basket.

Secondly, the video DOES imply that there is only one path to God and so does the Bible. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." Most world religions are works based assuming that man can earn his way to heaven. The truth is that "we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory". Our sin separates us from God. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace (receiving something we don't deserve) you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God".

Kaiserbill, there is a "big club in the sky" and it is open to everyone. You and I have been offered a free gift. God sent Jesus to pay for the sin in our lives. There is nothing we can do to earn our way to heaven. We simply have to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and we can enter into God's presence.

The Journey

Hey men, this is Matt Galvin ( a K2 Kamper) and this is my first post ever on a blog so bear with me!

Recently life has been great, the LORD is a God who blesses. The LORD has given me a family that loves, a home that shelters from the storms, friends that encourage, and men like you who strive for strong relationships with the God who is mighty to save.

But through all these blessings, its easy to push God to the side and quickly forget about him, even though He was the one who provided all this for me. Thats something that I feel is left out in our fast, transgressing, society filled lives in a world that never takes time out of their day to spend time with the almighty Creator.

Take a look at this picture. Just stare at it for 10 seconds. I think its rather facinating because dreamed a picture like this during my quiet time on Friday. Here is a road, beaten and surrounded by nature.
We can compare a road like this to our everyday lives. Close your eyes for a second. Pretend like you are a traveler on this very road. Perhpaps your home is far away, but for some, it is very near and the end of the road is just around the bend. Your journey home is underway and there is still ground to travel. The journey described is your journey to the Lord. For some it is coming to an end, with the ultimate goal of reaching heaven, our real home and not like the earthy one we have here on earth.

Let us remember we are still on our "journey" on this earth to our heavenly home and we are alien to this world. Let us journey with a passion, stop and look at the scenery but keep in mind the goal that we press on towards. This is truly what our christian journey is but the LORD wants us to stop along the way and help the others who are lost and need to find their true home.

Be strong in your faith men and dominate your christian journey!
-Matt Galvin
K2 Kamper
Highland Park, TX
1 Peter 2:10-12
11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires

That is my prayer for you, let me know how we can keep in touch!

Conversation with an Atheist..."it leaves the feeling that God could be a bit sadistic."

A comment was made by an atheist on the article I wrote early this week in regards to a question sent to me from a teenage Christian. He made some good points and I think there is some valuable dialogue we can have. That being said this is the comment made on the blog post "How can there be a loving God when there are 33 million people in Africa with HIV?"


"You seem to imply that the Africans with HIV lack faith in some way, or they are being punished for completely unrelated people lacking faith. Either way, it leaves the feeling that God could be a bit sadistic.

On the topic of that video, I have heard that story a bazillion times, but never actually seen a citation saying who this professor is. It also implies that atheists are horrible oppressive people designed to turn Christians into more of these horrible evil Atheist monstrosities. As an Atheist, I always find this incredibly offensive just as a Jew would find being accused of having gold, a Christian of hating Jews, books, and free thinking, or a Muslim being accused of being a terrorist.
The entire video implies that there is only one path, as if there is what about the numerous chains of Christianity, are some left out? Or what about the Jews and Muslims, they still believe in the same God. Or what about the Buddhists, they only try to help people and seek inner peace by doing good deeds. I may not believe in heaven, but if there is a big club in the sky for those who are good, shouldn't it be open to everyone who has helped one another?" -Kaiserbill

He responded three arguments to which I would like to engage in dialogue on each one in consecutive posts. Before I start I want to say that I have a lot of respect for Atheist’s. They are generally very well thought out and well educated and I appreciate that. My intention is not to engage in a competitive argument but in healthy conversation.

1. The Bible clearly states that our faith, as Christians, will be tested by hardship. And the result of this testing produces amazing things: maturity, endurance, strength, compassion and hope to name a few. Romans 8:28, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-3, 1 Peter 1, etc. As I addressed in the previous post man brought sin into the world which caused this world to be "broken", but God uses all things to work together for good for those who love Him.

Rather than implying that Christians in Africa with HIV lack faith, I would say exactly the opposite. Men, women and children of faith, when faced with dire circumstances come face to face with death, while those of us living in prosperity often fail to contemplate the timeless question, "What happens when I die?" In these circumstances our faith is tested and men react in two ways. Either they reject God or their faith in Him grows infinitely stronger.

I happen to be very close with a man who was supposed to die of cancer. He came face to face with death and he had to weigh whether Jesus truly is the way. In this moment his faith was put to the test. Despite the doctor’s predictions of death, he beat the cancer and is alive to this day. The hardship of this disease became a turning point in his life and his faith in Jesus. God used leukemia to perfect his faith. As a result his love, faith and relationship with Jesus are many times greater because of this awful disease.

Secondly, Kaiserbill said, "or they are being punished for completely unrelated people lacking faith".
Romans 3:23 says, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" and Romans 6:23 says, "for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Every man is guilty because of the sin in our lives and God is just, the price for sin is death...BUT, the FREE GIFT of eternal life is Jesus Christ. This gift is offered to everyone.

John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

I pray that this helps Kaiserbill understand our faith a little bit more. I am eager to understand his thought process better myself.

More conversation to come...

Tough Question: How can God be loving when there are 33 million people in Africa with HIV?

A Kanakuk Kamper sent me this message over facebook looking for some advice. We thought this would be worth posting as many believers are faced with similar situations.

"a friend of mine were in a non-hostile religious debate about a youtube video (ill post the link to it on your wall) and he simply brought up a response that someone else had written commenting on the video saying- your god is an awesome god.he can stop the chalk from breaking but meanwhile murder and rapes are occuring. tell the 33 million people with HIV in Africa that there is an all powerful god who loves them."...how could i respond to this? ive been challenged with questions like this, but this one seems very difficult for me to find answers to." -Chris, GA



Here is my advice:

"Great question bro, thanks for using me as a resource.

First of all we live in a broken world and Satan is "the prince of this world". In 1st Peter Chapter 1 Peter starts off by addressing his letter to all who are "aliens and strangers". This is not our home. Our home, as Christ followers, is in heaven.

God did not make us Robots, he gave us free will-which we should be thankful for. Man has used his free will, a gift from God, to do evil. As a result we live in this imperfect world-full of evil, rape, aids etc. In the midst of all this junk that we have brought upon OURSELVES God in His loving mercy gave us a way out. And as broken and helpless as things seem, all of us (you, me and your friend) deserve to be punished. But while we are still sinners CHRIST died for us (Romans 5:8).

Chris, this is the perfect opportunity to share the gospel message. It isn't God who brought all this filth into our lives...it is man. Scoffers point thier fingers at God. Believers point thier fingers back to themselves, get on thier knees, and repent. Yes, God could swoop down and clean up our mess, and He will someday, but He is patient. He is waiting, giving us an opportunity to take a step of FAITH."

I know that is a simple answer to a complex question but I hope it gives you some perspective when faced with this kind of opposition. Proud of you Chris.

Ramblings from a Road Weary Gypsy and a wanna be Wabash Football player

Ashley and I have been traveling across the midwest for the past two weeks. The road has been good to us (see picture above). I have had the opportunity to interview close to 30 of the coolest Jesus Freak College students in the United States. I am driving home so encouraged. Honestly, I think I have been naive to the community of believers in College campuses. I think that's because I missed out on this community in college while I was off chasing the pleasures of this world. And in someway I am sad, because with each campus we stop at I see how much I missed out on. Of coarse God has purpose and can use the failures in my life to glorify His kingdom however, I want to take an opportunity to encourage you to embrace a life for Christ NOW. He wants you NOW. Not once you finish High School or once you graduate and move into the business world, He wants you NOW.

We were at Wabash college a couple days ago. Wabash is a private, secular, All-Guys University in Indiana. Ashley and I kept asking ourselves why you would attend an ALL-GUY campus. You are probably wondering the same thing?! Let me tell you one reason why. Because 60 of the 100 guys on the football team are in Bible studies. Remember this is a secular school. At out Kanakuk Movie we got to meet some of the most passionate, cool and on fire believers in Christ. There was a handful of solid senior guys leading the way: Andrew, Josh, Brock, David and Chris (All Kamp Guys). These guys were unbelievable and we could see how all the young guys wanted what they had! As a result we met all these young guys who had come to Christ just this semester because they wanted what the team leaders had, a relationship with Jesus. This group of men have started a Revolution on their football team and their Campus. 

All that to say, these guys were living for Christ NOW. The Wabash Football team is on fire for Jesus and they are making a difference NOW. I am so encouraged and so thankful their example. Press on Brothers.

A Stand Against "Ugg" Boots

Ashley and I are recruiting staff in the Midwest this week. Today we are at Purdue University and the weather has taken a turn towards winter. Last week we were enjoying 70 degree weather wearing shorts and a tee shirt. With the cold weather comes the cold weather clothing and a particular item I dread...Ugg boots. Ashley thinks she needs a pair but I refuse to budge.

Gentleman, there comes a time in every man's life when he must take a stand against injustice in this world. And for me, the time is now! Ugg boots are not cool. In fact, 10 years ago, when the crazy things came out every woman agreed with me. In fact they were scoffed at by the most hip and fashionable. And then something ridiculous happened, some celebrity looking for some free media coverage strut down Sunset Blvd in Hollywood and BOOM, they are next big thing.

Well, I am here to issue a reality check. Just because everybody has a pair doesn't make them look cool. And the old excuse of "they are so warm" doesn't cut it. If you are looking for warmth a pair of Alpaca Mucklucks from Alaska can't be outdone, nuff said.



Stand your ground men.

Do Hard Things

Ashley and I are in Indianapolis killing some time and Barnes & Nobles. We spoke last weekend at a youth retreat inspired by this book, Do Hard Things. I sat down to read it this afternoon and I put the book down after reading the first chapter, only to promote their message.  Alex & Brett Harris's message is a call to teenagers to rebel against low expectations. Here I am 27 years old and I find myself inspired by their message. Check these guys out!

I am sick of "just getting by".

It seems like God is bringing men into my life who are sick of "just getting by". In fact, I recently met a successful college athlete who broke down because this lifestyle of "just getting by" is eating him alive inside. This young man is not alone. Young men throughout our country are simply floating through life. I believe this is a subtle epidemic in our faith. 

You might wonder why a successful athlete is wrestling with mediocrity. So many men are floating through life because they are afraid to give their all and fail. As long as we give a partial effort we can always fall back on the fact that we did not give our all. I believe the enemy uses this to prevent us from accomplishing devastating work to his agenda. This is unhealthy fear that is fed by lies saying, "you aren't good enough" or "your worth is based off of your success". 

Here is the truth. The truth is that the Battle is the Lord's. When David ran to the battle line to face Goliath he knew that the Battle was the Lord's. When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow to a foreign God Nebuchadnezzar threatened to throw them in a fiery furnace but they replied, "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire...but even if He does not, let it be know to you, O King, that we are not going to serve your gods of worship the golden image that you have set up." Daniel 3:17-18

When Eleazar took his stand in the barley plot he didn't know the outcome of his battle with the Philistines. Scripture tells us that he cut down the enemy until his hand clung to the sword and, "the Lord brought about a great victory". 

This is why the Evil One plants seeds of doubt in our minds! When men take a stand in a spirit of courage and God brings about great victories. We don't get to be a part of these victories if we decide it's safer to "just get by". 

Colossians 3:17 says, "And whatever you do in word of deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." God has mighty plans for you. And God will always reward our faithfulness. If you are struggling with "floating" through life I want to encourage you: God has built you for a specific purpose, unique of any other man, and he wants your best. We are all broken. We all fail, but praise God, His power is perfected in our weakness.

KMT: Taylor University

Ashley and I are in Upland, IN yahoo! This place is amazing. The population is approximately 2000 people and it is home of Taylor University. Pictured above is Jordan Dodd, a former K2 Kamper, and our Kanakuk Campus Rep. He did a great job setting us up to recruit awesome staff from Taylor.

 

Here I am on the back of K2 counselor, JP Smith's CHOPPER!! He gave me a tour of Taylor's campus on this beast...it changed my life.

We had the amazing privilege to attend chapel this morning at Taylor. The worship was amazing and they had guest speaker Dr. Krish Kandiah from Evangelical Alliance speak on the state of the church. He gave an eye opening message challenging the body of Christ to consider Church as a way to serve rather than a way to be served. I had the opportunity to speak with Krish afterwords and I really appreciated his words of wisdom.

We have one more show tonight at Taylor then we are heading down the road to Indiana Wesleyan University. Staff recruitment is a huge part of our job during the year because Kanakuk and KAA hire approx. 2500 college students every summer.