West Cocoa Chat

So where have I been? Reading your blogs, doing some commenting, and administering Florida's version of high stakes testing with the Nation's 47th level of State funding for education. Florida's motto apparently is, "Accountability with less money." O.K., enough of that.

I am so excited about our week of Bible Camp that will take place in June. Our theme is borrowed from the popular Casting Crowns hit song, "Praise You in the Storm." Our theme is appropriately for our times, don't you think? This theme is special to Barb and me since it arose out of our annual Planning Meeting in which my son took a very active part for the first time. Its great to see how our legacy of "Bible Camp" is being passed down to our kids who are now young adults.

I cannot do a post about Camp without mentioning my good friend Steve (aka "the Puckster") and the Melbourne Church. Throughout our quarter century together (some with the Stoogelover himself, Greg http://gregengland.com/) Steve and the Melbourne Church have stuck with us through the good times and the challenging times. This year will mark the 3rd time that Pat Pugh will be our main speaker throughout the week. Pat was recently honored in the Harding Grad School (http://www.hugsr.edu/info/bridge.php) publication for his work in inner city Cincinnati. I'm not sure which edition he's in but I'm sure the Puckster can tell us.

What can I say about Camp (http://www.cob-net.org/camp/ithiel.htm) Ithiel which has been our home for going on 3 years. In our time of need God threw us together as we fulfilled a need for them. Mike, the Camp Director is always pleasant, spiritual, and willing to meet needs when asked.

I'd ask that you pray for our incoming camp staff and campers as we hurtle into the summer.