Helena 2011Week 2 Camp Day 1

Helena 2011 Week 2 Camp Day 1

Posted by D. Hawkins
Tonight's wrap-up was attended by all 8 team members plus Leonora and Nate Newell. Commander Barksdale opened and asked for high points.
Brenda and Courtney were so excited about having Trevon in camp this week. He had been taken out of this community but after several conservations with foster care, allowed to return to camp. They later ate ice cream with him at Eden Market and he enthusiastically told them that this was his best day. Many of his old friends stopped to speak to Trevon -- Hallelujah Trevon is back!!.

Hope Long led our music program with a younger assistant. Hope wanted to explain how being flexible was rewardwd greatly by God. The camp was short music people and they asked Hope to give up the Blessings Committee to teach music and dance. Even though her mindset was baking cookies, she reluctantly but cheerfully made the switch and became the one blessed. When we started the morning Hope had a fourteen inch spring and the younger girl about a fifteen. When I returned about 2pm, the second round of the peanut butter and jelly song /dance was playing. I looked over and the young assistant was down to a thirteen inch spring. I looked hard and found Hope raising this hand and then that one - I'd estimate about a 2 inch spring - go Danielson Class Go!
Kate's Day and Hawk's Day started like a typical Monday at camp . By 10 am both were in high gear.

Sarah Gordon came to Helena sick. She didn't give me a high for today in her words but did in her actions. Sarah told me upon arriving Saturday with a z-pac and possible strep, that the tuff suck it up and keep going. That was said in a true Tar Heel fashion. About 1:30, when the old are tired; who do I see leading her team down the street. Yes it was Sarah, the loudest and the strongest in the group. TUFF!

Bob and Carol baked cookies after helping Kate get started and then served for the blessings committee. They spoke with a member of the Methodist Church (a pharmacist) and he welcomed them back and said his wife was cooking two cakes for the Wednesday night dinner at The Methodist Church.

Sarah closed us with prayer as we all needed to put our weary bones to rest.

Helena 2011 Pics Week 2 Camp Day 1 #2

Helena Pics Week 2 Camp Day 1 #1

Weekend Notes

Helena Weekend Wrap Up

Monday, July 04, 2011
4:23 PM

Bob asked us for highs and lows for the day.
Hope told of 4 young boys dedicating there life to Christ at West Helen Baptist Church. That upon opening her eyes after prayer and alter call, there were two men there with their hands on the boys. Hope was very moved by this and the discussion that followed. The boys were given much information on their duties as citizens and as soldiers of Christ.

David was asked, as a Deacon to join Deacon/Pastor prayer union prior to service at New Light Missionary Baptist Church. Following the prayer, he was asked to lead the responsive reading before the congregation. What a special moment and feeling.

Kate attended St. Paul's with Ben Newell and Chip, one of our interns from North Carolina(Henderson). It was a special time, witnessing the baptism of three young boys being baptized as all the children of the church were brought forth to be closer to the pool and witness the occasion. Kate went on to tell us of an excellent sermon by Ernest and how he would sing, play the piano and preach - quite impressive.

Hope explained the music for tomorrow and actually sang the camp song for us.
Brenda Wilson gave us a run down on the Bible story for tomorrow and Courtney and explanation on iron deficiencies.

Kate was able to explain our mission in Helena and also told of . a woman returning from treatment and giving a testimony

Sarah shared her impressions about establishing relationships in Helena and how well we were connected from the past HBBC mission trips and we all agreed that we should talk to DW about involving more youth next year.

Weekend Pictures 2011 plus some

ACC Helena 2011 Week 1 Camp Day 4

HBBC in Helena 2011 Week 1 Day 4
Posted by Dave Hawkins
Thursday came and Thursday went before we knew it. The Lord blessed all of us by allowing us to be involved with the All Church Challenge this year. It seems like yesterday that McCauley and Elsie were greeting me with a large iced coffee at the Delta Terminal in Memphis and then yesterday Charlie and I zoomed them back. Unfortunately, we missed the awards ceremony where Ben, Leonora and the Newell kids for honored for the 10 years of their life given to Phillips County. Ray Higgins from CBF Arkansas and Together For Hope told of the millions of dollars brought into the community and 5 new buildings created during “The Newell” era.
You really understand and appreciate this when you see people standing in line, hoping a slot will be available to participate in camp. Due to an aggressive pre-registration, we reached our ceiling of 120 children early this year. This follows a year when we weren’t full. The swim program is using lifeguards now that were trained at ACC swim camp. So many churches and so many people have invested time and energy here and MUST keep it going. Ben and Leonora are moving on but it’s time for us to step up and give Mollie Palmer the boost to grow the camp and make it more efficient. HBBC has been a large part of this program under Kristen’s leadership – Let’s help put it over the top as the new era begins.
From “the heat” in Helena - David

Helena 2011 Week 1 Camp Day 3

posted by: McCauley James

With another day of camp under our belt, we continued to push through the heat and build relationships established with camp members and others in the community. This morning we woke up to a freshly cooked sausage, egg, and cheese casserole with a hot biscuit and fresh fruit. We sure are spoiled every morning! Kate, mom, and I had another rewarding day in the pool and around camp. Mom was able to take her kids to the deep end again where she taught them to tread water and continue practicing their dives. Later in the afternoon when an important visitor appeared to inspect the progress of the swim camp, he was pleasantly surprised by how well Kate was running the program and the immense improvement of swimming abilities. A part of my day that I would like to highlight was when a young choir from Zion Hill Baptist Church performed during lunch in the park. All of children in my group had previously been complaining of exhaustion and hunger and were highly anticipating the arrival of their lunches. However, as we began handing out lunches, the choir began to sing. Immediately every child in my group voluntarily put their hunger and exhaustion aside and, with enthusiasm, jumped up to join the choir in singing and praise. What a neat moment to watch!

David and his buddy Tracey worked together again delivering water and ice to the many different stations around camp to ensure that everyone stayed hydrated. All of us went back to New Light Baptist Church for a wonderful taco dinner. Kate, Mom, and I returned to the pool for adult swimming lessons and then met David and Charles back at New Light for an evening worship service. The music was outstanding and the many speakers, including Rev. Wade and Ben Newell, shared a meaningful message on confession, reconciliation, leadership, and work. We have had yet another exciting day that has continued to enrich our spirits. In addition, we have witnessed how God has blessed this community with many loving people who care about the improvement of their future. Tomorrow is the last day of camp this week and though mom and I are sad to leave, we know that next week will be just as great for Kate, David and the other HBBC members that will be joining them!