valuable volunteer positions to fill

It is by the sacrificial giving of time that our summer programs are able to continue at Arrowhead. Connecting with volunteers and making known the opportunities to serve is a big part of our summer camps. Here you will see a variety of opportunities to serve, there are quite literally opportunities for everyone, perhaps you will feel led to join us in one area or another.
Speaker (ages 18 & up)
At Arrowhead we use a chronological gospel model. This is something that we communicate to each speaker that we invite. Teaching of the attributes of God is where we begin and something we emphasize throughout the week. The programs during our camp programs are built around this model. Many of the games, music, illustrations and activities point to the teaching for the day. There is another opportunity to serve as a camp speaker than during our gathering times. Each week we have a special guest serve as a speaker for our staff devotions time in the morning. This is a vital ministry, as we face physical and spiritual challenges throughout the week it is important to remain focused on the Word.

Cabin Leadership (ages 15 & up)
Generally speaking we like to have 12 cabin leaders on deck for each week of camp. Often we don’t need to staff all of our cabins, but in the event we have a full camp we don’t want to be short handed.  Each cabin will have a maximum of 7 campers and always will have two cabin leaders. Ideally we have an adult as the senior cabin leader, someone who is spiritually mature enough to guide conversations of a spiritual nature and maintain a healthy level of discipline. Our junior cabin leader program usually sees young people ages 15 and up serve alongside a senior cabin leader; this position is assigned based on maturity. It is a great opportunity to serve, and so often it is neglected as an option because it is presumed to be a position for teenagers, but that is not the case. It is a vital discipleship role that we highly value at ANBC.

Program Co-ordinator (ages 17 & up)
This is a vital role during our summer camp programs. The person in this position directs the tone and atmosphere of the camps throughout the summer. Organizing staff and ensuring the everyday operation of the program. Tasks ranging from cabin inspections and meal announcements to leading the gathering times. Ideally we would like to find a summer intern who would serve with us from mid June until mid August. But we understand that this can be a difficulty, especially considering the volunteer nature of our positions. If there were a high school senior or college age student who was interested in coming to serve in this capacity, there is the possibility that we could assist in presenting this as a summer missions project and support raising.

Camp Medic (ages 18 & up)
For this role we require someone with training as a “First Responder” or better. We have had nurses, paramedics and first responders serve with us in the past, and would welcome volunteers who work as doctors as well. This role is a bee sting, bumps and bruises role; it also requires dispensing prescribed medications as well. Anything requiring treatment is referred to the hospital. Without a camp medic, there is no camp - this is a mandatory position.

Lifeguard (ages 18 & up)
ANBC is located on the edge of Grand Lake, with over 300 feet of water frontage. We have a swimming time twice a day and operate a ski boat for tubing. In order to make use of our waterfront we require a waterfront certified lifeguard. Without this position filled we cannot have swimming - this was the case last summer for two of our weeks of camp.

Assistant Lifeguard (ages 16 & up)
It is vital that we have an individual with a bronze cross/bronze medallion minimum certification, to serve as our assistant lifeguard. This individual reports directly to the senior lifeguard.

Licensed Boat Operator (ages 16 & up)
Each week we like to have at least 2 individuals who are licensed to operate our ski boat for pulling campers and staff on a tube. If this is something you are interested in, licensing is not difficult and we can direct you to the appropriate website.

Kitchen Crew (ages 13 & up)
Each week of camp we need to have a head cook with a food handling and safety certification. This individual manages the kitchen and oversees the dish crew. Generally there will be 2 assistants to the head cook in the kitchen and 3 young people serving as dish crew. The dish crew will often be a place where young teens will serve for the first time. Children 12 and under are not permitted in the kitchen.

Activities Crews (all ages)
Activities times are huge during our summer camp programs. Having reliable individuals serve to ensure that everything is prepared and runs smoothly and that equipment is cared for is no small role at ANBC. These crews can be involved in  anything from games and challenges to crafts.

Music Team (all ages)
Music is an important part of ministry. Learning and leading the music that we select for our summer camps is an important area of service. It is necessary for us to have people, each week, that will serve with us in this capacity.

Drama Teams (all ages)
Each of our gathering times is diverse and offers an opportunity for almost everyone on staff to minister. Our drama team is one such opportunity. Once a day there will be either a puppet or drama presentation that will complement the teaching.

Janitorial Crew (all ages)
There will always be a head of the janitorial team to help those who are serving in this capacity. The janitorial job is often overlooked as “not so glamerous”, but it is of such importance to the ministry. Can you imagine if no one was cleaning the toilets, or sweeping and mopping the floors? There are always several positions available each week in this department - however everyone is given the opportunity to serve on this crew at some point throughout each week.

Maintenance Crew (all ages)
We generally have one or two individuals who are assigned to serve in this capacity. There is inevitably repair and maintenance that requires doing during the summer. This crew serves to handyman anything that requires it. If we have a larger crew there are often projects that can be tackled

Summer Materials Project 2014

For the past several years we have presented a need, by the way of this project, to churches and individuals that are interested in the ministries of Arrowhead Native Bible Center. Each year some of these projects are taken on and the financial provisions make it possible for us to acquire these materials for our summer camp programs. We are once again presenting a number of projects that are important parts of our ministries.

At Arrowhead, it is our goal to have good materials that are complementary to the program that we facilitate each week of our summer camps. We strive for a cohesive program that points to the theme for each day. Our focus every week is to clearly present the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We have selected several pieces of printed material for this summer that we would like to use for our program for our junior and teen camps; as well as for our volunteer training program. Please take the time to look at what we've selected and consider partnering with us in acquiring these materials.



We are prayerfully presenting five projects, and are seeking five churches to partner with us in raising funds to acquire these valuable materials for our summer camp programs. If you, or your fellowship, feel led to do so, please drop us a line.

Volunteer Training Books

Each year we offer a mandatory weekend of cross cultural ministry training for our incoming volunteers. As a part of the training program we have some mandatory reading that complements Arrowhead's model for Gospel Training and discipleship. This year we have prepared a book in house that we anticipate will cost approximately $10 each. It is a valuable tool and will be very beneficial to those coming to serve alongside of us at ANBC.

Because this is a somewhat large project, we are presenting it in three separate projects. If we can have three churches each take on one of these projects we will meet our goal.

Project 1 • 25 copies • estimated cost $250
Project 2 • 25 copies • estimated cost $250
Project 3 • 25 copies • estimated cost $250

Junior Camp Cabin Devotion Books

Having solid Biblical cabin materials to complement the teaching during our junior camps is vital. This year we have selected some materials that will, throughout the week teach the children about the attributes of God. The materials come from "Truth For Kids", and we are excited to make it a part of our program.

Project 4 • Junior Camp Books • estimated cost $200

Teen Camp Cabin Devotion Books

Finding suitable materials for teen camp can be challenging, having materials that are Gospel focused and centered on Christ is key if it is going to fit with our teen camp program. This year we have found some material that we are excited to have as a part of our program. The teen materials come from the senior portion of the "Truth For Kids" program.

Project 5 • Teen Camp Books • estimated cost $100

 

a little support...

For several years Arrowhead has been collecting Canadian Tire Money. This has been a wonderful blessing to the ministry at Arrowhead, allowing us to purchase many items for our summer camps and programs over the years. With changes to the Canadian Tire money reward program we have begun to wonder if there is another avenue that supporters of Arrowhead can give through their regular purchasing, as they have with the Canadian Tire Money collecting.

We will continue to collect the Canadian Tire Money until it is phased out completely, but we are very excited to present a new dividends program that we anticipate will assist ANBC in meeting our regular monthly expenses.

The new program is called FundScrip, and is a website that you can visit and register on and purchase gift cards from, offering over 90 different Canadian retailers. Each time a gift card is purchased on the site a dividend between 2% and 15% of the value of the gift card is earned for Arrowhead. The opportunities are as abundant as the variety of options. Some people will use the site to purchase gift cards for their own regular shopping (groceries, gas, department store), while others will use it for gift giving or even corporate purchases.

You are invited to join us on the site as an Arrowhead Supporter and each time you purchase a gift card, for whatever purpose, a dividend will be earned directly for Arrowhead. Simply follow this link:

https://www.fundscrip.com/Sign-Up.aspx?IID=EFJNF5

and register for our dedicated site. It's very user friendly and strait forward. Be sure to use our specific invitation code: EFJNF5 when you register.

If you would like to register for EFT purchases from the site you can download the form HERE. Electronic funds transfer purchases will earn greater dividends for ANBC.

a day of prayer

On Monday it was an immense blessing to be able to gather with many of our Eastern Field colleagues and spend some time in fellowship and prayer. Kevin and Marcia Strout have been organizing us for these gatherings for several months now and it is always an encouragement to hear about what the other missionaries are doing and be able to pray with them about their ministries and needs.

It is so clear to us as a large field with few labourers that we are in significant need of some individuals to take up the call and join us in full time ministry in Atlantic Canada. If we have a collective prayer request it would be just that. Please continue to pray along with us in this regard.

As Winter wanes away we are winding up for our Spring and Summer ministries. We are looking forward to an exciting year of ministry, in submission to the leading of the Lord; as we connect with volunteers eager to serve Him and share the Gospel. Please continue to pray for the physical needs of Arrowhead as we pay bills and gather materials and connect with staff. Please further pray for those staff, that the Lord would be working in their hearts and lives already-in accordance with His Word and in preparation for ministry at ANBC. And please pray for those campers that will join us, that through difficult circumstances, and easy circumstances, that the Holy Spirit would already be at work in them, preparing them to be confronted with the Gospel.

It is an encouragement to know that so many pray regularly for NCEM and Arrowhead and the ministries here in Atlantic Canada. We feel blessed to be able to labour alongside you here.

An open letter to my "Christian" Facebook friends

We call ourselves Christians? Why do we smell like sulfur?

I know a vast majority of you would say to me, "Why yes I'm a Christian", and for various reasons. Please read on.

Some of you are offended by my obsession with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm confident that some of you would prefer if I would cut back on the "overly Christian" postings... all of the Bible stuff might turn people away from God. I can tell you emphatically that it is not a persistent pointing to Christ that turns people from His Gospel... it is an overwhelming love for self and for sin that keep people from God.

There is nothing in the entirety of our lives more important than a Biblical understanding of God and His Gospel and coming to a repentant submission to Him. This drives my love for God and His Word; it further drives my opposition to false Gospel.

"But you make yourself a hypocrite by preaching holiness and repentance." Yes, I am not perfect, however, there is in me a desire to serve God and surrender my sin to Him - and being of His Church, I am commanded to preach. And a great burden I feel, to do so. A recent meme expresses a clarifying sentiment:

"Not going to church because of hypocrites is like not going to the gym because of out of shape people"

As Christians we are called to preach the Gospel. That's it; love God (Mark 12:28-31) and disciple people (Matthew 28:19-21)... all the time. And I'm afraid that for so long, so many have been "discipled" in such a way that PREVENTED them from coming to know God.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’" Matthew 7:21-23

I must ask you, In what does the confidence of your salvation lie? Do you point to a prayer you said one time; or to a verse of scripture that says God loves everyone in the world; or is it because you have come to a place of repentance and submission to Almighty God?

I can tell you, it is not the utterance of a magical prayer that saves; you will not find that sort of ministry existing in Scripture. I can also tell you that not everyone will be with God in heaven (Revelation 21:8, Matthew 10:28, Mark 9:47), the idea that John 3:16 assures everyone of their salvation is an incomplete thesis of the Gospel; but further to that, it is universalism - and a horrific distortion of Scripture.

I must ask you, for what purpose did you pursue salvation? Was it so you could be forever in "bliss" or "Utopia"... the "big party"? Was it so you would avoid the fires of Hell? Was it at the manipulative prompting of an "evangelist"? Was it because you thought it would give you a better life now? Was it because you recognized that God is Almighty Lord and worthy of all praise, worship and submission?

I can tell you, if your own good is at the forefront of your decision to follow Christ, you have sought an idol - yourself; and God has nothing to do with it (Colossians 3:17). Salvation is a byproduct, a beautiful one, a gift of God, that is borne out of a repentant heart and regenrated life - that can only be granted by Almighty God Himself for Himself (Ezekiel 36:22-38). The pursuit of God is about God and is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). And it begins with the work of God in your life;

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day." John 6:44

If you are finding yourself thinking about the things of God, His Word and His Gospel; that work has already begun in you. But do not be deceived that because you uttered a prayer, or sought a better life, or have found false assurance in false teachers, that you are firmly in the grasp of the Heavenly Father - it could very truly be that the only grasp that holds you is your own; and that is insufficient for anything but damnation.

If you are a Christian, it will show in your life (Matthew 7:15-20). In your desire for Holiness and your HATRED for sinful things, and in your desire for Christian fellowship (Hebrews 10:25). So often I see professing Christians revel in sinful carnality or in humanistic paganism, publicly, on Facebook (and various other social networks) - and it makes me sad; and it makes me wonder if they are "In the Faith".

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother." John 3:1-10

Please do not misunderstand me, It was not that long ago that I myself could be counted among the numbers of "questionably Christian". And perfection is a blessing found only in the death of the Christian. This is not a judgement, this is an imploring, a pleading... and a desperate one.

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" 2 Corinthians 13:5

We find our assurance in Him. If you would like an excellent resource on assurance I would recommend you look at "Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart" by J.D. Graeer. It is time to devote ourselves to His Word and worship and discipleship (Mark 12:28-31).

Below is a video message that I had never heard in it's entirety until recently when Liz and I took the time to listen to the whole thing together. It is powerful and it is worthwhile and you should take the 2 hours to listen to it. So many professing "Christians" will talk about watching Big Bang Theory (which I used to watch), Game of Thrones or the Wolf of Wall Street; or listening to Katy Perry or Lady GaGa or Eminem or any number of God hating entertainers (none of which are appropriate for a lover of God to put through their eyes or ears by the way Proverbs 4:23-27); these things implicitly and tacitly oppose Him - Ephesians 5:1-21; yet will not take the time to listen to the expounding of God's Word for their own edification and the Glory of God. It is shameful that we value our time so highly, and value it for the sake of our own leisure alone. If we are submitted to God completely, our time is also His.

If we are truly to be a part of the Church... God's Church, we must know Him. There is no Gospel without a knowledge of the person of God; and the first inkling of the person of God that grows in our hearts will drive us to the ground on our faces and a complete repentance and turning from self. Don't let pride destroy your life and relationship with Christ, no matter what you've called yourself in the past, repent today. It would be better to admit that you were never a Christian to begin with than, for the sake of pride, go to Hell for the sake of appearances. There is new life in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17).

"Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 36:26