I had the opportunity to accompany our Youth Group to Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center for a service project on Wednesday and Thursday, June 11 and 12. One of the advisors was unable to go at the last minute, and I was called into service. His difficulty was my blessing.

Attending were Sidney Bowles, Brian Lachniet, Phillip Palmore, Mary Alice Vaughn, Renel Kennell, Carmen and Matthew Lehman, Luke Landis, Jon Habel, and Aaron Schaefer. Regina Shultz was there as advisor and co-worker, assisted by Misty Yoder.

Many things over those two days created happy reflections to share with our congregation.

Our youth were polite, appreciative, and very easy to work with because of their real desire to serve. There was no grumbling and no withholding of effort. They worked carefully and heartily. In short, their attitude was "awesome."

The WCRC staff was caught off guard by the youths' efforts when the group accomplished by early afternoon the first day all but one of the jobs planned for both days. The staff happily reshuffled work schedules to take advantage of the extra labor time. Further, the staff was very complimentary of the group and their work and said we would be welcome in future years. WCRC gladly provided our meals and lodging along with ample swimming time, an evening hayride and campfire with "kettle corn", popcorn popped in a large kettle over the campfire.

The youth accomplished several large jobs: cleaned up a mile of Barns Road which WCRC has "adopted", cleared and covered with chips a slingshot range being built in the woods, covered the new archery range with chips, raised seven ten-person cabin tents--two in the RV area and five in the Primitive Camping area, set up a mist field to cool participants in recreation activities, cleared a new growth of kudzu from the woods area, cleared out some poison ivy, and raised a very large meeting tent.

The energy level of the group was astounding. They worked very hard at the jobs assigned and, for break, shot hoops, played football, and generally kept moving. Spiritual energy was not lacking either. On Thursday morning Regina gave each one a personal Bible study and every head was bent to the task. Prayers at various times were led by the group members, behavior was exemplary, and relationships were strong.

Finally, it was a blessing to see Regina (Ron was still in school) working with the youth. She provided positive leadership but was not in any way smothering. The youth obviously respect her and were quick to acknowledge her guidance.

All of us, especially the youth, need to be praying for those who will be the Youth Advisors in the coming year. Whoever assumes that role will find a good foundation laid by Ron and Regina.

By Pres Nowlin

Shultz Update

If it feels like Ron and Regina are not around much this summer, it is because they have a full summer getting ready to go to mission field in the near future. Even though they have not received an official invitation for a particular assignment from Eastern Mennonite Missions as of this print date, they are busy preparing themselves for a three-year term in Central America. At this point their choices have been narrowed to three options: Peru, Honduras or Chili. The work in Peru involves helping to begin a school for missionary children. The Chili assignment would involved assisting in a church plant. The opportunity in Honduras does not have specific details available at this point. Remember to pray for them as they continue to prepare and to discern God’s will.

June 29 - July 13, 2003: Orientation at Black Rock, PA

July 13: Commissioning at Petra Church, PA

July 13 (late): Arrive in Powhatan

July 17: Commissioning at PMC

August 22, 2003 - May 2004: Language study in Costa Rica

June - July 2004: Home in the States

August 2004: Begin 3 year term mission assignment

Coordinator: Pres Nowlin

Pastor: Tim Kennell

Reports Info to Congregation: Carolyn Nowlin

Finances: Dave and Nancy Moyer

Prayer Coordinator: Christina Moyer

Newsletter Editor: Sheila Schaefer