The Arrival S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Welcome To Reach W You chose your destination; you ve planned your route; you ve packed your bags, and your journey has begun. But what lies ahead? Will everything go as planned? The good thing is that you re not alone on this journey. Let s meet the workcrew that you ll be spending a lot of time with this week. Your adult crew leaders have the work description for the projects you ll be completing, but first you need to assign the individual jobs that will allow your workcrew to serve as a team. Every member of your crew, including the adults, will have a Crew Role that needs to be performed every day. Larger crews can have multiple Supply Managers and/or Site Reporters. Junior high workcrews can double-up on any and all positions. Read through the following crew roles and decide who on your crew will take each role for the upcoming week. Write each person s name next to his or her role on the following page. Everyone will receive detailed training for the role he or she chooses. Crew Roles: Devotion Leader As the Devotion Leader, you will lead your workcrew in the daily On-Site Devotions. You will facilitate the activities and prayers, and you ll encourage the members of your workcrew to share in the discussions. Each morning, it s your responsibility as the Supply Manager to pick up your crew s tools and materials from the Tool Room. You will also help the Site Reporter when he or she fills out the Material Request Form at the end of each workday. Site Reporter A Site Reporter is needed to order the additional tools and materials for your worksite. You will fill out the Material Request Form and communicate with your Troubleshooter immediately upon returning to the school each day. The Lunch Maker is responsible for picking up your crew s lunch every morning during breakfast. You are to make sure each member of your crew has plenty to eat in order to maintain his or her strength and health. Supply Manager Lunch Maker
S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 The Arrival orkcamps! Crew Roles (Continued): Break Maker Crew Role: Devotion Leader Supply Manager Site Reporter Lunch Maker Break Maker Medic The days at workcamp can be very warm and someone needs to keep your crew members cool. As the Break Maker, you will pick up your crew s ice and break pop each morning and make sure that everyone is drinking plenty of water at the worksite. The Medic is the safety monitor for the workcrew. Equipped with simple first-aid supplies, you are ready to help if anyone has a minor injury. If someone says Ouch, you jump into action. If someone is seriously injured, you call 911. Crew Members: Work Description: As you are waiting for other crews to finish their discussions, look through your Work Description to see what types of projects you ll be doing this week. What jobs should you begin on Monday to be sure you ll finish by Friday? Do any of you have experience with these projects? Medic
The Arrival S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Neighbor Focus Devotion Leader reads: We have a lot to do this week in terms of the projects on our neighbor s home, but that is just one small piece of workcamp. God has specifically chosen us for this project and to serve our homeowner. What are you most nervous about during this upcoming week? Starting with the oldest person on your crew who isn t an adult leader, have each person read a point aloud and then discuss the questions on the next page: 1. We need to show our neighbors that they are important to us and that we are interested in who they are. If we leave at the end of the week and we have not made an effort to get to know them, have we truly completed our project? 2. Be sure that our neighbors understand what projects we will be doing before we begin work. When we arrive at their home tomorrow morning, we will hand our neighbors a work description for them to keep. Any changes to the work description should first be discussed with our Troubleshooter and our neighbors. We must finish all the projects that we begin this week. 3. We should enter their house with an attitude that we are guests who have been given the privilege of entering their home and personal space. 4. We need to protect and preserve the property and possessions of our neighbors, no matter their apparent conditions. We each have possessions that carry a great deal of personal meaning to us, even if that meaning is not evident to others. 5. We need to avoid saying things like: This is disgusting, or Let s rip this mess apart. Remember, this is their home. Keep their feelings in mind, and remember that we are representing Christ in all we say and do.
S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 The Arrival 6. There should be absolutely no paint fights or wasting of other materials, as this shows great disrespect for both the neighbors and the expense of these materials. Reach Workcamps has a limited amount of supplies and funds to work with and wasting materials means there will be less benefit to our neighbors and other homes. Reach also has a policy that campers who have painted themselves will not be in any slide show. 7. In 1 Timothy 4:12 we read, Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Let s be sure that our language is clean and uplifting at all times. Remember that this is not just a work project, but an opportunity to serve and be witnesses for Christ. 8. Work hard and aim for excellence, knowing that by serving others we are serving Jesus. Colossians 3:23 says it this way, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. - Isaiah 25:1 Devotion Leader reads and everyone discusses: What would be some of your emotions if a group of strangers were coming to your house tomorrow morning? How can we share with our neighbor that we are more than a humanitarian effort? What excites you about serving our neighbor this week? What about this upcoming week makes you nervous? What if our homeowners aren t pleased with all of our work or about us being there to serve them?
Intentional S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Monday Morning Do you think cell phones have changed our interaction with one another? If so, has it changed for the good or the bad? How often do you forget a person s name after you meet them? 0------1------2------3------4------5------6------7------8------9------10 Never Ever Sometimes Who? What are some ways you can be more intentional about the people you meet everyday? Our society has used the phrase, What would Jesus do? for many years. Jesus looks at every human as a treasure. He knows the value of each of us. Because of this, people are not a source of stress to Him, but a source of joy. How can this mind-set affect your attitude when you meet new people? And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. - Hebrews 10:24 In just about one hour, you will be meeting your neighbors for the first time. They may or may not be excited to meet you. Many workcampers from the past still communicate with their previous neighbors. How can you be intentional about starting the relationship on a positive note? Close your time in prayer, thanking God for your neighbors and the opportunity you have to serve them and become a part of their lives.
S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Intentional Monday Night crew Time What is the difference between having good intentions and living an intentional life? Let s take 1-2 minutes to individually write down some quick thoughts about how we can be more intentional in our relationships with the following people in our lives... My family - My friends - My classmates - My co-workers - Strangers - Jesus - What are some of the potential results of living life without a plan or direction? How can living an intentional life help you during tough times? Can you be intentional without setting goals? Why or why not? If the Lord delights in a man s way, He makes his steps firm. Psalm 37:23
Intentional S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Monday Night Crew Time What are some specific ways we can be intentional in our relationship with our neighbor this week? What are some examples from Scripture where the Lord was intentional? In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. - Titus 2:7-8 Matthew 5:5 says, Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. The word meek does not mean weak. It means focused. It is used to describe a domesticated stallion. Power under control. Strength with a direction. How does this apply to living an intentional life? In his book, In The Eye of the Storm, Max Lucado says, Blessed are those who know what on earth they are on earth to do and set themselves about the business of doing it. What is one area in each of our lives that we feel God has placed us on Earth to do? Prayer Partner: My Prayer Partner for the week is:
S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Courageous Tuesday Morning Would anyone in your life define you as courageous? Why or why not? Does it take courage for you to resist peer pressure? Where do you think God would like to see you exercise more courage in your life? Is courage something you have to be born with, or can you develop it? What times in Jesus life do you think He showed courage? The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. - Psalm 28:7 Close your quiet time in prayer, thanking God for the courage He has given you and praying for more courage in certain areas of your life.
Courageous S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Tuesday Night crew Time What does it mean to live a courageous life? Are there certain areas of your life in which it is more difficult to live courageously? Where? Do you consider it courageous to live your life for Jesus? If not, then why? If so, how? Do we need to have courage to be a Christian in our world today? Why or why not? Individually, list 3 to 6 people whom you consider courageous. What is it about them that makes them courageous? Would anyone like to share whom they wrote about and what makes them courageous? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. - Psalm 18:32
S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Courageous Tuesday Night Crew Time make it personal If you have done any of the following potentially courageous activities, mark it with an X : Said no to drinking or drugs Told the truth instead of a lie Sky dived or bungee jumped Shared your testimony Stood up to a school bully Befriended someone Brought your Bible to school Saved someone s life Left home to serve others Why are we so quick to assume that only heroic people have courage or that a courageous act needs to be life-changing? After all of our discussion tonight, let s come up with our workcrew s definition of courage. Our 2013 theme song, Here I Am Anyway by Josh Wilson, says, "I guess if I was brave, then I wouldn t walk by faith." God calls us to be courageous, but as believers, we also walk by faith. What are the differences and similarities between faith and courage? Can you have one without the other?
Endurance S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Wednesday Morning What does the word endurance mean to you? Look back at a time in your life that was difficult or full of trials. How did it turn out and what were some things you did to get through it? What did you learn from that time? James 1:2-3 says, Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Do you feel joy when you face trails? Why or why not? Is it a choice? Can you work to develop better endurance? How? give me strength Put an X next to any of the following items that give you strength or encouragement during tough times: My friends Food The Bible Being alone Talking to someone My reputation A role model Facebook After school activities Prayer My youth pastor My family Close your quiet time in prayer, asking for increased endurance in your life, both this week at workcamp and for the circumstances that await you back home.
S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Love Thursday Morning Have there been times in your life that people who love you have let you down? How did you respond or how do you think you might respond if it hasn t happened yet? Ask and it will be given to What do you think it means to be loved you; seek and unconditionally? you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one Who are some people in your life who reflect who seeks finds; the love of God? and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. - Matthew 7:7-8 How do you think you could better reflect the love of God? Take some time now to go to God in prayer. Perhaps you want to thank Him for His unconditional love for you. Or maybe the words of Matthew 7:7-8 (above in the red box) hit home to you, and you need to take some time to ask for clarity, guidance and revelation of God s love.
Love S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Thursday Night Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight. - Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. - Hebrews 10:23 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. - 1 John 4:9
S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Character Friday Morning Does being a follower of Jesus mean we have an easy life? Why or why not? Can you think of a time in your life when your character was challenged or tested? What can we do to show God that we are willing to face the tribulations on this earth? What would you tell a friend whose trial/affliction has lasted longer than a few months? It is not you who shape God; it is God that shapes you. If then you are the work of God, await the hand of the Artist who does all things in due season. Offer the Potter your heart, soft and tractable, and keep the form in which the Artist has fashioned you. Let your clay be moist, lest you grow hard and lose the imprint of the Potter s fingers. From God s Hands by Irenaues Close your time in prayer this morning, praying that God would strengthen your character through His promises and not those of the world.
Character S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Friday Night crew Time Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. Discuss this quote by legendary NCAA basketball coach, John Wooden. Does it matter what other people view as your reputation? Why or why not? Does your character reflect Jesus Christ or people of this world? What are characteristics of Jesus Christ that you would like to model your life after? Is it possible to change your character? If so, what are things you would do to change it? How long would it take? Read the Scripture below and discuss how it relates to character. Don t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12
S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Vision Scripture To live by: The Arrival In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. - Proverbs 16:9 intentional Be very careful, then, how you live not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity... - Ephesians 5:15-16a courageous Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9 endurance Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4 love He answered, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind ; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. - Luke 10:27 character Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6 vision Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:13-14
Vision S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 My New Friends
S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Vision
Vision S1 M T1 W T2 F S2 Scripture quotations throughout this book are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society.