Hello MI COMers!
We were excited to be a part of the 8th Annual National COM Work Week in April 2021! In fact, we stayed on for three more weeks to work there. We left home April 1, no fooling, it was great to be on the road in our motorhome, traveling to our first Hitching Post at Highland Lakes Baptist Camp, IN; the next night at Lake Sallateeska, IL. After driving about 7.5 hours, we arrived Great Passion Play. Several IL COM friends were already there: Don and Jan Kragness, Sonny and Sondra McKenzie, Chet and Debbie Whyers. We quickly made new friends, Stan and Janet Casady, from MO COM. We got backed into our spot and they rushed us off to the cafeteria for dinner. To top the evening off, we attended The Great Passion Play at 7:30 pm. It seemed to be a long day and we were tired, but the play was fantastic and we were reminded why we’re doing this journey. To share the gospel to a lost world is so necessary and by our physical labors, we are able to keep camps and places like this open to be on the mission of sharing Christ.
After a few hours of sleep, we woke early for an Ozark Mountain Sunrise Service.We met with other Christians at the foot of “Christ of the Ozark” statute which is with in walking distance of our campsite. At 6:00am, high on this mountain, it was a cool 54 degrees. The wind was cutting through our jackets and the sun was still hiding behind the mountains. But as we began praising God in song, we were soon rejuvenated to realize why we were doing this journey. We were ready to get to work bright and early Tuesday morning. After all, we are Campers on Mission! We are“Sharing Christ as We Go”!
God bless you, Rick and Cindy
THE GREAT PASSION PLAY – THE LIVE PERFORMANCE
The performance begins with the resurrection of Lazarus and continues on through the Triumphal Entry of Christ into Jerusalem on the day known as Palm Sunday. During the performance you will witness the significant events leading to and including Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven. You will see the colorful spectacle of the marketplace, the pageantry of the chariot and camel caravan, and the hustle and bustle of the crowds as they go about their daily activities. You may especially enjoy seeing the live animals on the streets of Jerusalem, the poignant healing, the angel rolling away the stone at the tomb, and the dramatic and exciting ascension of Jesus into the night sky. Every effort has been made to be historically accurate and true to Holy Scriptures.
THE GREAT PASSION PLAY – COMers IN ACTION
We have been so very blessed to be a part of this ministry. Christ of the Ozark stands around the bend, the Holy Land tour keeps you remembering the Word, and everyone’s focus is ministering to the world in drama and The Gospel NetworkRadio Station. It has been said, “Being here on Magnetic Mountain is like being on holy ground. “ We agree!
You can get tickets to the Great Passion Play Drama and the Holy Land Bible Tour. And there are free things to visit on the grounds: Christ of the Ozarks statute, Church in the Grove, Berlin Wall section, Israeli Bomb Shelter, Bible Museum, History Museum, Sacred Arts Museum, Noah’s Ark Petting Zoo, and the gift shop. Plus, there are over 20 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails for various ages and skills.
There is a wide range of jobs you can chose from at this ministry opportunity. Before we got there, Janice and ladies had decorated the sets with flowers and greenery, which add so much to the reality of the play.Whatever your skills are, the warm and friendly staff will help you find the right job for you. We encourage you all to consider visiting and working at this ministry!
NATIONAL UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
COM National Rally 2021, Duquoin, Illinois June 8-11, 2021
Registration online at www.campersonmission.net for the COM National Rally 2021 now! COM members bring their RV’s together, some stay in nearby hotels, and we all gather to share what COM is doing and get new ideas and motivation from each other. Here’s just a taste of what is offered at the COM National Rally:
Classes & Seminars can include topics such as: Basic Electrical Basic Plumbing, Drywalling: Hanging & Finishing, Fire Safety for RVs, RV Maintenance, Senior Heart Issues, Staying Connected Electronically on the go, Witnessing.
Entertainment such as a Christian Comedian and singers will be scheduled, as well as special Guest Speakers from various ministries such as missions, church planting, and camp directors.
Be sure to visit our National COM website for more information: www.campersonmission.net
CHAPLAIN'S CORNER
In the few months that I have been privileged to be a part of MI-COM few and somewhat minor have been the opportunities for me to do physical labor. Yet, for most in this organization physical labor is and will be its mainstay. Without the work, all we have are well-formed bylaws which in the end become only empty words and vain good intentions.
I’m reminded of a parable of Jesus in Matthew 21: 28-31:
“But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, “Son, go work today in my vineyard.” He answered and said, “I will not”: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, “I go, sir”: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first.”
I have no doubt that sometimes some of you are not at first inclined to go work in the vineyard. But then you change your mind and go despite your misgivings. God bless you, friends, as you go!
To the Praise of His Glory,
Chaplain Chip
PRAYER REQUEST & PRAISE REPORT
Prayer Requests
Pray for those who have still had effects of COVID and reactions to the vaccinations.
Pray for Bambi Lake Camp as they open to minister to children, youth, and various adults through retreats and conferences. May many come to know Christ.
Praise Report
Summer is coming!Some have experienced a late April snow and a lot of April showers, but sunshine is coming to stay!
“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with
him.”
Romans 6:6-8 NIV
If you have a prayer request or a praise report, please share it with us and we will post it on the website and include it in our monthly newsletters.
MI COM TEES & HATS
For Sale
We have fun things and essentials for you to let others know you are a MI COMer!!!
We encourage you to wear the tees whenever you are working or on a COM event.
Patches are iron-on or easy to sew onto your shirts or jackets.
Lapel Pins are easily attached to a suit jacket or coat.
Pens and Stickers accent your writing and notebooks.
Contact Cindy for your purchase.
MI COM OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE BOARD
Presidents/Project Coordinator: Rick & Cindy Truesdail
Vice-President/Project: Tony Morningstar
Coordinator Chaplain: Pastor Chip Collins Hospitality/Food Coordinator: Kim Norrington
Sewing Project Coordinator: Suzie Collins Secretary: (Vacant) Treasurer: Gary Hannuksela Historian: (Vacant)
Hospitality/Food Assistant: Maria Hannuksela
Sewing Project Assistant: Janice McKnight
NETWORKING CENTER
Tim and Gayle Jones are traveling to reach people for Christ. Tune into their Facebook for their 1002 Show at 10:00 am; “Praise on the Porch” evenings at 8:00 pm; Thursday Night Bible Study at 6:30 pm. You will be blessed by Gayle’s singing and Tim’s words from the Bible. Facebook: Chasing the Joneses
Cindy Truesdail enjoys machine embroidery. She likes the challenge of sewing customized embroidery designs and your personalization is available on most items. Profits from sales goes to support them as they travel and work with MI COM. Facebook: Cindy’s Stitch Art
Sharon Hessling knows how to bake and uses her talent to support their mission journeys to Africa. Profits from the sale of her homemade pies, cookies, and bake goods go to their missionary fund. She offers fresh and delicious fruit pies made to order. Facebook: Sahara Pies Plus
Keep checking at our online Website and Facebook for announcements!
Website: www.michigancampersonmission.org
Facebook: Michigan Campers on Mission
For more information, contact: Rick & Cindy Truesdail Phone: (810) 869-4716