CCI Worldwide Hiking Boots

Sixty Christian Camping leaders from around the world gathered at Pinos Reales, a Christian camp, 100 kilometers west of Madrid, for the CCI-Worldwide Summit.  Guests from 23 nations represented leaders from around the world who had shared the love of God and the truth of God's Word with 10,800,000 people in 2011.

CCI-Worldwide wanted to address six essential elements during the Summit in Spain: training, reporting, networking, planning, spiritual encouragement, and celebration. Here is a quick update on how we did.

Training - Training focused on running associations not camps.  It addressed three areas:  1) Association Organization & Governance, 2) Association Member Services & Communication, and 3) Association Growth and Development. Three major symposiums and three seminars (each participant could select three from a slate of nine seminar options) provided opportunity to gain insights into the basics of association management.

Reporting - The Summit provided a window into what God is doing in all 20 of our member associations (Korea was the only association not personally represented at the Summit).  Comprehensive results from the Association Annual Reports provided a grand overview of the impact Christian camping is making globally.  Updates on the new Policy and Practices Manual and progress toward a Strategic Plan were also key parts of the conference.

Networking – Networking happened continuously. During the formal discussion times, we divided into small groups so that associations with common contexts could talk about how to apply the lessons learned.  There was lots of informal discussion, and fellowship over meals and during breaks.  Every time there was an opportunity to discuss an issue, it was a challenge to reassemble the group. 

Planning - We planned regionally and developed nineteen prayer requests to share around the world.  We are still refining this list, but it was exciting to dream and let each association (or region) pray about what they might be called to do in their part of the world.

Spiritual Encouragement - Spiritual Encouragement was rich as well. Devotions each morning related to mountains in the Bible.  It was moving to hear devotion leaders from Philippines, Albania, Costa Rica, Russia and Scotland share what God had laid on their hearts; great thoughts and perspectives.  Spain provided a typical Spanish worship service Sunday morning.  The singing was inspiring and unifying - different languages yet one voice.  One evening Wanda Mann brought a mini-concert and Bruce Mann shared some thoughts from scripture.

Celebration - CCI-Spain provided a full and wonderful day in Segovia - a magnificent ancient city about two hours away.  Roman ruins, ancient cathedral, medieval fortress, very European shops and narrow cobblestone streets provided new and memorable experiences for many of us.  Throughout the week we even had the CCI-Worldwide Cup - Foosball Tournament.  Spain defeated the USA for the championship of the “CCI world.”

The whole was greater than the sum of its parts.  The unity that was demonstrated by our joining together and the energy that is being unleashed around the world will benefit both those who attended and the camping leaders they serve.   Below is a picture of the whole group -- to see more pictures of the 2012 CCI-Worldwide Summit, click here www.facebook.com/cciworldwide. 

Every Association or Section meeting I have ever attended has been filled with wonderful, friendly and committed people.  CCCA/Indiana was no exception. 

The sectional meeting was held at Camp Alexander Mack, and their staff members took wonderful care of us – great food, nice accommodations, and a beautiful setting on a tranquil lake; they even prayed in gorgeous weather. 

The CCCA/Indiana cabinet prepared a meaningful program, with training seminars, access to vendors, general sessions, worship experiences, and T-shirts and door-prizes for just about everyone. 

Their theme was “Rekindle the Fire” and it was woven into the fabric of the conference.  By the end of the three days together, I think they achieved their goal.

Driving back to the airport, I noticed a sign pointing south that read, “Plymouth 7 Miles.”  I had time, so I detoured south and spent about 20 minutes driving up and down the small, residential streets of Plymouth, Indiana.  One of my good friends in college had grown up in Plymouth.  An ugly illness took his life almost 20 years ago.  As I drove, I remembered happy times, sporting events, course work, meals, music and a host of mutual friends.  I paused at the cemetery and reflected on the brevity of life.  

What transpired at Camp Mack and the “Rekindled Fire” in those who attended the CCCA/Indiana conference took on greater significance.  Good times today, impact for eternity. 

Like many of the larger Associations, Canada has regional segments that provide local support and encouragement for their members.  CCI-Canada/Alberta held its provincial conference at the end of February -- 75 adults and a passel of children gathered at Southern Alberta Bible Centre for three days of training, encouragement and laughter. 

The snow on the ground was no match for the warm fellowship in the meeting rooms, dining room and hallways of the beautiful new lodge.

The theme was One Audience – One Mission.  The staff at SABC did a great job of hosting.  I attended two excellent seminars; one on Hospitality and one dealing with Social Media.  The worship time was excellent and engaging.  (I had already checked off every continent and now I have sung Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord in 10 of our 20 Association – Thank you, Paul!).

As the speaker for the conference, I tried to craft my talks to fit their theme.  I chose the Mt of Transfiguration as the window into the heart of the One Audience.  In the simple, powerful statement the Father shared his thoughts about His Son.  He said, This is my Son, whom I love, In him I am well please.  Listen to Him. 

Those four phrases give us a glimpse into the heart of the Father – our One Audience.

This is My Son – Identity

The Father is proud of his Son and is eager to let everyone know of their close relationship.  When we recognize the relationship we enjoy as God’s children, we catch a glimpse of the love the Father has for us as well. 

Whom I love – Affirmation

The Father verbalized His affirmation of Jesus and expressed the depth of his affection for Him. We are not perfect as Christ was, but the Father’s love for us is based on His character not our performance.   We comply and obey because he loves us, not to earn his affection.

In Him I am well pleased – Approval

Too often our perception of the Father is of someone looking down, trying to catch us acting inappropriately, independently, or in rebellion; and once he spots an error, he is ready to pounce.  The comment on the Mt of Transfiguration seems to indicate God’s desire is to spot our moments of strength and approve of our obedience.  

Listen to Him – Authority

Jesus has something to say and the Father gave Him his full backing.  We have a message as well, and to the degree that it aligns with the Father’s message, we can enjoy His authorization as well. 

God is not just an audience; He is the president of our fan club.  He wants us to succeed and cheers for us to do well every step of the way. 

CCI-Spain held its national conference at Codeseda, a beautiful hacienda styled Christian center in the province of Galatia.  Fifty Christian camping leaders from throughout Spain gathered for four days of training, networking, worship and encouragement.  They were joined by two Christian camping leaders from Portugal. 

Dr. Jim Cain and Claire Hannon provided several excellent, well received seminars on games, team-building and other topics related to experiential learning.

Wheaton Bible Church sent their Social Media Manager, Liz Carver.  She led several seminars and helped many camps develop their presence on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites.  She helped CCI Spain upgrade their sites as well.  (Check out CCI-España on Facebook.)

One afternoon, about 25 of the participants drove an hour to Santiago de Compostela.  This was the third most honored pilgrimage site during the Middle-Ages (behind Jerusalem and Rome) and continues to be a major attraction for pilgrims today.  The destination - the Cathedral of Saint James - was beautiful. 

One interesting note was the juxtaposition of old-school and new-school forms of worship.  Like many Cathedrals, there was a place to leave a coin and light a candle.  Next to that table was a newer, electronic version with a series of plastic candles with small light bulbs atop each one.  A coin could be inserted into a slot which in turn activated the electronic candle.  Next to that table was a flat panel TV monitor with pictures of candles.  A sign indicated the phone number where a text-message donation could be sent from anywhere in the world.  Once received, the image of the candle on the screen would illuminate.  

We had a day in Madrid before heading home.  I had been in and out of the Madrid airport numerous times but never ventured into the city.  It was a beautiful, delightful city; ancient architecture and modern subways, fountains and statues, gardens and museums, shops and restaurants, all in a friendly and accommodating setting. 

Looking forward to my next trip to Spain in April for the CCI-Worldwide Summit!