Mennonite Camping Association
Natural Links
JOB OPENINGS
Woodcrest Retreat, Ephrata, PA,
is seeking an individual to fill the
position of Maintenance Director.
This person will be responsible for
the upkeep, maintenance, and care
of all physical facilities, grounds, and
equipment and general housekeeping
duties in order to present a clean
atmosphere for all guests. This
full-time position includes salary
and benefits. Please contact Cliff
at (717)738-2233 or email Cliff@
woodcrestretreat.org .
Amigo Centre, Sturgis, MI, seeks
a Maintenance Direction to assume
responsibility for the maintenance
and care of Amigo’s grounds and
facilities. This full-time year-around
position gives opportunity to utilize
building and maintenance skills
while working with a committed
and caring staff and connecting with
guests and campers of all ages. More
information is available at www.
amigocentre.org or by calling Cliff
Brubaker at 269.651.2811.
Are you seeking a change? An
opportunity to explore and deepen
your relationship with God? To
experience a place where someone
will nurture you, care for you,
challenge you and help you grow?
In the beautiful, clear cold of this
winter, plant a SEED experience
in your life and see how you will
develop in your character, your
gifts, your skills and more. You will
be mentored and discipled in the
nurturing environment of the Camp
Squeah Community, Hope, BC.
You’ll experience God in Creation
through out-trips, snowshoeing,
hiking, rock-climbing and more. You’ll
get training and work experience
in everything from food service
delivery to program leadership.
While you’re challenged in learning
new skills you’ll be mentored in your
spiritual life through Bible teaching,
discussion times and community
living. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!
SEED Intensive – from Jan 6 to Apr 27,
2014! Get more info at squeahseed.
com or email Geoff Gould at geoff@
squeah.com
2014 RECRUITING
EMU - Feb. 5 Hesston - Feb. 10
Bluffton - Feb. 6 Tabor - Feb. 11
Goshen - Feb. 7 Bethel - Feb. 12
November 2013
BOOK REVIEW
Book Review: Radical Jesus: a Graphic History of Faith
Paul Buhle, editor; Sabrina Jones, Gary Dumm, Nick Thorkelson, artists
Review by Elsie Rempel
This fast paced graphic novel, no, graphic history book,
reminded me of the comic book Bible (I think it was Nelson’s)
my children devoured about 30 years ago, except that the
gospel story only constitutes the first of the three sections:
Radical Gospel, Radical History, and Radical Resistance.
Each of the three sections has its own “purposeful” colour
scheme; black and white for the gospels, brown tones that
are reminiscent of illuminated texts from the middle ages,
to full colour for the modern stories of resistance. At first I
was sorry that the Gospel is presented in black and white,
though upon further reflection, I decided a reader could
dwell in it and make it their own by colouring that section.
The selections of Jesus’ ministry are well chosen, and divided into sections on teaching,
warning, entering Jerusalem, and Passion. Even though the format is graphic, Jesus’
crucifixion is depicted without resorting to graphic violence.
The Radical History section includes the stories of the 14th C. Lollards, and then a major
section on the 16th C. radical reformation and the Anabaptists. Stories both unfamiliar and
familiar--early Hutterites who were condemned to a life as galley slaves, Dirk Willems who
saved his captor, an Anabaptist couple who offered hospitality to the thieves who were
stealing the thatch from their roof, American pioneers who refused to defend themselves
from attacking Indians, and John Woolman and the Society of Friends, and their respectful
engagement and treaty making with the Delaware and the great peace they enjoyed.
I found the selection of stories curious and was sorry they had not selected stories of
women other than the cryptic ending to the sections which acknowledges the work of the
abolitionist, Angelina Grimke, on its final page. I expect the restrictions of the genre made
hard choices necessary and am grateful that they included a good blend of more and less
familiar stories from a variety of Peace Churches.
The section on radical resistance must have been most challenging in terms of selection,
and the introductory story on Faith based movements in modern times does a fine job
of presenting a global view before focusing in on stories from the USA about abolitionism
and black freedom, the American civil rights movement, war resistance, accompanying the
poor & organizing community, peacemaker teams & conscientious objectors.
This book is interesting and fast paced enough that it could effectively introduce text-
resistant and other youth to the ‘provocative message of Jesus, pointing them away from
violence and passivity toward a third way of radical love for the other’ (from a back cover
commendation by David’ Schwatz). It belongs on many Christmas lists.
TRANSITIONS
Camp Moose Lake, near Sprague, MB, would like to thank Will & Alvie Martens of
Woodridge who have completed their time as resident managers and Scott & Kendra
Friesen of Altona who have taken over for them.
New to the staff at Amigo Centre, Sturgis, MI, is Kenzie Intemann. Kenzie began as
Youth Program Director in early October. Kenzie’s undergraduate degree was in Parks
and Recreation (Southwestern Oklahoma St. U.), and he graduated this spring from the
Hesston (KS) Pastoral Ministries Program. Kenzie’s passion for camping started at a youth
church camp of the Hydro (OK) Mennonite Church, and was nurtured as a staff member
there later, and then in training in college. Kenzie looks forward to being able to help
youth encounter God and community in Amigo’s nature setting.
www.mennonitecamping.org
 Page 2

FEATURE CAMPS
PINE LAKE FELLOWSHIP CAMP
Name: Pine Lake Fellowship Camp

Location: Meridian, Mississippi

Date Established: 1966
Number of year-round staff: 1 Full-time & 3 Part-time

What is your niche: Summer Camp

Last year’s summer camp numbers: 186

Unique historical fact about your camp: During the Civil
Rights era of the 1960’s, the Nevin Bender family moved to
Mississippi to minister to the Choctaw tribe near Philadelphia,
MS. Their Choctaw congregation was bombed 3 times and
rebuilt each time in the mid-60’s. The Benders and others had
a vision to create a safe place for white, African-American, and
Choctaw children to fellowship together. PLFC was founded to
provide a safe place that draws people into reconciliation with
God, creation, and one another. That mission continues today!

Unique geological or geographical fact about your camp:

The 7 acre lake hosts two unique features.The island is a camper’s
favorite. During the summer campfire services, they battle frogs
and other loud reptiles while singing praise songs. A long, narrow
peninsula runs into the lake with the tip centered in the middle
to offer a spectacular 360 degree view.

Memorable story: Pine Lake Fellowship Camp is another

world, full of fun, adventure, and endless possibilities. It is a refuge
where children can let their guard down and really be themselves.
It is a place filled with the presence of Jesus, who makes Himself
known through the camp staff and volunteers that were called
to serve for the summer. Pine Lake has made a difference in
the lives of many people, including my own. During the summer
after my 10th grade year, I became an Leader In Training. For
seven weeks, I served alongside true believers who lived out their
faith. I was amazed that throughout the whole time I was there,
I was not made fun of a single time. Instead, I was constantly
encouraged, praised, and uplifted. The selfless love that I received
for the first time from a peer group, rocked my world. Jesus loved
me through the summer staff, and I finally realized that I was a
treasure in His eyes.
by Krista Metzler, Summer staff 2010-2013

MCA Bi-National
March 24-27, 2014 at CROOKED CREEK CHRISTIAN CAMP
Mark your calendar! The next MCA Bi-National will be held on March 24-27, 2014 at Crooked Creek
Christian Camp in Washington, Iowa! More information and registration forms will be available shortly.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to connect with other MCA camps!

Speaker: Ervin Stutzman,

Executive Director, Mennonite Church USA
Theme: “Creating Sabbath in the Tangle of Modern Life”
Music: Jeremy Kempf

November 2013 www.mennonitecamping.org