A Season for Angels at Jenness Park
by Jennifer Lloyd
As we are decking our halls with decorations, 224 ladies at the Jenness Park Christian Camp Mother/Daughter Retreat were gearing up for Christmas on October 9-11th at the holiday themed weekend entitled, “And then there were Angels.” The theme, taken from Hebrews 15:1-2, reminded women of all ages that God used angels in the Bible to speak his word, to direct people, and to comfort and minister to people who loved and worshipped him.
Speaker and humorist, Cecile Kaiser from Angels Camp, used scripture, skits, illusions, monologues, and testimonies, to describe the way God used angels in the lives of Balaam, Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-nego, and Daniel. Kaiser’s style appealed to young girls and teens because they were actively involved in the presentation of the Bible stories. Women more mature in age appreciated Kaiser’s blending of personal testimony and scriptural lessons.
Frankie Jones from Hesperia First Baptist Church commented, “The speaker was funny but meaningful. That’s a secret. Not everyone can balance both effectively.”
Beth Boone, a mother of teenage boys from First Baptist Church, California City has met her grown daughter, Janet Cooper from Woodward Park Baptist Church in Fresno, at Jenness Park for a number of years. They always appreciate the quality of time spent with each other during a Bible-focused, refreshing Jenness Park vacation. Cooper remarked specifically about the sessions with the speaker. “I really appreciated Cecile’s direct and clear invitation for people to accept Christ.”
For one mother/daughter team, that “make a stand” invitation made an eternal difference. Andrea and Sandy Henderson, from San Jose, attended a Jenness Park retreat for the first time during the Mother/Daughter weekend. Sandy rejoiced, “My daughter, Andrea, became seriously interested in pursuing Christianity this past summer. When she suggested that we attend this camp I agreed wholeheartedly. Last night she prayed to receive Christ as Savior. I am truly thankful.” During the weekend, a total of four people made first time commitments to Christ.
Betty Craig, from Hesperia First Baptist Church, was a first-time guest at Jenness Park. She found the seminars enjoyable. She stated, “The ‘Today Matters’ seminar lead by Ginnny Milnik really spoke to me about how to handle unexpected things and how to let go of some things that I’m holding too tightly.”
The seminar topics appealed to a wide variety of girls and women. Brandy and Katie Smith from Oak Hills lead a seminar for mothers and daughters entitled, “Triumphing in the Rapids of Relationships.” Phyllis Logsdon from Apple Valley pondered the content of the seminar, “Even though I’ve been a mother for a lot of years, this seminar reinforced the importance of communication. I have a daughter with multiple sclerosis who lives in Oklahoma with two teenage daughters. This seminar encouraged me to write to and pray for her more often.”
The numerous Saturday events were selected with for three different agendas: those who wanted to listen and learn, others who wanted to be creative, and challenges for gals who chose to get out and move! Women were able to attend various seminars with the following titles: Christmas Traditions New and Old, Inviting God’s Blessing into our Home at Easter, and Time and Talents. Crafts like Christmas jewelry creating, pot-holder painting, ornament decorating, and apron sewing appealed to all ages of women. For those who preferred adventure, there was a guided nature hike, many opportunities on the Jenness Park recreation equipment, and the chance to get dusty driving a go-kart.
“In talking to women and reviewing the weekend’s evaluations, there were three resounding blessings for the ladies. The first was spending time with their mother and/or daughter, second was being challenged to walk more closely with the Lord, and third was participating together in activities. It brings joy to my heart to see God use the weekend to minister to Godly relationships in this way,” commented Shelly Goodmon, program coordinator for Jenness Park women’s events. Goodmon continued, “We are really excited about next year’s theme: ‘Taste and See that the Lord is Good.’ Let’s just say that there will be a big emphasis on chocolate!” The 2010 Jenness Park Mother/Daughter retreat will be held October 8-10th. For more details call (800) 258-7554 x101, or go online at www.jennesspark.com.
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