Living the "All Good" Life

A great "Tute" experience!

2009-11-16T22:47:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite aspects of the Kanakuk Institute is the ability for the students to have an outlet to immediately use what they are learning in class through their internships. I was so encouraged to hear about one of our student's experience this past weekend at First Baptist Forsyth's junior high retreat. I wanted to share his experience with you all:

I recently had the opportunity to truly be used by God as a part of a middle school retreat through my internship with First Baptist Church of Forsyth. We traveled to Arkansas for our fall retreat with the pastoral staff and the other interns, and I was amazed at how the Lord allowed us to pour into the minds of the teens who came. The theme of the weekend was “Reveal.” We focused on getting real with each other, ourselves, and with God and allowing God to show us our secrets.

I assisted with the prayer walk, where the kids traveled to different stations, focused on various aspects of prayer, on the final evening of the retreat. It was striking to hear the real issues each teen brought to the retreat, but even more striking was their willingness to lay those things down and seek the cross.

I was impacted by each student I prayed with and how each took something different from the Lord away from the weekend. What a testament to God’s power and His love. I thank the Lord for allowing me to have the chance to serve at my internship through the Kanakuk Institute. I am daily seeing my life become changed as I pour into the lives of others.

- Joel Loera

Please continue to pray for each of our students as they serve at several churches and K-Lifes here in the Branson area. I'm super proud of them!

Pirates Finish strong!

2009-11-10T13:27:00.000-06:00

The Branson Pirates finished out their season well nearly beating their biggest rival, Webb City, in their final game! Karen and I are so proud of Cameron for his athletic and leadership skills.

I also wanted to fill everyone in on what the students at the Institute have been learning this year so far. The Old Testament Survey class was taught by Karen, Mitch Maher, and Bob Cornuke. The sessions received outstanding feedback from the students. They really loved seeing how the OT books fit chronologically into each other and how God revealed Himself repeatedly throughout the OT. We have also learned the purpose of having a vision statement, how to share our faith, and work through the apologetics of our faith. Overall, it has been an incredible semester so far!

Well, it's all good here in Branson! God has blessed me in every breath I take. Have a great day!

Pirates and K-Life reunion

2009-09-24T16:35:00.005-05:00

The Branson Pirates are off to a great season! Last week's game was a landside victory against Marshfield, 42-3. Cameron threw a great game! We're all proud of him and excited about the rest of his junior year.

The Pirates Homecoming is tomorrow night at 7 p.m.! Join us and our K-Institute students at the game.

On another note, I had an awesome time this past weekend in Dallas for the Highland Park 25-year K-Life reunion. It was great reconnecting with everyone. Congratulations Highland Park K-LIFE!

Wow, It's Kamp Time!

2009-06-01T13:51:00.002-05:00

I can't even believe that June 1 is already here and kampers are starting to come in the K-Seven gate! This is my favorite time of the year and I am so thankful to be able to do what I do! Come one, come all, I can't wait to see each and every kamper this summer!
I am headed out to hug and love on some kiddos!

Time is Flying By

2009-02-25T14:28:00.003-06:00

I can't even believe how fast time flies by. We are well into the 2nd semester of the Institute and before I know it Kamp will be here! I am so excited to see this year's Institute graduates go out into the world to make a huge impact for the cause of Christ. I also can't wait to watch all the kampers roll into the K-Seven gates in a few months! Wow, I am so blessed to do what I do.

My family is doing well. Callie is about to finish up her senior year and is praying about where to go to college. She just finished performing in her last musical at Branson High and she did an amazing job...I am the definition of a proud father right now! Cameron has been busy working out and getting ready for the upcoming track season. I am so proud of my kiddos and they continue to amaze me every day.

I pray that you are doing well and shining your light daily for Christ!

Its the most wonderful time of the year

2008-12-05T14:06:00.002-06:00

Life sure is busy this time of year, but it is so much fun! Our family is doing well and preparing to celebrate our Savior's birth. Callie finished up the fall with the State Cheerleading competition and is now involved in Spring musical rehearsals and searching for a college for next year. Cameron finished up the football season as starting quarterback for the varsity and is now wanting to run indoor winter track to prepare for the normal track season this Spring. Karen and I are looking forward to spending Christmas with family and friends and then we are heading to Cabo for our annual trip. What a wonderful time of year!
The Kanakuk Institute is doing great and we are half way through our 7th year...I can't believe it! We are already planning for another incredible summer at K7 and I am thankful every day to be doing what I do.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous new year!

Game Day

2008-11-05T09:04:00.002-06:00

Tonight we head to Webb City for the first game of state playoffs. Callie will be cheering for her brother who has shown well in his first 2 starts as a varsity quarterback. All we ask for tonight is that God be glorified and that the boys play their best. I will let you know more tomorrow. Take a look at this article about Cameron :)

http://www.bransondailynews.com/story.php?storyID=9269

Go Pirates!!

2008-10-31T13:48:00.003-05:00

We had a fun night last night as we traveled to Republic for the last football game of regular season. As of last week, Cameron is starting at quarterback for the Varsity! It has been really fun watching him play and watching Callie cheer for her younger/bigger brother! We won our game last night, which means we are in the State playoffs!! We will head to Webb City on Wednesday for the first game of post season. It is so fun and exciting and the best part is that Cameron is giving God all the glory. Jesus is #1 in his heart and we love to see him shine his light in such a mighty way! Here is a link to the article about the game. I hope you enjoy reading it.

http://www.bransondailynews.com/story.php?storyID=9170

From the words of a kamper

2008-10-23T09:03:00.001-05:00

Here is an encouraging note from a former kamper. I pray that these words bless you as you read it. Praying for you, Keith

As a young kid I had an amazing opportunity to attend K7 as a kamper. In fact, I got to go for 3 summers in a row. Being that this was many years ago now and that I was only 9 years old by my third and final summer, my memories of kamp aren’t very sharp. I do remember that the skits were so funny, the waterslide was really high, my counselors braided my hair for me, and my party outfit was turquoise with sequins on it. I also remember the cross-walk, that I didn’t own a Bible, and I that I knew very little about Christ. I am sure that the Lord taught me tons while I was at kamp, but the problem was that I left kamp each summer and did not follow up in any way. I came home to an unchurched family and was left without any guidance for further growth.
Looking back, I would’ve done a few things differently. I would have definitely done a better job staying in touch with my counselors. It is such a special opportunity to have more mature followers of Christ pouring into me. I believe that I would have benefited greatly had I responded to my counselors’ letters in order to keep in touch as well as seek their wisdom and advice. Also, I would have asked my parents to take me or send me with a friend to Sunday school and/or youth group. By doing this I would’ve been able to continue learning about Christ, develop a relationship with Him, and have like-minded friends to help build each other up! With these two simple things of keeping up with my counselors and attending youth group I believe my walk with Christ and knowledge of the Word would’ve grown a lot. Now, as kampers, y’all even have an opportunity to spend time with the Lord in His word daily through the Champion’s Walk! What a great way to grow in your faith- don’t miss that chance!
My challenge to you is to stay active in your faith. Don’t get stuck in the cycle of the “kamp high”. Seek to know the Lord more in depth outside of kamp! Find help from someone older and wiser! It doesn’t matter what that looks like for you, but take steps to stay connected in a community of believers, stay in the Word, and stay in Christ!

Blessings to you,
Sarah Bishop

Friday Night Lights

2008-09-26T15:30:00.000-05:00

Remember us tonight as the Branson Pirates play the Willard Tigers. Remember the Pirates! Once again, Callie will be cheering and prayfully Cameron will get to play a little varsity football. We will see! I will let you know more later. Bye!

I love my life

2008-09-23T10:33:00.006-05:00

I don't know about you but I sure do love the fall. The trees are starting to change color and the coolness of the air is such a welcomed relief. This last weekend I had an incredible time. Cameron and I went down to the Buffalo river and we repelled off the the Eye of the Needle, a 300ft. repel. You talk about an adrenaline rush, it was awesome. Callie and Karen spent Saturday shopping, a little bit of a contrast, but I am sure it was fun just the same. Saturday night we all watched a movie together, I think it was called "Not Another Cinderella Movie." it was cute. I am always a sap for a sweet movie and I am definately a sap for laying around with my family. Callie loves sweet movies. Sunday we watched the Cowboys beat the Packers. All the Institute folks came to our house and we cooked hot dogs. It was a blast. Last night Cameron played in the JV Football game. He threw 2 touchdowns, ran for 2 touchdowns, and ran in 4 2pt. conversions...not a bad night. I was so proud! It sure is fun being a daddy. Here is a couple of pictures I thought you might like!

Homecoming

2008-09-16T09:37:00.000-05:00

Cameron and Callie are planning on going to the Homecoming dance this Friday with a large group of people. I can't wait to tell you the stories of how the dance goes!

Cameron's Game

2008-09-16T09:35:00.000-05:00

I just want to tell you a story as a proud daddy. Last Friday night Cameron got a little playing time on the Varsity team and Branson beat Nixa! Then last night Cameron played quarterback for the JV and ran for a touchdown, threw a touchdown, and engineered the winning drive. Go Pirates!

Chancey Update

2008-09-16T09:25:00.000-05:00

The Chancey family is doing great. This is homecoming week at Branson. Today Cameron and Callie dressed up as tourists for school. You would have laughed very hard, they both had on pants pulled up way too high, crazy colored shirts, suspenders, loafers, and to top it off...fanny packs! Yes, I did say fanny packs. So to say the least, their self image is doing pretty good. I am really proud of them today but as you know, it is not easy out there. Our security is so quickly threatened in our world.

Kanakuk Devotionals

2008-09-16T09:22:00.000-05:00

I just want to tell you how proud I am of those doing your Victors Crown/Champions Walk! I think it is so great that you are taking time each day to dig into God's Word. If you are not currently doing the devotionals I really want to encourage you to start today! It will change your life!