A great "Tute" experience!

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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