It's Almost Finished!

The construction on our high ropes course is almost complete. There's a few more platforms to build and a few more ropes to hang and wires to stretch. The Adventure Guild has been working rain or shine to get this course completed and we're almost there. Enjoy these pictures of the progress.
Looking up from the entrance road - there's 4 elements here!
Looking up from the other side to the platform for the zip-line
Looking back from the end of the zip-line
The Trapeze Leap being constructed (if you look closely you can see the guy hanging in the tree on the left side of the picture)

Ordinary Work

If you know anything about Mountain T.O.P., you know that we aren't unique. As a matter of fact, we are pretty ordinary. Our mission is borrowed. Our inspiration is borrowed. We are plain people of the Kingdom trying to live out its vision.

Here is a snippet of our history as quoted from the website:
"After serving together at the Hinton Rural Life Center in North Carolina during the summer of 1974, several youth from Blakemore United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee wanted to take their experience into their own 'backyard.' After much prayer and planning, the Mountain T.O.P. dream was born. The backyard turned out to be the Cumberland Mountain counties east of Nashville. In the summer of 1975, the first Mountain T.O.P. camp was held at Beersheba Springs Methodist Assembly in Grundy County. Over 200 participants, representing 12 church families, were a part of this first camp."

Each person who passes through our gates hears the same message: the life-long call of Jesus to "fish for people"(Matt 4.18-20). We love to hear of former MTOP participants who go home and do the MTOP thing in their own "backyard". And countless groups have done just that.

The Starfish Project began as one of these ministries. It's an outreach of Pulaski FUMC (TN), a long-time participant in MTOP's programs. People like Maria Wong and Shane Woodard seek out needs in their church family and community. Every 3rd Saturday, a group of committed adults meets at the church, has a short devotional, and goes to work. Projects are paid for by group members or through another church outreach: Matthew 5 Thrift Store. The proceeds from the thrift store fund missional work, whether that is paying for building materials or an electric bill.

The name, Starfish Project, came from that well known, adapted story about saving starfish, one at a time. Appropriate, when considering how we are viewed by people who think our work is small and insignificant when staring into the face of extreme circumstances. But, oh, how amazing is our Father's love, that not only does he notice the injustices, but also he invites us to participate in making them right.

In a pool of sand and silt a starfish had thrust its arms up stiffly and was holding its body away from the stifling mud.

"It's still alive," I ventured.

"Yes," he said, and with a quick yet gentle movement he picked up the star and spun it over my head and far out into the sea. It sunk in a burst of spume, and the waters roared once more.

The Morning After

The first of 50 days

I am an associate member of Tracy City First United Methodist Church (TCFUMC). I've been attending there for most of the time we've lived in Coalmont. I love my church family; I'm always surprised at their constant understanding that during certain seasons of the year, I cannot attend regularly (i.e., every Sunday morning). No matter how long I've had to sabbath other places*, I'm always welcomed as if my absence has been notice. It's nice to be noticed.

*(One if the things I really appreciate about my job is that I get to sabbath regularly at "work". It's built into our ministry DNA. Sabbathing at work is also one of the challenges of my job. Our culture, even in the Church, overlooks the natural, God-given rhythm of work and rest.)

Churches in this area follow the pattern of most rural churches - they are made up of a group of core families who've been attending for generations. Most church affiliations have to do with location that denomination. For instance, I live on Sweeton Hill*, and the church down the road from my house is made up of families who have lived on this hill for generations. Pastors are usually bi-vocational and somehow related to a family in the congregation (who isn't?).

*(When you are from 'round here, you can just say, "I'm from Coalmont." You get really confused looks. People want to know out of which small, close-nit community you come. When I'm in Grundy County and asked where I live, I say "On Sweeton Hill." If you live in a place like Atlanta or Nashville, you know what I mean.)

TCFUMC is in a funny place. We are growing rapidly, which is not the same case of most of the churches in our location, much less our denomination. Average Sunday attendance is getting close to 200. The choir isn't allowed to sit in the congregation anymore because we'll take up seats that could be occupied by visitors or seekers. Last Wednesday there were over 70 children and youth attending evening activities. 70! Even the air conditioning units are having a hard time keeping up. We are in the process of addressing the situation while managing our growing pains.

During "normal" times, there is a constant hum of activity always at TCFUMC- prayer, teaching, feeding*, meeting, coaching, learning, singing, sharing. It comes in all different forms and for all different ages, hopefully accessible to anyone who desires to be a part of the Family.

*(We regularly feed the young people who come to the church - twice a week. Sunday breakfast and Wednesday dinner. It's the Gospel in french toast sticks...or, at least, full tummies so that maybe the Gospel is easier to hear.)

Easter services catapult that normal hum into an even different category. It's the notion that there is "something larger on the inside than there is on the outside", and that something is "bursting forth in glorious light". "There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: The right hand of the LORD does valiantly; the right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD."

Working with your Palms

Last Thursday, Roger Brown (youth pastor at the FUMC in McMinnville, TN) and I had the privilege of speaking on WCPI 91.3.  Bill Zeckmann (a state farm agent, church of christ attendee and volunteer radio manager) reached out to Roger to bring Mountain T.O.P. into the station.

Are blurry pictures better than no pictures?

I wasn't exactly sure how being on the radio would go over (first timer, here), but as soon as we started talking it was fun! (I shouldn't admit it, but I didn't even know what radio station it was until I got down there...I assumed it was one of the country stations ...whoops!) The radio station reminded me of a local NPR. We had a 25 minute dialogue that went by really fast.  I did expect to talk about Mountain T.O.P. and all of our programs, but I didn't expect to get into some meaningful conversation about poverty in America and Jesus' call on our hearts to work for His kingdom.

One statement that has stuck with me came from Bill.  He said, "As you know, the workers are few.  How difficult does that make ministry?"  I think Roger answered very well in saying that one person can make a difference.  It can be discouraging when you need people and they can't commit, but I think it's how you choose to look at it.  Maybe the difference is small or local, seems insignificant or doesn't immediately produce fruit .. sometimes the workers are few, sometimes they're abundant.  Nonetheless, we are advancing the kingdom.  One step at a time, one day at a time, one porch at a time, one conversation at a time.

Saturday, I traveled to Hampton, GA to speak at two churches Sunday morning.  Michelle Rawdin, a former YSM camper, is the pastor of LoveJoy UMC and Mt. Carmel UMC.  The two congregations work together and several members are already signed up for the AIM Summer Weekend!  At LoveJoy, I spoke to 10-12 attendees, only a few of which are capable of coming to the mountain.  One man signed up after the service and one woman gave me $50 with a note that read, "Please use this for a small child."  (by the way... $50 = 2 scholarships for kids who can't afford to come to one of our children's programs.)

At the next service, I got to show our Home Depot submission and speak about the upcoming trip!  Afterwards, we shared lunch together and discussed more details. By the end of that meeting, we had 2 more signed up!  One thing that stuck with me from that church service was actually Michelle's children's lesson.  She talked about the palms we brought to church that morning.. the branches, but also our hands!  Her point was that we can serve Jesus everyday with the palms He's given us.

And as an added bonus, my mom got to meet me ...

For those of you who don't think you have much to offer towards home repair, she's proof that you can make it!  Willing hearts... good knees... maybe strong backs? .. that's all we need.

Needless to say, it was a great week for the recruiting and public awareness department :)

High Ropes Course!!!

Mountain T.O.P. is partnering with The Adventure Guild out of Chattanooga in building a HIGH ROPES COURSE at Camp Cumberland Pines. This partnership has been in the making for quite some time. Last summer the campers at Quest got to experience The Adventure Guild facilitators during the days of rock climbing and rappelling. The high ropes course is currently underway at Mountain T.O.P. and we couldn't be more thrilled.

Here are a few pictures to show the beginnings of building a high ropes course



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1 Sunday - 3 churches

This past Sunday Mountain T.O.P. was invited by Shelbyville First United Methodist Church to come be a part of their Missions Fair. I was also invited to speak about Mountain T.O.P. during the morning worship service. After some technical difficulties, the power point presentation was underway. Shelbyville FUMC has lots of friends of Mountain T.O.P. including John Carney and Andy & Edna Lee Borders. Andy Borders cooked a fabulous meal for the Missions Fair which consisted of pork loin, green beans, sweet potato casserole, fruit salad and the most amazing Earthquake Cake for dessert. I definitely should've taken a picture of the plate of food. The people of Shelbyville FUMC love and support Mountain T.O.P. in many ways and we thank you!!!

On Sunday, Ed was asked to speak at Germantown UMC. He was given the opportunity to speak at two different times to a good group of folks. Germantown UMC has been a longtime friend of the ministry. Thank you Germantown UMC for inviting Mountain T.O.P. into your space. Good conversation, good questions, good friends!

This past weekend, I had the privilege of visiting Christ UMC in Plano, Texas. Glen Thorton, a member of the church working on expanding the mission opportunities for the congregation, called in a few weeks ago about AIM. I just so happened to be visiting Fort Worth, so I asked if I could come speak to those interested in hearing more about Mountain T.O.P.

Glen set me up with a projector and meeting space and advertised throughout the sunday school classes. We had a great group of interested people, including the missions coordinator, Linda, youth director, Amanda, and several other church staff members. (Oh, and Linda brought us some dunkin’ donuts and coffee ... mmm!)

It turns out that one of the preachers, Rev. Stacey Piyakhun, attended Mountain T.O.P. as a youth!!! Mark got to hear Stacey preach and we both got to meet her after the service. She fondly remembers building an out house :) and told me that her grandparents noticed something different in her the week she got back from Mountain T.O.P.

I have always felt that part of my personal calling at Mountain T.O.P. is to hone in on the objective to actively encourage the Christian growth of the participants and staff who come to Mountain T.O.P. Stacey’s story reminded me of the HUGE part Mountain T.O.P. plays in the spiritual formation of youth and adults. Her words inspire me to persevere and serve with all my being as we continue seeking God’s spiritual vision for this summer.

All in a Day's Work

This spring we've had to call on friends of the ministry to help us finish up some projects. This past Saturday was one such "call". In order to get the Friends porch tied into the existing Friends Cabin and to tin the roof we needed a large group of willing folks. With hammers and drills in hand, we took to the roof.



Thanks to Correy Jewell, Eric Saviano, Justin Campbell, Emily Chadwick, Steve Howell, Dave Howell, Melanie & Freddy Moore, DeWayne & Julie Duncan, Ronnie Scissom, Bo Myers, Bob Willems, Jay Koelbl , Kim VanGundy and Ed Simmons!

A little preview of the summer

Last weekend, the 2011 directors* met at Cumberland Pines for their annual retreat. For support staffers, Directors Weekend is the unofficial start of staff training, the place where we begin assembling the team that will provide the leadership for the summer. It's an exciting time. It's a fulfilling time. It's always an energetic time.

[*One of us was there in spirit. I'm not going to tell you who. Her name starts with a "B" and rhymes with schmetzy.]

For me, the weekend provides a taste of what the summer holds and leaves me craving more. The 6 weeks between this retreat and the summer are long, tedious, and overwhelming for us in the support staff office*. So being able to turn my full attention to one of the major reasons why this ministry exists (to train Christian leaders) is refreshing.

[*We end up wearing half a dozen hats throughout the end of the spring. We still have groups in camp that are requiring our attention. Camp improvement projects are needing to be finished. Final plans for training summer staff are going on. And churches are needing support. If ever you want to come help us, now is the time!]

But the most refreshing part of the weekend is walking away with the feeling that God has placed in our midst the best possible team of people to pull off the work he has laid out for us to do. I find myself humbled to be present with these people who give not just time or talents, but who will give their whole beings to make sure MTOP happens*.

[*And when I say "MTOP happens", I mean that in the sense that we are all here for the same reason Jesus was: for the sake of the world, for those people who need to know his presence.]

I am in awe how God works through the ordinary and practical things to work everything out for the good for those of us he has called. And so, I cannot wait for the summer to arrive...

Did you know?

Written in the Morton Memorial Memo by Pastor Von Unruh ...

"I recently clicked on the following internet link and discovered that Grundy County is basically the unhealthiest county in Tennessee. Actually, it’s ranked 94 out of 95 counties (http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/tennessee). I wasn’t surprised by what I read, but I believe it is important that we be aware of the situation that exists in the county in which many of us live. In case you’re curious, Marion County is ranked 83. Franklin County is ranked 11. Most of us at Morton Memorial do not suffer from the health factors listed in the study, which means that (apart from us) the county is even more unhealthy.

What factors detail the lack of good health in Grundy County? One out of every five persons in the county is illiterate. Two out of every five children lives in poverty. Barely one out of every four persons in the county ever attended (never mind graduated from) a college. Almost half of all children live in a single parent household. Thirty percent of adults are obese. Family income is so low that two out of every three children receive free lunches at school. Liquor stores are basically three times more common in Grundy County than elsewhere in Tennessee. And so it goes. I don’t even want to think what the statistical figures would be if Mountain T.O.P. had not been present in the county for the last thirty-five years."

We're from Chair-A-Bus-Co!

SBO Week 5 has kicked off!  We have 5 youth and 5 adults from Churubusco, IN (home of the legendary Oscar the turtle!).  They are awesome!  They arrived to beautiful weather last night.  We played in the field, got oriented on camp and their projects, ate dinner and shared a devotional on being the salt of the earth!  They also brought items for our Extending the Partnership campaign!  And Jay and I got extra t-shirts from the group!

Doin' Work!

Thanks to Keith McCutcheon, his daughter, Katie (a 16 year old owning a big ole nail gun!), Matt Harrison, Alex Sloan, Reed Bradford, Stephen Wright, and his friend, Ricky for all their hard work on the Friend's Porch roof today!

SBO Week #4!

We had such an incredible week with some of the youth and adults from Heritage UMC in Clearwater, FL!  They are a fun, energetic group dedicated to loving God and His people!  This was everyone's first trip to the mountain!  They were so appreciative of the staff and worked real hard in-camp and at Doris Bivens' home.  This morning at breakfast, they unveiled a sign they made us!  We sure hope these guys come back!