42
On September 19, 1979, at 4:19 am in room 319 I came into the world laughing (or so I am told and yes that is a lot of 9’s and 19’s). Maybe that is when God instilled in me the ability to look at life a little differently. Now some of you have done the math and now know where the 42 comes from. Good for you. Bonus points.
There are some more key milestones in my life since my birth where Jesus has transformed me. Here are some teasers.
One of nine children. I am third from the bottom and always introduced as someone’s brother.
In high school, I was a band geek, drama/musical/mime kid, and top candy fundraiser.
At 19, I physically circumnavigated the world in service to Jesus and learned how He is at work in many cultures. (This trip was by plane, bus, boat, and train, ask me about it!)
Married my high school sweetheart, Kelli. Not sure how I did that based on the second statement.
We have been blessed with 5 wonderful kids ages 3 to 20 (photo below minus our oldest who is already on his own.)
Got a degree in Computer Science Business Information Systems. That doesn’t sound like it would fit in the camping world but the knowledge and skills I gained have been an asset. More recently, I was able to obtain a Master’s degree in Organizational Management. This was even more helpful with the current demands of my position.
This coming summer, I will have spent half my summers of life at Tejas. I just finished my 20th summer with Tejas, for those who don’t like math.
In 2004, Kelli and I made a commitment to donate funds for the new Tejas pool. Having already served a few summers at Tejas, we knew the importance of this project and how it would attract more kids to camp and allow them to hear the gospel. We started to give monthly and that led to committing to serve at Tejas a few years later. It was God’s way of shaping our hearts by giving, that then led us to want to serve full time.
You might not have the same path as us. From personal experience I am telling you that giving financially to ministries you align with, will transform your heart. What are you investing in that has kingdom outcomes?
I challenge you to start giving monthly. I firmly believe that Jesus can transform your life through giving… sound familiar?
Thank you for listening to my heart and that is where the photo above comes in. I love writing notes to our donors and I want to get to know you and personally write to you as well. Give today.
-Paul
MINISTRY UPDATE (repeat from last week if you missed it)
Our mission is staying the same and yet people ask “What is next?” Here is a 30,000-foot view of the coming 9 months:
Complete the “Wash Barn” (Laundry Room) project
Hire 45 Jesus-loving, servant-hearted summer staff for 2022 (ages 16-25)
Begin the reshaping of the maintenance areas (Right now that is the view from our amazing dining hall and we need to change that up!)
Vision and planning for facility improvements that will help us serve our 500+ groups better and give space for indoor recreation when the weather doesn’t cooperate
Also, as we are still working through the difficulties presented due to COVID. Here are some immediate needs you can help with personally or through the connections you have:
We are in need of a couple of camp trucks. One for regular trash runs around the facility and another for our maintenance team to use to get to town and take tools to project sites
We have been remodeling our log cabins and could use some skilled hands installing exterior siding
The grounds have been low on the priority list during the last year and we could use help trimming trees, weeding flowerbeds, and taming the nature around the buildings
Painting building exteriors that are in need of some TLC
Installing new light switches and other minor electrical updates
Of course, there are many other things taking place that help to set the stage for Jesus to transform lives. If you are interested in hearing more, give me a call. I would love to share with you the vision that Jesus is giving Tejas and how you can be involved. I would love to plug you into the ministry in the way God has created you.
Thank you for your prayers and partnership with Tejas,
– Paul
Upcoming Events
Think of our special-themed weekends as a getaway with a purpose. We have created several themed weekends for you to experience. Come join us on one of these fun adventures to spend time together as a family!
