Discipleship – A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
I remember the first time I heard this phrase explain what Discipleship is… It was probably after Eugene Peterson’s book came out that walks through Songs of Ascents from Psalms 120-134. Songs leading pilgrims to Jerusalem. Just like the life we live today, taking one step at a time, sometimes forward, sometimes backward, but eventually always towards our heavenly Father.
Reading Morgan’s account of a conversation with Charles Verheyden, reminded me of this phrase. We all live life day by day, but it is something else to look back and see the journey God has led us on. To see the ups and downs and the growth of ourselves and those around us. Each day, taking a step of faith.
I pray you are encouraged with Charles reflections of the 20+ years of service at Tejas and his desire to bring people to Jesus.
– Paul
“Let me tell you how great God is…” – A Moment with Morgan
Charles first heard about Tejas through attending a men’s conference in the mid 1980s. Flash forward and Charles is now leading that men’s conference as they continue to retreat at Tejas every year. After being around Tejas for quite some time, Charles was asked by previous director Billy Jones to serve on the board, and he agreed with “almost no hesitation at all.”
Charles said that he always enjoyed the ministry of Tejas specifically as a “rental camp”. He explained that because the exposure to specific campers is fairly limited, unlike a program/residential camp, Tejas has the unique opportunity to focus in heavily on the spiritual development of their full-time staff, summer staff, and interns. He says it is exciting to know that these individuals are the ones who will be impacted the most over a period of time by the influence of Tejas culture.
Going a step further, Charles said that Tejas is set apart form other rental camps because of the genuine desire to build relationships with churches and organizations and the people in them. He said, “It’s not a transactional business relationship, but a real desire to facilitate their organization and ministry.” He continued, “It’s a lot more than just renting it to a church and putting a cross on the front gate, our relationship with the people that we host goes much deeper.”
When talking about his personal impact at Tejas, Charles humbly explained that he thinks more about what Tejas has done for him than what he has contributed to Tejas.
He noted, “There are some things you do that get the sense you’re “working,” but my interactions at Tejas have been so fun it rarely ever feels like work.”
It is so refreshing to have people like Charles who are so invested in Tejas. Stay tuned for some exciting updates in the new year!
– Morgan Askey
Pool Update
We are getting the work done on the pool! All the leaks have been located and fixed. The plaster has been replaced. New pool lights. Pump house equipment is being udpated. The pool deck is being treated in the next couple of weeks and landscaping is being refreshed. We are still waiting on the new slide but progress is going well.
We are so thankful for the many families who have seen the importance of our pool. More than the amount needed, it is exciting to see people’s involvement and passion for creating a place where play can take place and the Gospel be presented. It is all about setting the stage for Jesus to transform lives.
We are very excited because when all the repairs and updates are made, it will feel like a brand new pool!
LEGOs… LEGOs… and more LEGOs
Check out this amazing creation by somone last week! I am so impressed with the creativity and ability to do our logo in LEGOs.
If you have been to Tejas recently, you might have noticed a LEGO bin in the dining hall. If you have LEGOs at home that are stored away and being neglected… let’s bring them to life! Would you donate them to Tejas and bring or mail them to us? Both kids and adults have so much fun using their God-given creativity to have fun together as a family.
Mail to: Tejas Lego Collection, 1038 PR 2191, Giddings, TX 78942
We’re Hiring!
Have you considered a career change and thought that serving at Tejas would be your dream job? Well, let’s talk about that! It is a great opportunity to be stretched, serve others and be in a vocation that sets the stage for Jesus to transform lives.
Facilities Team Member– Come join our team as one who loves to serve others and fix things! Serve both guests and staff in order to maximize the experience of the guest and the effectiveness of Tejas as a ministry. The function and appearance of facilities, including grounds, recreation, sleeping, conference, and dining space is created through sound construction practices and maintained through preventative and corrective tasks, resulting in a guest experience that is seamless. – Full Time
Guest Host – Highly relational and detail-oriented, ensuring each and every guest has a transforming experience at Tejas. This position comprises a flexible schedule of weekend, weekday, and evening on-call time. – Full Time
Men’s Conference
Join over three hundred men at Tejas for a life-changing weekend. The 2023 Central Texas Men’s Conference is happening February 3-5, 2023.
Upcoming Tejas Family 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!
