A Snowy Weekend at Teen Haven Camp

During a weekend retreat in January at Teen Haven Camp, the camp staff and I were preparing for the boys to arrive at camp. As I contemplated their arrival, and considered that it was going to be a smaller group of campers, and that there was a snowy forecast I wondered, “why did we not cancel the weekend?”

Shortly after, the boys arrived! As they sat down in the dining hall, I noticed one boy, Kory*, with his head down on the table. I asked him if he was alright. He acknowledged that he was ok. Yet, I noticed that he had tears in his eyes. So, I asked again.

This time, he filled in the details. He had just gotten 20 staples removed from his skull and was experiencing a headache. He told me that his brother had pushed him out of the car and he sustained a good gash on the side of his head. It was healed but still ached in the cold weather.

I looked at him and questioned his being here. He looked up at me and said, "Mr. Vin, I just had to be here. I just had to be here!" And again his eyes swelled with tears.

As the weekend went on Kory got into his routine, and it was apparent that he wasn’t as aware of the pain that he had shared about on Friday night. Saturday afternoon the kids went sledding but Kory did not have a hat. One of our interns, Willie Davis, came up to Kory and gave him his hat to wear. Kory had a blast and wore that hat all weekend.

Kory came up to one of the staff members and said, “I was able to go sledding because someone gave me a hat to wear to keep my head from hurting.” He shared, "That made my weekend." And as I heard his excitement and joy, I realized that this demonstration of compassion made my weekend also!

I realized that this weekend was worth it even for just for him. As Kory received something as simple as a hat, I believe it helped transfer the burden’s he carried before his arrival to camp, to an understanding of how loved he was!

Sunday before he boarded the bus, he came up to me and said, “I'd like to be a junior counselor one day.” I believe that he will be! As he spoke these words, I praised God for the privilege of seeing this hurting camper experience Christ’s hope and healing.

Only God can transform a broken situation like this and allow our campers to leave camp with this type of excitement to serve others and grow as leaders!

Vinny Mikusow, Field Director – Teen Haven Camp
*name changed

Refreshing Treats at Teen Haven Camp!

This Monday at Teen Haven Camp, Vinny Mikusow was waiting for the campers to arrive and praying for wisdom and discernment about the schedule of camp. On a week with such record breaking high temperatures he wanted to be creative about how to keep the campers cool, and refreshed, so that the boys could have a really positive time at camp. Just about this time... up pulls a vehicle that is literally brimming with food donations for the Camp. From fresh sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, pastries, and fruit to 6 gallons of ice cream!

I was , one of the people that happened to be praying for camp, and for God’s grace to guide the staff and camp counselors as they welcomed the 9-11 yr. old boys to camp! And if you know me well, you’ll know I happen to be a bit of an ice cream fanatic. This donor’s willingness to give so generously reflected God’s perfect timing to meet Vinny and the campers with a very real and tangible need. Afterall, what tastes better than ice cream on a really hot day??

As Vinny helped unload the donations, he watched as slowly the countertops of the kitchen were filled. One of the many delicious blessings of this donation was that the camp staff decided to use the ice cream to bless the campers with a surprise ice cream sundae party, to conclude one of their evening activities!

God's faithfulness, in using his people is a beautiful thing. In this story, he was answering Vinny's prayers before the campers even pulled in to camp.

Janae Dagen

Teen Haven Secretary

What happens when someone asks for a glass of water?

"Can I have a drink if water?"- It was Friday night and the young ladies were settling in from the long bus ride and drying off from a heavy down pour. I noticed a young lady sitting at a table hugging and talking to her grey teddy bear. I approached her to see if she was alright. As we talked she told me her name Vicky* (12). She also shared that this was her first time at camp and that her teddy bear was named Kelly. I realized that Vicky would need some additional support and tender care throughout the weekend - she found some words difficult to annunciate, her right eye was a bit crossed; but her gentleness, smile, humor and needs were gifts that erased any physical distraction or limitations.

Vicky looked up at me and asked for a glass of water. My response was immediate and we became friends. Natalie* (17) wasn't feeling well and asked for a cup of hot tea. My response was quick and I made another friend. As cabins were being assigned, Vicky and Natalie became cabin mates. As they were leaving for their cabin, I pulled Natalie aside and asked her to keep a caring eye on Vicky. She smiled and assured me that she would care for Vicky.

The following morning I made sure that Natalie had her hot cup of tea and got an update on Vicky. As the week end went on, where Vicky was, there was her friend Natalie. Saturday morning, during chapel, I spoke of the love and tenderness of Jesus. As I started speaking, Vicky raised her hand and asked for Kelly. She left her teddy bear in the cafeteria and felt lost without it. An intern immediately left to retrieve Vicky’s teddy bear. As Vicky sat there, I could not help but equate and relate to the warmth and security of being in the arms of Jesus to the relationship that existed between Vicky and her teddy. The Holy Spirit painted a beautiful picture of forgiveness and a need of a love relationship with the Father through His Son. As I related campers but especially Vicky was able to relate.

Saturday night we watched the Jesus movie and Vicky responded to the love of Jesus. She was first to respond by a raised hand to the call of salvation. Sunday morning we read and meditated on "Bless the Lord - Psalm 103". I gave the campers and interns an opportunity to give praise and to thank the Lord for something. The first to raise her hand was Vicky. There was a hush in the chapel as she clearly expressed her heart praise to her Lord. "I want to thank God for loving me. I thank God for having me come to camp. I like it here because everyone here loves me." That set the tone for waves of praises from the rest of the group.

To think, it all started with a glass of water. It reminded me of another lady who asked Jesus for water and received the same water that satisfied the soul and yielded eternal life.
The Lord is so good!

Blessings in Jesus.
- Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp Field Director
*names in this story have been changed

Girls' Weekend at Teen Haven Camp

Listen to some of the memories and encounters from the first weekend at Teen Haven Camp for Girls in 2010….

We shared in a weekend of fun - One specific highlight was on Saturday night at the PJ party, where the girls enjoyed a game called “Move It or Lose It.” Oddet Mears, the Philadelphia Girls Program Coordinator shared that, “The supervisors did a great job at running the activities at the PJ party. These leaders are growing up so fast, and are maturing into spiritual young women. As I observed the leaders and the campers it is amazing to see them growing up right before your eyes. I often I think, I remember when they came many years ago…but look at them now!!!!” At camp, leaders and first time campers have a dynamic opportunity to grow and develop together as they learn about themselves and encounter the beauty of camp, and presence of God sometimes for the very first time!

We shared in a weekend of transformation – Another highlight of the weekend was experienced on Saturday night, when the girls were able to view the Christmas Cantata celebration from Mt. Zion Baptist Church. This cantata was recorded during the weekend of the major snowstorm on December 18-20, when girls camp needed to be canceled. It was neat how even after the New Year has begun, this Christmas celebration still captured the hearts of the girls, and 4 young ladies came to the Lord at the conclusion of the play. In the words of Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp Field Director, “There is no cancelations of eternal things with the Lord.”

We shared in a weekend of personal growth and sharing - Nina Maldonado, the Lancaster Girls Program Coordinator, had countless opportunities to walk with many of the girls through the challenges and struggles that they needed support with. Each of these times of sharing and breakthrough, were answers to prayer! Nina also shared her highlight, and the joy she had watching one of the girls as she stepped up as, “a leader, a peacemaker, and an encourager!”

Please join us in praying that God would continue to guide and direct the hearts and identities of each of the girls, as they continue to learn and grow together. Pray that they would continue to remember their Identity in Christ and choose to live for Him!

New Beginnings at Teen Haven Camp

It was our first weekend of Teen Haven Camp in January. The temperature was 14 degrees and with the wind chill it felt like 0 degrees. As the kids huddled in the cafeteria and we started our orientation, one young man stood out: Javier* (age 12). Throughout the orientation it was nearly impossible for me to get even one word out, without him being disruptive. I realized that he was going to bring some challenges to our weekend. The next morning, I was told that Javier had to be moved to another cabin during his first night of camp (on Friday). I chatted with him and made clear his need to cooperate.

At that time I was introduced to Kendel* (age 9). He was also disruptive and had a serious problem with the “N” & “F” words. As we chatted I found that Kendel and Javier were first timers and lived together in the same foster home and that they were 2 of 5 young men, at camp, from the same foster home. It was at this point that the Lord placed a heavy burden on my heart for the foster parents of these 5 young men. I just couldn't get them off my mind all weekend.

Sunday morning, I was informed that Kendel provoked Javier at the pool table Saturday night and Javier proceed to beat Kendel up a bit before the counselors could intervene. Kendel wasn't hurt but I feared potential injury to other campers by Javier because of his temper. Mid-Sunday morning, Kendel was brought to me charged with threatening to hit another camper with a pool ball. After our meeting he confessed and apologized to all parties. I also spoke with Javier and shared that I needed to make a decision as to his future at camp and that I would pray about it and inform him and his parents of my decision. They both admitted to loving the camp and wanting to come back and pleaded to return to camp.

Sunday night, I started to write the letter of discipline to their family, but just couldn't piece it together. The staff agreed that Javier would need to be suspended for two months and Kendel warned and allowed back. I had it all before me but just couldn't put it together. I tried Monday and still could not. As I sat Tuesday trying again, the Lord directed me to call the foster parents and spend time with them heart to heart.

I did so and got Mrs. Smith* and her husband on the phone. She put the speaker phone on and we were able to carry on a three-way conversation. I shared with them about the challenges that emerged throughout the weekend. We chatted for a good amount of time and I was greatly blessed and encouraged by what the Lord was revealing and doing in the lives and ministry of these two precious people. They are Christians and have dedicated their lives to care for hurting and broken young people. They were extremely grateful for the phone call, our care, concern, love and desire to work together for the Lord and the sake of the kids. They agreed with the suspension for Javier because they felt like I did, that this would be the best way for him to learn. He has been with them for one year and at this point, they felt that he knows better. Kendel has been with them one month and has not yet understood the consequences of losing good things because of bad behavior. We agreed.

And then a special blessing, Mr. Smith* said, “Mr. Vin, you don't remember us but we remember you. We used to come on Family Retreat. We loved coming and never forgot those times. Thank you!” And then Mrs. Smith started naming generations of kids and families that attended and attend the camp. They were extremely thankful for our part in the lives of so many. Mrs. Smith ended our conversation by saying, “Mr. Vin, between the Lord, our church, me and my husband and Teen Haven, my children are blessed beyond measure. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! God bless you!!

I can see now why I had such a hard time putting a letter together. In the midst of our heart to heart was the heart of our Jesus. We certainly sensed that from start to finish and even now. };-) Thank you Lord!

Vinny Mikusow • Field Director at Teen Haven Camp
*Name changed throughout entry

Diana shares her testimony from Teen Haven

These last two years at Teen Haven have been the most fulfilling of my life. I remember back when I started volunteering there, almost two years to the date, and Pastor Jose Jimenez asked me one day if I could sweep the pool room and begin setting up for the after school program that was taking place that day, Torch. The program was for elementary school aged children from 3rd-5th grade. When he asked me this I thought “what, does he know how old I am why can’t I do something more important?” I quickly repented and remembered, “He who is faithful with little will be blessed with much”. It was hard at times, humbling, but God remained faithful in spite of my negative and prideful mindsets. He continued to lovingly rebuke me and remind me why I volunteered there and why it was so important for me to serve in such a way, my love for Him and the ministry. The kids I was able to meet and minister to made it more worth the long hours and the not so glamorous duties. Their hearts, smiles and testimonies really impacted me. This and just the simple reminder that God is faithful to those who remain faithful and that whatever I did no matter how small, my reward was being stored up in heaven. This gave me the drive that I needed to minister, to serve, to submit and do whatever small and/or great thing I was asked to do.

After a year and half of serving and wondering if should remain there, God opened the door for me to become a paid intern at our Teen Haven campsite on girl weekends; this was an answer to my long awaited prayer. Being an adult and having to go to school fulltime and work was not always easy and often took me away from Teen Haven, my favorite place on earth. How amazing and wonderful, what a blessing! As the school year ended I was remembered again by our Heavenly Father and was offered a full time position there as a summer intern, after some prayer and some meeting with my church leaders I took the position, what a summer it was and just on time. Going back and forth to camp, serving at different churches throughout the city and having day camp programs was satisfying and exhausting at times but God remained faithful. Now the summer is over and God has blessed me with a new job at George Washington Elementary School as an Outreach Paraprofessional. This job will give me an opportunity to work with families in that neighborhood and help them get connected in the school and community, possibly Teen Haven. A major part of my job is being able to work as a team member and also being able to bring my strengths to the table to help equip the team and better serve our community something that Teen Haven really focused on this summer.

Now God has blessed me with much because I was faithful with the little. There were definitely times when I doubted that I should remain at Teen Haven and others when I did not want to serve. I even prayed if I should take the position at Teen Haven, isn’t that so much like the human nature, praying for so long for an opportunity and then when God gives it to us, we pray and ask God if this is really Him, thank God for His grace, patience and faithfulness. I am so thankful to all the staff at Teen Haven, everyone has blessed my heart and affected me in such a way that I cannot describe in words. Continue to remain faithful and God will bless you. Your treasures are being stored up in heaven for the sweat, tears, long hours, and torn ligaments, I love you Angel.

Blessed and Highly Favored,
Diana Serrano

Teen Haven Camp: Testimonies & Transformation

Throughout the summer, there have been hundreds of urban youth who have spent one week encountering the beauty of God’s creation and serenity at Teen Haven Camp. Tomorrow will be the final day of camp for summer 2009. Please join us in praying for lasting change in the hearts and young lives of the campers. Pray that God would remind them that THEY ARE STRONGER IN HIM alone. Also, pray that they would know and experience God’s continuing mercy and peace, and remember that He desires to walk with them through all challenges they may experience.

Below is a specific testimony of the transformation that impacted the life of a young girl at Teen Haven Camp…

From the start of the week, she made known that she did not want to be at camp. She wasn’t a troubling child. She wept and would not take part in some activities and insisted on going home.

I spoke to her and asked what she did while at home. “I watch T.V. and like to read books a lot.” I encouraged her to stay away from the T.V and to continue reading. I also reminded her of the importance of being very selective in reading “good stuff”. At that point, out of the blue, she asked me for a Bible. I said on one condition, “You read it through once!” She smiled and agreed. I told her to remind me Friday before she left for home.

She came up to me on Friday and reminded me of our agreement. I gave her a brand new Bible. She embraced it and smiled. I reminded her of her promise. She smiled and said, “I will! Thank you.” Some plant, some water but the Lord gives the increase. Praise Him!

- Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp Field Director

Campers Encountering Christ

In the midst of challenges experienced at Teen Haven Camp, God is impacting the lives of urban youth. His grace sometimes even uses personal areas of brokenness and weakness, in the young campers, to reflect his love even more fully!

During a recent wagon ride, a young boy attending Teen Haven Camp shouted profane words to a lady walking her dog. That evening, her husband called and voiced his anger and displeasure towards the young man and us.

We took the necessary corrective action for his harsh words, and he took the rest of the week to take inventory of his actions, the consequences and the pain caused by his words. What he realized even more was his need for someone that could help him in this area. Thursday he found that One. He accepted the Lord as his Savior and made things right with all of us.

My concern was for making things right with the lady and her husband. I prayed and asked the Lord to reveal these folks. On Friday morning, I took the guys out for a wagon ride and told the guys to look for a dog that would resemble the one the lady was walking. Just as we thought the cause was lost, a young man spotted the dog and pointed to a house.

That evening I visited the house and met the lady and her husband. I expressed my apology and asked for forgiveness. They shrugged it off as typical for kids in today’s society. I told them how the Lord used all this to instruct the young man and help him realize the pain of such words but most importantly that he found his cure in Jesus. He got saved Thursday night and expressed a heart of restitution. He apologized for his actions to all and included them in this apology. They were both very moved and expressed a joy in hearing this turn of events. They thank me for sharing with them the rest of the story. In all things He is to be glorified. He was! };-))

- Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp Field Director

Salvation Stories Shared from Teen Haven Camp

1 Peter 4:10-11
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

The following stories reveal how the grace of God is equipping and strengthening many urban girls during their experiences at Teen Haven Camp during a recent week of summer camp:

During breakfast one girl approached Vinny, the Teen Haven Field director, and showed him the wrist bracelet she was wearing. It was designed to reflect the wordless book. The Gospel explained in color. And with little charms that symbolized the cross, heaven, heart, etc, she explained that she received that bracelet two summers ago and with that she also received a spiritual birth certificate. She shared that her mother insisted that she keep it in good shape, only wearing it on special occasions and to camp, a reminder to her of that special day. She mentioned that one charm got lost. Gina, a staff member of Teen Haven, was the one that made these bracelets and still had left over charms. She came up with the missing charm, the heart. We couldn't help but take photo. A smile, radiant and priceless. In rest and returning! The Lord leaves His fingerprint! (Her story is also captured on the Teen Haven video that WJTL filmed, and which is posted on the previous blog)

Another girl, injured her toe in the pool Tuesday, and went to the hospital Wednesday to make sure that everything was alright. During this time the staff had a wonderful opportunity to share the love of Christ, one-on-one with her. Then on Thursday we found out that she had a slight fracture in her toe. Through this time we were able to minister to her physical needs, and on Thursday she accepted the Lord as her Savior. Made whole and STRONGER in Him!

Recently at Teen Haven Camp there were 35 young ladies who came for the week, and 20 in this group were first timers to camp. Praise God for his transformation in the lives of 18 girls who made decisions to know the Lord – and were made STRONG in HIM!!! 13 girls who accepted Christ were attending Teen Haven Camp for the very first time.

Please pray that God would continue to allow these girls to step out with a renewed identity as His chosen daughters, and that they would use the gifts He’s given them to glorify Him.

Teen Haven Camp

Teen Haven Camp is a ministry located in Brogue, PA that welcomes urban youth from Lancaster, York, and Philadelphia. Check out the video below to hear testimonies of: Teen Haven campers, counselors, and staff as each person shares a glimpse into the experiences they’ve had as a part of Teen Haven Camp.



This video was filmed by WJTL.

Urban Youth involved at Teen Haven York

Alex Mikusow is the Field Director of Teen Haven in York. Here, he shares a little bit about what God has been doing in the lives of the urban youth who are connected to the ministry of Teen Haven:

Several weeks ago, at our first week of summer camp, we had 5 boys from York city make decisions to accept Christ. Three of them were in one cabin. The Jesus film helped the boys see for themselves what Jesus Christ went thru from them. Yesterday, we had Bible study for these boys and 4 out of the 5 attended. It is amazing how much they don't know about the Word of God, as we continue to teach through the Word of God.

The involvement of youth in York continues outside of camp too! Recently we partnered with a local church to put on a Youth Rally in the city. Over 20 teens from the church joined with me and several of our Teen Haven teen leaders to host the event. Together we passed out over 800 flyers to the local community, and many children, teens and families came out for the events. Later that same week, we had another outreach at Bantz Park on the west side of the city.

Please pray for our outreach ministries, so we can reach these young people for Christ and continue to be salt and Light to them and their families.

Alex Mikusow, Teen Haven

Teen Haven Summer Camp 2009 - Has Begun!

The first week of Teen Haven Summer Camp was on July 22-26 - here are some details from the week:

There were 20 young men (Ages 9-11 yrs) - many broken hearts, broken spirits and scarred bodies. There were 7 who had never been to Teen Haven Camp before, of which 4 came to the Lord. During the week, 11 youth made decisions to accept the Lord, and each were issued birth certificates with their names signed by the interns, and had their picture taken. At the end of the summer the certificates will be mailed to every youth who came to the Lord this summer. This will be a beautiful reminder of their decisions this summer.

God worked powerfully throughout the week, in the hearts of the youth. Here are some stories...

- One boy, sat in front of the chapel attentively. The Lord was really dealing with his heart. Thursday right before dinner he came up to me and said, "Mr. Vin, when I was in the pool, I just couldn't stop thinking about Jesus. You know, I decided to sacrifice my life to Him."What a wonderful way to describe salvation.

- Another youth’s cabin won the quiz down word game. The winning cabin earns a pizza. As the cabin was partaking in the pizza, he sat with head down weeping. When approached, he shared something very special. He lifted up his head and said, "I can't eat this pizza. It's not fair to the others that didn't win. Why can't they all share in the pizza? The entire cabin stopped and marvel at this young man's compassion for the others. His gentle spirit blessed our hearts.

- Finally, before the campers went home, each one got a blue T-shirt with the camp theme “I AM STRONGER IN HIM,” written on the front. As the campers left on Friday morning, they all had their shirts on, and it looked like a wave of blue shirts, heading out to Philadelphia and York. Pray that the youth will continue to step out with the knowledge that they are STRONG IN HIM.

- Vinny Mikusow, Field Director, Teen Haven Camp

Illuminate 2009 - RECAP

Here are some pictures along with quotes of attendees from Teen Haven's Spring Leadership Conference, ILLUMINATE 2009. Listen as each reflects on how the conference impacted and challenged them to grow in their leadership roles.


We learned WHO is THE LIGHT…

“The candle light service made me realize that the source of my light, and strength of it comes from the Lord, not me.”

I learned, “to be in the light and to be at the feet of Jesus always, no matter what.”

We learned to WALK in THE LIGHT…

As a leader I need, “to be able to look to the Lord for guidance when making decisions as a leader.”

“It helped me because I got to talk to some older people who helped me learn and grow as a leader.”

“I learned that I can’t let fear stop me from fulfilling my purpose.”

“I learned that those who I am leading are watching me. I need to live as Christ.”

This weekend, “motivated, broke me, molded me, and fixed me in the process. Amen.”

“It made me realize I have to be a follower (of Him) to be a leader.”

“I cannot be, I should not be, like the lone ranger. I should be a committed member of my church home to bring more light.”

We learned to CARRY THE LIGHT…

“Helped me to be a servant. As a light I need to stick out and help others, and be a light no matter what.”

“Be the light in my city, my school, anywhere.”

“I am the light of the world through Jesus”

“It’s helped me face the darkness around me, at home, in my neighborhood and with others with a different perspective.”

I learned, “to let my light shine; forgiveness; and to focus more on God.”

“Learned that leading is more than just “leading” it’s your lifestyle, your actions, your words. It also helped encourage me to step up and lead more.”

Prayers were a powerful tool that impacted many during this conference. Thank you to all who prayed and invested in the lives of these young leaders through your support.

Teen Haven theme for Summer Camp 2009

Teen Haven Summer Camp is only 2 weeks away. So, there is much excitement in the air as details and plans come together in preparation for the hundreds of youth that will attend camp.

This summer, the camp messages will be centered on this theme...

As I’ve pondered the relevance of this message of how our strength is from Him, I believe it has incredible potential to impact the youth attending camp. God’s calling has the ability to cause the youth to step up their faith to a new level of endurance; empowering them to become strengthened, stretched, and equipped for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Psalm 68:35 (New International Version)
You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power and STRENGTH to his people.
Praise be to God!

Join me in praying that as youth prepare to meet with God, this summer….

- That in the woodsy sanctuary they would experience peace, solitude and the beauty of nature,

- and that through the crazy games, sports, gym and camp activities,

- along with times of sharing and accountability during chapel, cabin devotions, campfire chats and Bible studies

… That the awesome presence of God would reveal itself to each camper, and that they would feel God’s saving grace, acceptance, and unconditional love – each which invites them to be strengthened in Him!

As I lift this prayer up for the youth, my hope is that I too will never get satisfied in my walk with God. It’s exciting that I have the privilege to go to His sanctuary (at home, at work, or anywhere)… but only IF I CHOOSE TO LISTEN for the calling of God, which urges me to become stronger, in Him alone. It’s through those “ah-ha” moments of peace, and surrender that as we put our trust in him, I believe he’ll speak to us a new challenge –to overcome obstacles, and to become stronger, as we journey with Him.

Janae Dagen – Teen Haven Secretary

Lives changed through Teen Haven Camp

In the letter below, we hear the excitement of Chanea, a Teen Haven alumni, as she shares how through her involvement at Teen Haven, God impacted her perspectives and calling for the future. Listen, as she shares her gratitude in the letter below to Vinny Mikusow, the Field Director at Teen Haven Camp...

Hey Vinny,

I just wanted to say how honored I am to have worked with you all these years! I have learned so much from this ministry and from you. I didn't grow up with my father, so I was never taught what to look for in a man.

I remember at camp one weekend years ago, you spoke about what to look for in a man. Your sermon was basically on Godly men. You brought up two men, Boaz, and Joseph (Mary's Husband). It was that sermon that got me thinking on what it is I look for in a man that the Lord might have for me. My standards for guys became high. I knew I wanted a godly man, because I wanted something better for myself. I wanted to please God with my relationship when I got into one. Even now my standards are still set in stone. I have watched so many healthy marriages, and it has helped me know what I want.

I know I want to please God in all I do. I want to be so indwelt with Christ that I see no man, until He (Christ) lays him before me. It’s hard, but I know I have to have faith and trust in God no matter what. I said a prayer to God recently. I prayed, "Lord, I give you my heart, because you take care of it far better than I do. You protect it as if it were the rarest jewel. Since you have my heart, that means I can’t just give it to any man. When it’s time, you will give my heart to the one you will have for me. Amen."

It took a while for me to totally get to this point. I’ve waited so long, and it seems like everyone is getting married. Yes, I long to be married.

I wanted to thank you for being my spiritual father. I know I don't get to see you often, or always talk to you, but you’re always there ready to listen. Each time I talk to you, my respect for you just goes up. I have the highest respect for you. You’re an honest, devoted man of God. The lifestyle I chose to live was one to honor God but also because I was taught how to be a woman of God from you and Ms. Oddet. So thank you again for everything, all the encouragements, and talks.

Love,
Chanea - Teen Haven alumni

Please pray...Teen Haven Leadership Conference

On Friday, May 29, through Sunday, May 31, Over 70 teens (Teen Haven youth along with youth and leaders from local churches) will join together at Teen Haven Camp for ILLUMINATE 2009. This weekend is Teen Haven's Spring Leadership Conference and participants will be able to be challenged and encouraged to grow as leaders through workshops, fellowship & worship. The focus of the conference will be on these three topics:
- Who is THE LIGHT?
- Walk in THE LIGHT
- Carry the LIGHT

Will you join us in prayer as we lift up the workshop speakers, youth, and staff involved in Teen Haven's Spring Leadership Conference?

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful LIGHT.”

As I've been thinking about the concept of "Illuminate", I believe that God’s eternal light desires to ignite, illuminate even, each of our lives with a flame of hope and healing for the brokenness inside us and around us. When we choose to follow His calling I think we too can allow this light of life to beam inside of us… May we respond as God’s chosen ones and through His love… become a holy nation, and step up as ambassadors of praise to the darkness. And may we surround these young leaders with prayer as they desire to encounter the eternal LIGHT during ILLUMINATE 2009.

- Janae L. Dagen, Teen Haven Secretary

Photo, above, of Youth Leader's enjoying some down time at Teen Haven's Spring Leadership Conference 2008

Two birthdays (for one girl) at camp

Last weekend at Teen Haven Camp eleven young ladies came to the Lord, six of these ladies had made first-time decisions to accept Christ.

Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp Director shares the following story of how God’s grace was at work in the midst of this weekend.

“It was Friday night and the young ladies started settling in the cafeteria. As they shuffle in, one young lady stood out dramatically. Her right eye was partially shut and discolored. On her forehead was a huge lump, covered with gauze and tape. As we talked, Talia* informed me that a car hit her on Thursday.

I was taken back when Oddet called me over and shared a note from her mother. I was amazed, as I read the following.

To whom it May Concern:
Talia was hit by a car on Thursday 4/2/09. A doctor at the emergency room saw her and she is fine. The bruise over her right eye is from the accident and it is okay. She does not need any medication for it. She is to keep the bandage clean and dry. If you have any questions feel free to call me.
Thanks

I went back to Talia and asked her to fill me in on the details of the accident. She looked
at me with a smile, squinting, and said, “ I was crossing the street when a car hit me. When it hit me, it made me hit another car with my head.” She then smiled and said, “Today is my birthday.” I wished a happy birthday and off she went.

We kept a close eye on her all weekend. Talia turned out be a spunky and energetic young lady. Sunday morning we presented her with a birthday present and sang Happy Birthday to her.

There was a double blessing as we sang to her. Talia was celebrating two birthdays.
The One that spared her life Thursday presented her with eternal life on Saturday.
Happy Easter Talia!”

-Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp Director

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 18:10

*name changed

"Working" in Youth Ministry or "Living" Youth Ministry?

In this world work is a daily routine. Get up, brush teen, get dressed, go to work, do the work, and come home. Except, for a youth worker, work doesn’t work that way. Sometimes that sounds good. Sometimes I want a regular 9 to 5 shift and sometimes I would rather talk to my dog than talk on my cell phone.

So why do I come to work every day?

Sheena came to Teen Haven Camp on August 4th confessing to believe in the devil because all she’s been exposed to was evil, but not in God. She’d been physically, mentally and sexually abused. Though, at first sight, she appeared to be sweet on the outside, inside she was a time bomb on its last tick full of anger and rage. Her belief system was a challenge for all of us. The big question in our minds was, “What would Jesus do?” As counselors, we talked about what the best ways to minister to her would be, we prayed for her, but the best thing was to let God be God and trust that He would reveal Himself.

After a week full of tears, frustration, and doubt Sheena came knocking at my cabin on Thursday night. She came in and asked if I was busy. The following conversation was one of the most amazing ones I’ve ever had. She began by saying, “I think I know what my purpose is. I think God wants to use me to bring my family back together.” My jaw wanted to drop to the floor! Not long after, she made her official confession of faith and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior!!!

This youth worker business isn’t really an option for me. Jesus doesn’t clock in at 9 and clock out at 5 so He is the reason that I come to work. The fruit of my labor is Sheena. So how does being a youth worker work? It works when it isn’t called work. It works when it’s called life.

-Nina Maldonado, Teen Haven

More staff thoughts...

Why I like working here:

It's a joy to work here at WSRM because everyone appreciates each other and to know that I am a part of God's mission here, even though a small part. I see God's kingdom here. Praise be Jesus!
-Bill Killian, IT

Seeing women reach their goals - school/work/their own place - and stay sober. And to see their excitement.
- Elaine Hostetter, Women's Ministry

Every new day the Lord continues to reveal Himself, His provisions and His ways. When there is a need for the camp it is great to see how and through what means the Lord will provide. He is always faithful! For example: we needed hamburger and so we prayed that the Lord would provide. The day we got it our freezer broke down as well, but within an hour He met that need as well and we had a new freezer full of fresh hamburger!
-Gina Frey, Teen Haven Camp

What has God taught me recently:

Matt 8:28 - the value of one person is worth more than the economy of a town.
- Jason Breckbill, IT

Keeping my word to a father in Heaven...

It was three years ago. Daniel Rhodan (a teen intern) visited the hospital with a minor injury and I was able to chat with his dad. As we ended our conversation he commented, “Thank you for taking care of and loving my kids. Keep an eye on them for me.”

Three months later Daniel's dad died of a heart attack. He left behind a wife, three boys and two girls (ages 6-15). Daniel (15) took on the responsibility of being the head of the household. The adjustment was extremely difficult and painful, and in the midst of that a minor conflict over Daniel's role in our programs become a significant breakdown. Although we maintained some contact with the family, we did not really see them for about three years.

Two months ago we reconnected. The family expressed a desire to reconnect with Teen Haven, and Daniel (19) and James (17) returned to serve (initially as volunteers and eventually as interns) and brought their brother Joel (11) as a camper. Last month Jasmine (15) returned also to serve as volunteer junior counselor.

A couple of Sundays ago, just as the bus was to leave, a young lady (9 yrs old) came seeking my help. She wanted me to retrieve her pink sweater, lying in the middle of the baseball field. I told her to get in the golf cart and we went for a ride she would not forget. As we bounced and made our way, she laughed and giggled. She scooped up her sweater and we headed back to the bus. As we scurried. I asked her name; she smiled and said, “Diamond”. I kidded her about her name and she smiled and boldly said, "My name is Diamond Rhodan." and from that moment on our conversation centered on the wonderful memories of her daddy and what he meant to both of us.

As the bus left, I sensed heaven open a window and a smile on a daddy’s face.

Keeping my word to a father in heaven.
And a special reminder from our heavenly Father.

Thank you Lord.

-Vinny Mikusow, Teen Haven Camp