Monday, December 8, 2014

If only we could have no vicissitudes!


If only we could have no vicissitudes!

What in the world is a vicissitude?   Jay Adams writes in his book The Christian Counselor's Manual that "Change, then, is necessary (we all need to change to be conformed to the image of Christ)*, but change is hard.  One of the major reasons why Christians founder is because they are either unwilling to make changes or do not know how to make the changes that God requires of them in order to meet the vicissitudes of life".  A web dictionary describes the word like this, "a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant."

Canadian Adventure is being forced to make changes.  Circumstances beyond our control are making us change.  As Adams points out, change is hard.  Some live their lives avoiding change at all cost.  We are faced with the fact that if we don't change we will probably not exist as a ministry.

We are going to change by shortening our camping season this year for a couple of reasons.  First, our gas supply is being cut off.  We will have to travel farther to get gas which gives us a reason to need less gas.  Second, we don't believe we will get work permits for our staff this year due to changes in the Canadian work permit system.
Without our usual staff we will depend more on volunteers to help us meet the needs of our guests. 

So one might ask, how can these changes be good?  Great question!  A shorter season will give us reason and the energy to make sure that every aspect of each Adventure is of the highest quality!  More will get a chance to serve alongside us and experience the joy of giving one's time to the King for His purposes.  We also believe that there are other ministries that can use the CA facilities when we are not to enhance their programming which will expand the reach of CA.

I wonder when the last time was that you asked God if there were areas that you need to change?  Have you lived with things in your heart that if not changed will cause a vicissitude moment for you?  Is there a better place than along a rushing stream or overlooking miles of wilderness to ponder these questions?  Will you ponder these questions if you don't break away from your busy life to intentionally do it?

We need to change Canadian Adventure so that people can keep asking themselves and God what needs to change in their lives to better conform them to the image of Christ. 

Want to help us in our time of change? Here are some ways you can help.
1.     Volunteer for a week or two this summer.
2.     Bring a group to Experience CA.
3.     Go to our website and make a donation to help others experience CA.
4.     Forward this post to someone who you think would benefit from a group outing and let me know so I can contact them.

You can always reach me at steve.tice@canadianadventurecamp or 715.216.2819.

* Emphasis and commentary added