Hey gang! Usually every Monday, I try to offer some encouragement about worship. Well, today is going to be a bit different!
One thing that I love about our Bethel worship team is the fact that so
many of them are active and engaged in other ministries all around the
church. One of those people is Andrew Green. If Andrew's not on stage
playing piano, he can be found serving around the church, hanging out
with his small group or in church with he beautiful family.
But Andrew is also a part of unique "river trip ministry." I recently
interviewed Andrew about his experience in this cool trip that Bethel
dads take each year.
TODD: Tell us about the trip. Have you guys done a trip like this before?
ANDREW: It's
funny you ask that question. I have never been a "big" outdoors kind
of person. My idea of camping out has
always been the Holiday Inn. I was scared to death at the
thought of not having running water (except for the river outside the tent),
electricity or a refrigerator to have ice for my drinks.
But as I looked at my daughter (who was 10 at the time)
and could see the years slipping away, I swallowed hard and signed up
for the canoe trip.
There are so many blessings that come from this trip, but
first and foremost the Buffalo River Canoe trip is a ministry to provide fathers
with quality one-on-one time with their children. During the course
of the trip dads learn so much about the character of their children.
And on the same note, the child learns a great deal about the character of thier
dad.
TODD: Give us some specifics.
ANDREW: The boys trip will leave around 7am on Friday,
June 5th from the Bethel Parking lot. We will drive to the Hwy 14 bridge
in Arakansas and camp out the first night near the water. The next
morning we put into the river and travel approx 35 miles down the river over 3 days and take out in the White
River. We will return to Tyler around 5pm on Tuesday, June 9th.
The girls trip departs 7am on Tuesday, June 9th and returns around 5pm on
Saturday, June 13th. The deadline to
sign up for the trip is April 12, 2009.
TODD: What
sort of costs are involved?
ANDREW: The cost for the trip is $390.00 for each
dad/child canoe. This include transportation to and from the Buffalo
River, canoe rental, and most meals for the trip. You will need to be able
to pay for a couple of meals (going and coming) and lunch each day on the
river. The supplies needed for the trip are basic camping gear
(tent, sleeping bags, etc.) and (Approx 5) 5 gallon buckets with lids - to
keep the supplies and food dry. If you do not have some or all of the
supplies needed there are many families who have been on this trip in
the past and have gear your can borrow. Also, scholarships are available
for the trip. Please do not let cost keep you from
going.
TODD: What would you
say to parents who are considering signing up?
ANDREW: The
Buffalo River canoe trip is a great time for dad's to spend one-on-one time
with their sons/daughters. There are very few experiences today that
give you the kind of quality time with your child achieved from this trip.
Because you are traveling down a river with high canyon walls, cell phones, the
internet and electronics in general become do not work. When is the last
time you had 5 days one-on-one with your child without any electronic
interruptions. I think this is a small taste of what heaven will be
like.
One last comment, the
day my daughter and I returned from our first canoe trip, Abbie wanted
to make sure we were signed up to go again the next year. This trip has
become a very special connection between me and my daughter at a very
critical time in her life. I would not miss it for the world.....and
I don't think she would let me!
Thanks, Andrew! Your passion for this trip (and for the health of your family) is obvious!
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