It seems that the most aggravating time of my year is leaving for the summer. So many things pop up, so many concerns are thrown at me daily. I have learned over the years that what appears to be a mountain is really just, as Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “momentary light afflictions” and mine are nothing compared to what the people he was writing to were going through. Including, literally, the phone call I received while typing that last sentence that my cousin just died. Not to reduce the impact of her passing, and not that it was really done by the devil to just be a spiritual attack against me (as this was bigger than me), but however, it does seem that many little whirlwinds happen in our world when we are about to step out and do something in service for the Lord.
Some of the whirlwinds are, unfortunately, life stuff that is part of living in a broken world and yet some things end up being self-inflicted as well. Mostly myself getting aggravated over finances, or the work and discomfort it is taking to get there. With some it is a lack of knowledge of the unknown and the insecurities of facing them. Maybe it’s the realization of not knowing the people I will be serving with or the one’s I will be serving in the country I am going to and I am not qualified to do so.
Don’t fret, you're not the first one, as there have even been many great men and women in the bible who have rode the same rollercoaster ride and began to doubt what they were getting into. I can confidently say you're not even the only one who is feeling that way that is going on a Royal Servant’s trip this summer. Although Paul was writing to the Philippians in chapter 4 verse 13 of the letter written to them he just as well is speaking to us in God’s word when he said, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my right hand”.
Nothing, I mean nothing, gives us more encouragement than to know that God himself is working behind, before and through a thing that He has called us to. Know this: you will experience God this summer. You will make some really cool new friends –even if meeting new people seems difficult for you. You will be used to impact the world for Christ in whatever country you are going into.
God has called many people into a task He has designed for them to serve in. But He has never called anyone to something He has not been in the middle of. I believe God has a pretty good track record and, as a believer, I would rather be where God is working in and through me than anywhere else I am working without Him.
Be encouraged! God has this and He has amazing things planned for you.
Important Information
Training Camp Office
Royal Servants staff are currently at Training Camp preparing for the teams arrival! All financial support can continue to go to the Reign Ministries Headquarters in Minnesota. However, you can call the Royal Servants admin team at 608-408-3920. We are often running around the field, so if no one answers the phone, leave a message and we will call you back (or you can email us).
Missing Forms
If you still have forms to send in, please mail them asap to our Training Camp instead of our main office in Minneapolis.
Royal Servants Training Camp
W4797 State Road 33
Pardeeville, WI 53954
Training Camp Arrival Notes
I really encourage you to read through your entire Prep Packet, especially if you haven’t already. Make sure you are ready and know all that you need to for your trip this summer. Double check the Updated Mission Trip Schedule for arrival times and locations.
Students Only: If you are flying into Chicago, our staff will meet you in your baggage claim. We will be wearing Teal Royal Servants T-Shirts (we'll put a picture on Facebook when we have it). If you don't see them right away, just get your box and have a seat. We will be there in a minute. Please do not wander through the airport looking for us, let us find you. If worse comes to worse though, we'll have Staff stationed in baggage claim in Terminal 2.
Senior Staff, Nehemiah, Summer Staff: If you are flying into Chicago, please meet us at O'Hare International Airport, Terminal 2, Baggage Claim 2, at 2pm. Our staff will meet you there, be on the lookout for a bunch of people in Teal Royal Servants shirts.
Senior Staff, Summer Staff, and Nehemiah Travel Day Tip
For those Senior Staff, Summer Staff, and Nehemiah Team who will be flying into Chicago on your arrival day, we suggest that you pack some favorite snacks as well as have a bit of extra cash to buy food for your breakfast and lunch. We will be meeting at O’Hare at 2pm and will head straight to Training Camp where we will have dinner together that evening.
Email, Passwords, and More!
When logging into your email account overseas, the email provider will often ask you to verify or set-up additional security measures. Since this usually involves texting a cell phone, and you won't have one, you need to do this before you leave for the summer. Also, make sure that you have your parent's (and supporter's) email addresses too. You may even want to print those out, just in case you have to open a new email account overseas (sometimes other countries will shut down email accounts). I also suggest giving your parents your passwords so they can help access things for you (especially your ManagedMissions.com password). Finally, let your friends and family know about emailing you at Training Camp from June 8-29 using our Hilltop Express. You won’t be able to email them back from Training Camp, but it's always nice to receive a note.
Summer Communication & Trip Itineraries
Last week you should have received an email about summer communication and your Mission Trip Itineraries (and you should have received one in the mail by now). You can also view the itineraries on our website.
Training Camp Open House
On Saturday, June 29, families will have an opportunity to visit with their Students/Summer Staff. It’s going to be pretty low-key, but everyone (mom, dad, grandparents, siblings, pastors, etc.) is invited! We’ll set aside time on a busy day for you to hang out, see the camp, or have a picnic for a few hours. Please note that all participants will need to remain on site. We’ll cap off the time by asking you to join us in a time of worship and commissioning as teams begin final departure preparations later that evening.
Visitors are welcome on June 29, from 2:30-5:30 pm. While all Royal Servants will be eating dinner with their teams afterward, feel free to bring snacks and other good things to eat and drink! If you would like more comfortable seating than a camping stool, please bring lawn/camping chairs. If you plan to come, please RSVP by Wednesday, June 26th. Driving directions and the Training Camp address are found on the RSVP page above.
Final Payment
The final payment for Royal Servants is due by June 26th. Please see page 10 of your Prep Packet for more information.
Packing Tips
You are probably running around like crazy making sure you have everything you need for the summer. If you have any questions or need clarification on what to bring, please email your Trip Leader. They will be happy to help you out.