Wednesday, December 17, 2003.

I love Dorion Bible Camp. I have loved Dorion Bible Camp for a long time. In fact, when I skipped attending in 1973, it wasn’t because I didn’t want to go. It’s because I was moving up from the Intermediate age group and didn’t think I was spiritual enough for Teen Camp. I certainly now see that decision in a different light!!

I will always thank God for my friend, Perry Luyt, who invited me to return to camp with him the following year. As well, Perry invited me to join ISCF. Both these organizations have played a huge role in my spiritual growth and I like to think that I have given something back to both over the years.

This past Sunday at my church we were sharing what brings us joy and I told of the times I walk the field at Camp, either when it is empty and quiet or when it is filled with campers and staff, and the surge of emotion that sometimes catches me unawares. “This is good. This is really good. I really enjoy this. Thank you, God.”

But has it always been easy? Those of you who have served an entire summer at camp know how draining it can be, even if just physically. As well there is no one here in this room or elsewhere who has spent a significant time at camp who has not had differences with his or her fellow staff. It would be foolish of me to pretend that I have never offended or been offended by my co-workers throughout the years. Can these differences harm the camp? Again I doubt that any of us here or elsewhere who have spent much time at camp have not in some such way risked harming the camp - by what we have done or by what we have left undone. The former is easier to spot, but it may turn out that in the long run the latter is more significant.

Probably more than ten years ago, while I was at the Nipigon Husky with some friends, the waitress mentioned that she had never returned to camp, because, when there years before, she had been bumped on the teeter-totter and said, “Oh my God!” Apparently, I walked by, admonished her for her language and carried on. I failed to stop and take the time to see life from her point of view and I offended her. I learned from that embarrassing meal at Husky and I try to pass the lesson on to other staff when I see them correcting-in-passing or from a distance. However, it may even be that ironically I have unintentionally offended staff by correcting them on this very issue. Life can be an emotional minefield, especially during the hectic, sleep-deprived life of Camp. (See Appendix Six.)

In terms of an analysis of our current crisis, you will soon be reading Dr. ______’s report. I believe that he has understood correctly the underlying issues which gave rise to this state of affairs. In addition, I believe that his recommendations are wise and what DBCCC most needs at this point for the good of all and for the good of the ministry. Thus, I don’t wish to spend much time repeating what you will all be reading in a few days.

He does conclude that I am capable of performing my Programme Director duties at Dorion Bible Camp and therefore my Health Leave may conclude. Likely my physician’s report will reveal that I am physically healthy enough to return at this point as well. I am eager to return to work, as, over the last few months, in addition to my reflections of the past few years, I have new ideas I would like to consider with my co-workers. (See Appendix Five.)

In addition, I have been volunteering even more than usual with ISCF and would like to strengthen that link between the two organizations in an official capacity, especially as staff recruitment season picks up.

However, in brief, Dr. ______ does also reveal (accurately, I believe) that it is DBCCC (of which I am a part) that is to some degree unhealthy - in terms of certain processes and ways of relating over the last several years. It was my understanding that we had begun a procedure requested by this body in order to address these issues. Although the process has not been and certainly will not be fun, I am desirous of moving ahead with it. I am willing to submit to a plan that is fair to all. A large part of it will involve all parties working through ways we have offended one another. I am interested in pursuing that according to Dr. ______’s recommendations, in order to deal with differences with the parties involved, in a way that is satisfying to all, not only because it will help put our past behind us, but because it is the best path towards a healthy and productive future for DBCCC. (See Appendix One for the goals or agenda items I contributed in the initial meetings Dr. ______ facilitated with Charlie and with Keith.)

The intensity of this Spring’s crisis caught me by surprise, because I had believed that differences between my co-workers and me had either been dealt with already or I was not aware of them. Apparently I was mistaken and I believe that that is the correct explanation for the sudden escalation of emotions. As far as I knew and know I am on good terms with my former CSSM co-workers* for what it’s worth. But clearly there is a need to work at restoring communication with my current co-workers. That is Dr. ______’s recommendation and I believe it is the best plan.

While he was assessing my need for this Leave in mid-July, Rev. _______ told me that he believed that keeping me from work after December would be counter-productive. I believe this is correct, as DBCCC is beginning to gear up for Summer 2004 and I am eager to be involved in the shaping of 2004’s vision. I joined CSSM in ’87 to be DBC’s Programme Director. As you know, in 1998 I took over the Registration work from Elaine+Summer Registrar, and at first I thought the combination was a good fit. For a few years I succumbed to the martyr myth that the resulting long days were for the good of the ministry, even if overtaxing to me. I believe that the event of Aug. 17, 2002 was a message from my body that I had been mistaken. (See Appendix Two.)

Thus, as we begin to construct 2004’s programme, it would be best to involve my gifts and ideas sooner rather than later, with issues of the past or any that may arise being addressed in the ongoing mediation process recommended by Dr. ______. It would be foolish to imagine that we can just hang out and be buddies at this point, but as long as we all have good intent, I believe I can be reintegrated into specific tasks (such as Website updating and maintenance, specific programme preparations and, in the absence of an Admin. Ass’t, beginning the registration process, if necessary). Of course, my P.R./Followup/Recruitment relationship with ISCF would continue. (See Appendices Three and Four.)

Times for everyone associated with DBCCC have been challenging for the last few years. We face challenges in the days ahead as well. I believe that DBCCC is at a cross-roads. I believe in the vision of DBCCC and want to see us move into a bigger and brighter future and I am committed to being a part of that. I believe God in His sovereignty has used our current crisis to bring an outside party to us as a means of revealing weaknesses in our functioning and to point us in directions that are Biblically restorative. I believe that the benefits of following his recommendations will result in tangible benefits for DBCCC far beyond merely restoring me to work. Because of my love for Dorion Bible Camp, I urge you, because of your love for Dorion Bible Camp, to take full advantage of this God-given opportunity.

Thank you for your time.

* Hamblys, Pleaux, Tullochs, Mo, Miss Moyer, Elaine, Mark Stewart, Dave Marshall, Jansens, Jordans and Jameses.

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