The Brock Family

I’m on vacation! I’ve eaten multiple homemade Christmas cookies (no, I won’t tell you how many). I have had at least one cup of coffee, and I don’t have to put on my name tag for 3 weeks (anyone who has worked at camp knows that’s a big deal). Sooooo….

That means I have time and energy to write.

The real question is…do you have time and energy to read? Probably not…but you’re here anyways so ONWARD!

I have incredible news! Like, knock your Christmas socks off kind of news. But out of fear of losing your undivided attention, I’m going to use the oldest trick in the book (what book? No one knows, but everyone seems to reference it).

I’m saving this inconceivable information for last. So, deal with it…and don’t skip ahead. I said don’t skip ahead….there you go…scroll on back and slow down. I’ve got other stuff worth hearing so calm down.

Are you calm? Good.

Are you curious? Even better.

At the end of summer, Ember and Atticus had the unique opportunity to go to China and spend time with one of Ember’s friends who spent many years as a foreign exchange student with Ember’s family. Here’s some pictures so you don’t get bored.

After the China trip, we had a Dutch Blitz Tournament with the Youth Group at our house. I didn’t win. There’s not much else you need to know…oh…and the teens and their parents seemed to have a good time.

After China and Dutch Blitz things got a little less exciting, but just as busy. Ember took on new responsibilities in the Business Office. Despite the extra work and extra hours, Ember has loved bookkeeping here at Ironwood. She has been in a couple of different job areas here at camp, but this one has clearly been her favorite. I’m excited to see how God uses her talent with numbers in the future!

Big things have been happening in Atticus and Odyssey’s life. Atticus started Kindergarten this September. He wasn’t thrilled at first, but he’s slowly grown to love school. Odyssey turned three and she is thrilled to be three.

Now for the exciting news…Oh wait. I almost forgot about the stuff I’ve been working on. Four things worth mentioning then I’ll get to the thing you’ve been waiting for.

1. Radio – No Ironwood is not starting a radio station (though I like the idea), but we are installing a GMRS repeater. I can already hear you asking what that is. It’s basically a giant walkie talkie that unites a group of walkie talkies (anyone who knows anything about GMRS and HAM knows this is a terrible explanation, but it’s my update so deal with it). “But we have cell phones. Why do we need radios?” Great question. Simple answer: radios are great for instant communication to multiple people independent of cell towers and WiFi. Not convinced? Just ask someone from our operations team at Ironwood…they’ll explain.

2. Bible Comes Alive – Every December, Ironwood hosts a retreat for teens who want to spend their life doing ministry called Ministry Outfitters. I had the opportunity to teach a session where we bring the Bible to life. I taught through the temptations of Jesus in Luke 4:1-13. We went into the wilderness. Learned how Jesus resisted temptations. Gave all the teens snacks and drinks. Sent them into the wilderness to consider the various temptations they face in life and told them they couldn’t eat any of the snacks or drinks they brought with them. Nothing like staring at soda can you’re not allowed to drink from to remind you that life is full of things we want, but can’t have.

3. Weekly Updates – We started a new series on Ironwood’s social media called “Ironwood Weekly Updates.” I could tell you about them…or you can just watch these videos (there’s more than two…but I figured two was enough to give you the idea):

4. Growing Fathers Podcast – We are on Episode 36 of the Growing Fathers Podcast! Almost a whole year of posting weekly. Here’s a link to the latest episode that just so happens to be a topic I’m really excited about.

OK! You did it! Now for the unbelievable, incomparable, out of this world news.

At our last custom Men’s Retreat, four men repented of their sins and believed in Jesus! Four salvations in one night!

Does it get any better than that?!? Nothing beats God transforming lives.

When you get front row seats to lives transformed then 1 Thess. 3:7 starts to make more sense.

for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 

There’s more I wish I could tell you, but this update is already longer than it should be. Here’s a pile of pictures if you’re interested.

Oh! If you could pray for three things:

1. That we can raise the final 30% of our support.
2. That Odyssey would believe in Jesus.
3. That Ember’s new responsibility in the Business Office would go well.

Now for the pile of pictures.

Oh! This last video was one of my favorites from Fall.

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