Hey Loggers, Caleb Detweiler (LOG #88) and Chloe Hanstra (LOG #76) here! We spent the summer working with an amazing ministry group this summer and we wanted to talk a bit about it with all of you! Earlier this year, we applied to A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP), which sends college-aged students to national parks throughout the country to organize and facilitate worship services for visitors, employees, and residents of the park. We were both placed in Grand Teton National Park. After being placed at this park, we applied for jobs within Colter Bay Village.
Caleb worked at the campground here as a campground attendant. He checked people into their campsites, cleaned fire pits, and drove around the campground looking for bear attractants. He loved his job and getting to meet people from all over the world and working with really cool people.
“I really enjoy being given the opportunity to do relational ministry with people who may have never heard of God. It is really cool to see how God works in their lives, revealing truth, giving them joy, and revealing his love to them. I thank everyone at my participant weekend as well as all of the other weekends I was a part of for first showing me the Love that God has given us. I have taken that with me and do my best to show everyone love out here. It is so amazing to be reminded of God’s creation with every turn you take, whether you see the mountains, the birds, or even the blades of grass blowing in the wind. It is so reassuring to know that we have a God that rules over us who has given us so much to enjoy and discover in his creation. So far, this has been one of the hardest summers for me, but also most rewarding summers. I am excited to see how God moves through me and through the people I and the rest of the team interact with the remaining time we have here in the park.” - Caleb
Chloe worked as a housekeeping inspector, making sure the cabins at Colter Bay are ready for guests to move in when the housekeepers are done cleaning them. Although the work isn’t the most fun, she loved working with her fellow housekeepers from all around the world, including Romania, Slovenia, China, Taiwan, Bulgaria, and Jamaica.
“Spending an entire summer in a National Park has given me a lot of time to just sit in God’s creation, read his Word, and learn more about Him. Throughout this summer, I have realized the importance of leaning on and relying on God, because He is my only true constant in life. He is always there, always listening, and always loving. One of the great things about this ministry and my summer thus far has been that the focus isn’t just on helping others with their relationship with God, but also on strengthening my own. Because I am held accountable by other team members to keep my focus on God throughout the summer, I have been able to build up my love for God and my knowledge of His Word while helping others do the same. This summer has really helped me grow both in my faith and as a person and I can’t tell you enough how much I enjoy my time out here.” - Chloe
Maybe you could do this next summer. Check out www.acmnp.com for more info.