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My first experience with MSO was in 1992 as a Junior Counselor (that’s me in the picture above in 1992). Dave Lewendowski asked me to be a junior counselor and I could not wait.

I had heard from friends, how fun camp was-from the fishing, canoeing, white water rafting, gold mining, horseback riding, Lake Alpine, and the infamous hole in the bottom of the sea.

I can still remember the drive up to camp; well some of it. I do remember the first time I went canoeing! The white water rafting trip was my most memorable experience in ’92. I loved when our guides allowed us to jump in the rapids and float down the river. I felt as if I could conquer the world.

The first time I experienced Mike Schaefer’s testimony as a teenager was powerful. He captivated the camp with his surreal stories. You felt a connection to this man that you could ascertain. Being an inner city kid and growing up without a father I felt Mike understood. Mike had a way of disarming even the toughest person. Mike’s testimony was amazing!

I thought: If Mike could make it, I could make it. For several years, when Mike would speak, I would scan the campfire of young warriors to see the faces of the kids. I would especially pay attention to the harder kids in the group. They were always laser-focused. I loved it.

I often ask myself “why do I keep coming back”? One main reason is to honor Mike Schaefer’s dream and honor the man I knew him to be.

My second reason is a bit more self-centered. I have a quote in my office that reads: “Never lose the heart of a child!” – Mencius. Simply put, I get to be a kid again! I get to hike, canoe, sit at the campfire. I get to hear Brandon Reeves chant at the top of his lungs “campers to the camp fire!”

After serving 16 years in the United States Army and enduring 2 combat tours in Iraq, I find Morning Star Outreach has often been on my mind during the rough times.

During my second tour in the middle of nowhere – close to the Syrian Border – MSO Camp was often my ‘happy place’. I remember one particular moment on a Osprey Helicopter I laughed aloud thinking about a hilarious story that happened at MSO years back. That brief moment of serenity was much needed break in a stressful deployment.

I was raised in Pittsburg, California. I lived in a home with drug and alcohol abuse. I was seriously lost, hopeless, and dead in my soul. My childhood was full of hurt, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

At the age of 17, I was at the end of my rope-ready to give up. From the outside, I had a smile on my face. However, on the inside – I was was unhappy. I realized at this point, I was at my lowest.

A friend of mine named John McCoy told me about this camp he went to called Morning Star. John explained to me how he was introduced to a savior named Jesus Christ. And how this savior changed his life and gave him hope.

Through Morning Star, I also came to know Jesus Christ. I was lost and Jesus found me. The following year in 1993, Dave Lewendowksi asked me to be an assistant counselor. That was over 23 years ago. And I haven’t missed a year of camp since.

In the 23 plus years, I have moved from assistant-counselor to counselor, and in 2002 I became a camp director.

Currently the Board of Directors entrusts me with honor of overseeing all the camps and directors. Having been apart of Morning Star, I have witnessed hundreds of lives changed by Jesus Christ.

Morning Star Camp has been the most powerful cause I’ve been a part of. Without Christ changing my life through Morning star I believe I would be on drugs, in jail, or dead. Morning Star Camp not only changed my life, but the lives of my entire family – from my parents, to my siblings, and to my own children.

As long as God allows me to help impact lives through Morning Star Camp, I will be a part of Morning Star Outreach until I am in heaven with my savior.