Taking a Leap

As I look back on the past few years, I see God preparing me for a lot of different things. He's been doing that by breaking me down in some ways, building me up in others, and above all, pulling me to himself. It has always been my goal, first and foremost, to serve in the ministry of Christ's name, Further, it has been my goal to serve with youth. Over the past couple years, God has been preparing me for that by breaking my pride, reducing my arrogance, firming my perseverance, increasing my love for his Word, solidifying my calling, and raising my patience. I have now reached the point in my life where I feel that I am ready to begin using these gifts in a semi-vocational context: namely camp ministry. All of this to say: I am officially working on the Summer Staff Team at Lake Lundgren Bible Camp over the summer of 2019. This decision came on the back of a lot of prayer, a lot of wrestling and questioning, but most importantly, the calling of the Lord. It's something that I've had a (I believe God-given) desire to do for the past 3 years, and the timing has finally worked out to pull the trigger.

I've made this decision and I want to say I'm nothing but excited, but as I've always done in this context, I'll be as honest as I know how. I am totally excited yes, but I'm also anxious, fearful, and a little on edge. Again, God has done nothing but prepare me for this the past few years and I know it is his will. But my flesh is fearful. Fearful that I don't have the words to say, fearful that I am insufficient and my example will be less than optimal. Fearful that I've made too large a monetary sacrifice. But ultimately, this step had to be made in faith, and friends, what a blessing that faith always triumphs over fear! For this reason, I am content to continue toward the summer, taking every thought captive. God has called me to a great ministry, one in which he has equipped me for every good work, how then can I fear any other enemy? There will always be a reason, whether it be fleshly, world, satanic, or demonic, to not do God's will, to not take the leap of faith, to not do the scary thing. But today I make this commitment to anyone reading this, to the body of Christ, that I will serve the Lord in this position as well as I know how, praying that God gives me the strength and wisdom to grow.

However, this is not a commitment I can make alone. I covet help from the body of Christ and the community that surrounds me. First and foremost: PRAY. FOR. ME. PLEASE. Pray that I can replace the voices that are screaming fear with the Word of God. Pray that God places young people in my path that need to see him for the first time. Pray for my perseverance in times of trial. Pray that God would continue to break me down. Less of me! More of God! Pray for the hearts that will be changed for the first time this summer. Pray for the staff surrounding me, as they need prayer just as much as I do. Pray for my family as I spend a long summer away from them after a long school year away from them. Those are prayers that I crave. Secondly, communicate with me! I'd love to keep you all updated. I thrive on communication. Let me tell you how God is working through his ministry at LLBC, I know I'll have stories because when the Spirit of God is involved and the Gospel is spread, nothing comes back void. Finally, I would ask that you prayerfully consider supporting me financially. This is something I hate to ask, as I generally am not one who is good at asking for help, but as stated above, I don't in my flesh see a way to make this summer happen financially, outside of the working of the Lord in his people. I need to raise at least $1,100, with my highest end goal being $4,000. I'm fully confident God will supply me either way. This money will be used to keep prices low for the campers. The lower that threshold, the more campers can make it to camp to have their lives transformed by the Gospel. I'm at this camp because I believe in that Gospel and I've seen it transform myself. I'm sacrificing a summer of work to make an impact of the kingdom of the Lord, and I have never been more excited to see how he is going to use myself and those around me.

Thank you all so much for supporting me in whatever way you can. Prayer is more valuable than money, and I desire it above anything else you can do.

In order to donate follow this link ( http://www.llbc.org/new/ ) and click the "donate now" button found under the "Give" tab. On this page there is "Designate fund amounts" tab. My name (Lucas MacDonald) is found under the "Summer staff" section of this tab. You can fill out the rest of the information on this page and press the "Review your donation" button to complete the process.

If you would prefer to not donate online, checks can be sent to LLBC at N18250 Lake Lane, Pembine, WI 54156. Checks should be addressed to Lake Lundgren Bible Camp in order to be tax-deductible, but make sure you specify who you are donating to Lucas MacDonald. Please call me or text me with any questions (920) 917-8045.