Most boys are scared. It must be something they are born with. Some are afraid of the dark, afraid of the first day of school, afraid to fight, afraid to dance, afraid to ask a girl out, afraid to make a tough decision, or afraid to fail. They end up spending a lot of energy “hiding,” hoping nobody will catch on. Sadly for men, some things never change.
I must admit – I, too, am afraid of the dark.
I don’t mean the “dark” that is in reference to the absence of light. I mean the “darkness” of the unknown. It is the place of confusion or disorder; a place outside of my control where any movement at all requires faith. This place of uncertainty keeps many people paralyzed in fear, and unwilling to move.
Abram must have felt that fear. After all, God didn’t choose to make the exact destination clear to him when He called him out. Instead, he just gave him the direction in which to go.
Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you wil be a blessing.'” Genesis 12:1-2 (ESV)
I’ve had the same conversation with many groups of young men, over the years, who wanted to know what it looked like to live as a godly man. In those conversations, I’ve challenged them to step into this kind of darkness, and not to insulate themselves from it. It might be taking the first step to apologize to their wife, or choosing to trust God in the midst of pain and suffering. Stepping into the darkness might mean doing the very thing you don’t feel like doing.
The bottom line is this: Faith requires mobility.
Following Christ brings a contentment that is foreign to this world, but following Christ also requires us to step out of that which is extremely comfortable at times as well. This is where my family and I find ourselves right now.
It’s time to move.
After 15 great years of being on staff at Pine Cove, I have let our CEO, Mario Zandstra, know that it’s time for me to step out into the unknown to find that next place that God has for me and my family. We will soon be leaving Pine Cove.
As you can imagine, this decision is not one we came to flippantly. Steph and I have been talking and praying about this for many months now. We really labored over the idea of leaving, partly because of the great relationships I have with the people I work with, but also because of our deep love and belief in the mission of Pine Cove.
To be clear…
I know when a decision like this is announced, minds start racing, looking for the “inside scoop.” There is nothing “more to this story,” shall we say. I am not mad, hurt, annoyed, disgruntled, perturbed – or any other type of negative feeling – at Pine Cove or anyone at Pine Cove…at all. I have not been asked to leave, insinuated by someone else that it is time for me to leave, or required to leave.
This is a case of God leading, and us following. After all, faith requires mobility.
If you follow this blog, you might know that I have written in the past that our staff rarely leave Pine Cove. Instead, they are launched. There is a big difference. After being honed, trained, and invested in, our staff are launched to that next place God has for them. I am no different.
Over the course of the months ahead, I will still be pushing for us to get everything in place to provide a great, safe summer camp experience for families and youth. During that same time, I will begin the process of talking to other ministries, churches or non-profits to discern where God is leading us.
We still believe…
I have seen God transform scores of people in a summer camp setting. I trust He will continue to do it with many more people far into the future. Steph and I believe in that so much, we will continue to support Pine Cove in any way we can in the future. Crazy enough for us, this summer will be the first time we have a child as a camper at Pine Cove. It will be fun to finally be that nervous parent that I have greeted for so long on opening days.
For any of you that are summer staff preparing to come this summer, get ready. God will do more in you than you can possibly imagine. I can say that confidently, having witnessed many great things over my time here. I will hopefully be there to walk you through our “Pine Cove Way,” and to help get you ready for the best summer of your life.
Until then…
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Thank you for continuing to lead by example – even when you don’t know where you are headed! Praying that He gives you and Steph exactly what you need… more of His light in the midst of the unknowns!
“Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you Who He is.” ― Oswald Chambers
Yes… Old Oswald hits us between the eyes every now and then, yes??
I appreciate your words, Ginger.
what a great post and I wish you and your family the best in wherever God leads!!!
Thank you, Jamie.
You are such a great man of God. Thanks for your example and your obedience. You affected lives of not only campers but summer staffers as well. You showed guys what it looks like to be a Godly father to their children and have graciously opened your home to many people throughout the past. Such an inspiration to all!
Sneak Preview
Thank you so much. I’m glad to read that God has used us in your life. So good!
Opee, I don’t think you will ever fully realize what you have done. I’m sure you can look at your time at Pinecove and see where you have influenced decisions, vision, and lives. The truth is, being a staffer for a number of years I honestly can not think of anyone I worked with that was not impacted in some way by you. Your faithfulness in your ministry has impacted likely 10s of thousands of college students, who in turn took a new love for Christ back to their post Pine Cove lives. In a world when many ministries are dying, fading, sick, and desperate Pine Cove has held to some of the highest standards of Christ-likeness. I still use things I learned at PC in my teaching, ministry to kids, and so much more. On behalf of the 10,000 I want to say thank you for loving us.
Thank you for demanding those leaders under you to give everything they had. Hundreds of staff, thousands of college students, and potentially millions of children have your exemplary leadership to thank for positive God inspired change. I know you will point this encouragement back to Christ, and that is exactly what makes you the kind of man of God so many of us can look up to. Wherever you go, whatever you do, lead with the same passion and vision. May the world be as blessed to know you as the PC community has been for so many years.
You are so cool, Bryce. What powerful words!
Thank you for speaking into me so boldly. I got the privilege of watching men like you learn to live out your faith. Now that is good!
Again, thanks.
I’ve always loved and looked up to you Kevin. Thanks for your vulnerability, honesty, and faithfulness. Jonathan “Gordita” Lilley Shores ’99
Great to hear from you, Jonathan. Honored to have worked with you years ago.
15 years… That meas that you started on staff at PC the same year that I started attending when I was 8. I know that you’ll be unbelievably missed, but incredibly I’m excited about your future.
God bless,
David “Banorange” Kelley – YG; Bluffs ’07
Wow. Old school.
Thanks, David.
We’ll be praying for you Kevin. We just came out of the ‘dark’ of 7 months of searching for where God was leading us next. I’m still not sure I learned all I will from walking that path in the dark with Jesus, but He is a good leader, and we have been so blessed to end up where we are (Black Lake Bible Camp). Thank you for your service at Pine Cove, your witness for Christ, and your sincerity and thought-provoking insights here. God bless you and your family!
Thank you, Chris. Good to see where you have landed.
I’m looking forward to the many lessons as well.
Kevin, it’s a shame that the summer staff of 2013 won’t get to hear about confronting errant cooks at the Pic n’ Pac, or the Vanilla Ice pillowcase incident. But it’s heartening to know that, just as you’ve had a pivotal role in shaping PC’s ministry for the past 15 years, you’re choosing to let God shape your next phase of ministry in a bold way.
Thanks also for the role you’ve played in shaping my ministry. I felt that my time at Pine Cove really helped me grow from an older boy into a young man.
Curious to see your thoughts on the transfer of leadership to your successor. I think that’d be an interesting post for this blog.
-Fuzzy
Good idea, Ben. I’ll have to post on that someday. I plan on doing it will power, grace, and humility. I look forward to setting them up so well that they quickly bring this ministry to an all new place.
Vanilla Ice lives.
Congrats on the big decision. Keep following! Look forward to hearing where God will take you next!
Thank you, Tripp. We look forward to it as well.
I said this on FB, but i am excited to see where God leads you and Steph. You have a gift – God has given you the ability to lead people beyond where they are and challenge them to do great things. i and many others have been blessed by this gift of yours. now its time to take that gift that has been perfected in you and use it to lead a new group of peeps. I will be be praying for you as you discern where that is.
Hi-Lo
(that sounded kinda like a cq, didnt it. Ha!)
So good, Brian. (Have I ever called you that?)
Thanks for your powerful words. We, also, are excited. We trust that this adventure will be an exciting one….
Awww..not meaning to change from the warm wishes to Kevin but Hi Lo you were my son’s counselor last summer :) You were wonderful with them.. anyway ..just thought I would share that :)
oops guess I should of said it was DJ McGinty :) realized it didn’t have me signed in from facebook haha..
We will miss you. I applaud you for being lead by the SPIRIT of God and trusting in this decision. Know that you are loved and will be missed by us all.
– Trevor “Cookie Dreams” Ayer
Thank you, Trevor. We are excited to see where He leads us. We’re patiently waiting….
Wow! I cant imagine Pince Cove without you. My kids all love you and Im know you will be missed. Thank you for the impact you made on my children and countless others. I know God has great plans for you.
Trust me, PC will be great even after I leave. I see the full-time staff around each and every day. They are praying great things for the future.
Oops sorry , that should read PINE COVE not pince cove :)
No problem. I went ahead and fixed it for you. :)
Thanks for your kind words…
I’ve said it before: I’m proud to know you, Kevin. Your influence on my life through Pine Cove was used by God for His purposes and His glory. Whatever words are used to spell out a mission for your next season of life, I am excited for the impact you will have for the Kingdom.
Keep on following to lead…
Thanks big Joe. You sure are a good man.
We are excited as well. We look forward to seeing…someday.
Definitely thankful for your leadership of Pine Cove over the years, and excited about how God will use you next!
-Thumby
Thank you.
Blessings to you, as you let God guide your paths!
Thank you.
At times I have read some of your blogs and some of your tweets and I want to let you know that this particular blog has struck a core within me. I want to thank you for being transparent and for ministering with your words how it is God who moves us and point us in the direction that is best for us. Me and my wife are at a similar crossroads and I shared with her your post and we both were truly blessed. I know we’ve only met a handful of times but I appreciate your ministry and the truth you share with me and others. May this time be exciting and full of hope for you and your family.
Juan Jacoby
Ive had one interaction with you and that was the welcoming day of trailblazing in 2010. I didn’t know anything about Pine Cove, and I was standing there amazed at all of the people and as I looked over I saw you taking out the trash. You came an introduced yourself to me and then a week later I found out you were the head of ministries at PC. That moment where I saw you take out the trash has had a profound affect on my life and I’m appreciative of your leadership through action. You’re a great leader and a godly man. I’ve learned alot from you. I wish you the best.
– Woah Nelly
Wow. Good memory. I appreciate your words.
So excited for you guys, Kevin. Can’t wait to see where God will take you. I know PC launched me. Praying for you. Christi B.
Good to hear from you, Christi
Since its your doing that I’m privileged to serve at PC(not discounting the Holy Spirit’s role), I can’t begin to tell you how impressed I’ve been to watch you first hand as you prayerfully made this decision. You have truly been following hard after the Holy Spirit and put it all on the line. Seeing the peace that passes all understanding play out in the midst of one of the toughest decisions any Godly man could ever make…is the best sermon I’ve heard in a long time. You have modeled faithful obedience to all of us Kevin and I for one can’t thank you enough. Horace Johnson always reminds me to “Finish well…today” You my friend are finishing well. I’m excited to see Gods faithfulness to you and Stephanie and the kids as you follow Him.
Thank you Kevin!
Psalm 27…:)
Thank you, Matt. You are a great COO, leading by serving.
What an awesome example you are setting for all that follow you.. the obedience to follow Christ’s calling :) May blessings continue to follow you and your family wherever you land :) You will be missed
We will certainly miss you Kevin. We know God is going to do great things with you and Stephanie. Hope you’ll keep us posted on what you’re doing & where you 2 are. Thanks for all you hard work to make us camper families feel at home.
Thank you, Amy. I’ll keep this website up, so that it gives us a platform to inspire people to follow Jesus.
You have touched the lives of so many. (One being my son, the (D.O.O.) there at Pine Cove.) I am grateful for your leadership, faith and encouragement,(to him) as I had the pleasure of helping to raise the man you have worked with, but you, faithful servant, have been an intregal part in the Man that he has become. You have touched my family through him, and now my grandchildren have been blessed by your friendship,leadership and encouragement. (of their Daddy). As you follow the Holy Spirit to the great unkown, I am grateful for the blessings you have created and shared with the Pine Cove organization/family. You have touched so many lives. Mine is one of many that will offer thanks for your service and prayers to accompany you on your journey. Blessings, Kevine.
So many encouraging comments to you and Stephanie. May God bless you in your decision. May you know God’s wisdom in your decision.
Thanks, mom. Too funny to “talk” to you through my blog. I love it. Steph and I appreciate you praying for us as we go.
I still remember Dewey coming home from the Ranch and telling me all about his awesome counselor, Opie! I don’t even know how many years ago that was, but it’s hard to think of PC without you. I wish you the best in your journey. My husband and I find ourselves in a similar spot with his career- knowing God has something else for him, but no knowing exactly what that is. It’s hard, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here.
God bless,
Amanda Lawrence Hyman
Now that was quite a long time ago. Thanks for the encouragement.
Kevin, the number of comments here is a reflection of influence. What an imprint you have made on the ministry of Pine Cove as you have faithfully invested yourself in emerging leaders. My family has been richly blessed by God through you. We pray for God’s clarity and your anticipation of the next open door. Grace and much peace in the journey.
Thank you, David. It really has been overwhelming to see some of the things people have said. Very humbled, grateful, and excited to see God open a new chapter for us.
I heard you were leaving PC, and just saw this post. Thanks for all you’ve done, Kevin! I know that my time at Pine Cove was instrumental in making me who I am today.
Lauren “Lay-Law” Spare
Thank you, Lauren. You are one sharp girl. It means a lot coming from you.
Wow. A nice read . . . great to know that there are men of God out there who truly open their hand and allow God to move them — not clinging onto what they feel is theirs. I applaud you. And will pray for God’s leading. I am learning the same “open-handedness” as I divest (or try to) my leadership to my other lead staff. And someday will fully turn the reins over to another. Thank you for this picture of obedience.
OPEE! How I found myself reading your blog tonight is curious. Never the less, I find you doing the same thing you were doing years ago at the Ranch…following HARD after God. Way to go buddy! Authentic Christian faith, what a beautiful thing, thanks for the glimpse tonight.
Christi “Lotto” Bartz
i was reading a Pine Cove message and the next thing I know I was connecting to your blog. I was a Towers Counselor back in the days of Capt Hook and Yodel B. Cause. It has been a while. My daughter and I will be relocating to AZ in the next few months. I just thought it was interesting that as I read your really great blog that God is sending you to AZ with your family just as He is sending me and my daughter. God bless you! Pine Covers can be found all over the world. Praise God
“ketchup”