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Christians must constantly seek the goal of maturity in Christ. Even the apostle Paul knew that he had not attained the goal so, "he pressed on" to grow in Christ.
A key to that growth is: "forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead". Past sins have been covered and should not hinder us once they are forgiven, and past worldly accomplishments really mean nothing. We are "heavenly citizens in training". So forget about the past and those things that brought you down. The thing that really matters is walking with Christ through life, allowing Him to prepare you for that which is to come. From My Heart To Yours, Ken I was talking with someone the other day and he asked me a very good question. He asked, "How do you keep up with the times at Gil's Hills?" It's a very good question coming from him because he was around 23 years old when I first started. That was when everything was about camping and doing things in "the great outdoors". I've been at Gil's Hills almost 28 years and, if I had my way things would be the same as they were 28 years ago. BUT, I have to be realistic and we need to adjust with the times, a task that is not easy for me.
On our missions trips to Jamaica the motto for the team is "BE FLEXIBLE". At Gil's Hills the same applies. I have to admit it's tough learning new techniques as well as keeping up with technology. I have been reminded several times that the message of the gospel will never change, but the methods used in presenting the gospel do. Do we still enjoy the great outdoors? Absolutely! We also enjoy the internet, cell phones, IPads, and of course, FB, texting and messenger! God has provided everything needed to keep up with the times! Now, if He will give me the strength to continue to BE FLEXIBLE we will do just fine. And with Brody on board (a millennial) how can I lose? LOL! Thank you so much for your love, prayers and support. Gil's HIlls needs you, and don't forget, God loves you and we do too! Ken Merry Christmas from all of us between the snow covered hills at Gil's Hills! Winter has finally set in, and we are gearing up for our winter club and retreat season. We thank God for what He has done between the hills in 2016. It has been a great year of growth and learning. We have so much to be thankful for and are excited for the year ahead. God has worked in some awesome ways. Our clubs continue to grow and we can see spiritual growth in many of the lives of the kids that we reach from week to week.
As we head into the Christmas season we are reminded of the importance of the simple and humble gospel of Jesus Christ. How a baby born into poverty two thousand years ago brought salvation to a wandering world. The Christmas message is an important reminder to us as we communicate the gospel in simple language to our Gil's Hills kids. Jesus came as a helpless baby, not a warrior king. Jesus endured struggle as a child and an adult. Jesus saw people where they were at, and encouraged them to see God in a deeper way, regardless of their social or financial standing. Jesus came into the world humbly, lived his life with humility, and endured a humiliating death all with the same purpose: to Seek, and Save the Lost. I cannot praise Him enough. Christmas always reminds me of the Humility of our Savior. The life He lived here on earth, is the life he is calling us to live. As the busyness of the holidays sets in, let us remember our humble Savior and be drawn to worship, be drawn to humility, and be drawn into His presence. Greetings from all of us between the hills at Gil's Hills!
One of the most often asked questions that I get is, "How can I help?" Gil's Hills Mimistries could not survive if it were not for people like you. Gil's Hills depends on the support from loving churches and generous caring people like you. Contributions come in the form of finances, food, crafts items and so many other things, and of course, our volunteers. We would be lost without the physical help of countless caring friends. We rejoice over the fact that we don't have to depend on the government or other agencies to meet our needs. When the bible says, "My God shall supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus", we believe it. How can you help? The most important thing you can do is pray for Gil's Hills. God will inspire you and show you exactly what He would have you do. Thank you for praying and may you have a great Thanksgiving holiday! Blessings, Ken Don’t Be Afraid To Dream— “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. "Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.” (Genesis 37:19-20).
So many of us who live a “dream life” are often the same people who were once laughed at for having a dream. This verse tells us how Joseph’s brothers felt about him for having a dream. They mocked him and later despised him for being a dreamer. It seemed at first that his dreams would be cut short but God had the final say. If you’re familiar with Joseph’s story, you know that his brothers sold him into slavery. But, that wasn’t the end of the road for Joseph. Even though he had a number of unfortunate events he was not kept from reaching his destiny. Joseph’s dreams came true in the end. If you’re a dreamer, the reality is that not everyone is going to support your dreams. Your dreams may be scoffed at or even laughed at. If you’re like Joseph, you may be even hated. The important thing is that you hold fast to your dreams and trust God for the outcome. Gil Parker had a dream of creating a haven for children and youth to come to and enjoy themselves in a Christian atmosphere. Yes, there were those that laughed at him and scoffed at him but he followed his dream. In 1989 God placed Gil’s dream on my heart and my family and I picked up our stakes in Columbus, Georgia and moved to Wellsville. Gil handed the baton over to me. I gladly accepted the challenge and followed Gil’s dream. I too was laughed at and made fun of, but that’s okay. However. I have experienced, first hand, the blessings of following God. If God has placed a dream in your heart, go after it. Don’t let the opinions of others shape your future. Focus on God’s promises and block out the scoffers. If God has truly given you a dream you can rest assured that nothing can stop it from coming to life. Thank you for being a part of Gil’s dream to reach children and youth with the gospel of Jesus Christ and don’t forget— God Loves You and We Do Too, Ken "My God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
First I want to thank you for keeping up with and supporting Gil's Hills Ministries over the years. Together, we have seen God perform one miracle after another. Miracles ranging from things pertaining to the buildings and grounds, vehicles, food and other supplies, spiritual and physical healing and of course, finances. God, through His grace, has defiantly shown us that depending on Him is the only way. That is why we no longer depend on state, federal or local grants. In that dependence and commitment to Him, He has raised up faithful supporters like you. He has given you the vision and commitment to help keep things going according to His perfect plan. We are praying for yet another miracle. June, July and August we wait patiently to see what God is going to do in the financial area of His ministry as typically these are three of the leanest months of the year. Each summer before our camps start there always seem to be spiritual battles going on that distract us from focusing on our planning and preparation for camp. This year is no different. Just yesterday, after yet another piece of equipment broke down, I shook my fist at Satan and told him "no way will I let you have your way!" God immediately gave me peace and I continued on. The sorrow in my heart turned to joy. Also, please keep in mind, even though Gil's Hills is a Faith Ministry, we consider our summer ministry program to be our FAITH project. None of the finances are budgeted for summer camps and the camps are "free-of-charge". Our Prayer Partners suggest that we let the people and the churches know how Gil's Hills is doing financially because they are the ones God is using to keep the ministry going. Income to date: $47,474.13 Expenses to date: $51,493.24 Thank You so much for the love you show to the King's Kids at Gil's Hills and don't forget, God loves you and we do too!!!! Ken Jordan Executive Director "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time." (1 Peter 5:6)
When Peter wrote these words, the early believers were under intense persecution and needed this guidance. From their knowledge of history regarding David's example, they could see that God always has the final word. David never let other people's opinions of him cloud how he knew God felt about him. He trusted God every step of the way and as a result, his story didn't end when he defeated Goliath. David's story was just beginning. God went on to turn the young boy David into King David. He became not only a giant killer, but also a ruler of the nation. Talk about being the underdog! A few years prior, David spent the majority of his time in a field and now he spent his time in a palace. He went from protecting a flock of sheep to protecting an entire nation. It's funny how God gets the final say. if you've been feeling undervalued or underestimated in your own life, keep looking up. I speak from experience -- take a look at what God can do with those that others have counted as least likely to succeed. From my heart to yours, Ken For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for His good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
At Gil's Hills we offer woodworking and craft projects for our kids. We assist them in the shop and ask them to come up with an idea and then a plan to complete their project. Before the kids actually begin, we help them decide the best way to get to the finished project. In the craft room the craft is planned ahead of time and the kids have to follow the instructions to come up with the finished craft. It's always interesting to watch as things progress. Sometimes it seems as though failure is inevitable, but with the right instruction and encouragement the kids finally say, "Hey, look what I made!" Their self-esteem has just been elevated. As we look at this verse, we can see that we were designed with a specific outcome in mind. It's not an accident that you were placed on this earth. God knew you would be here and what you would have to face. He knew there would be challenges in your life and He also knew that there would be great victories. When God called me into the ministry I knew for sure that He had just made His first mistake. Why? Because I knew the life that I had lived, and how I discarded anything that was positive and right, especially education. But... As His workmanship we are His Masterpiece. There is nothing we can't overcome as long as we follow His plan and don't give up on ourselves. Remember the kids that wanted to quit their projects? Way too many of us throw in the towel, forgetting who it was that created our plan. We have the privilege of being a product of the one and only Master and Maker of the universe. Ford motor company has the slogan "Built To Last". Do you know that you were also built to last? God designed us to outlast the tough times and struggles in our lives. He's been preparing things specifically for you since the beginning of time. God's Word says that you were beautifully and wonderfully made. Let's stop looking at the challenges in front of us as a pain, and start focusing on the Craftsman. We are HIS workmanship so let us let HIM finish HIS project with HIS plan. From my heart to yours, Ken |
Ken's Blog
Ken Jordan 
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