FUGE Blog

Announcing your 2012 Site Directors...

2012-01-13T18:04:00.007-06:00

Ridgecrest = Mark Law (standing, far right)
Glorieta = Amanda Craft (kneeling, middle)
North Greenville = Seraph Sharpe (standing, far left)
Mobile = Sean Porterfield (not pictured)
Mississippi College = Marion Goodloe (standing 3rd from left)
Nashville = Katie Mitchell (kneeling, far right)
Charleston = Whitney Gillis (standing, 3rd from right)
Philadelphia = Ben Parish (standing, 2nd from right)
New Orleans = Matt Swanson (standing, 2nd from left)
Cumberlands = Jennifer Long (kneeling, far left)

Join us in praying for them as they begin making preparations for ministry this summer! For more information about M-Fuge click here; for more information about XFUGE on Mission, click here.

Now Super Bowl Sunday can be an even greater outreach tool...

2012-01-12T20:20:00.004-06:00

The NFL Super Bowl is a major event in American culture, and it presents great opportunities for churches to reach out and minister to their communities. This year, the NFL has given it's blessing for churches to show the Super Bowl on big screens, relaxing its policy that organizations showing public viewings of its games on televisions larger than 55 inches violate the league's copyright.

Sports Spectrum offers Power to Win, a ministry kit to use in coordination with your church's Super Bowl gathering. It pairs powerful testimonies of NFL athletes with sports-related resources to engage the sports lover in everyone. A long-time tradition, Power to Win helps the lost see Christ in a new way and provides great encouragement and hope to those who have been walking with Christ for decades.

More than 65,000 people have made commitments to Christ, and thousands more have recommitted their lives to Christ during its 18-year history. Over the last decade, churches have hosted more than 60,000 Power to Win outreach parties on Super Bowl Sunday, using the video as an alternative to the network's standard halftime programming or before the game as a "kick-off" to the party or event.

For this year's Super Bowl on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis, Power to Win features Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday and Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher, along with former players Hunter Smith and Heath Evans. Their stories will focus on character and grace. As always, the video will finish with a plan of salvation.

Since 1993, when legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry served as Power To Win's first host, various NFL players and coaches have given up their time to share their personal faith stories and the impact Christ has had in their lives. The stories are true and raw, demonstrating the life-changing power of God. The stories the athletes share relate to everyone - men, women, teens, and children.

Past Power to Win hosts include:

2005 Kurt Warner
2006 Tony Dungy
2007 Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck
2008 LaDainian Tomlinson
2009 Derrick Brooks
2010 Chad Pennington and Carson Palmer
2011 Jon Kitna and Michael Vick

To find out more about the Power to Win Kit, click here.

2011 at a glance…

2012-01-06T10:21:00.006-06:00

When we look back at the ministry that took place in 2011, we have a lot to be thankful for. Here’s a taste of what we are praising God for:

We saw the Lord move in the hearts of students in powerful ways this past summer. The decisions we know about include: 1129 Salvations; 3015 Re-dedications; 594 Calls to vocation ministry; and 1877 other significant spiritual decisions. That’s a total of 6615 spiritual decisions!!

The generosity of campers, adults and staff toward this year’s Mission’s offering was overwhelming. In September, Thom Rainer, our president here at LifeWay, presented a check to the Executive Committee for $582,000 for SBC missions raised by Centrifuge, M-Fuge, X-Fuge and CentriKid campers in 2011. The money will be used to further the work of the International Mission Board in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as the work of the North American Mission Board in Canada. (article reference: http://bit.ly/mUWjdQ)

The Lord opened doors for us to expand our ministry to two NEW locations. We opened Centrifuge at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. Southwest Baptist was our most affordable camp location this past summer and continues to be for 2012. The campus was a great fit for us with a beautiful theater for worship and an indoor pool, gymnasium and rock climbing wall for recreation. We also opened M-Fuge at Tulane University in New Orleans. This was an answer to many years of prayer. We’ve had New Orleans on our hearts for a long time and have wanted to mobilize thousands of teenagers/adults to serve in a place full of spiritual and physical needs. The campus of Tulane was a great fit for us with beautiful facilities and a safe environment.

World Changers and PowerPlant joined the LifeWay family. We’ve already been incredibly blessed by the passion of the people and purpose behind these two mission organizations. We look forward to a future of serving alongside each other!

We are humbled by the opportunity to participate in what God is doing through LifeWay Student Events. Here’s to the summer of 2012…may we continue to trust God for BIG things.

Ephesians 3:20 :: Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us…

Another Ministry Event brought to you by the FUGE Team

2011-12-19T15:27:00.005-06:00

Most of us here in the FUGE Office are actively involved in student ministry every week (Sunday School teachers, small group leaders, recreation coordinators, event planners, mentors). We love what we do for a living because we see the impact of resources like camp and other events on the lives of students we know personally.

One of the non-summer events we get to be a part of planning is the LifeWay Girls Conference (Feb 24-25, 2012 here in Nashville, TN). We believe it has so much to offer high school girls and the adults who are investing in their lives. With general sessions led by some of the best known authors and speakers in the world of Girls' Ministry (Hayley DiMarco, Erin Davis and Ocielia Gibson), worship led by Jaime Jamgochian and breakout sessions that are both practical and inspirational led by women who are involved in a variety of areas that impact teen girls (Pam Gibbs, Jimmie Davis, Nancy Hamilton, Jana Spooner, Amy Lowe, Leslie Hudson, Liz Gregory, Jennifer McCaman and many more). The event is affordable for individuals or groups AND we are offering a special price of $59 for anyone who has ever worked FUGE Camps. Email us at fuge@lifeway.com for details on how to register at that special price.

If you work in any area of Girls' Ministry or know some high school girls that would benefit from the LifeWay Girls Conference, please help us spread the word. And join us in praying that God will do big things in the lives of girls and adults at this event...

Here's a quick video that illustrates why we believe Girls' Ministry is so important today:

LifeWay Girls' Ministry Video from LifeWay Student on Vimeo.

2012 Camp Directors

2011-12-12T16:27:00.002-06:00

Meet the Camp Directors for FUGE 2012...

Glorieta Combo Camp :: Josh Mott
Ridgecrest Combo Camp :: Matt Morgan
North Greenville Combo Camp :: Jonathan Espy
Mississippi College Combo Camp :: Rachel Trammel
University of Mobile Combo Camp :: Ross Waddell
Union University Centrifuge :: Justin Hernandez
Panama City Beach (Shalimar) Centrifuge :: Zach Doyle
Southwest Baptist + Jenness Park Centrifuge :: Doug Collins
Carson-Newman Centrifuge :: Will Snipes
Charleston M-Fuge :: Daniel Howard
Nashville M-Fuge :: Daniel Camp
Philadelphia M-Fuge :: Valerie Lewis
New Orleans M-Fuge :: Audra Long
Cumberlands M-Fuge :: Lindsay Evancho

Please join us in praying for our Directors as they begin the process of preparing for camp. For more information about camp or to register click here.

Join us for THE PURSUIT...

2011-11-28T10:09:00.015-06:00

What comes to mind when you hear that? A chase scene? Pounding Heart? Adventure? Join FUGE Camps Summer 2012 on a journey to explore the truth about our God and His Kingdom. Search the book of Ephesians with us to uncover the true meaning of lordship and how that translates to our lives today. Ask yourself: Does Christ have complete authority over my life? How am I responding to His sovereignty? What evidence exists that He is Lord of my life? At FUGE, you will embark on a PURSUIT to find the answers to those questions and more. Learn of God’s pursuit of you and how to pursue His truth and presence in return. Discover the importance of proclaiming Christ by living out your faith in word and deed. Uncover the need to live in unity and protect each other as the body of Christ. Come to understand what it means to submit to Christ, living a holy and consistent life. We look forward to seeing you at camp as together we seek first this Kingdom that never ends...

Theme Verse: “And He put everything under His feet and appointed Him as head over everything for the church.” Ephesians 1:22

Life Questions: Does Christ have complete authority over your life? How are you responding to His sovereignty? What evidence exists that He is Lord of your life?

Day 1 :: Pursue

Learning Concept: Authority/Salvation/Trinity

Teaching Aim: Students will learn that God is sovereign, that Christ died for the forgiveness of their sin, and that their redemption is sealed by the Holy Spirit. They will discover that God pursues them and they are to pursue Him in return.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-10 Adopted through Christ, Ephesians 1:11-14 Sealed with the Spirit

Key Verse: Ephesians 1:7

Life Questions: What is God’s sovereignty? Does your life reflect this truth? How have you submitted to Christ as master of your life? Do you ever experience doubts about your salvation? Do you practice the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life on a daily basis?

QT Option: Ephesians 2:1-10

Day 2 :: Proclaim

Learning Concept: Evangelism/Living Out Faith

Teaching Aim: Students will learn to live out their faith in word and deed. They will find, as they pursue the Lord, their calling to proclaim the gospel.

Scripture: Ephesians 3:7-13 Proclaim Him; Ephesians 3:14-21 Be Strengthened with His Power

Key Verse: Ephesians 3:7

Life Questions: When others look at your life, what do they see? What is God’s call on your life? How do you know? What is it about your life that proclaims Christ daily? How can you live in His power?

QT Option: Ephesians 4:17-32

Day 3 :: Stand

Learning Concept: Unity

Teaching Aim: Students will learn how to stand in unity with other believers as they pursue God personally. They will discover the diversity and their role within the body of Christ.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6 One in the Spirit; Ephesians 4:11-16 One in the Body

Key Verses: Ephesians 4:4-6

Life Questions: What is your role in the body of believers? How are you adding to the unity of the body? How are you a distraction to this unity? When there is a lack of harmony, how do you react?

QT Option: Ephesians 2:11-22

Day 4 :: Walk

Learning Concept: Submission/Holy Living/Consistency

Teaching Aim: Students will learn to walk daily with Christ and discover how to order their lives based on His lordship.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-14 Be Imitators of God; Ephesians 5:15-21 Be Consistent

Key Verse: Ephesians 5:15

Life Questions: Does the way you live your life, the things you do, and even think bring honor to Jesus Christ? Do others see Christ in you? What sins keep you from being light to a dark world? Is God your priority? How can you remain consistent in your faith?

QT Option: Ephesians 6:1-4

To register for FUGE, click here.

Update from Sarah Cowan, former FUGE Staffer now serving in South Africa

2011-10-31T14:32:00.007-05:00

Periodically we give updates from our friend and former staffer, Sarah Cowan, serving as a Journeyman in South Africa (which is an area that's part of our current IMB missions offering focus). Here's the latest. Please join us in praying for Sarah and others serving the people of South Africa...

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Molo (Hey)! Unjani (How are you)? Ndiphilile akhona, enkosi (I am well here, thanks). Namhlanje ndisakufundisa isiXhosa (Today I will teach you more Xhosa).

XHOSA: Ukaulela inkawu ziyakasela.

TRANSLATION: You disturb monkeys on their way to drink.

MEANING: No one asked for your help.

Asking for help can be a difficult thing. At least, it is for me. It means I have to admit that I am not capable of doing something myself. But since I’ve moved to Africa, I’ve come to realize how much I can’t do myself. For 9 months, I needed someone to drive everywhere I needed to go – because I couldn’t drive stick. I wake up tired and go to bed tired most work days.

I speak to hundreds of kids each week and share with them the Truth of God’s plan for their lives. That’s the part I need the most help with. See, I could do those things on my own. But I am powerless to initiate any real life change, any heart change. I must have the power of the Holy Spirit working through me. And that’s something for which I must ask. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

I have to wake up each morning and ask for help. As I begin to speak and lead worship, I have to ask for help. As I teach the rowdy and talkative classes, I have to ask for help. But when I am weak, then I am strong through His power. “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Pray for God’s Power to work through us as we teach, preach, evangelize, and disciple Xhosa learners, educators, and believers.

Ncedisa ukuthandaza kwamaXhosa (Join me to pray for the Xhosa people)!

Sarah Cowan // Journeyman to Xhosa students in Cape Town, South Africa

Follow Sarah's adventure here.

Students Take Home a Heart for South Africa

2011-10-25T10:09:00.003-05:00

This post was written by Rob Freely of Sierra Baptist Church in California. He and his students attended Centrifuge at Jenness Park this past summer and truly connected with the call to give! Here is what they are doing about it:

After we returned home from Centrifuge 2011 at Jenness Park, a huge majority of the stories I heard from camp related directly to the missions offering collected for Sub-Sahara Africa. Many of the students said their favorite part of camp and favorite memory was when we as a group were praying over our missions offering. They felt like they were doing something that mattered, something that was beyond caring about themselves, something that would effect others for the kingdom of God. I believe God was simply impressing missions on the hearts of our students this year, and they responded with commitment.

After experiencing God's heart for missions, the students had a desire to give more next year at Centrifuge 2012. We came up with a goal to raise $1000.00 for the 2012 missions offering. The students have continued in their desire to support those in need, and are encouraged each week as we spend time talking about, and praying for Africa. While we are a smaller youth group, we believe God can use us for His kingdom purposes. Whether we collect twenty dollars one week, or four dollars the next, we're consistently pushing toward our financial goal, and consistently keeping those in Sub-Sahara Africa in our thoughts and prayers.

Thank you, Fuge, for your affective ministry in pointing students towards God heart!

Former M-Fuge Staffer Kelli Grubbs Shares Her Story

2011-10-12T12:50:00.021-05:00

My first summer to work camp was in 2007 at Mississippi College. My ministry site was His Heart, the Community Ministries of Calvary Baptist Church of Jackson, Mississippi. His Heart became a non-profit organization at the end of 2002 and remains committed to ministering to people of downtown Jackson. Throughout my summer I primarily led PCY groups to beautify the grounds at the church as well as within the community.

While being there I began getting to get to know the staff of His Heart. I enjoyed seeing their involvement and love for the community and their long term commitment to breaking life cycles of poverty. After finishing camp, I kept in touch with the staff of His Heart. Each year I'd help out with some of their community events and supported them financially.

While working camp this past summer at Tulane, I received a phone call from the executive director of His Heart asking if I'd like to become a part of their organization full time. After prayerfully considering the offer, I decided to move to Jackson following camp. It's been a wonderful to reconnect with the work of inner city Jackson after first being introduced to it several summers ago through FUGE.

When I reflect on how this unfolded, I am thankful for the experience FUGE provided. Working camp allowed me to see glimpses of God's work in multiple cities. It let me join with the local church and provide encouragement, support and labor. I think it's great that staffers are partnered with so many wonderful non profits and ministries that labor tirelessly year round. FUGE provides wonderful opportunities to support existing organizations and allows staffers to take much of what is seen back to their own cities for the remainder of the year.

Though now I'll be site contact, I look forward to the approaching summer while still having a part in the FUGE world. Working camp not only provides an incredible opportunity to see and join in the work of God all across the world, but it allows you to partner with the local church and lead others all at the same time.

To apply to work FUGE, click here. For more information about camp, click here.

Team Devotion :: The Source & Value of Wisdom

2011-10-11T09:58:00.006-05:00

This morning in our team devotion, we were given a refreshing reminder about the source and value of wisdom. Our culture considers wisdom to be something obtained by experience or by the application of knowledge. But to believe it is merely the result of having walked a particular road or gained insight through intellectual accomplishment is to miss a bigger picture.

Scripture defines wisdom as the knowledge of God. He is the source, the very essence of wisdom. He offers it to those who earnestly seek Him with great humility, in the fear of the Lord. It is not something we gain at a certain age or as a result of circumstances. Wisdom is infinitely valuable and available to all who come to Him in faith, desiring to use it for His glory.

Proverbs 2:1-6 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, listening closely to wisdom and directing your heart to understanding; furthermore, if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. (HCSB)

James 1:5-8 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways. (HCSB)

May these verses encourage you today to seek the source of wisdom as if searching for hidden treasure.

Where are they now?? Former FUGE Staffers Making a Difference

2011-10-07T07:50:00.015-05:00

We have a long history of leadership when you look at the quality of staffers who have served with FUGE. Some of the most creative, intentional, talented, energetic, passionate, motivated, spirited (the list could go on and on) young adults now grace the walls of our office in over 30 years of staff photos. We could go on for days about staffers who have gone on to play influential roles in churches, communities and countries all across the world. We know of pastors, youth ministers, missionaries, worship leaders, children’s ministers, doctors, lawyers, mayors, teachers, coaches and even leaders of other great camp ministries who spent at least one summer investing in the lives of FUGE campers. We love to brag on staffers, both past and present, only because we know God is ultimately the One being glorified through their lives and influence.

Here’s a few familiar faces (or names) we wanted to highlight... As you read a little about each one, take a moment and pray for them – lift up their families and those they influence. Pray for God’s hand on their lives as they use their gifts, talents and leadership in ways that honor Him.

David Platt served on staff with FUGE in 1999 as part of the West/Gulf Coast traveling team. David is now the Pastor of a mission minded, Gospel driven church called The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL. He is also the author of acclaimed book Radical.

Tony Merida served on staff with FUGE multiple summers including 2002 at Union where he met his wife. Tony is now the Lead Pastor of Imago Dei Church, Raleigh, NC. He also serves as Associate Professor of Preaching at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of Faithful Preaching and Orphanology.

Jenny Simmons grew up attending FUGE at Glorieta, then served on staff with FUGE in 2004 at PCB. She went on to become an acclaimed singer/songwriter as part of the band Addison Road. Jenny continues to serve with FUGE each summer as worship leader.

Todd Agnew served on staff with FUGE in 1994 at PCB. He has since led worship multiple weeks of the summer at various FUGE locations. He is an acclaimed artist/songwriter/communicator.

Kevin Ezell served on staff with FUGE in 1982 at North Greenville. He is now the President of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Kevin is the husband of Lynette, father to 6 children from 4 countries.

Scott McDaniel served on staff with FUGE in 1994 (East Coast/Gulfshores) and 1995 (Glorieta, Ridgecrest & Wisconsin). Scott also worked in the FUGE office from Dec 2004 to Sept 2007. He is currently Vice President, Creative Services, for Sony Music Nashville.

Kevin Huguley served on staff with FUGE in 2003. He is part of the popular Christian band Rush of Fools. The guys still lead worship at various locations for FUGE each summer.

Phil Alsup served on staff with FUGE multiple summers in the 80’s then went on to work fulltime in the office for many years, helping to launch M-Fuge in the 90’s. He is currently the Senior Director of Student Ministry at WinShape Foundation (a ministry of Chick-fil-a).

These are just a FEW of the thousands of staffers whose leadership and influence are making a difference today. Come join the team! To apply for camp, click here. To register for camp, click here.

What camp looks like...

2011-10-06T12:07:00.003-05:00

FUGE Camps 2012 Promo from LifeWay Student on Vimeo.

You know you want to come...
To register for camp click here. To work camp apply here.

Joe Hicks :: Living the Dream

2011-10-05T14:36:00.013-05:00

The thread of FUGE Camps literally weaves itself throughout my life. I was born in Albuquerque, NM, raised in Big Spring, TX, went to college at Baylor University (go Bears!) and seminary at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. At each one of these mile markers in my life, FUGE played a significant role. I attended Glorieta every summer of my life from birth till I graduated High School.

I always attended Glorieta when my parents attended Home Mission Week. I was actually a camper at the very first year of Centrifuge in 1979 and I loved it!!! I remember saying as a teenager, “This would be a great job, I wonder what someone has to do to get that job.” At the time I was talking about working as a FUGE summer staffer...never really dreaming I would one day be in the FUGE office. During the summer between my Jr and Sr year in High School I accepted a call into the ministry while attending FUGE. Each summer, God just continued to speak to my heart and mold me into his image.

While I was attending Baylor, I applied for FUGE summer staff and later received the dreaded “thin letter” which always meant you didn't get the job. Everyone knew you wanted to thick packet with the FUGE Staffer Manual. But that would not be the summer for me. Later that year I applied to work TBarM Sports Camp in New Branufels, TX and ended up working there for the next three summers. It was during these years that I fell in love with camping ministry as a life vocation and decided to change my major at Baylor from Business to Education with an emphasis in Church Recreation. After graduating from Baylor, I attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to work on my Masters of Divinity. During my first year there, I decided to give FUGE staff another try. This time I was excited to get the “Thick Packet”. I ended up working 6 summers with Centrifuge, 1987 – 1992. Counting my 3 summers during college when I worked T-Bar-M, my 6 summers of FUGE, my 2 years at Jenness Park, my one year at SAMBICA in Seattle, WA, plus my time in the FUGE office - This will be my 27th summer of camp! So let’s just say I love the whole idea of camp.

After all those years here is one thing I've learned. Getting away from all the craziness of the world and focusing on the things of God is the beauty of camp. We often wonder why we don't feel the same way at home as we do at camp. I would argue that you can! You just need to put into practice what you did at camp when you get back at home. Starting each morning with conversation with God, getting together with other fellow believers, having fun in a way that is not destructive to you or to others, worshiping God throughout the day! These are just of few of the things we do at camp that will change your life if you will just do the same when you are at home.

As the Team Leader for the Student Events area at Lifeway, I am blessed to say this truly is the ultimate dream job. Why? Because I get to do something I love to do… Serving God and serving churches with the best camping program in the country...and with some of the best people in the world!

To find out more about working FUGE click here.

Fall Interview Locations

2011-10-04T14:07:00.008-05:00

We realize it's easier these days to just sign up for a SKYPE interview...but we'd MUCH rather meet you in person. Here are the locations where we will be doing interviews this fall. Click here to apply for camp!
IN ORDER BY STATE:

Auburn University - Auburn, AL (November 1)

Shades Mountain Baptist Church - Birmingham, AL ( November 3)

University of Mobile - Mobile, AL (November 16)

Arkansas State University - Jonesboro, AR (November 15)

Georgia Tech - Atlanta, GA (November 16)

University of Georgia - Athens, GA (November 15)

Murray State University - Murray, KY (November 18)

University of Kentucky - Lexington, KY (November 14)

University of the Cumberlands - Williamsburg, KY (November 15)

Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge, LA (November 14)

New Orleans Baptist Seminary - New Orleans, LA (November 15)

Southwest Baptist University - Bolivar, MO (November 14)

Mississippi College - Clinton, MS (November 17)

Southeastern Baptist Seminary - Wake Forest, NC (November 17)

Anderson University - Anderson, SC (November 2)

North Greenville University - Tigerville, SC (November 3, 4)

Carson- Newman College - Jefferson City, TN (November 16)

LifeWay - Nashville, TN ( November 9)

Union University - Jackson, TN (November 16, 17)

Houston Baptist University - Houston, TX (October 20, 21)

Sheraton Arlington - Arlington, TX (October 13)

International Mission Board - Richmond, VA ( November 15)

If you are a former staffer who lives near any of these locations, please help us spread the word about interviews! We are looking for great applicants just like you...tell your friends to apply here.

FUGE...Through the Eyes of a Staffer

2011-10-03T15:29:00.006-05:00

The impact of camp through the eyes of FUGE Staffer, Jenna Sanders:
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When I was first encouraged to apply to work at FUGE camps, I had never even heard of them. However, applying and working camp has been one of the most influential things I've ever been a part of. For the summers that I worked, I was a children's ministry track leader for M-Fuge, and because of the ministries I got to be a part of, I was able to see first-hand how the Lord uses each of us to impact those around us. I've seen middle school students affirmed and excited about discovering ways they're gifted in Christian service; I've seen high school students completely in awe of what simple obedience to the Lord's call to love can do in a child's life; and time after time I've seen the trust and understanding that grew from the hardest of hearts as children began to believe God loves them because our M-Fuge staff/campers loved them.

I could never begin to explain what it feels like to watch a child, with tears in their eyes, cling to the leg of a 16 year old, after only knowing them for 4 days, and tell them they love them. I would never be able to describe exactly what it's like to teach Bible study for weeks on end and see the Lord make it active in new ways for each student you teach. The one thing I can tell you is that I would not be who I am without having worked camp. The Lord used camp to teach me about love, community, and His character; the way I relate to people and the way I relate to circumstances in my life today is because of what I learned the past three years through FUGE. The cool part about FUGE is that camp isn't just a life-changing experience for the students and adults who attend; it's life-changing for staff too.

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Jenna worked Mississippi College in 2009, The Cumberlands in 2010, and University of Mobile in 2011. To find out more about working camp, CLICK HERE.

We Once Were...

2011-08-18T14:00:00.007-05:00

We spent some time with our friends from Rush of Fools this week listening to music off their upcoming record (We Once Were) and hearing stories about the journey they've been on the past several years. The songs on this album reflect hope and restoration springing from faith that's been deepened through a difficult season. Titles like "Grace Found Me" and "End of Me" speak to the process of trusting God in the midst of pain and discovering His faithfulness in all circumstances.

Toward the end of our time together, it was fun to hear the guys talk about camp and how much they love spending multiple weeks each summer with FUGE staff and students. They see camp as a highlight of their year because of the ministry they get to do on and off stage. On weeks when they are leading worship for thousands of students, they recognize how important it is to connect with individuals...in the cafeteria, on the rec field and most often for these guys, at the battleball tournament. Here's to many more summers of relational ministry together!

Join us for camp in 2012 featuring Rush of Fools as the worship band: Ridgecrest July 6-10 and July 11-15. Click here for registration details.

Rush of Fools new album, We Once Were, releases September 27, 2011. Click here to listen to their new single "Grace Found Me".

The Evidence of God at work...

2011-07-21T10:03:00.004-05:00

We have seen incredible evidence of God at work in the hearts of students & adults at camp this summer. The stories are too numerous to count. We wanted to share a few in the weeks to come as we celebrate together. Here are memories from camp that students have shared with us...

"On the last night my youth group bonded like never before. God really moved in extremely powerful ways. There were 6 salvations in my group of 40!"

"Ever since my mom died I was so mad at Jesus for taking my mom away from me. This week I learned that God takes people away for a reason and only God knows that reason."

"This week's worship was amazing. I realized that I was putting so much before God and I also started working on forgiving myself for an accident that happened almost 8 months ago."

"No one can do this (life) alone. Day in and day out we did activities that showed me how much we need each other."

"I came with my church expecting to have fun and I was thinking it was going to be just like all the other church camps I've been to. I was very wrong. I really got more in touch with God. I learned so much on this trip. The speaker was just the right amount of fun and seriousness; he kept me interested in what he was saying. I feel like I have really changed this week."

"The worship was amazing. The speaker was the most inspiring speaker I have ever heard. The band moved me - the songs and lyrics seemed to relate to everything around me. Bible Study was fun. Throughout the week, I seemed to get a little more comfortable with being myself."

"This year at camp, I didn't feel the same old convictions as the past couple of years. This week felt like a confirmation from God, like I'm on the right track. What I'll remember about this week is God will give you peace if you are inside His will."

"I learned to put my trust in God more. I also learned to always confront my friends directly when I have any issues and pray about doing so because God can heal those situations."

"I had a connection with God this week. While I was here, He began to open old wounds and made me think about people in my life who have hurt me...and began to show me how to love."

"I learned to choose my faith over my fears. This was a summer to remember forever!"

"The theme from camp dealing with relationships was extremely significant to me since I just graduated. My friends are all going to different colleges...my relationships with them are very important."

"I learned to forgive someone who hurt me and to let go of the pain and love that person."

"I found in my heart this week that I really want to get involved in missions around the world. I feel as if that is where God is calling me."

Praise God for the thousands of students who have connected with God and others during their time at camp! We look forward to sharing more snapshots of life-change in the weeks to come.

After Camp Resources

2011-07-20T09:46:00.004-05:00

Avoid the "after camp slump" that churches sometimes experience. Here are some ideas and resources to help you:

LET THEM SHARE...Plan a share time where students and adults can process their experiences out loud. You can do the traditional model where students/adults get up in front of the church and share stories with the whole congregation. Or you can try something a little different and set up opportunities in Sunday School or Home Groups where a few students can share pictures and stories with small groups of adults at a time. This method allows more students to share and creates a less intimidating environment for them to process what they've learned.

GET THE CHURCH INVOLVED...invite members of the congregation to pray for and encourage students as they live out what they've learned at camp. Designate a wall or bulletin board in your church as the "Here's what God is teaching me..." canvas. Allow students to share what they've learned at camp or other events this summer by writing on index cards, butcher paper, poster board, etc. Encourage adults in the church to walk by that board each week and pray for a different student.

Another way to get the church involved is to tell them about the FUGE Missions offering emphasis (show the missions videos that are on the End of Week DVD you purchased at camp) and challenge them to match what your students gave this summer - that money can be sent to LifeWay now or brought to camp next year and given to the offering. For more information about FUGE Missions, click here.

Post pictures your adults took at camp to a social network your church has set up. Invite students to comment on pictures so everyone from the church can catch a glimpse of the fun, group bonding and spiritual growth that took place.

FOLLOW UP WITH STUDENTS...assign each adult that came to camp several students to follow up with in the weeks to come. Encourage them to go for ice cream or coffee with several at a time just to hear how things are going and ways they can pray for those students.

Use the after camp resources we have provided to help students continue to work through lessons relating to this year's theme: CONNECT.

Thank you for coming to camp! We consider it a huge honor to partner with you each summer! To register for 2012, click here or call us at 877-CAMP123.

Your FUGE Family

Preview CentriKid Camps

2011-07-14T10:10:00.002-05:00

If your students enjoy FUGE Camps, then the kids at your church will love CentriKid Camps! You may not work with the kids ministry, but we would love it if you would send this info over to the folks who do.

On July 27th & 28th you can tune in to see more about what happens at CentriKid during the day PLUS you have a front row seat to experience worship at camp. Worship will focus on How God Provides and will feature Jeff Slaughter. We will broadcast LIVE from Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina.

http://vimeo.com/22911392

Join us at www.lifeway.com/centrikidlive
LINK: http://www2.lifeway.com/centrikid/index.php/live?cid=RDR-CentriKidLive

Meet the BAND: Sidewalk Prophets

2011-05-04T08:06:00.004-05:00

Meet our friends Sidewalk Prophets...
They are exceptionally talented players who have a great heart for ministry. Integrating worship with real life is one of the simple truths Sidewalk Prophets has learned to live by. The fact that they have been on the road for 150+ dates per year for the past half-decade and show no signs of slowing down attests to their tenacious work ethic. But while there are tons of bands with talent and tenacity who never progress beyond the garage, Sidewalk Prophets insist it is the ever-present hand of the Lord that has lifted them to the next level of their career. These Simple Truths, the bands’ debut album, explodes from the speakers with sparkling pop, raucous rock, and beautiful ballads that will convince even the most jaded listener that these guys know how to craft intelligent, inspired music that fits comfortably inside the box, but may not be content to stay there.

Hear them this summer at Glorieta (June 6-11) and Ridgecrest (July 11-16 and July 18-23)! For more info about the band, click here

Full Circle

2011-04-18T08:44:00.006-05:00

This week we are praying for our friend and FUGE Director, Will Snipes, as he leads a mission trip to Ecuador. Read below to see the incredible ways God has worked through his summer camp experience in Ecuador years ago as part of MFuge International...

In the summer of 2005, I was privileged to serve with the M Fuge International Team in Ecuador. While there, God spoke to me about starting a Bible Study with some 8th grade guys that fall when school started back. These were guys that I had taught (I teach 7th grade) and built friendships with that year - and the Lord was telling me to continue that bond through studying His word with them.

This experience - on the side of a hill in Ecuador overlooking a volcano called Tungurrhua - opened the door for the Lord to show His power in a mighty way. Now, six years later, there are home Bible Study groups for guys in 8th grade through 12th grade. Those original guys? They are now college freshmen, pouring into others.

This spring break, we are taking a group of 26 young men involved in Bible Study to work with missionaries Steve and Carol Thompson in Ecuador. We will be doing primarily children's ministry and are incredibly excited. For many of the guys, this is their first mission trip and first experience out of the country.

Ecuador seemed to be a perfect place for us to go. Six years later, God has brought this whole thing full circle.

Join us in praying for Will, the group of guys he is leading and the people of Ecuador they will minister to this week.

We Love Ideas...

2011-04-14T07:40:00.005-05:00

We love ideas...we love brainstorming and creating things. And now we've found a conference that focuses on the process of discovering and executing new ideas in ministry. Our very own leader, Jeff Pratt, will be among the incredible line-up of presenters at this year's The Whiteboard Sessions in Atlanta on May 11.

The Whiteboard Sessions is a one-day idea think-tank designed to help you discover and execute ideas. At this unique gathering, you will hear one big idea and/or strategy from each presenter. You’ll hear from church leaders, social justice organizations, innovative leadership companies, and Google, among others. They will share one thing that centers on a biblical conviction, a proven strategy, a recent epiphany, a significant failure, or even a raw, untested theory. Gain momentum by gathering with other church leaders to advance the Kingdom through meaningful ideas and effective strategies.

REGISTER here. Enter “SAVE20″ in the discount code and save $20 per ticket. Join the Whiteboard Sessions on Facebook. Follow the Whiteboard Sessions on Twitter.

2011-04-08T07:10:00.003-05:00

This week our team got to hang out with a precious couple (Greg and Sara-Lu) who came all the way from Arkansas to encourage us with stories of how FUGE has impacted their family and their church through the years. They shared testimony of how their teenage son, Brady, had been changed by his encounter with God at FUGE several years ago. It made such a mark on his life that he couldn't wait to get home and put his new found passion into action. He began sharing his faith and serving others with incredible urgency. Only the Lord knew the number of his days and when Brady passed away his senior year in high school the span of his influence grew wider. Students from all over his community and beyond still talk about how he showed Christ to them and left a lasting mark on their lives.

In our time with Greg and Sara-Lu, they shared not only how camp had impacted their own family but they listed name after name of students who came through their student ministry and were forever changed by encounters with the Lord at FUGE. For our team, this was a humbling and precious time to hear real stories of lives changed for the glory of God.

As we ramp up for camp here in the final weeks of preparation, the urgency comes with greater purpose when we are reminded of this: we do what we do so that countless students and adults might hear the voice of God speaking into their lives through Bible study, recreation, ministry, drama, silly games, fellowship and worship. And we consider it an incredible honor to link arms with student ministers and adults who are working toward that same goal all year long.

Check out this video we shot a while back and you'll see Sara-Lu talk about her son...

Feartured Items in the FUGE Store this year...

2011-04-05T13:48:00.019-05:00

T-SHIRTS:

HOODIE / SHORTS / SWEATS:

SPECIALTY ITEMS:

MISSIONS SPOTLIGHT :: Stories of God's Greatness...

2011-03-31T09:59:00.006-05:00

From the journal of Meagan Smith who served on the staff mission team in South Africa.

Sunday morning we went to two church services, one in Snake Park and the other in Lahae. The services were so raw. Both met in school classrooms. There were no instruments, no microphones, and definitely no order of service. The entire service was a free flow of worship led by the Spirit, and it was beautiful.

I found myself getting overwhelmed with the greatness of God. Here I am in a service full of South Africans singing worship songs, reading scripture, and praying in three different languages. What a mighty God we serve. I think some of my favorite time was prayer, in both services. When the person leading said it was time to pray everyone began praying at once, out loud. There was not a moment of hesitation. The Spirit was clearly moving and everyone could feel the presence of the Lord. What a big God we serve- I kept thinking. How privileged we are to be able to pray to a God who hears our request, in every language, and shows genuine care and love in return.

Sometimes it is the smallest of moments that the Lord uses to get my attention. While in the first service I sat by two little girls, 11 and 12 years old, who were slightly stand-offish at first but as the service progressed they were practically sitting on my lap. At one point I put my arm around one of them; and she immediately grabbed my hand. The two of them began to whisper and giggle and they just kept starring at my hand. For the next 15-20 minutes the girls stroked my hand, ran their fingers over my fingers, repeatedly counted my knuckles, and felt my fingernails. My little white hand was fascinating to them, and I couldn’t help but smile the whole time. The girls helped me follow along in scripture as it was read in their language. They marked in my bible to help me “remember” the verses, and they whispered in my ear while we sang so help me understand the lyrics.

Oh how sweet the mercies of Jesus are. How blessed am I to be a carrier of the name of Jesus. As I sit here and remember these sweet moments I find myself praying for these girls. That the pony tail holder of mine that now sits on her wrist will not just be a reminder to her of some white girl from the states, but that when she remembers me, and my little white hand that she may remember Christ and His plan for her life. That she may remember that both of us were made in His image, and that she may grasp how truly amazing that is.

Meagan Smith will serve on the Tulane MFUGE Staff this summer as a Ministry Track Leader. For more information about the missions emphasis this summer click here .

MISSIONS SPOTLIGHT :: Children in Cape Town learning about God's plans

2011-03-30T08:41:00.005-05:00

We love this video of 7th grade students at Linge (primary school for children in an area of Cape Town) singing Jeremiah 29:11. You'll see our friend Sarah Cowan in the background in one shot. She's a former FUGE staffer now serving in Africa as a Journeyman with the International Mission Board.

MISSIONS SPOTLIGHT :: MORE Stories from Africa

2011-03-28T09:56:00.005-05:00

From the journal of Emily Tillman who served on the Johannesburg Team with missionary Kurt Holiday.

As we first started preparing for our week of teaching, I was pretty nervous about working with little kids since I am so used to working with youth. During our week of ministry, I started feeling comfortable in the classroom and decided to just go for it- to share the gospel with as much passion and heart as possible!

On Thursday (March 17) Henry Dutton shared the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I watched the kids soak in the greatness of the story as though it was the most epic movie they had ever watched. They participated by making hand signals and sound effects as Henry had instructed them. Then it was my turn. “Emily is going to tell us about how God can protect us in hard situations,” Henry said as he passed the torch to me.

I started to tell them the story of Jesus. I told them about Jesus being punished so that we didn’t have to be. Their faces turned sad. You could see it connecting not only in their heads, but in their hearts too! As I continued to tell the story, their faces showed excitement when I told them that Jesus had risen from the dead. I will never forget what happened next.

I explained to them about how He was dead but came back to life. I remember the exact words I said next. It was nothing of me because I had never planned to say anything like this! It was completely God speaking through me as I said, “Jesus was alive again and He never ever died again!” Without any hesitation, all 36 kids started cheering, gasping, clapping, and even jumping around!

Perhaps this was the first time they had heard the gospel, but thanks to missionaries like Kurt Holiday this will not be the last time the gospel is shared in this school. I cannot even begin to imagine what God did in their lives as the story resonated in their hearts throughout the remainder of that day.

Emily Tillman will serve on the Mobile FUGE Staff this summer as the Program Director. For more information about the missions emphasis this summer click here .

MISSIONS SPOTLIGHT :: Stories from Africa

2011-03-24T10:33:00.010-05:00

Journal entry by Candace Sherer who served in a place called Soweto while in South Africa this past week on the FUGE Staff Mission Trip...

A really amazing God story for me was being able to spend the day with a "national” – Diane, who is a believer in Christ. We were able to experience what she does in her everyday life as we visited her neighbors, helped with yard work, and talked with her about life and her culture. We paid for a taxi to take us to the market and purchased food for Diane’s family. We spent the rest of the day cooking, singing worship songs, and reading scripture at her house. After eating the meal Diane told us that we were such a blessing to her because she had been praying for how the Lord was going to provide for her that day because she had no money and no idea how she was going to be able to feed her children. She felt that the groceries we bought for her was a blessing from God. Never once did Diane or her children complain or even tell us that they needed food until after we ate.

Diane told us that her husband got a job but hasn't been paid in 2 months. This happens quite often – people will hire others for work, but then never pay them. Her husband was told he would be paid at the end of the month but when it came time they said they didn't have money to pay him. Diane and her family are struggling to live day to day and it was so cool to see that even though they had nothing they were still willing to praise God. It was a real eye opener for me.

The Lord really taught me what it means to be a servant and how to love his people. We come to serve not be served. The Lord showed me that life isn't always going to be fair or easy but no matter the circumstances, we are still called to praise Him and serve Him even if we have nothing. He taught me that we weren't there to be a savior but we were there to make disciples, to preach the gospel to those who do not know Christ and to love them with all that we are. In the Lord’s timing these precious people will realize that Jesus is the only way. The Lord is working there – on Monday, we heard news that 10 people went to the church we told them about after delivering newspapers to them this past week. The newspapers were testimonies of people's lives that have been changed by God. It was a praise to know that the Lord is already drawing the people who received those newspapers to Himself!

Candace Sherer will serve on the Glorieta FUGE Staff this summer as the Missions Mobilizer. For more information about the missions emphasis this summer click here.

MEET THE BAND :: CALEB

2011-03-18T15:18:00.004-05:00

Introducing CALEB, a four piece independent band out of Franklin, TN with founders songwriter/frontman Caleb Chapman and drummer Will Chapman (sons of Steven Curtis Chapman). CALEB's music is part alternative, rock, and pop with pondering lyrics that ask and answer big questions in life and do so with inspiring melodies that easily get caught in your head. Ultimately the heart of the band beats to create music that’s accessible to everyone while maintaining artistic integrity and honesty. Click here to learn more about CALEB and to hear samples of their music.

CALEB will be our FUGE Worship Band at Union University (Centrifuge) on the following weeks:

June 27-July 2
July 11-16

**These weeks are filling up! For registration information click here or call us at 877-CAMP123.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT :: Director for Charleston (MFuge)

2011-03-02T16:40:00.011-06:00

Jaime Sellers is from the coast of North Carolina. He currently lives in Wake Forest, NC, where he is a student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, pursuing a Master of Church Music degree with an emphasis in worship leadership. He also serves at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Raleigh as minister of music.

Jaime has worked for Fuge Camps three summers. In 2008, he was a Bible Study/Children’s Ministry Track Leader for M-Fuge St. Louis. The past two summers, he has worked at M-Fuge Nashville; in 2009 as Financial Director, and 2010 as Camp Director. Jaime loves to see students and adults come to camp, not expecting to be radically changed, but then transformed over the course of one week!

Jaime has also had the opportunities to travel to South Korea, Zimbabwe, and Poland on mission trips. When he’s not working camp, Jaime enjoys singing and playing music with friends, watching Auburn football and Duke basketball, and loves the mountains of North Carolina!

STAFF SPOTLIGHT :: Director for Carson Newman (Centrifuge)

2011-03-01T19:38:00.006-06:00

Meet Danny Estave...

Danny is from Alabama and currently lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is working on his Master’s of Divinity with concentrations in college ministry and biblical counseling at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He one day wants to be a college minister, and counsel those who have addictions and problematic emotions. During the school year he is involved in leadership with the TwoFour College Ministry at his church. He also loves to watch Auburn football on Saturdays. War Eagle!

Danny has worked two summers of camp at St. Louis and Glorieta. He has led several MFuge groups into cities to do Games and Rec ministry, PCY ministry, and Children’s ministry. He enjoys teaching Bible study and playing ultimate frisbee with students. He also loves to watch how God works in student’s lives throughout the week.

CAMPER STORY

2011-02-18T13:37:00.003-06:00

We are honored and humbled to be a vessel that the Lord uses to see lives changed. Read this story from a camper:

I'm a pastor's daughter, born and raised into the Christian life style. But it wasn't until two summers ago when I went to Ridgecrest for XFUGE on Mission that I realized what it really means to TRULY surrender your entire life to God and fulfilling the purpose He has. And I never even thought about telling you all how much you guys really left a mark, so thank you all so much for all the hard work you put into this!

Before that one summer, I had absolutely no idea what I was going to do with my life. But by the end of that week at Ridgecrest, I knew that God was telling me that I need to be a missionary. I know it's what I'm here to do! Each year, around this time, I start getting REALLY excited about Fuge; what the band is going to be like, who I'll meet, what I'll learn, etc. But what I always look forward to the most is how God is going to use that week and really shape me and the other campers, and how I will not only grow closer to God, but also with my youth group.

Again, thank you, staffers! For putting so much time and effort into this. If it weren't for Fuge, my life would not be how it is now. I would probably be just another face in the crowd. So.. if you ever wonder if what you're doing is having an impact or not, just know that Fuge has left a mark on me that won't wash off.

Beth

STAFF SPOTLIGHT :: Director for the University of the Cumberlands M-Fuge

2011-02-16T08:18:00.018-06:00

Meet Lindsay Evancho!

This is my fourth summer working Fuge and will be my first year as Director. I have been a Site Director (2 years) and MinistryTrack Leader (1 year). I am from Louisville, KY where I currently live and work with young children. I recently graduated from Southern Seminary with as Master's degree in Christian Education. I will be pursuing international mission work after camp as God has called me to the career mission field while I was a camper at Fuge. I love field hockey (played and coached for years), movies, reading, and traveling.

I love M-Fuge because it allows the opportunity for students to serve communities. It teaches people that God has commanded us to serve the world and how easy it is to follow this command. I love seeing that light go off in a student's head when he/she realizes that they should take this work back home. These simple tasks are the exact way that we should live out our faith. I love hearing about youth groups who serve since being home from camp because they felt called to minister to their communities. Camp challenges Christians to be active and alive in their faith. I also love camp because it is a beautiful picture of community as people worship, serve, and do life together. Christians are able to connect and support one another through truthful and honest conversations. We are able to feel the love of God more intensely as we bond together as the family of God.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT :: Director for Ridgecrest Combo Camp

2011-02-08T12:27:00.005-06:00

Here's a little about Matt Morgan in his own words...

I am from Valdosta, GA. For the past 8 years, I lived in Thomasville, GA working as a high school math teacher and coach. I coached baseball, softball, and wrestling. I am currently living in Statesboro, GA working at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at Georgia Southern University as the campus ministry intern.

I have worked with FUGE for 4 years now (Carson Newman, Ridgecrest, and Panama City Beach). My first two summers I was the college Bible Study Leader and backpacker for Centrifuge. The past two summers I have served as Camp Director. I love camp mainly for the impact that God makes on the lives of those who come. It is a blessing to see God change lives at camp and to have my own life changed each summer.

Experience FUGE before the summer...

2011-02-02T10:07:00.016-06:00

We are getting excited about FUGE Winter Camp at Ridgecrest Conference Center coming up on Friday, March 11, 2011 - Sunday, March 13, 2011...This event is like the FUGE camp experience rolled into a weekend: games, small group Bible Study led by FUGE Staff, large group worship featuring Rob Turner, Aaron Ivey and Bryan Drake...

Rob Turner is Teaching Pastor at Apex Community, which is a
network of churches throughout Dayton, Ohio. Jesus rescued him from a dead-end life of cultural Christianity. Jesus has also graced Rob with Angela, his wife and four children: Rachel, Gabriel, Christopher, and Chloe. Rob’s passion is that Christ followers would delight in Jesus so much that they would love, equip, and send out other followers of Jesus to expand His glory!

Aaron Ivey is a musician, songwriter, and pastor of worship for The Austin Stone Community Church, Austin, TX. He is the former lead of SPUR58, the Christian band with which Aaron toured for seven years. In August 2008, band mates Jimmie Ingram and Steven Bush moved to Austin where they continue to lead worship and tour with Aaron. The Houston native is also a former a former youth pastor.

Bryan Drake is a Christian Illusionist that grabs hold of any audience and opens people's eyes to the fact that there is only one Truth, and that is Jesus. The Bryan Drake Show is an intense look at Truth through the art of Illusion. Bryan has shared the stage with many of today’s respected speakers and evangelists, as well as many musicians and other performing artists. The Bryan Drake Show is an intense evening of illusion and meaning.

Click here for more information on the schedule, price and registration details!!

STAFF SPOTLIGHT :: Director for Mississippi College Combo Camp

2011-01-28T11:49:00.004-06:00

Audra Long is currently working on her Masters of Christian Education, with an emphasis in missions, at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She is also a Pre K- 4 teacher aide and librarian at a private, Christian school. Audra hopes to finish her degree by next year. After that, who knows?! She does know one thing and that is the call she feels the Lord has placed upon her life. Her call in this world is to work with local churches and help them get on the mission field, whether that means in their hometown, state, or across the world! Educating churches and organizing trips are just a few things that Audra hopes to accomplish in her career of missions coordinating.

This year, Audra will be the director at Mississippi College for the MFUGE/ Centrifuge combo camp. This will be her fifth year to work camp, and her second year to direct. Her past camp career includes: Jeness Park as a Bible study leader; West Palm Beach as the Financial Director and Bible study leader; Union University as the Developmental Director; and Mississippi College as the Director. FUGE has had a huge impact on her life and relationship with God; therefore, Audra counts it as a privilege and blessing to work for FUGE! She cannot wait to love on the adults, students, and staff that come on the campus of MC in summer of 2011!

In what little free time that exists for this graduate student, Audra loves to play around with some photography, exercise, travel, and read a good book. Though it is hard to fit into her busy schedule, Audra makes sure to have fun everyday!

WE LOVE GAMES...

2011-01-27T15:04:00.009-06:00

Once a month, we give you an easy game that can be incorporated into your student ministry, collegiate ministry or just a group of friends.

NAME OF GAME :: FLAP JACK

Equipment :: A tarp and a tennis ball per group.

Objective :: Each group will be given a tarp and a tennis ball. The object is to pop the tennis ball in the air, flip the tarp over and successfully catch the tennis ball before it hits the ground (kind of like flipping a pancake or FLAP JACK). First group to do this successfully wins.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT :: Director for North Greenville Combo Camp

2011-01-26T13:52:00.004-06:00

Dan Curry was born and raised in Louisville, KY. He is currently living in Atlanta, GA where he works as the Campus Minister Intern at the BCM of Georgia Tech. This is his second year working at Tech in college ministry. He is also taking extension classes at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary where he will enroll full time in the fall of 2011.

This will be Dan's 6th summer working for FUGE. He has worked and led teams for CentriKid, M-FUGE, and Centrifuge. This is his third year as a director. Working with college students has been a joy and blessing for him. Living in downtown Atlanta with some of the brightest minds in the country has been life changing and he has enjoyed reaching the campus and community for Jesus Christ. Dan enjoys music, coffee, and college basketball and is looking forward to leading students for Christ in his future career.

MEET THE CAMP PASTOR: Jeff Mangum

2011-01-24T08:58:00.004-06:00

In the weeks ahead we will be highlighting different Camp Pastors that will serve with FUGE this summer. For more information about all our Pastors visit our website.

Jeff grew up as a pastor’s kid in Georgetown, Texas and grew up surrounded by a Godly family. In college, Jeff was confronted with the reality that he had been living off of the spiritual fumes of his family, instead of responding in obedience to God’s great gospel. Through a turbulent season of depression and introspection, God revealed Himself mightily to Jeff. This was when it became clear that salvation was clearly an act of God and the greatest demonstration of God’s grace.

After college, Jeff married Christy and responded to God’s call to pastor and lead others to the gospel of Jesus Christ. For the next decade, Jeff traveled around the country preaching and serving churches, as well as planting a church in north Austin. Today, Jeff is on staff at The Austin Stone Community Church under the leadership of Pastor Matt Carter. Jeff serves in the areas of preaching and teaching, pastoral counseling, and missional community leadership. Jeff and Christy have been blessed with two great kids - Paige and Tyler.

Jeff will serve as Camp Pastor alongside Aaron Ivey as the Worship Leader at Glorieta the week of July 4-9. For more information or to register click here.

MEET THE BAND: Rush of Fools

2011-01-21T10:36:00.005-06:00

In the coming months, we will be highlighting different bands that will be part of the ministry of FUGE this summer. We are excited to serve with artists who are using their gifts for the glory of God and looking for ways to impact the next generation.

Meet the guys from Rush of Fools:
Rush of Fools is a Birmingham-based band that went from winning a national talent contest to landing a record deal in a short period of time. The band, which bases its name in 1 Cor. 1:26-31, is comprised of Jacob Chesnut, Wes Willis, Jacob Blunt, Jamie Sharpe, and Kevin Huguley. The music sound of their self-titled Midas Records album, Rush of Fools, and their latest release, Wonder of the World, is tagged by some as “progressive worship.”

Rush of Fools will be leading worship at Ridgecrest (Centrifuge, XFUGE & XFUGE on Mission) several weeks in 2011. For dates and registration information click here.

For more on the band click here.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT :: Director for Glorieta Combo Camp

2011-01-18T15:22:00.004-06:00

Alan Smith is a student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has undergraduate and masters degrees from University of Georgia. This will be Alan’s 4^th year working for FUGE Camps. He served as the Director at Mobile (Combo Camp) last year and as the Recreation Director at North Greenville the year before. From his summer as a rec director Alan loves sports and using games to help drive home spiritual applications.

Alan is excited about working at Glorieta (New Mexico) this summer. His focus for camp is helping to teach students and adults about God’s Word and helping them grow spiritually. He is excited about working with his staff to create an environment where groups are able to grow together and leave excited about what God has shown them through out the week.

Alan says, "I want to thank all the youth ministers, church staff and adults for bringing their students to camp this summer. It is a tough job and a tiring one, but like FUGE Camps promises this is a life changing camp. Even though we love having fun and going crazy, the gospel will be preached and taught everyday. I can’t wait to meet ya'll and I'm excited about what God has in store."

Youth Group of the week :: Calhoun First UMC

2011-01-14T08:37:00.011-06:00

It's always great to hear how camp has impacted adults as well as students. Here's a note from our friend Brad who serves as Minister to Students at Calhoun First UMC...

I came to MFuge a few years ago as an adult sponsor with a church I was helping at. I had been in youth ministry and gotten burned out so I was kind of in transition. It was at MFuge where God impressed on my heart that it was time to get back into ministry. Within a month, I had accepted my first full-time ministry position and have been doing it ever since. That was 4 years ago.

Thanks!

Brad
Minister to Students/Worship Leader
CalhounFirst UMC

We LOVE Games...

2010-12-21T09:20:00.013-06:00

Once a month, we give you an easy game that can be incorporated into your student ministry, collegiate ministry or just a group of friends.

THIS MONTH'S GAME –
Look Up, Look Down

Equipment – None, just a great attitude

Objective – This is a great game for any size group. This game can be played inside or outside. You will first get the group to stand together, shoulder-to-shoulder in a circle. To begin the game everyone will start by looking down. As the leader says, “Look Up” everyone will look up and look at someone in the circle. If someone in the circle is also looking at them, both participants are out of the game. If the person they are looking at is looking at someone else, they are safe. When the leader says, “Look Down” all participants look back at the ground. This repeats till there is only one or a few left depending on how fast the game goes.

Leadership Hints – This is a good activity for use in inclement weather, when other things planned are not going to be able to take place.

Applications – We often go about our business not thinking about others and not looking them in the eye when we are passing them by. We sometimes avoid looking people in the eye or focusing on people in conversation because we know it could cost us our time and potentially alter our plans for that moment. This game is also a good reminder of what it feels like when the people around us seem not to notice we are there.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT :: Director for Union University (Centrifuge)

2010-12-17T13:36:00.003-06:00

A little about Toby Brown...in his own words:

I am from the small town of Mayflower, Arkansas. I have worked three summers of Centrifuge, two as a Bible Study Leader at Carson Newman and Union and then last year as a Recreation Director at Union.

Currently I spend my time traveling and speaking at different conferences and churches. When I'm home I volunteer with inner-city baseball and football leagues in Little Rock for 6-7 year old's. Please pray for the kids I work with because most don't have a father figure in their life.

The reason I love camp is to me it gives me a better picture of what church is suppose to look like. It's not just going to a building once or twice a week but a group of believers ministering, living, and working together in community everyday to further the Kingdom.

Picture: Toby is kneeling in front.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT :: Director for the NEW MFuge at New Orleans

2010-12-13T11:32:00.008-06:00

Capri Brooks lives in Mandeville, Louisiana, and is a high school guidance counselor at Northshore High School. She has been married for eight years to Jason Brooks, the Minister of Music and Worship at First Baptist Church Covington, Louisiana. Capri is originally from Philadelphia, Mississippi, and attained her undergraduate degree at Mississippi State University. She also has earned graduate degrees, in counseling, from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Mississippi State University. Capri is currently working on her PhD in counseling at Mississippi State University.

Capri began working with FUGE Camps in 2000. She has served at Carson Newman College, Jenness Park, Hawaii, Texas, and Mississippi College. Capri served as Bible Study Leader for three years, Assistant Director for three years, and three years as Camp Director. She also had the opportunity to serve as Project Coordinator for an International World Changers camp in Slovakia last summer. This will be Capri’s tenth year to work for FUGE.

When asked about camp, Capri responds…”God teaches me new things each summer and has continually used LifeWay camps to mold me into the person He desires me to be. It never ceases to amaze me how truly life-changing these camps are, not only for the campers and adults, but also for the staff. God’s calling upon my life to direct camp this summer is great, and I am excited to see how God changes lives this summer!”

Join us in praying for Capri as she prepares to lead the ministry that will take place in New Orleans!

Youth Group of the Week :: NorthStar Church

2010-12-06T15:13:00.002-06:00

FUGE has made a direct impact on my life for the past ten years. I started going to camp as a teenager with my church...first was Crosspoint...then Centrifuge and MFUGE. It was at MFUGE in Mobile, AL the summer of 2003 when I surrendered to the call!

Since I've been a student pastor...(not long only about 4 years) I'm still a rookie but we've taken our group to FUGE each summer and have had incredible faith changing experiences. This past summer we took a very young group of 40 to MFUGE in Birmingham. There were several students who's eyes were open to the Gospel and to Ministry. An eighth grade girl called her mom the first night after going to her site and said..."momma, these kids are just like the children in the Philippines (her mom went to the Philippines earlier that year) they don't have anything and we got to play with them and share Christ with them."

Keep it up Fuge...see ya'll in Greenville, SC next summer!

Andrew Ledbetter
Jr. High Student Pastor
NorthStar Church

STAFF SPOTLIGHT :: Director for Southwest Baptist & Jenness Park

2010-11-30T14:54:00.002-06:00

About Brady Plunk...in his own words ::

I am from Lawton, Oklahoma, but currently living in Wake Forest, North Carolina and loving every minute! I moved to North Carolina to begin working on a Masters in Biblical Counseling. It has been a great opportunity thus far to expand in not only the realm of Academics, but to also see the east coast.

I am Directing the FUGE team that will start at Southwest Baptist University (June 6-July 1) in Bolivar, MO, then head to Jenness Park (July 11- Aug. 6) to finish our summer in northern California. This will be my fourth summer to worker with Lifeway's Centrifuge program and it will be my second year as a Camp Director. I served as a Bible Study Leader at Panama City Beach for several summers before Directing at that location.

Centrifuge has grown very close to my heart for many reasons. One, the gospel is presented everyday in several different context's. Camp has taught me how to be more intentional with people on a day to day basis. Working on staff gives us the opportunity to work with students, encourage them, and speak truth, day in and day out. It is always a blessing to experience life with a group of other people on staff that come from all different areas of the country. Life long friendships have been created in the past three summers. The amount of blessings that have been given to me by previous fellow staffers are endless.

I look forward to seeing those coming to Southwest and Jenness! We are going to have great time!

Missions Spotlight :: Sub-Saharan Africa

2010-11-29T12:57:00.007-06:00

The following information was sent to us by former FUGE staffer and current Journeyman (IMB Missionary) to Sub-Saharan Africa...

The theme for Sub-Saharan Africa is Shatter the Silence. There are many in the affinity who have never even heard the name of Jesus! Our purpose is to be on the EDGE of the silence through Evangelism, Discipleship, Gathering believers, and Empowering churches.

Why Africa?

The Global Median Age for Sub-Saharan Africa is 14-25 years old, meaning that many of those in the affinity are the age of the students who come to camp. It's important to focus on reaching students in their teens because they may not live old enough to reach them as adults. War has claimed 5.5 million casualties in the Congo in the past 17 years. Some of the refugees who fled the Congo are coming back into their home country as pastors and reaching out to those fighting. Warriors are coming to faith in Christ because of the faithfulness of these refugees-turned-pastors!

There are 1,800 unreached, unengaged people groups in Sub-Saharan Africa. This means there are no missionaries targeting these people. They have no way to hear the Gospel.

Malaria: 3.3 billion people (half the world's population) is at risk of malaria. 91% of malaria deaths are in Africa and 85% of these are children. One child dies of malaria every 30 seconds. One million people die of malaria every year. Many in Africa cannot afford a mosquito net that would significantly reduce a person's risk for malaria. We met many who had malaria and could not afford medicine. Their only option at that point is prayer or a "traditional healer" (witch doctor who gains power from the spirits for the "medicine" he or she gives); sometimes people use both...even believers will sometimes go to the witch doctor if they have not been discipled well.

Ways we are working to have an impact in Sub-Saharan Africa:

Prayer - both prayer-walking and praying with people.
Being a part of their lives - living with them, working with them, playing with them
Sharing the Word of God - stories are HUGE here! People who wouldn't listen to the Romans Road may listen to a story from God's Word and from there doors may open so we can share more stories from God's Word - including the story of Jesus.

Statistics from last year:

542,950 heard the Gospel
59,896 new believers
36,076 baptized (baptism is difficult to get Africans to do)
24,149 people mentored1,480 new churches planted

Sub-Saharan Africa is the focus for the international portion of the FUGE Missions Offering for the next five years. Join us in praying for those who are on the front lines...

STAFF SPOTLIGHT :: Director for Mobile

2010-11-18T13:23:00.003-06:00

Carrie Griffin is originally from Southern California where she grew up and attended California Baptist University. She is recently moved to Nashville and is pursuing a Master Degree in Music Composition at Belmont University.

She began working for Centrifuge in 2008 as a Bible Study/Track leader and expected it to be her only summer working camp. However the Lord let her know that wasn't His plan and has since allowed her to direct Jenness Park in 2009 and Carson Newman in 2010. Carrie loves to see how quickly the Lord can tear down walls and build up His church in just a few days. She considers it an honor and a privilege to participate in this ministry.

Youth Group of the Week :: Parkway Baptist Church

2010-11-16T18:07:00.008-06:00

In his own words...

Fuge has had an INCREDIBLE impact on my life. This impact started back in the summer of 1998 at an M-Fuge in Washington, DC which was my first encounter of Fuge. I had just finished 7th grade and it was at this camp that God called me into vocational student ministry. Ever since this first Fuge experience, God has been doing some amazing things in my life!

In the summer of 2000, my family and I moved from a small town in North Carolina to outside of Richmond, VA. We landed at a church plant in 2002 called Parkway Baptist Church. I immediately got involved in the student ministry and helped build it as a junior in high school. From the very beginning I kept telling the youth pastor about M-Fuge and that we should go! We went for the first time in 2003 as a student ministry at Parkway. We took about 30 or so to Nashville. Our students and adults LOVED it and were hooked. We've been to camp in Nashville, Philadelphia, North Greenville, Ridgecrest, Charleston, and Williamsburg, KY.

I moved into the role of student pastor here at Parkway in January 2008 and it is through M-Fuge that our students have become missions minded and have developed the yearn to serve others even here in Richmond. They have grasped that missions is something that we do everyday when we wake up and not just 1 week out of the year at M-Fuge. Because of Fuge, we have created our own version of Fuge here in Richmond during a weekend that we call “LIVE LOVE.” We set up this retreat with tracts, games, and worship! The students love it and enjoy serving others in our community. Because of the impact of Fuge, many of our students have also been called into missions, ministry, and as staff at CentriKid and Fuge!

M-Fuge also opened up a door for us, as a student ministry, to be involved in global missions. Every year at M-Fuge our students amaze me at how much they sacrifice for the missions offering. In 2007, at M-Fuge in Philadelphia, we watched a video about the Roma people and missionary Daniel Byrd. God laid this people group and missionary on our hearts and we began to pray for them as a student ministry. The next summer we signed up to go and serve the Roma people with Daniel Byrd in Cluj, Romania through International World Changers. We took a group of about 25 and had an amazing time serving the Lord in a foreign land. Our church had always been involved with global missions but this was the first overseas trip that was offered exclusively to students. Our students came back totally changed and had an amazing experience. We went back the next summer and my wife and I sat in Daniel’s car that the Fuge missions offering from the year before (that our students gave to) helped pay for. Because of this trip to this people group that we learned about at Fuge, we, as a church, have adopted the Roma people and Daniel Byrd and now send 2-3 mission teams every year to serve along side of Daniel to reach the Roma people of Cluj!

There are so many stories that could be shared but one thing for sure is that Fuge truly is a LIFE-CHANGING CAMP! Thank you for all of your hard work in planning and staffing (with some of the best staff in the world) Fuge each and every year! We will see you in Philadelphia in July 2011!

Mike Camire
Student Pastor, Parkway Baptist Church

STAFF SPOTLIGHT :: Director for Panama City Beach

2010-11-15T09:04:00.007-06:00

Julie “Rae” Mims will be the Camp Director at Panama City Beach. This is her fourth summer working camp and her second as Director. She has also served as a Bible Study Leader and Recreation Director. Currently, she is a graduate student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Originally from Charleston, SC, she now lives in Wake Forest, NC pursuing her master’s degree. She is in her last year and is studying Christian Education and Counseling. Rae works as a gymnastics coach and serves as a director at the gym. She loves backpacking, camping, and running.

Rae loves camp for many reasons, but most of all for the intentional ministry that Fuge keeps a priority. She loves connecting with students and adults through Bible study and recreation, and bringing out Biblical concepts in the different activities throughout the day. The staff is also a huge passion for Rae at camp. It brings her so much joy to get to know the staff and grow together throughout the summer. All in all, worshipping the Lord through camp is a huge part of her life and she is excited and anticipating this summer at Panama City Beach. Pray for Rae in the coming months as she prepares to lead the Centrifuge program at PCB.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT :: Director for MFuge Philly

2010-11-07T12:54:00.008-06:00

Will Snipes lives in Travelers Rest, SC and is a 7th grade Language Arts teacher at Blue Ridge Middle School in nearby Greer, SC. He is also the Boys Head Tennis Coach at Blue Ridge High School and Assistant Coach with the Cross Country team there as well. In 2005-2006, Will was named Teacher of the Year for Blue Ridge Middle School and then for all of the Greenville County Schools.

Will has worked with FUGE for over 12 years leading teams for Centrifuge, MFuge and MFuge International. On the weekends, he frequently travels to different churches throughout the country to speak at youth retreats and conferences. He enjoys running, and completed his third marathon in January of 2007. He also enjoys leading Bible Studies for groups of teenage guys and taking them on many hiking and backpacking adventures. In addition, Will writes for LifeWay publications such as Essential Connection magazine and Living With Teenagers.

Pray for Will in the coming months as he prepares to lead the MFuge and XFUGE on Mission programs at Eastern University in Philadelphia.

Good game...

2010-11-03T15:45:00.010-05:00

Games and object lessons are a huge hit in student ministry. We will be resourcing you on our blog each month with ideas for new games to use as opening activities or group building. Here's one that is low on supplies, big on laughs...

Name of the Game: TAPE HEAD

Equipment: A roll of masking tape.

Instructions: Every person will get a piece of tape and place it on their forehead. They must find another player and put their heads together so the two pieces of tape stick. When they pull away, the player with both pieces of tape left on their forehead wins. The other person gets behind the winner and becomes a part of their team. This repeats itself until there is just one huge winner.

Youth Group of the Week :: Candlewyck Baptist Church

2010-10-29T13:26:00.010-05:00

Our group has attended 5 different FUGE camps since I've been Youth Pastor here. Two XFUGE camps and three FUGE Winter Camps. Some memorable events for our group have been worship, hanging out with Caleb Chapman, as well as learning from David Nasser's speaking, and laughing out loud with the Skit Guys. Our students stay in touch with Will and Caleb Chapman through Twitter and Facebook and have been encouraged and grown through their music and testimonies. I personally LOVED hearing David Nasser. Also, never have we laughed as hard (yet been so challenged) as the time the Skit Guys were at Ridgecrest XFUGE.

Thanks for the challenge to share this info!

Drew Cheshire
Associate Pastor for Students
Candlewyck Baptist Church
Charlotte, NC