A day in the life of...Mark Williams

Update 7-14-09

Well....M4 camps 1, 2, and 3 are over.  We finished up this past Sunday.  We saw almost 400 campers during the first 3 camps.  It was an AMAZING week.  There are so many moments and memories to talk and laugh about for years to come.  More importantly, so many lives were impacted by Jesus and the Word of God.  Gary Permenter was our speaker for the first 3 camps.  Gary has an amazing way of communicating on the level of the crowd.  His style is unique and very engaging.  Chris Layton was our worship leader for camp #1.  He was great.  Curt Hale was our worship leader for camps #2 and #3.  Curt is one of my best friends, and always brings energy to the sessions. 

There were countless numbers of kids launched from the blob.  We had tons of laughs and good times.  I gotta tell you...the M4 staff did an OUTSTANDING job these first three camps.  We are soooo ready to go back for a few more camps!!

Final checks

    Here I am.  It's Saturday night before we leave for M4 Camps 2009 tomorrow.  The trailer is packed.  My personal clothes are packed.  We have just a few things to pack tomorrow, besides our luggage.  I am excited and nervous all at the same time.  It's now or never.     
    The cool thing about the next 3 weeks is that we will have the opportunity to impact over 900 lives.  900.  I am constantly amazed that God would allow us to be a part of this.  I've gotta tell ya though, I love being part of a movement.  It's a movement within the children's ministry subculture in Mississippi.  Why do I say that?  Well, 4 summers ago, no one one coming to M4 Camps.  Why?  It didn't exist.  The camp that I did with Agricola Baptist did exist.  It has since 2004.  But M4 Camps as we know it didn't.  It was just a dream.  A vision to see a kids' camp done well in Mississippi.  In 2007, we had 450 campers.  In, 2008, over 700 came to M4 Camps.  And this summer, 2009, we have 900 campers coming to spend a few days with us.  I'd say that classifies as a movement.  I'm so thankful to be a part of it.
    So...here I am less than 40 hours away from seeing the first campers of 2009.  We have an excellent staff of 11 this year, not counting our speakers and worship leaders. The cool thing about our M4 staff is that they are people from our church who we minister alongside every day.  That may change some over time.  However, it is a HUGE advantage because we have a level of trust, confidence, and faith in each other. 
    I ask that you pray for us.  I'm not sure how the blogging will be over the next few weeks.  I'll probably update my facebook more than I'll post long posts.  But I will try to keep everyone updated on how things are going. 

Getting closer

All the pieces are falling into place.  We are just a few short days away from M4 Camps 2009.  Every little detail is being examined.  Timing, logistics, worship leaders, speakers, audio, video, computers, games, meals, Bible studies, supplies, staff, you name it.  I am excited and nervous all at the same time.  It is a monumental task to pull of 7 camps in about a 3 week time period.  It is a huge task to give 900 campers a great experience that they will remember for a lifetime.  More than anything, though, we want them to meet and experience Jesus while at camp.  Above everything else, that is our desire and passion.  As time closes in on camp, my prayers are for those who are coming.  There are kids from broken homes, in-tact homes, and every other situation you could imagine.  They all have different dynamics and backgrounds.  I ask that you pray for them.  Pray that their week at camp will be AMAZING!!  Pray for our staff...that we will be full of energy and the Holy Spirit.  Pray for our worship leaders and speakers...that God will use them to lead people to Him.  Pray for me and Melanie.  Pray that as we direct and lead M4 Camps, that we will be full of wisdom and knowledge.  Pray that we create an experience that is unforgettable.