Nova Scotia - Week 3: Yogi Bear & Breakforth

I write these words from a Holiday Inn in Cincinnati. I arrived here on Sunday night. I am here to attend a  C.A.M.P. meeting (JellyStone Park Certification And Management Program). Today was the first of four full days of classes on what it means to be part of the JellyStone Franchise. Imagine that 4 full days – who would have ever thought! So far the classes have been informative, helpful and sometimes overwhelming. I have met some good people, swapped stories and listened what God is doing in their lives, even though most of them would ever use those words.

Next weekend is Breakforth, even though this doesn’t even come close to Breakforth in quantity, quality or especially in the object of its focus, I am amazed at some of the similarities.  There has been discussions why being part of this franchise is better than not and for some, testimonies about how it has saved their campground and meant such a difference in their lives. People have shared their stories of how they came to be part of the franchise; we’ve talked about the conversion of campgrounds; and I’ve even heard songs and seen videos about Yogi Bear. And like my favorite part of Breakforth, we shared drinks afterwards to debrief the day’s events – but even with all the similarities, I am glad it is so very different.

Breakforth is the single annual event that I will miss most about not being in Alberta. Over the years it has become a highlight for me. In the last week of December I ended up in downtown Edmonton with some time to waste. I walked many of the same halls I regularly walked during Breakforth. It was a time of heartwarming memories. For me Breakforth has become a taste of what heaven might be like or a taste what church could be. It is a time of beautiful, open, and sometimes unrestrained praise to God. It is a time when people of all denominations and races come together and worship our (my) God. It is a time of learning and most of all, a time of intense fellowship. I will miss it immensely!

To whoever is going – enjoy it – savor every moment and let yourself be blessed by this small taste of heaven on earth.   Blessings - HJK