Kanakuk Institute

We’re in that transition time—Institute classes are over, and as a staff we are wrapping up KI, brainstorming for next year, and gearing up for a summer of kamp. What a wonderfully crazy time! We have been blessed to spend the past ten days or so closing up the class of 2011. We moved out of Kauai, breaking down the Institute’s classroom and dining hall set-up and turning it back over to Kanakuk so they can prepare for an exciting summer at Kamp! Then we took the students camping in Arkansas, enjoying gorgeous hiking weather, the chilly Buffalo River, food around the campfire, and reflections from the year. Friday we had the privilege to meet with this year’s students one last time for Bible study and prayer, and that evening enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate with their families. Graduation was a sweet time—recognizing each student individually and class memories as a whole. Mr. Jack Herschend (among others) spoke a few words at the ceremony, highlighting the potential of these 55 students and the spiritual impact each of them will have over the next 10, 20, or 50 years of loving others to the cross.

That’s what we’re all about. The reason we exist is to multiply kingdom impact by equipping leaders and then sending them out! So, even now as we’re missing our friends, we remind ourselves of our purpose. We love having students around, but our purpose is fulfilled when they leave. So, to the Class of 2011, we wish you well, and hope to hear how you’re doing along the way. And as for our staff team, we’ll keep meeting to prep and pray for another summer at Kanakuk and for the students of 2012. Does next year’s class include YOU?

The countdown is on and these last few weeks are packed!! Our students and staff alike are feeling the pressure (in a good way) as we try to soak in time together before parting ways. Parting is such sweet sorrow! Right now we’re two and a half weeks out from Graduation 2011, and we are going full force. Even as I write, our students are up to their eyeballs in the book of Revelation. Debbie Jo White, one of our students’ favorite teachers, is here this week teaching inductively through this complicated (but awesome) book. Next week we have three days of belief statement panels as campus work hours and internships wrap up as well. Then, our last week we get ready to party—we have some closing class time planned, a little work to shut Kauai down, a three day camping trip and lots of fun night activities. Soon parents and friends will arrive for the graduation ceremony on April 15^th. We hate to see them go, but are excited to launch 55 equipped young men and women out to rock the world for Christ.