CRA Hot Rod Camps, Int'lCamp #2
|
The second CRA Hot Rod Truck has been sold.
Call the CRA Office for more information.
Camp #2 was held on June 3-9, 2007 at Yogi's located in Calamus, IA.
June 19, 2007
CRA Family and Friends,
CRA Hot Rod Camp #2 is now engraved forever in CRA’s history book. The events of this week cannot be changed nor do they need be for it was a week ordained of the Lord. If you try to compare it to last year’s camp, you’ll find it a waste of time. Each camp is its own. A special time, a specific place, different people, different projects, and different challenges are set apart for one purpose that is unchanging. Investing in the lives of teenagers by teaching and equipping them to live great lives based on Christian values is our purpose.
On Wednesday I was impressed of the Lord with these words. “If you will let me take you to your breaking point, you will see a miracle!” We all have different breaking points. The key is allowing God to stretch us to completely trust and lean on His strength. To all of our teachers, builders, ladies, our gracious host Yogi, and his staff who took the time to serve at this camp, you understand what no one else can. The week seemed impossible, but all things are possible with the God we serve! This is “His” camp, these are “His” teenagers, and the projects are for His glory!
On Saturday as family and friends gathered at Yogi’s for the pot luck celebration, the traditional signing of the truck door, its initial startup, and the group pictures, I saw the miracle—thirteen in fact! I saw young men laughing, joking, and telling stories. It was their week, never to be forgotten. Some of their comments were: “I’ll be back next year”, “I really needed this week”, “It turned me around”, and “Maybe someday I can help do a camp for teenagers!” How far reaching are the results of this week? Only God knows and only time will tell what the results will be. However, this week’s ministry exceeded our expectations, expanded our imaginations, and exploded the city limits of a small town called Calamus, IA. It was CRA’s honor and privilege to speak into the lives of these young men. They heard the gospel message and at the end of the week were sent out to be men of honor and integrity. May the fruit of this week reach into the halls of Eternity!
Did I forget to mention the projects? They are secondary to our purpose. The ’53 Ford truck was complete except for minor adjustments, wing vent glass, part of the interior, exhaust extensions, and air conditioner purge and charge. The truck can be seen at Goodguys shows in Des Moines, IA, Columbus, OH, and Kansas City, MO.
The ’51 Chevy panel delivery came to the half-way point with a newly painted chassis, 348 motor, 700R4 transmission, and new “Intro” wheels and tires. A record number of hours were spent on the body smoothing and sanding all week and it is currently primed. It will be finished at a later date.
Finally my deepest thanks goes out to those of you who gave of your time, financial support, product donations, vehicle donations, time away from your business, and your heart. I cannot express enough of my love for you.
I want to express to our teachers: your words were good seed planted in good soil. May they return thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold. To our builders: may the work of your hands be blessed and the relationships you formed with these young men never be forgotten. To our ladies: your hours of work with little time for rest was truly sacrificial. You ministered to us more than you will know. To Dusty who donated the ’53 and Brent who donated the ’51: you have owned these projects for many years in the hope of restoring them. They now are in the history books of CRA as tools used to change lives. To all our contributors: this week does not happen without you. May God richly bless you. To Dale and Jeannie: You took time out of a busy schedule to stop by and encourage us on Tuesday. Those of us there on Tuesday night know that your stopping was indeed the Lord’s timing. Thanks for being faithful. To Yogi: I’m at a loss for words. You first became our friend and then diligently took us to a new level of “craftsmanship” with our projects. You are forever in our hearts. To the parents: You gave time, money, and your trust in us. It was an investment in the FUTURE of your sons. To our thirteen young men: It was indeed our honor to spend the week with you. In the days to come you will face tough choices. Never forget the cross road you were at this week. Remember God’s good plan for your life, hold on to what is good, and let the rest go. You are men of honor and integrity. God Bless You!
I will leave you with this thought from Paul’s letter to the Philippians 4:8, “Finally brothers whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” I’m thinking about thirteen young men with a great future as great Christians, husbands, fathers, and future CRA members.
Building Cars—Changing Lives,
Donavin & Miriam Calmer
CRA Hot Rod Camps, Int’l, Director/Pastor
|
CRA Hot Rod Camp #2 Partners
DUSTIN BUTLER, Mossville, IL donated his ’53 truck!
YOGI’S, INC., IA
Vintage Air, TX
Glass Specialty, IL
Jim Lenz, Midway Auto Parts, IL
Everett Gray, IL
Totally Stainless, PA
Walkers Radiator Works, Inc., TN
Tanks, Inc., FL
Dale Isley, WA
No Limit Engineering, CA
Gene Nally, IL
Miami Rubber Corp., OH
Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Lunow, OK
Gary Heidt, HEIDT’S Hot Rod Shop, IL
DuPont
Specialty Power Windows, GA
BeBops Glassworks Inc., TN
Ididit, MI
Peoria Tire Co., IL
Coker Tire, TN
Mid-State Transmission, IL
First Glass, IL
New Port Engineering, MO
Kwik Wire, WI
Pro’s Pick, Ont., Canada
(And many other contributors)
CRA Leaders/Hot Rod Builders/Instructors:
Roger Bennington ... Donavin Calmer ... Pastor Dale Daly
Dan Jeffries ... Cole Unger ... Jim Lenz ... Rick Eibey
Tom Pirkel ... Wes Burda ... Dennis Burda ... Bernard Brown
|
|
