Remembering Past Friends

"James “Jim” Harold McClary, of Branson, died Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, in Branson, at the age of 81....What he enjoyed most was his work he did at Kanakuk Kamp for more than 40 years. Jim took great enjoyment from being around young people and during the summers the children at the kamps."

With over 80 years of history right here in the Ozark Mountains, Kanakuk has some stories to tell. Not just glamorous accounts of high adventure camping, but tales of those who made it possible! Over the years it has taken many dedicated people to keep Kanakuk Kamps on it's feet and growing. Many of those people have been, and still are, natives of this very area. In fact their families farmed these lands and made a life here long before the first rustic cabin was put up. Once such friend of Kanakuk, Jim McClary, passed away last Friday at 81 years old and in his obituary his family remembered his fondness for this place, the work, and the summers full of children. Like many others, I'm sure Jim enjoyed his 40 years of service to Kanakuk because of the feeling of being a part of something that changed lives, something that made a difference for the Kingdom of God.

So I, honor Jim and all those who have poured blood and sweat into this place over the years so that our children can learn what it means to put God First, Others Second and themselves Third. It's a good life and well done.

History repeats itself. While I sit behind my desk, the work day is just beginning all over Kanakuk land. There are more of us working a way in the offices now then when you were here Jim. But all hands are on deck getting the buildings and grounds ready for what will be the greatest summer in Kanakuk history!

Thanks for your part in Kanakuk's history. What stories do you have to tell!

I'm going to go find one of today's Kanakuk stories and share tomorrow so check back.



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They Drink Coffee

Right at the moment there are 16 full and part-time Kanakuk Kamps employees that I call my Teammates! In no particular order there's; Judy, Jeff, Shane, Max, Tim, Jessica, Jeremy, Mollye, Lindsay, Adam, Michael, Tena, Hortencia, Kimie, Jo, and Tracey. They are registrars, videographers, graphic designers, web programmers, managers, print buyers, and more and more. Each of them has a unique set of strengths that they excel in. They work quietly in the background of this ministry, their hearts set on serving our Kamp families and the other employees at Kanakuk. There's not an ego in the bunch.

There's not room for ego when you are hilariously funny, quick witted, super creative, willing to serve others, happy to be alive, married up, have mad listening skills, seasoned professionalism, company manners, and most of all understand the mission of Kanakuk.

"Our mission is to evangelize and equip the next generation to reach the world for Christ."

Our part of that mission as the "Marketing" department is to serve those employees who are on the front lines of ministering, discipling, mentoring and comforting those who are served by any of the many ministries in the Kanakuk family.

We all love it that way, that kind of service opportunity is what gets us going in the morning (That and a good cup of coffee about 8:30! - more on that later or check out Lindsay's blog)

Do you have a special service moment that you can share?