Dear Friends & Family,

It was 10:30 pm. The vans were filled with 13 students plus staff. It was icy and snowing and I was tired.  The drive home from the conference afforded a few hours reflection, which led me to two realizations: 

First, conferences for young adults have changed A LOT since I was a student. We used to discuss the hot topics of the day, like how to “witness” and whether or not you could kiss your girlfriend, or if you should even have one (I never did due to my tremendous moral fortitude). The key take-away from these conferences was usually “I need to read my Bible more.”   

A conference for young Christians now will generally address various other religions, suicide and self-harm, gender identity questions, racial reconciliation, the nature of truth, and a collection of other complex and difficult topics. The questions have changed as the culture has changed, yet the take-away is often the same. God’s word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, even on the most challenging issues.  

The second realization I had in the van is this: There is nothing I would rather be doing.  It is truly an honor to walk alongside these young people each day as they struggle to understand what it looks like to follow Christ in a world that is so rapidly changing.  Please pray for wisdom as we continue to apply God’s word to each new challenge.  

Speaking of new challenges, we are expecting another child (4th) in April!  We are excited to welcome one more Jacobson kid, as we are quite happy with the ones we have.  Charlie, Mason and Nora are working hard to figure out a name for the new little guy.  “Pancake” was their first choice, but Mom and Dad get some input too.  

Laura is busy with homeschooling, so number four is going to be a whole new level. If anyone can do it, she can, but the busy summer wilderness season with a newborn in the house is something we are still trying to figure out. Please pray for energy (or help!).  

We are thankful for you all. In these uncertain days we have felt the blessing of continued prayers and support of so many. We are truly blessed.  

With much thankfulness, 

Dan, Laura, Charlie, Mason & Nora

Dear Friends & Family,

Every year in May we “graduate” our Trailhead students and send them off into the world.  For me, this is often a difficult moment. I have been doing this long enough to know that the cultural shift they are about to undergo is an abrupt and challenging one.

I have come to see this transition in paddling terms. Much like an eddy in a river, Forest Springs is an anomaly. It’s a place where the cultural currents oppose the raging cultural river “out there” and where the gentle current will draw you into safety even if the water is thundering only feet away.

In a kayak or canoe, an eddy can provide a temporary place of rest, even in the midst of a chaotic and noisy rapid. From the eddy I can catch my breath. From the eddy I can gain perspective on what’s happening in the river without the risk of being washed into danger.  I can plan and prepare.

Trailhead is like this.  Students often enter this cultural eddy exhausted. The currents of cultural pressures have taken their toll. The paddlers are weary of the fight.  Often, they have been losing. We are blessed at Forest Springs to be able to offer this protected eddy, where perspective can be gained, wounds healed, convictions built. In Trailhead, God’s word is applied to all of life, and this cultural current invariably brings growth in any student willing to engage.

But then they leave…

Leaving the calm of the eddy and re-entering the current is called “peeling out” and it’s a tricky maneuver. The river wants control and exerts great force. Leaning the wrong way or entering that current unaware can end in disaster. In the river, as in life, knowledge and skill are required to negotiate the currents. Passivity will be the downfall of any lazy or ignorant paddler.  

When I read Matthew 13 (the parable of the sower) and I reflect on the factors in life that can stifle or kill the growth of the gospel, I see the faces of past students who came and grew and are now doing battle with tribulation, persecution, “the deceitfulness of wealth” or “the cares of this world.”  It makes me feel a bit helpless and it makes me want to pray. Would you mind keeping our 2018/2019 students in your prayers this Summer as they “peel out”?

Here they are with the paddles they made. It was a great project, but a reminder as well of their own responsibility to give direction to their lives. At this age it becomes difficult for anyone else to paddle for them on the river of life if they are not engaged in the effort.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Dan, Laura, Charlie, Mason & Nora

Greetings from the Northwoods!

Winter brings a surprisingly full schedule for Forest Springs and the Jacobsons.

At camp, the winter retreat season is a two-month flash of activity. In fact, it is probably our most concentrated schedule of the year in terms of numbers of people served. They come for the ski hill, for good food, and time away from distractions. Youth Pastors bring their groups for the unique opportunity to build relationships and take advantage of a more focused teaching opportunity than is often available at home. A lot of ministry will take place here this winter. There is much to be praying for.

Our trailhead crew is over half way through their nine-month gap year, and they are doing great. It’s been a full Fall semester of trips, projects and classes designed to raise and wrestle with life’s “big questions.” There have been both smiles and tears along the way. I am hopeful for each of these young friends. I believe the foundations are being built that will hold them firm against the wind and waves of life. Please pray for them. There are many questions still to answer, and life is often overwhelming in this stage.  If you are here this winter, keep your eyes out for name tags that say “Trailhead student.” They may be serving your meal, cleaning your room or greeting you as you arrive.  Feel free to ask them about their experience here.

Because the schedule at camp keeps the students busy for the next couple of months, I am able to focus on teaching preparations and hiring for the Summer Adventure Program. Unforeseen opportunities continue to present themselves in the area of formal teaching.  I get asked to fill a pulpit now and then, and will teach a week-long world view class again in February at Montana Wilderness School of the Bible. Of course, as I work with 18-25 year-olds, officiating weddings has come up as well. I did two last year and am planning for one this coming March. I feel blessed to be able to serve in these ways where the schedule allows.

The Jacobson household is NEVER quiet. Charlie, Mason and Eleanor (Nora) are all capable suppliers of decibels. I have to say, my dear wife Laura is as gracious and patient as they come. I don’t know how she holds the place together with these three active youngsters. It’s hard to know how much of this craziness is supposed to be “parented” out of them.  Does anyone know?

What I do know is that God has blessed us with the opportunity to spend a couple of formative decades with each of these three creative and enthusiastic children. He has also charged us with the responsibility of being their first representatives of the love, nature and discipline of God.  We don’t know how to do it. Please continue to pray for wisdom and God’s provision of patience and kindness for our parenting (and a little bit of peace so Dad can think).

This fall marked 11 years of marriage and 10 official years of service for us at Forest Springs. It’s hard to quantify the value of all the things that have happened along the way.  They have been the best years of our lives.  We are grateful for each other, and to have been able to be a part of ten years of wilderness ministry, the creation of Trailhead followed by six years of directing that program, and countless other opportunities to serve, learn and participate in the unique ministry of Forest Springs.

Thanks to all who have encouraged, prayed and helped fund this ministry. Please trust that we are are more grateful and glad than our inconsistent updates are able to communicate.

May the Lord grant us each grace for the journey in the coming year. Love, the Jacobsons

"Spring"

 

 

Greetings Friends!

 

Its the second of April and as I glance out my window, it seems clear that winter is going to hang on to us for some time yet. Two stubborn feet of snow still bury the Northwoods and the weather app on my phone is calling for another 5-9 inches tonight. It would be easy, when surveying this wintery landscape, to forget that Spring is approaching quickly, and with it will come many tasks, events, and continued conversations - all opportunities to proclaim the glory of God and to remind ourselves of the good things he has done.

In October we welcomed Eleanor Jo (Nora) into our family. I am still getting used to the idea that she is a girl, but so far she has been fine. She has never yet referred to herself as a "princess" and shows no fear of being seen with me in public. I think we must be on the right track. Five months in and so far, so good.  Charlie and Mason are every bit as noisy and energetic as you would expect a 4 year-old and 3 year-old to be.  The house is never quiet these days and I am sure we will miss that when they are bigger but my goodness...
 
The trailhead class of 2017/2018 has been great. There will always be difficulties, but for the most part the students have been glad to learn, and one student even made his first-time decision for Christ during the year.  Over the next month or so they will be finishing up classes, enjoying a couple trips together, and processing all they have learned during the year.  The last month of Trailhead is a blessed time, as differences are set aside and the group begins to realize and reflect on what a great year it has been. 

And with the ending of Trailhead comes the beginning of the summer  adventure program, when we will take to the woods, rivers and trails to teach the gospel the way Jesus often did- outside, surrounded by the glory of God in His creation, and amidst the challenges that come from living "under the sky."  We will serve thousands of young people at camp in the next few months, and all of our programs are designed to help each one understand the reality of God and His love. Please pray that they will hear and understand!

Laura and I passed the ten-year mark this year, and we continue to be grateful to our Lord for helping us find each other. She is a blessing to me every day and a prayerful, committed and FUN mom for the kids.  Being a mom has kept her away from too much direct work with students this year, but she still helps with details on the computer from home WAY too early in the morning when she should be sleeping.  She is a blessing. 

 

We give thanks for all of you,

Dan, Laura, Charlie, Mason & Nora

Annual Trailhead pig classes (this is sausage)

 

 

 

 

(family photos done by James Stokes Photography)

 

One month down. Eight months to go. Almost over.

 

In September we launched our fifth year of the Trailhead Program at   Forest Springs. Students have been absorbed in trips, training and classes. This journey we are on together still has the feel of an experience that is just beginning, but If there is one thing I have learned in the first four years, it’s that things move fast from here on out. Everyone has his or her goals for the year, and there is no time to lose because Trailhead will be over before we know it.  There are many deep questions to wrestle with, many plans to be made, and many struggles to be shared and processed. Time is of the essence. Please pray that each’s student’s unique needs will be shared, discerned and ministered to this year by God’s grace and with his help. 

 

The big news for Trailhead is a new facility! Forest Springs carried out an extensive remodel of the old house we call “Hillside” and this new space is working nicely for the housing of the Trailhead men and for classroom space, which has been a significant need. Praise God for this exceptional blessing. We never expected or even hoped for something like this.

 

As always, our class is a diverse collection of young people from around the country. This year we only have two students from Wisconsin! In some ways it is surprising that people come from Nebraska, South Carolina, or Mexico to attend Trailhead, but I have come to trust God’s wisdom in these things.  It’s a great honor to be part of His plan for these twelve young people. He loves them greatly and it’s so interesting to begin to piece together what His purpose seems to be for bringing each of them to Forest Springs.

 

At the Jacobson home, we have been living for months now in a state of constant readiness. We expect our daughter to be born any day Lord   willing, and because Mason was so early, we have been in that frame of mind for awhile.  The actual due date (Oct 26^th) is fast approaching now so it really should be soon. Please pray for God’s good timing in this.   

 

Charlie and Mason are good little men. They are growing fast in body and mind. Charlie is a “Cubbie” this year at church, and is doing a great job learning his verses. Mason is a joy, with an exceptionally developed sense of humor for his age. He gets this from his dad I think because it’s a bit twisted at times.

 

Laura is ready for our little girl to come. I am glad my daughter will have Laura for a mom. She will be entering the world a blessed little girl.

 

Thanks you all for your prayers, thoughts, encouragement and support!

Dan, Laura, Charlie & Mason

 

 

Summer 2017

Trip Staff 2017!

 

Friends,

 

It’s hard to explain adventure trip ministry to people.  While many of our friends and family believe in camp ministry, they often seem to scratch their heads at the whole wilderness idea.  When we first decided to join this ministry, I was asked by a friend “What does canoeing down a river have to do with the gospel?” Let me give you a couple of thoughts:

 

Setting: We hear in psalm 19, Romans 1, Job and elsewhere that God shows His nature and power in his creation. He expects us to see this and He expects it to change us. A wilderness adventure puts you in the front row.

 

Community: We really don’t know each other very well! Our communication is rarely face to face, and the face we project is often a false one. The stresses of wilderness life strip away the pretensions and break down the walls. Many youth leaders know that a week-long wilderness trip can create relationships in a youth group that would take years to generate otherwise.

 

Journey: There are so many biblical metaphors about life being a journey. Wilderness journeys expose us to the same fears, questions and challenges that will confront us as we walk with Christ in our journey of life. There are so many parallels that can be recognized and processed together around the campfire. This is true learning and reflecting on these things brings growth.

 

Dependence on God: Last week’s junior high boys fishing trip didn’t go as planned. The boys headed out for the week with high hopes and excitement. After five days of storms, heat and “so-so” fishing, they were ready to be done.  Weary and sun-burned, the boys and their trip leaders returned to camp with a bit of frustration. How encouraging then, to see four of those boys make first time decisions to follow Christ on the trips last evening as they reflected on the Bible teaching from the week.  Praise the Lord that His plans are better than ours!

 

The Jacobsons are doing great, and are pleased to announce that (Lord willing) Charlie and Mason will be getting a sister in October. With thankful hearts, after a good and celebratory finish with the last class in May, we are also eagerly        anticipating a new Trailhead class this fall. Praise the Lord for the past 4 years of the program. Please pray for our 2017 students as they prepare to come for a life-changing year.

 

We are thankful for all of you.

Love,

 

Dan, Laura, Charlie & Mason

 

 

Once again, the “New Year’s” letter from the Jacobsons makes it out in the early Spring!  I wish I could claim that this was a strategic move to avoid the holiday mail rush, but in reality it just didn’t get done. Next year we will plan a Halloween letter and maybe it will arrive on time.

The Trailhead Program is in its fourth year, and as I reflect on the last year of ministry, I realize that there is little that is brand new. We didn’t welcome a new child this year, or kick off a new ministry initiative but that isn’t to say good things aren’t happening.  I have this old song in my head as I write:

 

Hello old friends

There’s really nothing new to say.

The old, old story bears repeating

And the same old truth grows dearer every day

Cause I’ve found something worth believing

And that’s a joy that nothing can take away.

 

Trailhead continues to provide opportunities to help young people understand that our faith is “worth believing.”  In addition to the standard scheduling, teaching and mentoring, I was even able to spend a week at Montana Wilderness School of the Bible in January teaching on the subject of “worldview and apologetics.” Developing and teaching this class was a great journey for me.  My life has been a string of difficult (sometimes scary) questions. It is tremendous to look back and see how many of them have been answered in the person of Christ.  I have no idea if the students were blessed by the class, but I was definitely blessed by the preparations.

 

So we meet again, after all these many years

Did we sow the seeds we're reaping?
Now that the harvest calls us here
It seems that love blooms out of season
And much joy can blossom from many tears

 

Laura is learning and growing as she pours out into things at home and camp. She continues to hold everything together in our house (other than the timing of me writing this letter) and Charlie and Mason are healthy young future-men. It isn’t uncommon at the dinner table for our boys to choose their food based on what will “make me strong.”  They are beginning to enjoy each other’s friendship. Both are happy and proud to be learners.  “Why?” is Mason’s favorite question and is his standard response to pretty much any statement. Charlie is learning his letters and will be writing his name soon. Please pray for us as we raise them.  It will take more than   venison and vegetables to produce the strength they will need in their lives.

 

So old friends you must forget what you had to forgive
And let love be stronger than the feelings
That rage and run beneath the bridge.
Knowing morning follows evening
Makes each new day come as a gift!   Rich Mullins

 

We are thankful for all of you.

May your Spring bring joy and hope with its reminders of life and growth.

Dan, Laura, Charlie & Mason