Through prayer and service, the Team saw firsthand how God is moving in Oaxaca.
DAY FOUR
Today we started off the day by giving out more care packages and praying over more families throughout Putla! The first house we visited was that of a man named Pablo. We prayed over his family and the recent news he received that he had to pack up all of his belongings and leave his home. Next, we went to the house of a couple where the woman was struggling with health problems involving her kidney. Due to her health problems, they don’t have the ability to make it all the way to church. Despite not being able to attend church weekly, church members have come to visit her and pray over them. She was recently healed by the power of prayer and can now walk again! We then went close by to a family and prayed over their son, who was deaf, and their grandmother. This family also asked for prayer over the fact that they couldn’t go to church because of the treatments the young boy was receiving.
After seeing this family, we ran into a woman named Katarina. She asked for prayer for her three children’s health, her dad’s recent passing, and the state of her mental health. It was no coincidence that we happened to cross paths with her! We then saw a couple who needed prayer over their financial situation, Teofila, who is on oxygen for her lungs, and their son, Marco, who was recently in rehab and asked for prayers that he would go to church. Lastly, we visited a young girl, Ari, and prayed for her and her family. After that, we had lunch and hit the road for our seven-hour drive back to the church in Oaxaca!
DAY FIVE
We got to sleep in again today after arriving back at the mission house in Oaxaca around 1:00 AM. We ate breakfast at the house and then started some painting projects at the house. We painted the living room, the brick walls around the courtyard area, and the church meeting space. We got to bless Pepe, one of the pastors, by doing this work. He would have done this all by himself!
After we finished painting and cleaning up, we started setting up for the youth event we hosted. We played games, worshipped, shared testimonies, shared Scripture, and prayed over many people. It was evident that God was with us. People gave their lives to Christ and asked questions about God. It was an incredible night of ministry, and we are encouraged by what God is doing here in Oaxaca.
DAY SIX
Today was an early morning. We went out for breakfast and coffee! We put on camp for some of the younger kids, which was just amazing! The Gospel was shared through Gospel beads, some fun songs, the soup skit (a camp favorite), and I (Mason) got to share my testimony! It was just a super fun day of seeing again the endless ways God works through not only our lives but also the lives of others!
One of my favorite parts of today was right after handing out Gospel beads. I had a kid walk up to me and ask if he could have three more bracelets to give to his cousins! Seeing how much he cared for them and how impactful the Gospel was for him was so amazing! God is so good, and I can’t wait to see what else He has for this trip!
- Timothy Team 29
Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. - 1 Thessalonians 2:18
"I can still see the picture in my mind. It was plastered on the side of the 12-passenger vans that carried Camp Staff on recruiting trips; it was in all the promotional pamphlets and banners. A coach, down on one knee, fist-pumping with a camper, big smiles on both their faces. As I think about it all these years removed from serving at Camp, it’s a great picture of how God has called us to live in relationships with each other.
I have the privilege of working on a kids ministry staff at a church, and we talk often about having a “kneepad mentality.” We want all our staff and volunteer leaders to not just talk to a kid while towering above them, but to get on their level, look them in the eye, and call them by name, even if it means you have to wear a kneepad because you’re hitting a knee so much to do so. We believe this is how Jesus saw and welcomed people, and we want to do the same. For me, so much of that was forged at Camp, where we literally lived “life on life” with campers and fellow coaches for entire summers.
Justin Whitmel Earley describes deep friendships as needing two main ingredients: time and vulnerability. While Camp provided incredible space to do that, it also showed us the template for living that out on the other side of the “Love God Love Others” gates. When I think about the countless laughs, tears, and great conversations with co-coaches, covenant group members, and fellow leadership teammates, it was almost always because we were spending genuine time together and willing to be authentic with our lives.
And I believe that template is what God calls us to today, in all relationships. Only a mutual love, gratitude, and joy for the Gospel of our salvation explains the diversity of friends we have today. As I seek to be a Godly dad for my kids, I’m reminded of the same principles I learned at Camp. “Get on their level! Be Jesus in tennis shoes!” (Even if my shoes are no longer trendy.) And as we seek to share with others the good news of the Gospel we all need, even that is still the same: God’s love share through relationships. He moved through them then; He moves through them now.
May we always be seeking to live life-on-life with the people God has ordained us to brush shoulders (or fist pump) with."
- Sean Hill
Timothy Team 29 Says Hello From Oaxaca!
DAY ONE
Travel went really smoothly today, we didn’t have any major issues at the airport. We got to Oaxaca around 2:30 and met some of the people we will be working with. Once we got to their mission base, we got to hear some inspiring stories from our translators and an encouraging talk from Cisco about what we will be doing this week. The Lord really provided joy and energy for us when we got here, and our hosts have been super welcoming and encouraging to us. We are excited to see what the week will bring and how the Lord will work and move.
DAY TWO
We started the day very early because we had a long drive ahead of us. We thought that the road trip would be around a couple of hours, but little to our knowledge, it was actually eight hours long. Our drive was good; we went through the villages of Oaxaca and weaved through many mountains. On the way, our translator, Mando, casually told us that we were about to pass the church where they filmed Nacho Libre, so we got to go check that out.
After that, we drove for a couple more hours. We had a quick stop for the van to cool down (not scary at all). While we were walking, everyone was looking at us, and these little girls were looking at us, laughing and making fun of us. I don’t know a lot of Spanish, but I know enough. So, I smiled at her and raised my hand to say hola. When I raised my hand, she flinched as if I was going to hit her. That kind of stuck with me and made me think about how the translator talked about their parents physically abusing them. With that in my head, I was praying for her on the way. Then we finally showed up at our hotel, and to our surprise, it was actually really nice. Then we went to eat with the pastor and his family before church.
At the end of the day, we went to church, and it was in this house next to chicken farms. We did some worship in Spanish, and then I was able to share my testimony with the congregation. It was such a blessing to talk about how God saved me. Seth started to teach, and it was just an awesome message about who we are going to say Jesus is. Then, when that was done, they started speaking in Spanish and looking toward me. Our translator gave me a "come here" motion. He said that he remembered I had said I could play guitar and asked if I could lead worship for them. I had nothing planned, and I have a tough time memorizing lyrics and guitar chords, so I just did the best I could with what I had. I figured there weren’t a lot of English speakers, so if I messed up, it wasn’t a big deal. Worship was great, though! It was awesome to see people truly worshiping God regardless of the language barrier. It was such an awesome experience I’ll remember. I have to remind myself that truly we don’t need great technology, preparation, seating, and heating/cooling to make a “good” church. It’s just about gathering for the glory of God, and that is what happened.
DAY THREE
Today, we got to sleep in a little bit before we went to the church to eat breakfast and prepare to go to different houses to bring care packages to. The first stop was to a woman named Juanita. She had lost all ability to walk and was diagnosed with cancer. Due to her inability to walk, her treatment for the cancer was put on hold, since she couldn’t move her body. After hearing her story, we were able to pray for her and give her a care package. Next, we went to pray for a family who had been persecuted for their faith. This family had to completely leave everything they had ever known or had behind. They also were taking care of two of the woman’s son’s kids.
After that we went to the house of Cholita, a woman who had lost both her sight and the majority of her hearing. As we prayed for her, she cried continuously. Lastly, we went to the house of a woman who had a child that had stopped growing due to so many seizures. We were able to pray for his health and that God would have His hand in their lives. After these stops, you could tell that everyone was truly reflecting on their lives and how grateful we are for certain things. Today was a truly humbling day to me and reminds me of how good God is even in the hardest of times.
Our next task of the day was to make at least 100 sandwiches for the upcoming festival we were having. Then, that evening, we held the festival for the kids. We danced, played, sang, hit piñatas and were able to just love on them. My favorite part of the experience was doing gospel beads with them. Even though some of them may not have paid attention or truly took in what it meant, it was a seed. A seed that only God can grow.
The work these pastors are doing here is amazing. They have loved us so well and shown us what it truly looks like to love others. God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good. A saying we say so often but truly saw what that meant here. All the time He is good, in the hardest of times, sad times, happy times, He’s there. Praise God!
- Ryan Odom + Timothy Team 29
Every year, our Timothy Team sets out on a mission trip, stepping into God’s call to serve others and share the Gospel across the globe. These trips are a cornerstone of the Timothy Team experience, providing a chance to grow deeper in faith while meeting tangible needs in communities around the world.
This year, Timothy Team 29 will travel to Oaxaca, Mexico, from January 20th–28th. During their trip, the Team will partner with local pastors, support communities in need, and bring the hope of Christ to villages throughout the region. In fact, the connection to this particular area is with alumni Tim Teamer, "Cisco” Villasenor. In addition to serving, the Team will take time to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of Oaxaca, a testament to God’s creativity and goodness.
The heart of this mission aligns with our commitment to sharing the Gospel with every tribe, tongue, and nation. The Team is praying for transformation—not just for the people they serve but for themselves as well, as they experience the joy of being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Each Team member is trusting God to provide the funds needed to make the trip possible. Contributions—whether through prayer or financial giving—will help the team make an eternal impact in Oaxaca. Together, we can be part of His work to bring hope to the nations.
If you feel led, you can use the link below to donate in support of the Team's trip.
How KP and Ryan Kuenast Continue to Partner with T Bar M Through Generosity
Since our beginning in 1981, T Bar M Camps & Retreats has been all about relationships. We desire to see life-change and God’s Truth practiced in our relationship with Him and our relationships with each other. Ryan and KP Kuenast have experienced life-change here at T Bar M, by serving as Coaches, Leadership, and now partnering with us!
For KP, T Bar M was a fixture of her childhood, starting at age five when she leapt into the world of Day Camp in 2004. Her summers were marked by adventure and spiritual growth, as she transitioned from Camper to Day Camp Coach to Sports Camp Coach and eventually the Sports Camp Leadership Team. Yet, becoming a Coach wasn’t always a clear path. KP remembers doubting herself, thinking she wasn’t as “cool” as the Coaches she looked up to. It took the encouragement from Will, her former youth pastor and then Day Camp Director, to convince her otherwise. This simple push led KP to become a Coach where she learned to selflessly serve and love others each day.
Not growing up as a Camper, Ryan’s story begins quite differently, but his life is forever changed by the Truth he experienced while serving at T Bar M. “College was a difficult time for my faith,” Ryan recalled, which left him feeling hesitant about the idea of serving as a camp counselor. Like KP, “I thought I wasn’t good enough.” It wasn’t until he picked up his sister from another summer camp that he felt like he should give it a try. The encouragement of friends and a memorable interview with Judah, his future Camp Director, led him to T Bar M, where he worked several summers, finding new life and joy in Jesus Christ. During that time, he was baptized - publicly proclaiming his new life in Christ and his understanding that God uses broken people to create something beautiful.
Though the two of them first crossed paths at T Bar M Sports Camp during training week, they did not work the same halves until the next year. After playing together as partners in the infamous Coaches’ Cup tournament, the rest was history. They started dating that summer and got married a few years later. Even now, they laugh with their friends about having “the best future Family Camp cabin” with their own kids someday (they might have some competition for that!).
After experiencing those bittersweet feelings we all feel when we reach our first summer away from Camp, Ryan and KP learned that some of the most meaningful ways to stay connected are through prayer and giving. Their generosity started with the desire to be faithful with what God has given them.
They both recall a sermon series done by their local church on 2 Corinthians 8-9. Their pastor focused on God’s heart in giving for the lost, giving for the city, and giving for the future. This led the Kuenasts to pray and consider giving to both their local church and to T Bar M.
“Giving isn’t just another line on the budget. It is an opportunity to pray, worship, and thank the Lord each month for His provision.”
For the Kuenasts, partnering with T Bar M serves as a reminder of the way God has used Camp in their lives, and a chance to pray for the ways He will continue to change lives for generations to come. They know that their gifts, though given humbly, are part of a larger story God is writing - one where future Coaches and Campers might encounter Jesus just as they did.
KP (Innergized - Take A Stand Camper, Take A Stand and Final Score Day Camp Coach, Dial’d In, Real Deal, Fired Up, Bonadife Sports Camp Coach and Leadership) and Ryan Kuenast (Dial’d In, Real Deal, Fired Up, Bonafide Sports Camp Coach and Leadership)
Each summer here at T Bar M, we get to see God change the lives of Campers through Christ-centered adventure. Daemyn Cortez’s story is one example of the impact that generous partners have in helping make sure every child can experience what God does here at Camp. Daemyn first joined us through a Campership, unsure of what to expect—especially in terms of faith. But as a young first-year Camper, he was warmly welcomed by Coaches who provided a safe space for his questions about the Bible and cabinmates who encouraged him as he grew in his walk with Jesus. “I think any kid and every kid should experience Camp at least once,” he shared.
God worked through the activities and rhythms of Camp to shape Daemyn’s habits and teach lessons he carries with him today as he pursues a career as a pilot and plays collegiate basketball. He remembers the importance God’s Word during first fruits, being vulnerable with his brothers in Christ around campfire, and the richness of a faithful life. As his mother, Laura, shared, “He learned so much about brotherhood and his connection with God grew in ways I can’t really explain. Those years truly impacted Daemyn’s life.”
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. - Psalm 118:24
"On Saturday, November 9th, 2024, T Bar M Camps & Retreats staff, trustees, and friends gathered at the old Cedar Theater in the Outback of our New Braunfels property. There, we celebrated the groundbreaking of our new Family Camp and retreat facilities on 20 recently added acres adjacent to Base Camp (formerly known as Sports Camp). It was an exciting day of anticipating and praying for all the Lord will do as He expands our territory.
It was my pleasure to welcome the crowd of 150 friends and family as we looked out over the freshly cut trees that had been cleared to make way for the new dining hall and maintenance facility that will be built in the first phase of construction.
I wasn’t sure whether this was a “four score and seven years ago…” or a “dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…” type of event. So, I went with what was on my heart. A day of thankfulness and Psalm 118 seemed to be a perfect narrative for the day. This psalm is an expression of faith and gratitude. I love the emphasis on each day as a gift and a chance to respond with joy and thanksgiving. It was a blessing to have so many there to support T Bar M’s next season as we marked that day as one of remembrance with a desire to be faithful and obedient to what the Lord is doing both in and through this ministry.
I was reminded as we gathered to celebrate buildings, fields, and plans; it is really the people that are the difference at T Bar M—and that includes each of you! It has always been about relationships, our relationship with our Lord and our relationship with each other.
We have several battle cries around here, and I think they are appropriate to acknowledge as we move into this new chapter for T Bar M. Maybe “Don’t Waste Fun” or “Love God, Love Others” is permanently etched in your heart. Our heart’s desire as the Lord expands our territory is that these values and themes would not only be descriptive of our past but also would define the experience of all who come through our gates in the future. We are so thankful for this platform the Lord has used for 43 years of Christ-Centered Adventure.
At T Bar M, worship is a soundtrack that resonates deeply in our hearts, and this day was no different. We worshiped the Lord in song, ending with a heartfelt chorus of “Sanctuary.” The singing quickly turned to laughter as our skit characters, Jack Hammer and Allen Wrench, showed up to remind us about all the history of this place we call home.
The actual history was shared by Scott Turpin, a second-generation member of the founding family and current Trustee. He shared an inspiring reflection on all the Lord has accomplished in and through T Bar M. His thoughts on Proverbs 3:5-6 painted a picture of our desire to trust the Lord in this season and offered a realistic perspective on what it means for Him to “…make straight your paths.” (Hint: it’s not usually straight, but it’s always worth it)
We also heard from Randy Sims, a former Sports Camp Director and current pastor who partners with T Bar M by hosting Discover Camp. The memories he shared were both a reminder and a challenge to pray as the Lord continues to use T Bar M in the lives of families. He shared, “My greatest memories of this Holy Ground are watching families learn how to Love God and Love Others.”
John MacDonald, a former Camp Travis Coach and now T Bar M’s President (or as we like to call him, Head Guy), delivered a great charge from Deuteronomy 28. His message reminded us of our covenant relationship with God and His steadfast love and care as He continues to guide us through this season of growth. John’s encouragement finished with, “As we break the soil today, we declare this new property for the furthering of Christ’s Kingdom. May all who come in be blessed, and all who go out, be a blessing to others.”
The ceremony wrapped up with a sweet time of prayer as we all circled up—yes, in one, huge circle. We took plenty of pictures, of course, both formal and informal. We started with a group of family and friends representing every stage of T Bar M campers: The Turpin Family representing Family Camp, a few Alumni, Timothy Team, a Coach, and Campers of all ages. We’ll look back on this photo for years to come, remembering the day we declared, ‘Lord, this is YOUR day, and we want YOU to receive all the honor and glory for all that you will do with this new platform!’
As we prayed, we reflected on the core values that are the cornerstone of all we do. I invite you to join us as we continue to ask the Lord to use T Bar M Camps & Retreats to point people to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Will you pray with us:
As John 10:10 says, we desire the abundant life. Lord, help us embrace ‘Don’t Waste Fun’ and live joyfully for Your glory.
From Philippians and Colossians: Lord, help us walk in humility, valuing others above ourselves, so that we may serve our guests well. In all we do—whether in word or deed—help us do it all in Your name with grateful hearts. Guide us to be servant leaders as we live out this Christ-centered Adventure.
Lord, we desire to excel still more, practicing Your Truth in relationships and conduct. Help us grow in wisdom, stature, and in favor with You and with others.
Most of all, Lord, this is about Your Kingdom, by Your power, and for Your glory alone.
Amen.”
- Cole Adams, Senior Director of Development
- Together is better. A family that prays together, and plays together, stays together! The time at Family Camp sets a tone for when you get home. It reminds you of the importance of praying and playing together regularly.
- Make time to huddle. Pick a time … in the morning, just before bed, whenever is best for your family. Sit around the table without distractions to talk and listen and know one another.
- Don’t Waste Fun. In fact, weave fun into your rhythm of life.
- Add to your family. There are still amazing College Students living for Jesus … at T Bar M they are grafted into your family for a week of great impact (on the kids AND the parents)
- Timely Reset. Your annual reset doesn’t have to happen in January. Pick a week in the summer for your family’s time to look back and reflect as well as make goals and look forward to the rest of the year.
- Goodnight Goodies are always a good idea. Topping off the day together with warm cookies and milk is a special treat (and the cookies are good too!)
- Let your kids see you be silly. Dress up for the theme night, let the belly laugh come, go all in at the kickball game, even if you whiff. Kids need to see you play … and well, you need to play.
- Welcome Home! As alumni, we can’t WAIT for you to come “home” to Camp as a family! Show your family the place that had such an impact on your life.
- God is writing amazing stories. Gather with other adults to hear what God is doing and how He is carrying them through the hard. It is quite a gift to hear and share these stories.
- God is good, all the time. He just is. Take a week to get away and be reminded of that very Truth.
"There is an old rustic camp in Spicewood, TX where “Breakfast at Rio Grande” ignites a flood of nostalgic feel goods buried deep in our bones… I’m talking about a little place called Camp Travis.
If we’re counting (and we always do) it’s been almost 24 years since my first summer as a Travis Camper. I was thirteen and thirsty for attention, affection and the appeal of the world. And in the midst of those cravings, Camp Travis became a little taste of heaven on earth, better than anything this world had to offer. I still remember the moment God called me to abandon the lifestyle I was chasing to follow Him. After lights out that night, I called my Coach over to my bed and whispered to her, “I won’t ever be the same again.” And I wasn’t.
As a Coach, I watched this same story unfold in the lives of my Campers, and as I got to be a part of it, my heart beat faster and harder, as if it was in sync with the very heart of God. I knew there was something about this Camp thing I was created for.
Years passed, and just when I thought Camp had disappeared in my rear view mirror, God made my way back through the Camp Travis gate and down the dirt road for one last summer in the Rio. It was the most fun I’ve ever had, and the icing on the honey bun cake was when the Programs guy smiled and asked me for a cup of yogurt. A couple of months later, on the Rio porch, he asked me to marry him.
Together, we’ve been at this Camp thing since then, traveling Texas with Discover and making the shift from Sports to Base Camp. But after two years of working on Facilities, we’re ready to get back to the nitty gritty of camp life!
“So I said, ‘What about breakfast at Rio Grande?!”
We’re humbled and grateful God is making our way back through the gates of Camp Travis with the big ole gift of stewarding such a sacred place and people for his namesake, this time, with our three boys in tow. We are so excited for them to get a taste!
As we reflect on the story God has been writing, we are in awe of the redeeming notes throughout it. It’s a story that boasts of God’s faithfulness amidst our failures, testifying of Christ alone. And to that, we are filled with joy!
Hoop Diggity and Andele Andele!!"
- Kara Overby
On October 7th, 2024, we gathered for the 3rd Annual T Bar M Classic - and what a day it was! With over 90 golfers coming together to enjoy some friendly competition and support a cause close to our hearts, the energy was high at Kissing Tree Golf Club.
Thanks to the generosity of our players, sponsors, and donors, an incredible $93,000 for our Campership Fund. These funds will make it possible for even more kids to experience the life-changing impact of Camp: A place where they’ll grow in their faith, deepen friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
From the moment our golfers hit the course to the final putt, the atmosphere was filled with camaraderie, laughter, and a shared purpose. Teams teed off and had some fun along the journey with holes featuring a ball launcher, skit clothes, and a hole-in-one contest. There were plenty of moments that reminded us that while golf is fun, this tournament is about so much more.
We have the privilege of serving with our time, our talent, and our treasures. All are given to us by God to invest in His Kingdom. To our players and sponsors, thank you for serving T Bar M Campers with all three.
Time: Busy lives and busy schedules often present challenges to gathering, so thank you for spending the day with us on the course.
Talent: Thank you for connecting us to those who joined The Classic and for connecting us to families who may benefit from Scholarships.
Treasure: You helped raise $93,000 for the Camper Scholarship Fund in one day! Your treasures will go directly to helping send a child to Camp who would not be able to come without your support.
Events like the T Bar M Classic are only possible because of the amazing support from sponsors, players, and everyone who believes in the impact of a week at Camp. Your participation doesn’t just make the day a success - it makes Camp possible for so many kids who otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to come. If you would like to continue supporting Camper Scholarships or know someone who would, find out more here.
Special shoutout to our title sponsor, Keith Wing Custom Builders, and all the incredible teams who made this event one to remember. Your generosity and enthusiasm have made a tangible impact, and we can’t thank you enough for partnering with us in this mission. Check out all our amazing sponsors here.
As we wrap up another successful T Bar M Classic, we’re already looking forward to next year’s tournament. Until then, we celebrate the amazing results of this year and the countless lives that will be changed because of it.
Thank you for making the 3rd Annual T Bar M Classic one for the books!
