Wednesdays are late....it's Mission Impossible night. We stay up late and play a "catch me" game in the dark. I love it and hate it. I love it because I always go out with my camp bffs and we laugh til we cry....I hate it because I lose so much sleep on these nights. But in the end, it's all worth it. The campers LOVE it!
It's the little things like Mission Impossible that can break down the walls that these campers sometimes have. Just the simple act of "busting" them and then tying them up can close that gap. Funny, the things God can use to draw people closer together and eventually closer to Him.
Thank you Lord, for this ministry and all the different aspects of it....from the chapels, the family style meals, to the late night games. May our efforts bring forth a bountiful harvest....and may we give all the glory back to You.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Week 5, Tuesday
Another Tuesday come and gone.....cabin pictures, activity classes, grilled hamburgers, water fight and snack shop....all were a success and the campers are enjoying themselves. There are a few that are homesick, but they are hanging in there. It was really hot today, but about an hour before the water fight it cooled down quite a bit....it was the COLDEST waterfight EVER! Being cold is one of the things I hate the most....ugh! But once it was over, I realized what a blessing it was, as I saw the smiles on the faces of all the kids....I was still cold, but my heart was warm :)
The rain clouds are moving in and the wind is picking up....praying for rain tonight....we need it. Looking forward to God "raining" down blessings on us this week. We are all weary and tired, but expectant....excited to see what God is going to do this week.
The rain clouds are moving in and the wind is picking up....praying for rain tonight....we need it. Looking forward to God "raining" down blessings on us this week. We are all weary and tired, but expectant....excited to see what God is going to do this week.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Week 5, Monday
This has been our smallest camp so far....we barely have 100 campers....and then to top it off, the girls outnumber the boys 80 to 20. Where are all the boys this week?
Our work team is small too....we have 11 people from NJ here this week....but they seem willing and eager to work. They all seem to really want to get involved....that is my prayer, at least. It is often like pulling teeth to get people to get involved and step out of their comfort zone. Praying this week will show something different.
We are praying for a bountiful harvest despite the small numbers....it could be a blessing to our tired staff....fewer campers but more opportunities for one on one time with them. Praying that the Lord will bless us all with the smaller numbers and slightly lighter load.
Our work team is small too....we have 11 people from NJ here this week....but they seem willing and eager to work. They all seem to really want to get involved....that is my prayer, at least. It is often like pulling teeth to get people to get involved and step out of their comfort zone. Praying this week will show something different.
We are praying for a bountiful harvest despite the small numbers....it could be a blessing to our tired staff....fewer campers but more opportunities for one on one time with them. Praying that the Lord will bless us all with the smaller numbers and slightly lighter load.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Week 4, Saturday
Just wanted to give a 'numbers' update on the summer so far.....
After 4 weeks of camp, we have had close to 45 kids accept Christ as their Savior....many more made decisions to take their walk with the Lord more seriously and seek Him daily. Please pray for these kids...many go back to very difficult situations. We've already had one mom call the camp angry and hostile because her daughter chose to accept Christ as her Savior....that young girl will most likely be shunned by her family because of her decision. That is not uncommon here. So please remember these children in prayer....that they will find Christian support and be able to stand firm in the face of persecution and difficulties.
We have 4 more weeks of camp.....looking forward to seeing what God is going to do the 2nd half of the summer!
After 4 weeks of camp, we have had close to 45 kids accept Christ as their Savior....many more made decisions to take their walk with the Lord more seriously and seek Him daily. Please pray for these kids...many go back to very difficult situations. We've already had one mom call the camp angry and hostile because her daughter chose to accept Christ as her Savior....that young girl will most likely be shunned by her family because of her decision. That is not uncommon here. So please remember these children in prayer....that they will find Christian support and be able to stand firm in the face of persecution and difficulties.
We have 4 more weeks of camp.....looking forward to seeing what God is going to do the 2nd half of the summer!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Week 4, Friday
It's been another good week of camp....good group of kids....many made decisions for Christ. The campfire was testimony to that...lots of kids stood and shared their desire to follow God more closely. Makes all the long days worth it.
We had 2 workteams this week...both from CA. They were a big help, filling in all the gaps.
Lori was one of the ladies on one of the workteams.....neat lady, hard worker, loves the campers, loves the Lord even more. I have really enjoyed getting to know her this week. There is something else about Lori that is neat....she's the sister of one of my dearest friends....a friend I miss lots. As soon as I saw Lori, I knew she was Becky's sister....they have the same stance, the same smile, the same laugh. Although there are many differences in these two siblings, there are still those similarities. When I see Lori, I can't help but think of Becky. It makes me miss her, makes me think about the sweet times of fellowship we have shared, makes me wish she were here too.
I wonder what I remind people of.....
One counselor here says I remind her of her mom (and btw, that's a compliment...she thinks her mom is the best!).....someone else says I remind them of their "crazy" aunt back east somewhere. I guess I'm ok with all that.....
But we are called to be examples of Christ....to live a life that resembles his....a holy life. Our life should remind others of Christ....His love, His mercy, His patience, His forgiveness.....people should see those characteristics of Christ in our life. We should resemble our Savior.
I'm convicted. I know I don't always (I dare say I SELDOM) remind others of Christ. My flesh is daily (hourly) getting in the way. Even though it's my 'profession' to resemble Christ, I daily fail.
Bur thankfully His mercies are new every morning, and although I messed up many times this week....with campers and with staff.....I am confident in His forgiveness and His promise to use us despite our many flaws.
Like I said, I have greatly enjoyed getting to know Lori this week....even tonight I had another great conversation with her. She has been a blessing and a sweet reminder of my far away friend, Becky. And funny, she told ME that I remind HER of Becky....
I'm ok with that.... :)
We had 2 workteams this week...both from CA. They were a big help, filling in all the gaps.
Lori was one of the ladies on one of the workteams.....neat lady, hard worker, loves the campers, loves the Lord even more. I have really enjoyed getting to know her this week. There is something else about Lori that is neat....she's the sister of one of my dearest friends....a friend I miss lots. As soon as I saw Lori, I knew she was Becky's sister....they have the same stance, the same smile, the same laugh. Although there are many differences in these two siblings, there are still those similarities. When I see Lori, I can't help but think of Becky. It makes me miss her, makes me think about the sweet times of fellowship we have shared, makes me wish she were here too.
I wonder what I remind people of.....
One counselor here says I remind her of her mom (and btw, that's a compliment...she thinks her mom is the best!).....someone else says I remind them of their "crazy" aunt back east somewhere. I guess I'm ok with all that.....
But we are called to be examples of Christ....to live a life that resembles his....a holy life. Our life should remind others of Christ....His love, His mercy, His patience, His forgiveness.....people should see those characteristics of Christ in our life. We should resemble our Savior.
I'm convicted. I know I don't always (I dare say I SELDOM) remind others of Christ. My flesh is daily (hourly) getting in the way. Even though it's my 'profession' to resemble Christ, I daily fail.
Bur thankfully His mercies are new every morning, and although I messed up many times this week....with campers and with staff.....I am confident in His forgiveness and His promise to use us despite our many flaws.
Like I said, I have greatly enjoyed getting to know Lori this week....even tonight I had another great conversation with her. She has been a blessing and a sweet reminder of my far away friend, Becky. And funny, she told ME that I remind HER of Becky....
I'm ok with that.... :)
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Week 4, Tuesday
Well, week 4 has begun. We are back to jr campers (8 -12 yrs old) and the 'silliness' is back. I like jr camp.....they enjoy it when you dance, sing funny, tickle them, etc....they LOVE silly!
Today in chapel, the speaker taught his lesson in a 'silly' way. He was telling the story of Jonah and the whale. First he and his team sang a song they wrote about Jonah.....then he told the story, in a lively way. THEN, he wanted the campers to get an idea of what it would be like to be in the belly of a whale. So he brought in a HUGE black trash bag (it was taller than me)....he filled it with 'slime' (mixture of glue, borax, and other stuff), several cans of sardines, and topped it off with a few cans of tuna fish. It was DISGUSTING! And I have an easy gag reflex! And to make the whole thing even more disgusting, they added a camper to the bag and "shook" him around....and campers actually volunteered to do it!!!
So, needless to say, they emerged from the bag covered in nastiness and smelling awful. It was quite the picture. I think the kids got the idea and realized that the 3 day ride Jonah got in the belly of the big fish was not exactly pleasant.
But the one thing that really stuck out to me is the smell....it was pretty bad. And it made me think about what our sin must "smell" like to God. It's said that our sacrifice and obedience is a sweet fragrance to Him....our sin must be the opposite. That demonstration in chapel made it very real to me. As the smell permeated the chapel, the thought of the 'stench' of my disobedience and rebellion against God was convicting.....powerful picture.
My prayer throughout the day was that I would be a sweet fragrance to my Savior....even in the little things....like not getting upset when a kid spilled their drink on me.....giving up my bucket at the waterfight when a camper asked for it (I REALLY wanted to keep it and get some people wet!).....willingly being a mediator for a dispute when all I really wanted to do was go to bed....I pray through all of it the Lord was pleased and the fragrance of obedience and sacrifice was a sweet smell to Him.
Today in chapel, the speaker taught his lesson in a 'silly' way. He was telling the story of Jonah and the whale. First he and his team sang a song they wrote about Jonah.....then he told the story, in a lively way. THEN, he wanted the campers to get an idea of what it would be like to be in the belly of a whale. So he brought in a HUGE black trash bag (it was taller than me)....he filled it with 'slime' (mixture of glue, borax, and other stuff), several cans of sardines, and topped it off with a few cans of tuna fish. It was DISGUSTING! And I have an easy gag reflex! And to make the whole thing even more disgusting, they added a camper to the bag and "shook" him around....and campers actually volunteered to do it!!!
So, needless to say, they emerged from the bag covered in nastiness and smelling awful. It was quite the picture. I think the kids got the idea and realized that the 3 day ride Jonah got in the belly of the big fish was not exactly pleasant.
But the one thing that really stuck out to me is the smell....it was pretty bad. And it made me think about what our sin must "smell" like to God. It's said that our sacrifice and obedience is a sweet fragrance to Him....our sin must be the opposite. That demonstration in chapel made it very real to me. As the smell permeated the chapel, the thought of the 'stench' of my disobedience and rebellion against God was convicting.....powerful picture.
My prayer throughout the day was that I would be a sweet fragrance to my Savior....even in the little things....like not getting upset when a kid spilled their drink on me.....giving up my bucket at the waterfight when a camper asked for it (I REALLY wanted to keep it and get some people wet!).....willingly being a mediator for a dispute when all I really wanted to do was go to bed....I pray through all of it the Lord was pleased and the fragrance of obedience and sacrifice was a sweet smell to Him.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The End of Week 3
The week is finally over....this one seemed longer and more tiring. I am SOOOOO enjoying our lazy weekend....I got lots of sleep, got caught up on housework, and spent time away with the family. Looking forward to a night at home :)
From what I can tell, we had about 20 kids make decisions for Christ. I don't know how many were salvation decisions and how many were rededications, but I am thankful for the changes made because of the love of Christ.
One thing that was stressed in the chapels this week was about making a choice concerning God. The speakers spoke mostly to the kids that were 'straddling the fence', as he put it. He challenged them to make a choice....you are either for God or against God. I agree that we need to make a stand for our beliefs....it was a good challenge. But my opinion is that there really is no fence....we are either for God or against Him...no in between. When we choose NOT to follow Christ, we are making a stand against Him. There really is no 'neutral' in this area.
I saw many kids making choices this week. As our worship team played songs, I saw several teens in the back, snickering, making fun of the people on stage singing, laughing at the motions to the song....in my mind I saw a direct and blatant choice being made. They were making a stand against God. In the same room, on the other side, I saw a young girl who I've known all her life singing praises to the Lord, hand lifted high, eyes closed.....her choice was easy to see too. She loved her Lord, loved worshiping Him and was having an intimate moment with Him at that time.....her choice was for God.
I know lots of kids left this week without making a choice to follow God....they left knowing the consequences of their decision...knowing they are choosing death over life. That breaks my heart. Every week I have to watch kids leave, knowing I may never see them again....not knowing if they will one day turn their hearts to God and choose Him. That is hard. But like I said in an earlier blog, we have to be content with possibly just planting the seed....not knowing if there will be a harvest later. We all want to be the ones that bring in the harvest....to see the bountiful fruit of our labors. But it's not always the case....in fact, it's usually the exception.
This week I am feeling the discouragement of it all....seeing more kids leave 'rejecting' God than those that accepted Him. But the Lord is slowly bringing comfort and peace to my heart...reminding me that he is faithful and His Word is truth. That is where I am trying to rest this weekend.
This ministry is amazing and I wouldn't trade it for anything.....the privilege to be able to daily and openly give the Gospel and teach the Word is amazing. But it's not always easy....and it's often exhausting. I'm so thankful that I have a God that meets all my needs and fills in the 'gaps' for me. There is rest in Him!!!
From what I can tell, we had about 20 kids make decisions for Christ. I don't know how many were salvation decisions and how many were rededications, but I am thankful for the changes made because of the love of Christ.
One thing that was stressed in the chapels this week was about making a choice concerning God. The speakers spoke mostly to the kids that were 'straddling the fence', as he put it. He challenged them to make a choice....you are either for God or against God. I agree that we need to make a stand for our beliefs....it was a good challenge. But my opinion is that there really is no fence....we are either for God or against Him...no in between. When we choose NOT to follow Christ, we are making a stand against Him. There really is no 'neutral' in this area.
I saw many kids making choices this week. As our worship team played songs, I saw several teens in the back, snickering, making fun of the people on stage singing, laughing at the motions to the song....in my mind I saw a direct and blatant choice being made. They were making a stand against God. In the same room, on the other side, I saw a young girl who I've known all her life singing praises to the Lord, hand lifted high, eyes closed.....her choice was easy to see too. She loved her Lord, loved worshiping Him and was having an intimate moment with Him at that time.....her choice was for God.
I know lots of kids left this week without making a choice to follow God....they left knowing the consequences of their decision...knowing they are choosing death over life. That breaks my heart. Every week I have to watch kids leave, knowing I may never see them again....not knowing if they will one day turn their hearts to God and choose Him. That is hard. But like I said in an earlier blog, we have to be content with possibly just planting the seed....not knowing if there will be a harvest later. We all want to be the ones that bring in the harvest....to see the bountiful fruit of our labors. But it's not always the case....in fact, it's usually the exception.
This week I am feeling the discouragement of it all....seeing more kids leave 'rejecting' God than those that accepted Him. But the Lord is slowly bringing comfort and peace to my heart...reminding me that he is faithful and His Word is truth. That is where I am trying to rest this weekend.
This ministry is amazing and I wouldn't trade it for anything.....the privilege to be able to daily and openly give the Gospel and teach the Word is amazing. But it's not always easy....and it's often exhausting. I'm so thankful that I have a God that meets all my needs and fills in the 'gaps' for me. There is rest in Him!!!
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