We prayed for this last camp to be Christ centered, that the campers would hear about Jesus and feel his love. God answered our prayers!
This was the last fourth through sixth grade camp for the season. We had seven boys and four girls. It was a great combination for having fun, learning more about Jesus and enjoying God’s creation. The boys had this sweetness about them, they were gentle and loving. They knew how to play hard, yet when it was time, they settled down, listened and participated. The girls bonded with each other. They were a bit more quite, but they still were taking it all in.
It rained for most of the day on Saturday. We moved forward with sharing the message of Triumph though a deep study of David & Goliath. The campers engaged and enjoyed seeing the story come to life through wild and crazy Camp Alandale skits! Cabin fever was starting to set in by the afternoon. But as the campers prayed, the rain turned to snow just before dinner. They had just enough time to get wet and cold before the sun went to bed.
By morning almost 18 inches of snow covered the ground. Most of the campers were up and ready to play early, yet the freezing temperature of 24 degrees brought them back inside quickly to warm up by the fire. Similar to being warmed by the fire, are the cold realities of this world turned into the warm promises of Jesus’ presence, power and provision.
One camper continued to remember the lessons from the session about getting past our past. We talked about how big Goliath was, and how he taunted the Israelites for 40 days, night and day, just bugging them and putting more and more fear and doubt into them. She recounted this time as if she knew this as her own personal struggle. For so many of the campers, what has happened to them, be it abuse, neglect, the moving from place to place and not feeling loved or connected to a family, becomes their identity and hinders their view of who they really are. This struggle seemed to reign true here. But God was getting the glory in the release of these lies to grasping the truth of our identity in Christ. In Him, we are unconditionally loved, completely forgiven and chosen and valuable.
We were able to enjoy the snow more with sledding, snowman making, snow angles and snowball fights, and a whole bunch of digging out before the weekend came to a close. The good-byes were sweet yet sad, only a few tears were shed. We have confidence in our Lord and Savior that He goes home with each one of these precious campers and that His word and love will reign true in their hearts.
With sad yet joy filled hearts, we turn to the next adventure in our lives. Our place to live is just about ready to move into. Mike is settling in with his new welding job. Charlie’s new school is anticipating his arrival. Lisa can’t wait to get out of the snow and Mike wants his manly truck back. We are counting down the days until we are together as a family again. God has a great plan for us and we are excited to see it unfold. For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Thank you for your prayers and your love for our family. See you all soon!
