On any given day here throughout the summer we get to see; kids enjoying a cool ice cream cone from the Snack Shack, another zooming down the zip-line with a shreek of excitement, a counselor facing off with their camper in a game of carpet ball, others swimming in the pool, or an intense game of basketball between staff and campers. Lots of exciting activity, new friendships made, and great memories of their time at camp.
More importantly though, this place is uniquely founded on and passionately purposeful in sharing the truths of Scripture. Daily Bible sessions, cabin Quiet Time are part of the schedule, and opportunities to make personal spiritual decisions of faith, or commitment; that's what it's really all about. That's what lasts for eternity.
This week, it was such a joy to our hearts to sit in the evening meeting Monday night as a previous camper who accepted Jesus personally here at camp, then summer staffer, BI student, and now the Camp Director and friend shared clearly our need as people for a Saviour. He used the Bible to explain our sinful condition, (Romans 3:23) the incredible love and grace of God as Christ left heaven to be our payment for sin, and how we can be forgiven, and begin a relationship with the holy God of the universe by faith in Christ. (John 3:16) Five campers indicated they chose to make this decision of faith, and were counseled one-on-one about their new found faith in Jesus.
These Jr. High teens came to camp without the hope and security that only a relationship with God can bring, and will be leaving completely changed.... from the inside out-knowing with certainty their sins are forgiven, and heaven will be their eternal home, equipped in His truth, and the power of the Holy Spirit to live differently-for God's glory rather than self. It will not mean they will be faultless, or won't struggle, but they have the foundation they need, and a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17) enabling them to live differently.
Just wanted to share with you the blessing we enjoy of seeing God at work in lives right here, in our "front yard". May His truth continue to transform lives here, and around the world, as this and many camps present the Gospel message of Christ this summer. Here's a camp video summing up one week of camp from this summer. Awesome!!!
