Days 8 - 13 -
CAMP!
Camp has been over for awhile but I wanted to finish out with highlights from the week.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
That is what some of our staff wondered as they encountered some challenging kids. We met together the first night and talked about the different situations and we turned it over to God. It was awesome to see God work through camp and the staff to touch hearts. Kids that looked to be a challenge became a blessing. We were fortunate to have a balance. Though there were some kids that looked to be a challenge, there were many others that were excited to be there and excited about the week to come.
PROGRESS
As we gathered at the end of the first full day of camp staff frustration had turned to hope. Progress had been made throughout the day during family time, group games, hang time, worship sessions...that brought hope to the staff who had been so disheartened the night before. God was answering our prayers.
BREAKTHROUGHS
Days 2 through 4 brought about many breakthroughs in regards to relationships with kids, kids trust with the counselors, kids attitudes about camp, each other and spiritual matters. This became very evident in the Worship and Family Group times. No longer were they like pulling teeth. They were now vibrant and enjoyable. This was exciting and we know it was a direct result of lots of prayer and lots of counselor investment in the lives of the kids. We were giving praise to God for these breakthroughs!
IN CONCLUSION
The whole trip was amazing. God heard our prayers and provided us all with an amazing time at camp. Steve and Leslie poured their hearts into this week. Being local they invested so much of their time and money into the camp and we were the beneficiaries of their investments. They didn't do it so that they might be recognized for it (and I am sure they are uneasy as they read this), they did it because they have big, big hearts for kids and they desire to give them the opportunity to encounter Jesus who can rock their worlds.
THANKS
To the team that stepped out in faith to plan, prepare, pray over and lead a week of camp for kids that most of them didn't know. To Brooke and Jacob who went the extra mile to lay a firm camp foundation here so that we could build upon it there. To Steve and Leslie for all that I mentioned above and more. To God who made it all possible and did more than we ever could have imagined.
RIGHT NOW
It's September 24th and we have been home for almost two months. Some dialog has been going on between the campers and counselors, pray that God will use this dialog to keep each other focused on him daily.
THE FUTURE
Brooke, Jacob and Ben will be putting a team together to return next June, 2009. Between now and then there will be lots of prayer, communication, encouragement, advertising.... Please join me in prayer as this team comes together and prepares to impact the lives of kids again at Orton Ranch.
To God be the glory!
bob g. and team alaska
