Dear Amazing Prayer Partners,
Winter started off with a bang. Not literally, but spiritually. A large camp by winter camp standards. 15 campers, 2 JC’s and 10 counselors. So much of what happened at the first winter camp was because of God’s amazing power. The eyes that were opened, the hearts that were encouraged, were the evidence of the powerful working of our Savior. Here are a few stories of campers that were impacted during our first winter camp of the season.
John is a camper that we look forward to every time he comes. Lately the Lord has really been doing an awesome work in his heart. He was so enthusiastic about sharing answers during the program sessions. Part of his enthusiasm is the fact that we asked him to be a JC this year. Part of seeing God’s work in a camper’s life often time leads them to a place where we see they are ready to be JC’s. John is ready to give back and serve the Lord at camp. He might as well have been a JC that weekend. He was stepping up and helping where he wasn’t asked, and wanting to bless other campers by encouraging them. We are excited about what God will do in John’s life as we watch him become a JC.
One of the greatest things about winter camp is seeing campers that we have known sometimes for years. Kayla is a camper that came to us many years ago. Now she is living back at home, and not to long from now will be emancipating from the system. Kayla has a very troubled past with many hurtful damaging experiences. These have influenced her to lifestyle choices at times that were along the same lines. Her counselor poured Jesus Love into her all weekend. What we love seeing is Kayla’s demeanor change while she is at camp. It’s as if she is allowed to be a kid again. The joy shows up in little increments as she interacts with the other counselors and staff. This weekend we know that God and His word did it’s perfect work in her heart. We are praying that Kayla will fully give her life to Christ someday and that she will find a good church in OC to grow in her walk with Christ. God is good and it is His faithfulness and work in Kayla’s heart that we trust in.
This camp was full of JC candidates. Esti is one that we have been praying about being a JC for a couple of years now. This last summer we saw his heart ready to take the step and be a JC. This camp confirmed that to us. Esti has a heart for God, and is strong in his convictions and beliefs. His siblings have walked the way of this world and Esti has seen the impact and effect. He claims God and his relationship with Him as his reason for not being angry anymore about being in the system. He met God at camp and since has found a good bible believing church that has been encouraging him in his faith. We are excited about what God will do with Esti as a JC. It was a blessing to watch him enjoy the camp program as a camper for the last time. The end of an era, but the beginning of a new chapter in Esti’s life as he steps out and serves His amazing Savior as a JC.
The odd thing about this camp was the weather. It almost felt like the end of summer. Warm days with cool nights. There were only fragments of snow left. Enough to mess around with, but not as much as we want during this time of year. The program this year is called, “Triumph” a look at the story of David and Goliath. The campers responded to this familiar story as we dug a little deeper into subjects like, Getting Past our Past, and Pick up Your Rocks – What’s your next step. It was a blessing to teach God’s Word and see Him do His perfect work in the campers hearts. Thanks as always for the super important role you play as our prayer partners.
Blessings in Christ,
Mike Towler, OC Camp Director
