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| Winter 2002 |
Thank you so much for all your
prayers for camp last weekend. This was our first time directing on our own and
God was very gracious to us. We know that your prayers are a huge part of that!
We started out the weekend a little rocky. Jeremy and I had put so much work
and preparation into being ready for this new big step, but the enemy never
stops trying to sabotage what the Lord is trying to do. Before Jeremy even made
it down the hill we got a phone call that a camper was sick and would not make
it to camp. Upon reaching Orange County he found out that another camper had
totally forgotten about camp. Then when he reached Ontario he was informed that
two more campers thought they were registered for the following weekend. We
lost four campers in a matter of hours and we only had 8 registered to begin
with. We tried not to panic but we couldn’t help but feel frustrated and
disappointed. Back at camp, the counselors and I were praying up a storm that
God would work it all out. Then we learned that another camper left the meeting
spot in Banning because the bus was running late. We made a plan of action for
two of our counselors to drive down to Hemet and pick up this camper, we sent
one counselor home and had two more that volunteered to be helpers for the
weekend. When we had the campers draw names for their counselor for the weekend
it worked out perfectly and everyone seemed to be matched with the perfect
person.
The next morning I overheard some
of the campers talking about how fun the weekend was going to be and how it was
so small and special because we were like a family. It truly was like a little
family camp. Axel was a camper who really enjoyed this aspect of camp. His
energy was amazing and being able to give him so much attention, and allowing
him to answer as many questions as he wanted, was perfect for him. I
specifically remember his excitement for playing Catch Phrase together one
evening. He seemed to really feel free to be his whole-self and to allow us to
love him as he is. Raymond, another camper, had such a kind heart. He was so
mellow and gentle, and was so sweet with his words. It was great to see him
come alive with excitement, but also ask some very serious questions about
faith. Nick was the quietest of the three but that boy had the Word hidden in
his heart. He would bring up Scripture and relate it to what we were discussing
even when we hadn’t brought it up. Carenna, our only girl camper for the
weekend, was spoiled rotten with attention from all the JC’s and girl
counselors. She had a very special heart, very affectionate and loving.
Continue to pray for each of these as God works in their lives to turn ashes
into beauty. And for those that you prayed for that didn’t come to camp, they
need prayer as well. All of our campers are in unique and difficult situations.
Beyond the hiccup that we
encountered at the beginning, God blessed us with such a smooth camp and a
group of loving children that were excited to soak up the theme of being Rooted
in Jesus. What a blessing it is to know that we are all being prayed for by
name. We know it makes all the difference in the world. We know that Satan
roams around like a roaring lion trying to devour us, but when we pray, our
spiritual armor is increased and the battle belongs to the Lord! Thank you
again for your faithful service to God’s work and ministry here at camp.
Jeremy & Amy Allen
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