My God is mighty to save (Summer2011)

At the end of last summer I wrote a note talking about how amazing Camp sebago is. And while it all still holds true, this year I want to write more specifically what I learned. And let me tell you that working with the younger men I learned a lot. I have learned that kids say the strangest things, and have a far different understanding of things than we do, that they'd trade control over their bodies for some temporary tattoos. I have learned that I'm terrible at freeze dance and I am pretty good at piggy back rides and rapping. I have learned that when I'm at the end of my rope sitting in my bathroom with Adele playing, hugs and/or ice cream make things better. I have learned that when you ask God for patience, he gives you opportunities to be patient. That it's hard but necessary to praise children for the good things they do more often than correcting the bad, especially when its seems all they are doing is lying, and bullying. I learned to say 'yes' whenever you can, and let go of the little things. I've learned to try a make the mundane and 'we-need-to-do-this' things different and fun, Alicia was great at that. I've also realized a sense of urgency, just by talking to the kids and hearing how little they really know about God. Knowing that the week you have with them could be the only week of the year, or even in their life that they hear the truth about God. That you are the example of God's love, it's not enough to tell the kids, it's not enough to just tell anyone about God, but you need to show it. You need to live out a life that expresses your commitment to God.

Camp Sebago is an amazing place with a unique form of ministry. And it is only effective because of the staff and your willingness to be vessel’s for Christ. It’s because you make every effort to make it the best week of the camper's summer. Because you show God’s love in everything that you do. It’s because even those who don’t directly work with the kids, do their best at their jobs so camp can run properly. It's because you realize that camp is not about you and not for you, but about expanding the kingdom of God.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for another wonderful summer. You'll be in my prayers until we met again!