By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director
There is nothing like a good celebration! Every Friday night after the week of camp concludes our staff has a big celebration.
One Friday night last summer all counselors, junior counselors, support staff and summer leadership staff gathered in the in the lobby of the worship center.
After singing together (and I mean these staff members go all-out when they sing), we began hearing stories of how God worked. Here are condensed versions:
Jake shared about a camper who had issues with anger. He didn’t think he was being treated right at gaga ball and was very upset. During his week at camp he found power to forgive as he prayed with his counselors.
Courtney told a moving story of a camper whose family didn’t believe in Jesus Christ, but she had started a relationship with Christ last year at camp. During the week her counselors challenged the camper to grow, and she opened up more and more. She began sharing and praying for her family and reading the Bible.
Abby saw God move in a difficult camper. Skyler didn’t want to come to camp. She was hardened. She didn’t know love, but as she experienced the love of staff and fellow campers she started to open up and began a relationship with Jesus. It was a drastic change in her life overnight!
“Down” in Adventure Village, Silas told about the overnight hike. On the second day he and a few campers became separated from the rest of the group. Caden, who had refused to talk to anyone all week, was home sick and the separation caused great concern. He sensed God’s presence during that time and began a relationship with Jesus. Again, Silas saw overnight transformation. Caden decided to share Christ with his family.
And then we heard of another camper who confessed some sin and wanted to get right with God and his parents. He had been holding onto “junk,” but found healing and release from his baggage. After all, God promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9)
I can’t wait for this summer. Now is the time to register your children and grandchildren. Biggest savings occur when you register by January 31st.
