This camp was bathed in pray by many and God didn’t let us down. He was there and he was at work. There is something amazing that happens when God’s people come together to serve Him. There were many challenges that we faced in the week, but God took all our weaknesses and still used them for his glory.
Here are some of the amazing ways he worked through this week…
GOD’S TRUTH WENT OUT!
God Created Unity
We had kids from all over and there were MANY barriers that needed to be crossed. Language was a huge barrier as there was not one common language spoken by everyone there. Crossing these barriers took time and also added to the chaos, but the beauty of it was seeing people from all different walks of life being unified though this camp. I saw this unity happening through our church as the youth, Sunday school teachers and pastors all came together to make this camp run. I saw this unity across churches as kids and teachers from the village churches were connecting with people from our churches in town. Seeing such unity take place is truly only a work of God!
Growth
This ministry is one that seems to be very effective here. This year we had to turn kids away because of there was no more room. It is super exciting to see God blessing this ministry and using it to fill a need here for spiritual growth in our kids. However there is definitely room for growth and improvement. Pray with us as we look toward next year and contemplate what changes could be made.
God’s Personal Gifts to Me
There was nothing easy about this camp for Ethan. Change doesn’t come easily for him and these past 2 years have been full of change. This week was no different, as for the first time he was immersed completely in Senegalese culture for a whole week. It was not easy for him, but he did amazing. We have been working hard all year to help our kids becoming more and more familiar with the culture and life here and it was such a blessing this week to see that our work has paid off. It has been an extremely difficult process, but God is at work helping us connect with the people here. I can’t tell you want an encouragement this week was for me!
On top of that one of the people that Ethan connected the most with this week was our new believer Abe. Abe has been at our house a lot and so he was a familiar face to Ethan. Watching their friendship was very touching. We have been investing a lot into this new believer and yet God used that same believer to be an encouragement to my son as he took a big step of faith to be at this camp.
Camp was the first time that I have ever seen Abe completely carefree. It was so neat to see the joy on his face this week. It was a small escape from the daily trails he faces. It was so encouraging that God made this possible for him to be there.
I led 3 crafts and a small group. It was huge accomplishment for me and very encouraging. I still struggled to say correctly what I needed to, but language is starting to come more naturally. I received a lot of encouragement on my progress in language and also in cultural relevance. God knew that I needed to hear those words as it gave me strength to keep pressing on!
Sorry, I meant to post this on your other post about how busy you’ve been and needing rest.
Praying for you!
God so knows our mama’s heart. Thanks for sharing your special gift with us for there is no greater joy for a mom than to see her child respond to a challenge of overcoming their human bents and it bringing forth gold that reflects their Creator.
Your gift is also my gift as I see the Lords refining work in your life bringing forth such a rich treasure.
I am smiling, tearing up, praising God for His faithfulness and steadfastness in your lives. What a week of blessing and encouragement despite the challenges. Praise God!
Thanks for being a terrific example! Great post! May your lives and service to His Church bear much fruit. We have much to learn about how to impact community for Him. It will be good to see what comes from this kind of ministry.
All I can say is WOW! Thank-you Lord.
I am heartbroken that children had to be turned away for lack of room, but I am happy for those who were able to attend and especially for those who asked Jesus to be part of their lives. Thank you for your service to the Lord. Even those who did not make a decision for the Lord now heard the Word, and that is a beginning. Their lives have been changed because of the camp.
This is so precious in many ways. I love the picture of Abe & Ethan. It looks trusting. and what a great leap in language & culture for you, Andi, to be able to do this. Woo hoo! and thank you Lord.