Another Reminder of Why I Love Camp Ministry

I have had the privilege of being the Junior Camp (5th-7th Grade) speaker this week at Camp Gilead. It has been such a joy to teach God’s Word and preach the gospel to over 100 campers all week long. My kids have also been having a blast. It is so fun to see my kids enjoying many of the same things that I did when I was a camper: the Camp Gilead train, the pool, and laughing at the kids during the game times. Here are some of the highlights of the week:

Seeing the Lord’s faithfulness at Camp Gilead. My grandpa was involved in Camp Gilead as a pastor 50 years ago, and my mom attended as a little girl. I went to Family Camp for 8 years and then worked here as a Counselor and Head Counselor for 4 entire summers during college. This is my 3rd time to be a speaker for a week. Each time I have come back, friendships with the full-time Staff are renewed, and I am encouraged by their gospel faithfulness and commitment to God’s Word!
Preaching to the campers. Each morning chapel we have been looking at Solomon’s life, and learning what it means to follow the path of the righteous rather than the path of the wicked (from the book of Proverbs). The theme this summer is “Gold Rush” from Proverbs 16:16, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” In the evening chapels we have been looking at who Jesus is. In Jesus are “…are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3)
Seeing 10 or 15 campers each of the last 2 nights stay after chapel to talk to their counselor about salvation. Some children have asked Jesus to be their Savior this week! That is worth all of the effort that goes into camp ministry! We have also seen Christian campers being encouraged in their faith.
Seeing kids have fun. It’s refreshing to see kids just being kids, having a great time dirtboarding, doing team competitions, mini golf, and even playing on the playground. In today’s world, kids need time to just be kids…and to focus on Jesus during the same week is an incredible opportunity!