It’s hard to believe that our trip is nearing its end! Today was our last full day of service, and we spent the bulk of it building relationships with the campers here at family camp. It was fun to hear our names shouted throughout camp as children and teenagers called us to come talk, play games, color, and spend time with them.
Debi and Dreux meeting and sharing with some teens who were at family camp by themselves.
This morning we had the opportunity to join the families for an object lesson and speaker session (which was especially interesting given our rudimentary grasp of Spanish). The activity involved two teams, each choosing a representative to be their “king.” The king has the authority to ask for objects from his “subjects,” and they must comply within a minute. Whichever king has the most objects “wins” the activity. The speaker reminded us that, as believers, we must be willing to offer to our King whatever He calls us to give. Each team’s “king” called for gifts of shoes, backpacks, or raincoats. God calls us to sacrifice, to put other’s needs before our own, to leave our comfort zones to follow Him. Are we willing and ready to offer our lives to God?
This lesson was good for us today as we prepared ourselves to offer to God the best of our service and ministry. We did not anticipate that today’s service would involve very little “dirty work.” As we become used to washing dishes and “working,” it’s easy to forget that sometimes our service takes the form of building relationships. Today we were put in charge of planning and playing games with the children. Last night we planned relay games and group activities, and this morning we gathered everything we needed to make the games successful. When the children arrived, however, our plans were thrown out the window. The kids just wanted to play with us! Instead of organized games, they were just as happy kicking a soccer ball inside the dining hall, coloring pictures at the table, playing ping-pong, and talking in broken Spanish. As we struggled to feel “useful,” we had to remind ourselves that our usefulness in the kingdom is not based on what we do, but on relationships that are created as we serve the Lord.
Ellie made friend with Ana, the cutest little girl ever.
Tomorrow afternoon we will finish up this family camp, then head to Panama City in preparation for Monday’s departure. Thank you for your continued prayers as we finish this week strong!
Singing "Joe's Button Factory" in Spanish! Score!
