End of 1st Camp

We just wrapped up the first camp this afternoon and I think it was very successful. Every day the kids started to open up a little more and share things about their lives. They also seemed to be willing to listen about my experiences. It was really a remarkable progression from the first day when I didn't know any of their names until today when I was able to share my testimony and encourage them to take the next steps in their faith journey. Hopefully some of them will take me up on the invitation I gave them to come to church on Sunday.

Of course, we managed to have a lot of fun at the camp this week as well! One of the highlights for me was a game we played called "Knock-Out". Everyone lines up at the free throw line and the first two people in line have a ball. The object is to knock the person out who is in front of you by making a basket before they do. Each age group would have the top two finishers compete against the coaches in front of the whole camp.

Yesterday there was a little guy named Michael, who is around 8 years old, very quiet & shy, and quite Irish looking with red-hair and the whole bit. Well, it was pretty amazing that he finished in the top two in his age group. But then he actually went on to win the whole competition, beating all of the coaches! He was so excited and all the other kids were cheering and clapping for him. He was the hero of the camp because his victory guaranteed sweets and candy for everyone that day! I just knew it was one of those moments that he will remember for a long time.

In one sense, I feel like a lot was accomplished this week - but in a way I feel like the work was just beginning and it would be nice to see it through, build relationships, and get more involved. Obviously, that's not possible when I'll only interact with those kids for a week. I have to trust God that somehow a seed was planted that Todd and others can follow up on to see these kids come to a relationship with Jesus. For a lot of them, the foundation is already there thanks to a strong Catholic tradition. It's just not personal for them and there's a big disconnect about how salvation is not something that is earned, but rather a free gift by God's grace.

And so, it was through a little bit of teary eyes that I said goodbye to the kids for now - praying for them and the family situations they are walking into. My prayer is that it will not be a final goodbye and that I will see them again in God's Kingdom.

I'll have a couple of days to rest up before the next camp starts on Monday. I'll try to post again Sunday afternoon after church. I hope all is well for everyone back home and thank you for keeping me in your prayers!