Tomorrow is a big day for the ministry work that we do here at New Life. Summer campers arrive for the first day of camp! Though we are busy all through the year with retreats, schools and hosted events; summer camp has a very special place in all of our hearts. It's an opportunity to see campers from previous years, meet new kids and have an opportunity to speak the truth of Christ into their lives. Some of these kids come from very difficult backgrounds and camp is one of their "safe places" where they can be kids, and have fun and learn. And to do this work, we need your prayers! Nine weeks of camp is a lot to mentally and physically prepare for, but the fruit of the labor is worth it! We just completed our Staff training this week and we are thankful for each of the staff that God has provided, some of which we prayed for specifically and were hired just days prior to the start of training.
Our theme this summer is Hallelujah: The Lord God Reigns! It is our prayer that as we rejoice in in this promise, campers will allow God to reign in their lives on a daily basis as we look forward to that coming day as John describes in Revelations 19:6 "And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."
How can you pray for us this summer?
Chris will be primarily managing the camp's administrative duties: camper registrations, check-in, finances and other logistical items around the camp. He is also assisting Abby, who joined the full-time staff earlier this year and training her in taking over many of the kitchen duties and ordering that he has done over the years. Abby will also be running a Day Camp program, so she will have her hands full. He will also be working with the Media Tech (Lucas) as they capture memories of the camp to share with parents and friends through social media and videos. In the midst of much of the "behind the scenes stuff", there are a number of other things that you can pray for as well. Chris will have the opportunity to speak during the evening meetings, share with the staff during morning devotions, and encourage the many parents and people he will talk with through the week.
Johanna will be busy in a different way this summer, as she navigates day by day with the boys around the busy camp schedule as Chris is away, and yet being involved in whatever way she can around camp.
Joses and Eran will be attending camp tomorrow for the first week and are very excited for the camp activities, lessons and the snack shop! The boys love participating and helping during the other weeks of camp, whether it's joining in on the games with other campers or helping in the snack shop.
We appreciate your prayers as the camp season officially commences tomorrow. We look forward to sharing with you all that the Lord will accomplish this summer!
