Photo courtesy of Camp Good NewsThis week (Aug 8-14) marked the 4th week I (Joseph) have served at Camp Good News. Located in picturesque Hawthorne FL, Camp Good News is a ministry of CEF. (Child Evangelism Fellowship) Dozens of children show up on weekdays during the Summer (occasionally a few weeks in the winter and spring). Both Anne and I had the opportunity to serve this year. The normal day lasts from 9:00-5:00, and is filled with activities. Just a few of them include: playground, activity field, Reptile Round-up (a place to keep caught lizards/snakes) South Twin Lake, the water slide, and much more.
I often work with children, (especially at home!) but I had never worked in a camp environment before. The weeks I spent at CGN were important to me in many ways.
The first, is the chance I had to grow closer to Christ through devotions by myself and with the children--plus every night I was able to worship with the other counselors . The relatively secluded environment of Camp allowed for much thought and study in The Word.
The second, is that I had the chance to befriend and work with many children. They all come from different home situations, and are all varied ages and it has been a joy learning about God alongside them, whether in Bible time, or just talking one-on-one. They regularly test my patience to the limit--but God uses them to teach me how to improve.
The third reason CGN has been such a good experience, is the fellowship I have experienced. Thursday night is usually "counselor night" where we have a BBQ dinner, a swim in the lake, and worship time. I have met new friends, and had the chance to work with those I knew. Being with other counselors was one of the most exciting things of CGN.
Camp Good News has proved a friendly, Christ-filled experience where I grew in Christ, made friends, and ministered to others. Though extremely trying at times, it strengthened me, and taught me things I probably wouldn't have learned elsewhere.
That is awesome Joseph :)!! Thank you so much for sharing how the Lord used this time in your life for you to grow in Him :)! Has this given you a greater desire for the Lord and His Word at home now too :)? I have found that spending time in God's Word..especially in His glorious creation :)..is always wonderful :)! The Holy Spirit is constantly teaching me things through God's Word, and guiding me into all truth(John 14:26 ; 16:13).
ReplyDeleteBut again, this is wonderful Joseph..and I am so happy for you :)! I pray that you will continue to grow more and more into the image of Christ..and seek Him with your whole heart :)!
"Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart." Psalm 119:1-2
"And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13
P.S. Sorry for all of the comments. I have wanted to comment on some of the posts for quite a while now, but have just not had the chance to yet. That is why I am doing it now..but don't worry..it won't happen again ;).