One of my favorite songs that we sing here at camp is "Be Strong and Courageous," and once we've introduced it to the kids, I try to encourage them with it throughout the week. When someone is afraid to jump off the high dive I say, "Be strong and courageous." On the most difficult hike I tell them we are going on an adventure, and they must be strong and courageous. And then we celebrate together when they have made it through the hike or jumped off the high dive.
This week I am celebrating the strength and courage of my three students. They took a risk and stepped out in faith to come to a land far away, where they didn't know anyone but me. They came without an adult accompanying them on their flights. Two of them had never flown. They stepped into some demanding roles that challenged them and stretched them out of their comfort zone. Faith always requires you to risk, and being successful in this pretty calculated risk will make the next call to step out in faith a little easier. And nothing pleases God more than our faith.
The other thing that made me proud of them was that they used things that they had learned back at home here in their work. Krislan had a great experiment that had a spiritual application. She stepped right up and demonstrated it to us, and we were able to let her share that with the girls in their cabin devotions. She also shared it with Seth, and he was able to teach it to the boys. And in their general temperament and demeanor, learned from their families, these three were able to be kind and patient and gracious to some very difficult campers.
I also want to salute the courage of their parents. It is not easy to let go and allow your child to step into the unknown. It is not easy to have them far away and not be able to communicate with them at all for several days. I so appreciate these parents trusting me and believing me when I presented them with the possibility of this trip. I also appreciate all that they did to work with me in making this happen financially. In allowing their kids to take this step of faith, they make the next step easier for themselves and others.
The congregation at DUMC was exceptionally generous in supporting these young people. They went above and beyond in making it possible for all who were willing to come to be able to make the trip. I am very thankful.
God has dealt bountifully with us this week in so many ways. I can only praise Him and say, "Not to us, not to us, but to your name be the glory."
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| Seth with some of his Bears |
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| Hiking with Krislan and Kaitlyn |
