July, 23, 2011

It's a beautiful morning in Decatur, Alabama! I'm sitting outside of our hotel room waiting for 10am to roll by so we can take off to a water park! This past week of camp in Elizabethtown, Kentucky was so incredible for so many reasons. We were working with the children's ministry director, Ms. Ashley, who is one of the most beautiful, Godly women I've ever met. She is constantly bursting with the love and joy of the Lord, she is always looking for ways to serve others, and she always puts herself last. As I've been taking time this summer to study the Proverbs 31 definition of character, I've been so blessed to be able to look to her as an example. I hope I am that type of woman one day! Throughout the week, we were just loved on in so many ways. They prepared dinner, lead us in a awesome evening of worship, and invited us over to one of their home to use the pool one evening.

Camper-wise, the week was a bit different than the rest of my summer. I had 8 kids, 3 of which said they were Christians. The other ones constantly seemed distant and detached from everything we were talking about. I do feel like they opened up a little more and more each day, but at very small increments. By Thursday, a few of them had gotten really honest with me about bullying problems, disabilities, and other issues they were struggling with. It was so difficult to hear because I know I can't change the outside circumstances in their lives. I tried to make team time a place where they could ask questions and be honest. By Friday team time I was praying that God would just use my mouth to speak words that would touch the kids in some way. I was reminded of his love for them and that I am just a snapshot of the work he is doing in their lives. I prayed that seeds had been planted or watered that week. Friday I told them I'd stay back in the room while a volunteer took the group to the bathroom, in case anyone wanted to talk or pray about anything. Preston, a little ball of energy with the thickest country accent I've heard all summer, wandered out with the group but turned and shyly came back in after everyone had left. "Well I guess I'm the only one who's gonna pray with you," he explained as he giggled to himself.

I was ecstatic. This week I was taught that lives can be impacted by gospel, even if decisions are not made, and even if every child seems distant and removed. But the moment of having the privilege of praying with Preston yesterday was a gift.

Not a sparrow will fall to the ground apart from the will of your father... So don't be afraid; you are more valuble to God than a whole flock of sparrows! Mt 10:29,31

I think this is such a vital truth to keep in mind... it's been so comforting. Sometimes I just want to fix all of the crap going on in these kids lives, but I can't. I am completely and utterly incapable of altering their outside circumstances, and at times it's just frustrating! This week, especially, God has been humbling me and reminding me that He loves these kids so much more than I ever could. If he chooses to use me or not, I need to be 100 % surrendered to his direction.

He's been teaching me the same thing with my sister. Yes, I love her and want to protect her, but I am completely incapable of changing her circumstances. I need to trust that God loves her and has her back no matter what.

July 16, 2011

Best. Week. Ever. Madison, Alabama. Week 6. I know God has been working like crazy through Winshape this summer... And every church has been a blessing to my life in various and specific ways. BUT, the community we spent this past week among truly spoke my love language. Love was alive at that church. Joy was intoxicating. Truth was celebrated. I saw genuine examples of beautiful, Christ-centered families and real excitement for Jesus and salvation of friends. I had the privilege of praying with Laura-- who understands the gospel but wasn't sure how she was supposed to practically live it. She admitted she struggled with caring more about the way she looks, the guys she wants to impress, and winning arguments with her sisters than pursuing God first. 10 or 11 year old girl. Her honest blew me away. And Jaede-- a quiet, beautiful, little red head who ate up everything we talked about in team time and wanted to know how she could be part of God's family. Ant then precious Megan. This girl was bursting at the seams during team time one afternoon and begged to meet with me one-on-one as soon as possible. I pulled her aside and, after warning me she wasn't good at praying, she began the most beautiful, pure conversation with Jesus. Afterwards, she told everyone about her decision and ran to her pastor to asked when she could be baptized.
These campers, these children, were such a needed reminder of the joy and excitement of the Lord, and just how good the "good news" is. Even during my skill time I had Leighann and Carly who were such examples of Biblical love and friendship. One of the most beautiful moments was Friday afternoon before everyone left. While we were in line to get lunch, a girl from my dance class, Reagan, ran up to me, HUGE smile on her face, jumped into my arms and squealed, "Ms. Sarah, I was accepted just now!" She ran off to spread the news and meanwhile, Brooke, a girl from my team time asked what we had been talking about. I whispered that her friends Reagan and Megan had made the decision to accept Jesus during the week, and this huge smile exploded on her face. The next thing I know, she RUNS across the room and engulfs the two girls in a huge bear hug. The three share the most beautiful moment with their arms around each other, laughing and celebrating the news.

Mark 10:15
"...Anyone who will not recieve the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

July 10, 2011

This summer has been unbelievably encouraging for me. Amiss the jam-packed 13+ hour days, I feel like I have found this beautiful, serene place that has really just allowed me to center and prioritize. The fact that I've spent the past 7 weeks surrounded by people who have the same passions and interests that I do has really allowed me to stop and reflect on my life right now. I am so incredibly blessed in so many ways. In this moment, it is so easy for me to hand all of my plans and dreams to Jesus, and just trust that he will take care of me. I know when camp is over and I fly back home in several weeks, it is not going to be this easy. In fact, I'm sorta expecting some kind of spiritual ambush. But this summer I am really being taught that Jesus is the only thing that can satisfy me, and His is the only approval I need. I am praying that these truths will be as real to me after camp as they are now.

Gearing up for a brand new week in Alabama! May we proclaim truth boldly and fearlessly, dying to our own desires and allowing Christ to have full control. May each of these children come eye to eye with Jesus this week in a way that will forever impact their lives.