Learning at Camp

In Minnesota, every weekend during the summer hundreds of people head “up North.”  This grand exodus suggests the desire of people to get away from the routine of everyday life and enjoy some down time.  Some head to a summer cabin and others simply spend the weekend relaxing at the lake.  Included in this exodus are children and youth who head to camp – some who find their way to Bible Camp.  Over the years, Christian camping has been a tradition for many people.  This “get away” time is fun filled, challenging, and a great learning experience.  Though camping experiences individuals learn:

1)    To take responsibility.  Since Mom and Dad are not around to give direction, campers need to make many decisions on their own – like brushing teeth, changing clothes, and putting things away.  In addition, each camper is assigned a cabin and usually dining room responsibilities.

2)   To become independent.  For some, this may be the first time away from home with the opportunity to exercise their freedom of choice.

3)   To cooperate.  With scores of other people around, campers need to work together to experience unity and accomplish goals.

4)  To submit to authority.  Camp rules and regulations must be followed along with the direction that comes from camp directors, counselors, and other camp staff.

5)  To trust the Lord.  For some, the camping experience can be a lonely time.  It is in these settings that campers begin to learn the importance of leaning on the Lord for support and encouragement.

6)  To understand more about God.  Campers learn about:

a)  God’s Love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

b)    God’s Way.  Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

c)     God’s Worthiness.  Jesus is worthy in whom faith should be placed. “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalm 145:3).

d)    God’s Guidance.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; it all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

As our grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or other children head to Bible camp this summer, let’s use this time to pray for them.  Ask God to make this a life-changing experience for them.  Pray that they would come to trust in Jesus and come to know Him as their personal Savior and Lord.  As you pray this for your offspring, why not pray for yourself as well?

War in Our World

We all cringe when we see on TV the terrible things that are happening in our world today.  The war that is going on in Ukraine including the bombing of civilian homes, the people (women and children) scurrying to try to get out of the country, the people staying in underground subways to avoid bombs and missiles, and the thousands of refugees fleeing for their lives.  What a tearful sight to see orphanage children being displaced, the bombing of a children’s hospital, civilians being killed and others begging for food and water, with many needing shelter, and safety.

Whatever is happening in our world – be it good or bad – does not mean that God is sitting on the sidelines wringing his hands because the good isn’t good enough or the bad is too terrible.  We need to remember that nothing is beyond God’s control.  He is sovereign.  There is nothing that happens that is outside of His influence and authority.  God has no limitations, and He has the right to govern His creation as He sees best.  The Bible says that He “works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:11).  It also says, “God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne” (Psalm 47:8).  It further states that “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19).

Despite the calamity we see happening in Ukraine, God is in control.  He is in charge.  However, we wonder if there is anything we can do.  The psalmist asked this same question when he said, “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3).  Yes, there is much that we can do.  Many people are already responding to help organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse which is providing medical and other assistance.  We can rest in the fact that God is sovereign, even though we don’t understand why these atrocities are taking place.  In addition, we can pray.  The Bible affirms that prayer is efficient action when it says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). We should pray for a quick end to the conflict, for safety of innocent people, and for those who are Christians who may be persecuted under the aggressor. Are you resting in God’s sovereignty?  Maybe all of us need to get to work on our knees before God.