Though the temperatures are still high across much of Europe, summer is drawing to a close — and with it, the summer camps we organised.
This summer, one of our lessons looked at how God has the power to turn bad things into good. We anchored it in Numbers 23:23: “For now it will be said… ‘What wonders God has done…!'” To bring it to life, we told the story of Samuel Morse, who, after spending 12 years working towards the invention of The Telegraph, proclaimed: “See what God has done!” Inspired by the same verse, I want to tell you what God has done during the camps I led.
The Children’s Camp
Registration filled up so fast that we had to close it back in April. I am grateful to the Lord that 59 children and 16 adults took part — and that a third of the children were with us for the first time, which is always an encouraging and wonderful thing.
One boy, here for his third year, has become a real advocate for the camp. This year, ten children came from his small village. Children like him, along with their satisfied parents, are our best advocates.
After camp, I met an elderly man who shared a conversation he’d had with his granddaughter. He asked her several times if there was even one thing she hadn’t liked. Her answer never changed: “No, Grandpa. I liked everything there.”
One father said much the same. He was delighted when his daughter came home telling him everything she had experienced and singing the songs she had learned. Similar reactions came from many other families. I am grateful to the Lord that He touched the hearts of the participants through His Spirit.
A Growing Team
That kind of response is certainly thanks to the team — the teachers, and the volunteers who cared for the kitchen and cleaning. This summer, two people who had completed the basic evangelism course last November and March joined our established team of young teachers. I am grateful to the Lord for calling new young people who want to minister.
I am also thankful for His help with the translations and the preparation of materials for both camps, and that the volunteers made time to prepare lessons, games, and activities despite all their other commitments. During this camp, one boy prayed that the Lord Jesus would become his Saviour. Many other children prayed for forgiveness, and others took the chance to keep growing in their faith.
When Things Were Not Perfect
Not everything at camp was perfect. During that week, we had to visit the nearest children’s hospital several times. It wasn’t pleasant, but I can see now that the Lord, in His grace, was watching over us. He prevented bigger problems and prepared us in advance for certain situations.
There were bright moments too. The children filmed a lovely interview with each other and posted it online, and a national television station came to film a documentary about the camp. The report turned out very nicely, and I believe it will help promote the camp and carry God’s Word to even more children.
The Teen Camp
Straight after the children’s camp came the teen camp, with 40 teenagers and 15 adults. From the book of Joshua, we learned to be strong and courageous — and we needed to be. It rained frequently, so we kept adapting the program and activities to the weather.
The special blessing here was that six young people prayed for the Lord Jesus to become their Saviour. Some came for the first time; others were returning campers who, in their own words, “look forward to this camp all year long.” Not every comment was positive — some said they don’t want to hear about God 24/7. We pray God’s word may work in their hearts.
A Prayer for the Harvest
After the camps end, I always pray the same thing: “Lord, may Your Word — which they have heard and read — bear fruit in their hearts that will lead them to You.” Please join me in that prayer.
-Testimony from a worker in CEF of Serbia (Slovak langage Camps)
(Image:Adobe Express)
