We just arrived back at the Youth for Christ house in Caracas after 4 days of camp. The camp was amazing...but we are ready for some much-needed rest!
Camp started on Monday afternoon...after a 3-4 hour drive. After settling in and eating lunch all the campers, leaders, and ourselves were split up into four teams ("Verde, Verde!"). Then each team spent some time developing a "cheer". Alex was quick to suggest our team make use of the Spanish term for Americans--"Gringos"...and so our team became the "Gringos" (like "Go, Green, Go!"). We then became part of some elaborate choreography involving a lot of clapping, chanting, shouting, and even some salsa dance steps.
Every night there was a time for singing, a slide show/video, and a message. A very popular part of those times was the "notihuellas". During that time a video was presented which had several themed pictures and video clips from throughout the day. Everyone there loved the praise time...they sing certain songs over and over and dance to it. Our team has joked about how it seems as though all Venezuelans can sing and dance incredibly! Later on in those sessions one of the directors would challenge the campers and present an invitation related to that particular message (trusting God, giving our burdens to God, following Christ).
Our purpose in being at the camp was to lead the activities and plan for them. This usually meant we had some preparation to do before the afternoon (blowing up balls, filling water-balloons, etc.). The times of preparation were a great time to be together as a team, having fun and serving together. Then we usually had several hours in the afternoon for the activities.
On Tuesday the camp directors took some time to meet with us and let us know what their opinions were of how we were running games. It was a time of encouragement for us. However, something we have discovered is that they all want to know "how we feel". A common question throughout our days was, "How are you feeling?" The first couple times we were asked we were caught off-guard, not knowing what to say. Then we came to expect that question and appreciate the fact that they cared enough to be genuinely interested in how we felt.
On Wednesday morning we got up before the "crack of dawn" to go hiking. It was some quality time spent with the campers and leaders. Once we got to the top, we had some time of worship and a message. Then began the rather interesting descent--which involved a lot of slipping and sliding. However, we made it back...tired and in need of water.
This really doesn´t even begin to get into everything that happened at the camp and all the stories we have to tell. Overall, I think the biggest thing we learned was that we had to do it in God´s strength--not our own. We came to recognize that early on in the camp as several of us really weren´t feeling great. Yet, we found ourselves having energy to direct the games, to interact with the campers, and do all the crazy stuff that a camp requires...and on less sleep than would have been ideal. So, we are amazed by the strength of God and are thankful for the opportunity He gave us to serve at the camp. It really was such a blessing to be there. The campers and the staff were so open and loving--wanting to spend time with us and even seeking us out.
Some ways you can be praying for us:
-Please pray for the health of our team. It has been a rough 4 days for us and we are exhausted. Several team members weren´t feeling well earlier this week, but seem to be doing much better now...so please pray for the continued healing of them and the continued health of the others.
-Please pray for the meeting on Saturday. We will be meeting up with several of the campers and their families on Saturday and it will be an opportunity for the campers to share what they learned at camp.
-Pray for all the campers that made decisions to follow Christ. Pray that they would follow through on the commitment they made at camp and their lives would continue to change because of the grace of God at work in them.
Thank you so much for your prayers!
Mary Kate
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Wow it sounds like the camp went great! We are so proud of each of you for allowing God to use you to further his Kingdom. I am glad to hear everyone is feeling better - we will continue to pray for good health. Enjoy the rest of your time in Venezuela and I am sure that Saturday with the campers and families will be great! Kevin we have been praying for you everyday and look forward to seeing you on Sunday night!
Love,
The Friske Family
It is a beautiful thing to hear how you are learning to depend upon God and His strength. You have been through some difficult times, and have come through in a marvelous way, which encourages our own hearts also in the tasks before us! Apart from Him you can do nothing, but with Him you can do all things!
It is so good to have an update from you. Praise God for how He worked through you this week. He was showing us at home as well that we needed to trust in Him as we waited for updates and news. Will also be praying for safe travel for you home. Can't wait to hear the stories in detail.
Post a Comment