We Are In His Constant Presence

The children up at camp loved being up front.  They did as much singing, entertaining, and talking as the adults-- and they did a beautiful job.
On the last day of camp each group of kids with their leader got up to share what they learned.  They also sang, shared about what they learned from their leaders, and lastly received the gift bags that all of you so generously made possible to give to all the children.

It was hot inside this tent, and yet no one complained for the two plus hours we spent inside worshipping our amazing God.  Song after song was sang... story after story was shared.  Stories of repentance... songs of hope!

The leaders were recognized for their hard work by the director of the camp... and the kids.  It is obvious by their smiles how much they enjoyed serving the Lord.

This is Avenir who lead worship.  No back up band, just a couple of tambourines that the kids passed around playing.  It was awesome!

Avenir impressed me for his outgoing personality-- full of hope!  Always smiling and so full of energy he is the perfect one to have led worship at this camp.  One day I found him mending a broken sandal-- not something you normally see a 17 year old young man doing.  Later, I had my own sandal mended when I broke it walking in the river. 

After the last morning worship in the tent, the kids were surprised with a live band and a big bounce house!  The young adults who lead up this ministry wanted to bless the kids in this small way-- but with God-- nothing is small!  It was a huge success--- everyone had a blast!

Here are the chin bars that Sasha helped build.  They took days to build.  First they had to find pipe that they could resuse. Since the bars were covered in tar, they needed to be sanded down.  Next, they had to wait till they could pick up cement in town.  Now that they are up, they make a nice addition to the camp.

By early afternoon, some of the parents began picking up the kids.  Even after ten days,the kids were sad to leave.

This little girl serving water to everyone, is the granddaughter of  a Muslim woman.  Waiting years to come to this children's camp, she finally got her wish and as a result-- came to love the Lord!

Throughout the ten days, meal times would have different themes.  Some meals the kids were asked to be as quiet as a mouse.  Other times they sang out everything they said.  The kids were happy to play along!

As kids began saying goodbye to each other it was easy to see that deep friendships were formed. 

It was an honor to come and be a part of this children's camp.  I learned so much about acceptance, joy, and being content just because we are in His constant presence.  Julia fell in love with the country all over again.

Still more to come...