Letter to Prayer Coordinators for Session #2, February 12-14, 4th-6th Grade
Dear Prayer Coordinators,
Thank
you, thank you, and thank you for your prayers. This weekend would not have
happened without your prayers. At the very least, we would have started and
then fallen apart. Again, thank you for praying for us. This past weekend,
February 12-14, was the first weekend Amy and I led camp at the new Camp
Alandale on the River location. Boy, were we in for it. Still, God saw us through
and we had tons of fun.
As I was driving the bus down to Orange County on Friday afternoon, my stress was somewhat relieved when I remembered this weekend was a 4th-6th grade camp. The younger kids typically see through the details and only have one thing in mind, FUN, and fun we had. We played in the ice patches (all the snow is melted away by now), they played lots and lots of foosball and ping pong, and enjoyed checking out the new property. Counselors were wowed by the big camp lodge, enjoyed the heaters in the cabins, and felt more relieved of chores and responsibilities to simply spend time with their campers.
One of my favorite moments from the weekend happened during our hike on Saturday afternoon. Shelby, a very sweet camper, really wanted to play in the snow. She had an infectious smile and the most beautiful eyes. She very sweetly asked me before the hike began, “Jeremy, if we see a good patch of snow, do you think we could stop and play in it.” “Of course,” I told her. Toward the end of the road there was a great spot to stop. I asked Shelby if she thought it was good enough and she said it was. This was one of my favorite moments because I was able to give a good gift to Shelby. It reminds me of how good a gift our Heavenly Father has given to us in his Son Jesus. On our hike back, Shelby walked along side of me and I was able to ask her a few questions about her family.
“Do
you get to see your mom?”
“No,
and I don’t want to because I want to be happy.”
An answer like this breaks my heart. Here is a precious little girl, hurt by her mother so badly that she doesn’t want to see her anymore. It is also right where the Gospel story connects for Jesus knows what it is like to be forsaken and abandoned. He understands her pain. One day, I hope, Shelby will taste the sweetness of her Heavenly Father’s good Gift. Pray for Shelby. Pray for reconciliation with her mother, when being young still gives her a chance in the foster care system. More importantly, pray for reconciliation with her true Father! Thanks for reading!
With the love of Christ,
Jeremy Allen
Assistant Camp Director
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