Citiweek Tuesday night blog:

Allison DuBois:

WOW! Detroit is different then what I’m used to seeing. When I come down here for baseball games it’s controlled by police men. But really seeing how Detroit is outside of that it’s heartbreaking. The only time this week I’ve police men was at the baseball game. I’ve bee working at the “nicer” apartment areas. Painting, playing, sweating, and watching. The kids are not like my neighbors. Kids aren’t supposed to be this rough. Playing with the kids and making them smile is the best thing about this trip so far. I’m excited to see what God has in-store for the rest of this trip.

Olivia Moss:

Oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhh my goodness… where to start? This week has been amazing so far. On Monday, my eyes were opened to how little of love these kids receive. There are some who scream to get attention, some are rough, and some just cling to you like you are their parent.

I’m working at the City Mission and I have to say that our team is AWESOME!!! All of us mesh together so well and our different talents are all being used in amazing waysJ Today, a majority of the kids from Monday came back, and some new ones. It was WATER DAY!!!!!!!!! We had water balloons and a slip-n-slide. It was definitely the hit of the day. At the baseball game, we handed out water and pop for free to random people with a little info card on it. A women came up to our group and thanked us for the pop but asked for some money for a sub. Jim Dalke gave her some and I gave her a card. She stopped, read the card, looked at me, and thanked me with a big smile. She was pregnant.

I have had an amazing time so far and can’t wait to see how God is going to use me tomorrow! Pray that I’ll make great connections and go out of my comfort zone. Thanks for all the prays so farJ Love y’all lots!

Daniel Stephens:

So, this week has been amazing! God is working through us in a powerful way! I have lived my whole life just a few miles from the D, and have been to many different parts of this incredible city. However, this week, I’ve seen a side of this city that my whole life I have just flat out ignored. 

We have been working with youth for Christ and Open Door Rescue Mission. These ministries are so amazing! They are being used by God, in a tremendous way! The poverty and the struggles that these people face each and every way is overwhelming! And yet, they still not only manage to cope with it, they are perfectly at peace with it! Every day, the people that work at these ministries are making such a difference in the lives of the people they come in contact with. God is still at work in this city, he has not, and will not turn his back on us. It is truly inspiring to see what these volunteers are accomplishing. I am HONORED to be apart of it!

From Jerry:  Our first day was unreal - our students’ eyes were opened to the fact that many parts of Detroit are almost like a different country - our 4 teams did an amazing job at their worksites - here are some of their stories:

Megan Everhart:

Today was a lot of fun. We went to a low income apartment complex and painted the walls of the staircases and the halls. Then we played some games with a lot of kids and song in the middle of the complex. The kids all had shinning faces and were adorable! I’m so glad we got to do this for them.

Katie Corsello:

Today was an amazing experience. Even on the bus ride over, I was amazed at how much I am happy with what God has blessed me with. Seeing all the worn down buildings and people on the streets made me think that maybe

I shouldn’t complain about mundane things - not getting the perfect cell phone, etc. My eyes have been opened and I know this is gonna be an AWESOME week!

Matt Zellars:

Today was awesome. We went outside all day long and weed-whipped an entire field. A car stopped by and a woman called us over and said how thankful she was that we were cleaning up the neighborhood. We now have a awesome field for the kids at Citimission to play in. I am really excited because we have a lot more work to do – God has been so good to us and this week is awesome!

Hannah Lawson:
Today the group went to a church service in Short Hill, Jamaica.

The service lasted about two hours. The people from the church sang open the Eyes of my Heart and Amazing Grace.  We heard two minute testimonies from Deanne Bradshaw and Josh Crane, about what we had been doing that week. Also we heard a 15-minute sermon from Brad Schwarze about living for the world or living for God. Andrew Khulha and Jenna Bloodworth led the music with a small choir behind them. It was great to see the different culture and talk to the different people there at church.

On Saturday we went to YS Falls. There, many people zip lined in, through, and across the falls looking at the beautiful scenery. Many people also took a rafting trip down the river, near the falls.  When all those shenanigans were finished, everyone went into the falls. There was a spot at the lower part of the falls to jump off a little rock about six feet off the running water.  Up the falls at a little higher spot there was a rope swing and a jump rope.

On the rope swing people swung across the falls and fell into the water. On the jump rope you swung on the rope about 12 feet off the water to land in the rushing rapids, or you could have just jumped, that’s what I did. There was also a pool near by where the water was freezing, but so refreshing.  For lunch a group made Pb & j sandwiches or if you wanted a hot dog, they had those in the gift shop. We were there all day, and it was a blast, just to see Gods beautiful creation.

Scott Skilling :

Church was a lot different from church at Woodside. It started with the pastor from Petersville talking.  Although most of us couldn’t understand him it was clear he was on fire and excited about sharing the Word of God.  Then the Woodside team went up to lead worship.  Then a team went up and performed a powerful skit.  After the skit, Brad went up and spoke very well on living for the world and living for God.  It was amazing!

**Note: While we were at camp we had issues connecting to the internet. Each of these blogs were written while we were at camp, but we not able to be posted. Enjoy reading about our week and what God taught our students:

-

Argggghhhh Barnabites!- Camp Barnabas Day 3

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Pirates are coming!! Sailors unite!! The battle will begin in the pool party. Beware, tonight, there will be….FUN!!!

What a glorious day we have planned for today. The campers are ready to party! The pool was closed yesterday for some of the day, so today the campers are ready to swim. So why not put both the party and swimming in one? Genius idea! Full day 2 of camp is under way and the smiles are endless!

-Ramsen Khoshaba

Camp Barnabas is just plain awesome.  My camper’s name is Jacob and he is such a sweetheart.  He is 14 years old and has neurofibromatosis, which is a disease where tumors grow on his face.  He is so polite and has a really pure heart.  It’s definitely a different experience for me this year.  Last year, I had a camper who was limited to activities.  On the other hand, Jacob is so full of energy and Im always chasing after him.  Even though Jacob has a brother who has the same disease and a couple of brothers who have already passed away, he is so positive and always really happy.  God has made me realize how blessed I’am and Im so excited to finish out this week.  All of the campers here dont have everything that we have, but they are still so passionate for God and happy just having fun.  God’s love is so radient here at Camp Barnabas and it truly fits the motto that they have: ” enlarging the spirit, encouraging the heart”.  Thank you all for praying for our team down here.

-Saraleah Park

I love camp Barnabas!!!! My campers name is Chris. he is 11 years old and has really bad ADHD/ADD and asthma. He also had a life trama when he was about 5 years old. he has suuuuuper high energy! At times he is quite negative. he doesn’t want to take part in the church aspects of camp, but im trying to get through this. please prey for me to be patient and to keep my cool and try to show gods love to Chris.

 -Dominic Haddad

Camp Barnabas is a great experience and there truely is nothing like it.  Each camper has such a unique personality and interacts with eachother in an unbelieavable way.  My camper is 10 years old and her name is Alex.  Every moment with her is indescribable, no matter what I do the reaction is always different.  I am praying she is loving the camp, but its hard to tell what she’s feeling.  God made an amazing choice for me when Alex’s file stuck out.  My trust is all in God right now as always, but even more this week, because no one can tell what Alex is thinking.  She has been diagnosed with an anxiety problem, ADD, PDD, ODD, and a few other dieases.  Alex is particular about certain things and it’s hard to please her for longer than five minutes, but devoting my full self to her has made a huge impact on me.  Focusing on this beautiful little girl for a week instead of myself is a great change of pace. Thank you for all the prayers and support, its making all the difference! 

-Carly Frensley

 We have all heard the saying, “with great power comes great responsibility.” Today I learned of a new saying. This one was spoken to my heart; With divine love comes sincere and selfless compassion. This is a love that us CIA’s may have never learned or really thought of. I thought I knew how to love another, but ultimately my love was selfish. It was based on the notion of making sure my life was secure in Christ and that my health was prestine. I love my family and cherish my friends, but do I sit here wondering where their life is and what do they go through. When I look at Austin I see a young man who wants nothing more then to be happy. He doesn’t want to be healthy or free of any heart problems. He just wants to be loved and adored like every other “normal” kid out there. Truly, there is nothing wrong with his heart in my eyes. He is a perfect child of God. Tonight also I got to see what true worship is. My bud Logan is an amazing kid. Everyday in our cabin he comes up to myself or Nick, our Cabin Staff Leader, and asks for us to put on his favorite song, “Here I am to Worship.” Today he got to worship to the song live and for me to just be able to sit there and watch this young amazing kid smile like I have never seen a child smile before and raise his hands in worship and just sway back and forth, was unreal. I cried. Inside my heart was balling. I was so broken and so destroyed. I saw worship from a child fighting life, not caring about death and seeking joy. He worshiped and I smiled. My heart today is happy. I got to see Christ’s beauty in a whole new light. Tomorrow is a new day and I cannot wait to just wake up, smile and love these guys!!!

-Ramsen Khoshaba

-

A Whole New World- Day #4

Well Hello all Woodside peoples! Its been almost a week since We’ve left for this grand adventure. Along the way, I let my mind escape away with thoughts of what camp would be like. Visions of old,rustic cabins and singing around a crackling campfire. However when we actually arrived into a wild pack of over entergentic CIAs and staff, I was a little overwhelmed. After we got settled in and prepared for thee campers arrival, I was more excited than ever! I was a little dissapointed after I discovered that I was going to be in an older girls cabin, because I felt a little intimidated of girlls my own age. I just kept a positive attitude, because I knew God had a better plan for me. The day of the camper’s arrival, I stood outside waiting to put a face to the name card inwhich I held. I waited and waited and finally was sent back to my cabin camperless. However within a few minutes, Rexanna arrived with her mom. She looked nice and smiled and giggled lots. I thought that with a fifteen year old camper, the week would be easy. Oh boy was I wrong! Throughout the week, I have had my patience tested quite a few times. Rexy has ADD, ADHD, OCD, ODD, and Asberger’s syndrome. She drags her feet just about everywhere we go and me being my fast paced self, have a difficult time dealing with that. I know that there is a lesson behing our matchup. Maybe God is just trying to tell me to slow down and analyze things in a different way. The week has had its downs including Rexy’s constant complaints, reluctantness to do anything, and her lack of faith with in herself. The week has also has its upsides as well containing Rexy opening up to me and crying in my arms, Her constant need to hold my hand. Today Rexy had to go to the ER to get stiches because her tooth went through her lip. I’m anxious for her to get back, although it’s a nice break, I’m ready to have her back at camp. As for me, I continue to pray for patience and strength to get me through the rest of this trip and ensure that my camper has an amazing time at camp. 

-Katie Cox

There’s something about laying under the stars in the country and falling asleep that is like nothing else out there. Seeing God’s creation in such a peaceful state is so beautiful. I layed there with no distractions, my mind clear of every thought and just smiled. My heart was at peace. I listened to the sound of all the little creatures and animals singing harmonically in the woods. They were in sync with what I was experiencing. For a glimpse, I was away from life. My earthly body was just a pigment of life, a speck in a bowl of a billion planks. I layed there without moving, just wondering, how amazing is our God? He thought of everything in His mind and made it into what He thought was good. He did not doubt, wait, or consider anything else. He did what He wanted to do and what He did is what no one else could do. He spoke, and earth was created. He sang and the stars in the night sky glimmered with bright lights shining steadily for us to see our way. He cried and our lives were born; hand crafted by the Perfect designer. He sought us with His all and wanted us to be with Him. As I layed there I thought about myself and my campers. I thought about how amazing it was that God created the beautiful night sky and never made anything the same. Each star looked different. Some were brighter, some were smaller, yet each one of them was so beautiful in its own way. They were bright and steady. They lit up the night sky and bore joy upon each night crawler. They were placed properly and strategically for their own purpose. Each star is there for a reason. As I layed there I thought about this and how it was supposed to tear up my heart. God showed me in a glimpse that each star is like each of us; beautifully created and beautifully made, each different, yet each significant. There is nothing wrong with any of the stars, as there is nothing wrong with any of us. The stars will be there for their time. We have been placed here on earth of our time that God has alloted us. During this race of life, we will fight, stand up and never back down. We will run the race with all that we have, train to win and rest for it is His will to find joy in Him. My camper for this week is my life. He is my heart’s cry, my smile, my joy, my everything. For one week I have his life intertwined with mine and I will do whatever I have to do to show him that we are like stars in the sky; beautiful, glorious, and perfect in Him…Amen!

-Ramsen Khoshaba

-

Dancing With the Stars- Day #5

My camper is Sydney. She is twelve and she has a learning disability. When we first met she was very timid and shy. Through out the week and through lots of conversations, she opened up to me more and more. She is such a sweetheart, and I love her.Last night at the dance party, Sydney would only dance with me or her best friend Alex. It was so adorable. God has used this experience to teach me many lessons. Talking with Sydney has taught me that if you do not understand a question the first time it is asked, then they appreciate to have the question asked in a different way.When Sydney has fun playing with the other girls in the cabin, her face lights up.  And, seeing her face light up makes me so happy. I am sad that today is the last day of camp, and I am really going to miss her. This week has been filled with adventures and a lot of fun. I am so glad that I came to Camp Barnabas and that had this experience. - Juliana Love

My camper is Sam. He is eleven and the sweetest boy ever. He has Asbergers but that doesn’t stop him from expressing himself. A love of his is singing and dancing. We are always singing songs or breaking out dancing. He LOVED the dance party we had last night. Everyone always compliments him and tells him how awesome he is and when I see his face light up it makes my heart smile. I was kind of affraid about being a girl CIA in a boys cabin but looking back at this week I wouldn’t have had it any other way. The boys in my cabin are so fun and sweet. This week has gone by so fast and I really don’t want to go home. I love it here and all the campers, CIA’s, and staff. The love for God and people here is amazing. This has been pretty much the best week of my life. I have made so many new friends and they have impacted me in so many ways. I am so thankful the I had the chance to come here and feel the love of Camp Barnabas.

-Rachael Rutkowski

My camper’s name is Lili. She is a ten year old smiley little girl. She has Asbergers,ADD/ADHD, and has some speech problems. She has short brown hair, and is pretty skinny. The first couple of days were pretty difficult becuase Lili is very shy and has many things that bother her. But other than that she loves when i carry her on my back, and when i say she loves it i mean i carry her absolutley everywhere. Its gotten hard at times but i push through to make her have a good time. At camp she likes the swimming pool the most. Whenever we got to go she would want me to run so we could get there quicker. When shes in the water she just splashes around while i carry her. Lili is a very special girl to me and its already hit me that its almost over. Last night i was carrying her to our cabin and she whispered in my ear she loves me and that made my heart just melt. I thought i was just coming to this camp to make someone smile, but ive realized its made me grown so much.Everyone here it amazing you feel so welcomed and it feels like come. Its amazing to have all the CIA’s together worshiping our god at the same time. I feel so lucky to be able to come here, and every last minute of it i am cherishing.

- Sarah Wooley

My camper is Debby.  She is 14 years old and has autism and is considered ‘low functioning,’ but she never lets her disablility get her down.  She is the sweetest most adorable little girl I have ever met.  The other day said “It really stinks that I have a disability, but everytime it makes me sad I just think of that Bible verse in Philippians… I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.”  Then later that day we got into a discussion about what Heaven is going to be like.  We then dicided that me and her are going to through a huge party in Heaven and invite everyone.  It has also been an amazing experience just being able to watch her throughout the week.  For example, her application says shes afraid to try new things.  But with the encouragement of everyone around her, she has kind of ‘broken out of her shell’ more and now she almost wont stop talking and wants to try everything.  And hearing her pray is about the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.  Then after that she told me I was her best friend which almost brought me to tears.  It has been an amazing week and I feel really lucky to have her as my camper and I am so blessed to be able to spend the week with such an amazing person such as her.

-Katie Siegle

They will spend 3 days there consisting of VBS, soccer, music, crafts, and ministry.  There is a building that is used as amake-shift hospital - our students spent time praying with them all and visiting injured people of all ages - it was very eye opening.  Also - please pray for SARA DAHLKE, team leader Jim Dahlke’s pregnant wife.  She had complications while the trip was going on and it got so serious Jim actually flew home Friday night.  Sara is 33 weeks pregnant and her body is taking a toll from the pregnancy.   She was discharged from the hospital, but they are still very concerned about her and will probably induce her sometime this week. )

Josh Crane:
Gulley Bank was crazy. The people have no one to aid them except Jim and Penny. The VBS program went well, and the hospital visits woke me up to the real world. Patients in the hospital and infirmary give glory to God constantly despite their various conditions. Some smile right when you walk in, and it was great to make their day!
As for the kids, they loved the VBS. When we got there, their faces lit up. We did skits and made hats. It was awesome to see them happy, and playing together.
When you talk to kids or adults, they all thank God. Two women with the same name-Icylin-talked for a while with us. They are so happy to be alive. We prayed with them and read the Bible. They loved it. Hubert is blind in one eye, but we read to him, and he told us about his faith, and his life. Constantine was the same way. God blessed the people of Gulley Bank, as well as the team!

Jenna Bloodworth :
Today we went to the Gully; we ran a VBS and a soccer (or football) camp. We also went to the hospital and infirmary, in the infirmary I met this lady named Eunice and right when we walked into her room she said “Welcome brothers and sisters in Christ!” She asked us to sit down and she began talking about her situation and comparing it to Job. She said the even though she couldn’t move her arms or legs that Job went through much worse and never cursed God, so she wouldn’t curse God either. The whole time she kept encouraging us to stay in the word and to follow God. At the end of our time with her she prayed for us and asked that we would continue to follow God’s plan for our lives and to always do what He wants. It was such an encouragement to me and without a doubt she is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen while in Jamaica.

Sarah Roper

Being here in Jamaica has been a challenge for me many times, because I have had to stretch myself out of my comfort zone. Today I visited the infirmary and hospital, and that was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Our team was there to visit people, to talk and pray with them.  Meeting new people is not one of my strengths, so having to walk up to an elderly Jamaican woman that I could barely understand and try to connect with her was very difficult for me.  But God brought me through that, and I hope and pray that I brought joy and hope to even one person during that time.
One thing that God has been teaching me here in Jamaica is from 1 Corinthians 13, the love passage. Every part of that passage is so relevant to what we are doing here,

but the first three verses really struck me. Basically, it says that no matter what good works I do and no matter what great faith I have, if I do not have love, I am nothing.  That hit me hard, because it is easy to get caught up in the motions of ministry, but when I was face to face with the Jamaicans in that infirmary, I was forced to chose how I wanted to live that out.  I had to love them, or, frankly, be awkward and useless.  I chose to love them as well as I knew how, and I am asking God to help me live that lesson out when I return to Michigan and have to deal with everyday life.

As despair met fate, life faced death. Seeping deep into the abyss of faith, salvation came through the night, lit the darkness and eternal life was a bloom. Sitting along the narrow road watching the cross come towards me created within me a feeling of unrest. As soon as I got sight of the cross my eyes were filled with tears. Tonight, death faced me squarely in the eye and whispered to me “I am after you.” Through my tear-drenched sleeve I looked up to the skies and I heard HIS voice say, “I am with you, and I will never forsake you.” Tonight I smiled, as my God is with me. As the cross came near my heart was pumping like a roaring lion awaiting to be released. The souls under my feet were burning with anticipation. I was scared, curious, and happy all at the same time. I stood there on the path as it went from one group to another, listening to the songs being sung in the background, wondering what is this love he continues to show me. I am trying to grasp it, understand it and use it. I turned to my left, then to me right, and saw I was not the only one crying a lake into existence. I gazed upon my camper Austin, and I saw still small tears start to roll down his cheek. I’m not sure if it was the reality of his fragile life being held at the edge of the cliff by the fingernails, or if it was the sadness of the moment. The names of many who had come and passed were within the corner of my eye. I stood in silence, crying more on the inside then I was on the outside praying to God that my friend, my buddy, my pal Austin would not have to have his name ever be put on this Cross. I wished so badly I could give him my heart as a sacrifice for him giving me new life, new love and a renewed spirit. Austin, I am speaking directly to you right now, you saved me this week when I was down in the trenches of life, wanting nothing more then to hide from the world. You became my friend, didn’t care what I looked like, smelled like, or even acted like. You accepted me and taught me that nothing else in this life matters but the love of a Savior. You showed me Christ’s love without speaking of it. I saw Christ through you because he was the beat of your heart. Each night when I sat at the edge of your bed, placed my hand on your shoulder and asked you how I can pray for you, I felt His beat. It was strong, powerful and mighty to save. From the depths of my heart, I truly, till the ends of life in itself, will ever be grateful to you. Each time I gazed into Austin’s eyes I saw a child wanting to live, enjoy life and just talk to girls! Boy did this boy want a girlfriend so badly! He cracked me up so much! Oh bud, did we ever have some good memories this week! The cross was only a couple groups away and the songs of the Angels were getting louder. Each group took the cross, stood it in the center of their circle and prayed with it. Each of the names on that cross heard those cries, prayers and song and jumped for joy. I can only imagine them sitting in heaven all healed and dancing with Jesus for their world is no more, but His is evermore. They waited for the Doctor and He came down and took them when He knew was the right time. These were children in our eyes, but in His they were part of His kingdom. They were His frontline, strong soldiers fighting for eternal life. Everything they fought for, they received. For through all things, He is there. For every tear that I cried tonight, he caught. He would never allow it to hit the ground, for my tears to him are so precious. Neither the filth of this world, nor the norms of society could take away any of my tears. For every tear we all cried, He became more and more evident. His presence was near, and I felt it with everything that I am. I looked up to the night sky, gazed upon those beautiful stars and wondered of how an amazing God we truly have. Where else can we find joy through reminiscing the lost? It can only be through Him that in our darkest days he shines a light upon our frowning faces. Somewhere, deep within the stars His hand came down and laid rest on all our hearts. For those who were weak, he gave them strength. To those who could not breathe he gave them breath. For every broken heart, there was restoration through him. My God, my Doctor healed my heart. Before coming to camp, my heart was so broken. It stung of a thousand needles of persecution, deception, lies and wavy faith. Upon this night, God single handedly removed each needle, which tore into my heart. With precision he removed each hurt, and filled it with grace. Through grace I found Austin. Through Austin I found love like no other. It was now our turn for the Cross. Brandon and Austin went to grab the Cross and bring it back to our group. I looked at these two guys bring the cross back and realized Christ was showing me in that still moment that He was taking their pain away fro them and giving them renewed life. The Cross was placed out our feet and we prayed for it. Matt prayed first and then it was Brandon, then myself. Hearing these guys voices pray was like hearing all of Heaven’s angels united singing harmonically for their Father who art in Heaven. Their prayers were not perfectly crafted or deep in meaning, but were simple and plain. They prayed just a few words and passed it to the next person. But each word had meaning and purpose. Each second they prayed was a moment closer to God. They prayed for the souls who were laid to rest, and hoped that each name was partying in Heaven with Jesus. We sung songs of partying with Jesus, for on that day, when we stand at Eternities thrown, we will not be imperfect in the eyes of others, but will be glimmering of silver and gold. Our rags will be thrown down and our robe will be placed upon us by His majestic and holy hand. He will walk us up the steps into a life like no other. He will show us around and tell us that He created everything we see for us, for He knew that on that day when we are called by him, we would be ready to see. As I cried out in my prayer and begged for Him to protect us, heal us and guide us, He took our blinders off and allowed us to see Heaven in a glimpse of hope. The walls were torn down and His arms were open wide. He said, “Child, I will always love you and I want you to always love Me.” My God, my God, I Love You!!! You have saved me, healed me, protected me and created a life for me after this life. But please God, do not let me go to Heaven without every single child at his camp. For every Austin, there was a Brandon, and for every Brandon there was a Logan. The names were endless, but I pray God please spare us Your unending grace to have mercy on our inabilities to love sometimes. It’s not that we don’t know how to love, but sometimes we are selfish and do not love. Send down Your thunder and Your rain and allow us to be washed clean of all our inequities and selfishness. Make us like children yearning for our Mother’s love and our Father’s protection. As our prayers ended, Logan and Sam carried the Cross to the next group and they then in turn prayed over it. I never realized that someone can cry for so long, and as time was moving along cry even more. Surrounded by friends and my campers, I was never an arms reach of someone embracing me with a solid hug. I sought out every camper in my cabin and made sure they were okay and told them how amazing they were. I came across a camper named Josh, who was Jillian’s camper and I hugged him and looked into his beautiful eyes and told him that I loved him. For I know that the reality of his life being so fragile and God moving closer and closer to him was tearing up my heart inside out. Josh has gone through so much, but it has never stopped him from just loving life for every day he is given. In my sorrows I found joy. Sanctified by His promise of never forsaking me, I saw my faith not leave me, but build deeper roots within my heart. God took me off the beach and placed my life upon solid rock. The night ended with an opportunity for campers to share what they learned this week or whom they wanted to thank. I saw many of my friends up there with their campers proclaiming how amazing this camp was and how well the CIA did. I was so proud of every single person on our trip. Every student and leader alike did a steadfast and amazing job. The fruit of their labor will not be distant. For every time they place their hands upon their hearts they can feel the beat of that camper and the joy they brought to them. Every time I lay down I will remember Austin, for his love gave my heart a new beat. My life is drumming to the sound of happiness and glory now and forevermore. After the speaking opportunity we had a firework display, which was glorious! A celebration to celebrate the joy of a life forever with Him! But the best part was yet to come! That night in our cabin, I noticed Brandon get ready and get into bed while everyone else was still playing around in the cabin. God drew me to his bedside and I got talking to him and started asking him questions about what he thought about tonight and if he had any questions. After some talking I asked him if he knew that if something happened to him that he’d go to heaven, and he wasn’t sure. He said he hoped he would and that if he did something wrong that he may not go to heaven. This struck me like a match lighting a canister of gas! God presented me with an opportunity to share His true and amazing gospel with Brandon. I asked Brandon if I could guarantee him that he could go to Heaven and that if he did something bad that he’d be forgiven and that God would always love him, if he’d be interested in something like that. He looked up at me with his beautiful blue eyes and spoke to me in his high pitched southern accent and said, “yeah I’d like that sir.” Hallelujah!! I said, “awesome! Let’s make the deal and get you your spot in Heaven.” So he prayed with me and he asked Christ into his heart as his personal and loving Savior! As he opened his eyes he looked at me and just smiled. His smile said it all. I sat at the bedside of my new brother in Christ! On the last night of camp, I overcame all hurt, pain and despair and God replaced it with promise, love and a new brother! I sit here with tears falling down my face as I write this and looking back on this past week and what it did to me, I have no problem with that. I will continue to cry because Jesus is my waterfall, my river of life and my safe passage. In Christ, all things are possible. Through his love and grace, salvation is near. Grasp it, never let it go. Do not be divided or torn from the reality of fate. He knows what he is doing. Let go of your selfish desires, for He generously wants you. Stir up a fire in us my Lord and move our feet to the beat of a burning nation. Let us shout for joy for you are my God, my Everything, Yahweh! … Amen