KB's director was there as well. It was great to catch up with him and discuss the new things that we're going to try and accomplish this summer. There appears to be a lot of details that still need to be worked out. A local church is looking at getting really involved with the ministry this summer and for the long-term as well. However, sometimes coordinating all of this administration and support can be a bit of a headache. However, I'm hopeful that, with a local church's support, the ministry can affect and touch even more kids and families in order to share the love of Christ with them.
Once Kyle (another intern) arrived, we hopped into the classic 14-passenger van to round up all of the kids. I was surprised at how well I still remembered the route we took to pick them all up. Soon enough, a lot of the kids were in the van, even some new ones! But of course, new kids means new names, and I'm terrible at pronunciation. And surely all of the new names were at least 4 syllables. Ha! But it will come with time, I suppose.
As we headed back to the house, I noticed something a little different about the kids. They weren't arguing. They weren't yelling. I wasn't even having to ask them to calm down. They were just being really awesome and behaving so well. Even more so, this behavior carried over to the basketball court! Sure, they made a few competitive remarks to each other, but nothing that isn't commonplace for any 11 or 12-year-old to make. It was so amazing and encouraging to witness all of this! After spending countless hours praying for them and over them, instructing, encouraging, and disciplining them last summer, there has been serious positive change taking place in their lives. One 13-year-old girl imparticular, who was known last summer for her sharp tongue and quick wit, had recently accepted Christ, been baptized, and joined a local Church and the choir. The fruit of her relationship with Jesus was evident in her behavior yesterday. She was so loving, gentle, and calm. She was silencing arguments instead of instigating them. Plus, the coolest part about her heart being changed by Jesus is that she's not the only one being changed! Her younger brother, frequently known for his temper tantrums and meltdowns of disobedience, was the epitome of calm yesterday. I heard that he had gotten baptized and joined that same church too. I surmised by asking him a few questions about his new church, that he might not fully understand what it all means yet, but that is just fuel for my motivation to be persistent this summer in teaching, in loving, and in discipling these kids.
Anyways, I don't want to overwhelm you all just yet with stories. I simply wanted to give you a sneak peek of what's ahead, and maybe for those who are new to understanding this ministry, this first post will be a way of beginning to see how awesome God has been and will be in this ministry so long as we put Him first in everything.
One last thing. I just sent out my first batch of support letters yesterday. I mentioned to the recipients to check out my blog. So, I want to thank you if you got a letter and are taking the time to read this. I hope this blog serves not only as information about the summer, but also as encouragement to others, as they see what God is doing in my life, as well as in the lives of all who are involved with the camp this summer.
PS- I have a specific prayer request that God would provide some other male interns for this summer. At the moment, I think I'm the only guy. I definitely am going to need some brotherhood for this summer. So as you remember, please pray for that. Thanks!
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