The Scriptures are full of examples of the title of this article. Look at Noah. See Joseph. Watch Moses. Learn from David. Hear the prophets. Follow Jesus.
As I have had a few days now to reflect upon our recent week at camp, I wanted to share with you a few thoughts.
First, I haven’t been shy about my feelings about camp! I love it! About the only thing I don’t love about camp is that, while my wife and boys may be there, I don’t get to spend a whole lot of time with them out there. What I do love about camp, perhaps more than anything else, are the relationships that are built upon year by year.
As I reflect back on my week of camp (that is, the week that I direct), this year was perhaps more challenging than any other year I have directed. It was challenging on multiple levels. It was a challenge in one regard because my proximity to camp on a day in day out basis has changed from what it once was. It was challenging this year also because of a couple of events that occurred that I had not had to deal with anything like them up to now (that said, accidents happen and I know it was only a matter of time before something/anything happened on my watch, so to speak; it’s still a shock and challenging when it happens). Though this year had its challenges and its scares, I still believe, at least for me, that it was one of the most rewarding years I’ve had at camp. Not everyone may feel that way, but from my perspective, I believe every person involved with our session at Happy Hollow this year walked away having learned something and grew in their walk with Jesus.
The task of directing this year was hard. But was it ever rewarding! I got the opportunity to grow relationships. I was able to have late night talks and walks with young men that just needed someone to hear them (actually hear them). I was able to have bible studies with young minds that are hungry for knowledge. I got to witness young people study God’s Word, not only for their individual classes but also for our Bible Bowl (Eva Livingston brought the girls all the way back from down by nearly 20 points, to make it only a 2 point deficit!). I was privileged to baptize five young people for the remission of their sins into the service of our Lord! Jessie Shrable, Aalea Hall, Savannah Nash, Chase Singson, and our own Tailyn Harris all gave their lives to Jesus while at camp! Please keep all of these young people in your prayers as they have begun their walk with the Lord!
Despite the relative difficulty of our session this year, the rewards far outweigh any difficulties that arose. I thank all of you for your support in helping to make that week at Happy Hollow happen. All of you that donated or prayed for our endeavors at camp, I cannot thank you enough! You make camp possible! Thank you for investing in these kids! I do not have the words to express how much I love each of the children that come to camp each year. Neither do I have words to express the love and appreciation I have for every person on my staff. All I can say is THANK YOU!!!
May the Father’s will be done in all matters, no matter how difficult the task may be! The reward will be worth it! Matthew 25:21, 23.
Josh Romo