Ripples...

Sometimes you see a need and just volunteer to meet it without knowing how the story will unfold or the ripples that small act will create. 

You see, in 2013 we were on home assignment after our first term in Uganda and we were scheduled to serve at a camp meeting in PA. We were expected to speak on missions night, teach a youth class and participate in the missions marathon. But then we also served food in the dining hall and volunteered to watch children in the nursery. And it was just our boys and another family or two... but what happened afterwards we could never have imagined... 

That family we got to know from serving in the nursery, started praying for us, then started supporting us financially and just yesterday reached out to say that they would like to increase their giving by 50%. And as my husband commented this is #whyyouvolunteertobabysitatcampmeeting 

But it wasn't why we volunteered. We saw a need and we knew we could meet it. and after that the camp meeting realized they could be serving the kids at camp more (which is always a good thing. kids are people too). 

And you know that adorable toddler in the nursery we took care of? She says she has been having dreams lately that God is calling her to the mission field. just maybe in part because we said yes to God and volunteered in the nursery at camp meeting (and of course mostly because her parents are raising her well and are pumped about missions). Our kids are watching. What gets you excited? Where are you investing your money?

He is always up to something bigger when we say yes to Him! 

So, volunteer in the nursery- you don't know what seeds of faith you will plant in those tiny lives. See a need and meet it. And if you're a missionary- please volunteer for something besides preaching on missions night- it's the relationships that matter.

Wednesday With Molly

We love summer camp! What a joy it was to partner with Cherry Run Camp out in Western PA for their annual camp this year. Cherry Run is a very traditional camp meeting in the sense that there is a lot going on for all ages throughout the week. We were given the opportunity to speak to the youth each morning in their missions class. We loved hanging out with the youth and enjoyed our times together (two classes each day: one for middle school and one for high school). Our discussion focused on Kyle Idlemans book “Not a Fan” and we discussed what being a true follower of Jesus is like. I want to introduce you to someone who is acting out her call to follow Jesus.

Molly was one of the high school girls we got to know and spend time with. She was always involved in the discussion and we could tell she was taking it seriously. On our last full day of camp Molly came up to Kelly and handed her a wad of cash. Molly explained to Kelly that just before coming to camp she cashed her most recent paycheck and felt Jesus telling her to give it to us because her plans for spending it focused mostly on ice cream. Jesus told her that what is happening in Uganda is where the money should go and so Molly obeyed. How awesome is that!? We love seeing students obey the voice of Jesus and know that God will bless Molly for her obedience. -Josh

He Came!

We are on the road to our second Camp Meeting of the summer. We are so grateful for the ways Jesus came and met us, both personally and corporately at Cherry Run Camp Meeting. He is drawing us closer to His heart and empowering us to live holy lives! 

We got to spend the mornings teaching missions to the junior and senior high campers. We taught two adult Sunday School classes and one childrens' Sunday School class. And we preached two sermons on Thursday. Josh even got to participate in Missions Marathon sports!  You could even find us volunteering in the nursery and the kitchen!  

We are exhausted, but we are waiting on Him to renew our strength as we wait on Him!

Friday Five: Ways Delanco Camp Prepared Me...

Delanco Camp Permanent Staff 1998

This post has been percolating in my mind for months now... having grown up at camp... and now having lived on the mission field- I can testify to how the Lord used Delanco Camp to get me ready for the calling He had in store for me!

On summer staff, we worked for 10 weeks of the summer doing various jobs from kitchen staff to horse wrangler and everything in between.   We had to learn how to handle conflict with those you not only work with, but live with!  And so, here is the list of things I learned at Delanco Camp that help me be a better missionary!

1. How to not only survive, but serve joyfully on little privacy and less sleep. 
2. How to keep a smile on my face even while I am being eaten alive by mosquitoes!
3. How to make and serve food for 100+ people (yes, in Uganda we had house guests 40% of our first term, and that doesn't include the various meals we served to visitors and students). 
4. How to flush/unclog any style of toilet.
5. The necessity of quiet time with the Lord, even when you have to give up a nap to make that happen. 

Did you ever work on staff at a summer camp?  What lessons did you learn that you still use in your daily life??  Will you pray for us as we serve at Cherry Run Camp Meeting this week, and Portsmouth Camp Meeting next week?