This year's youth camp was a bittersweet experience for Joel and I. We so loved being with the youth from both our church and the other churches! One thing that I truly do LOVE about going to a smaller youth camp is that you are able to form deep relationships with the youth that come year after year from all the churches - this is definitely the case at Hesperus!
The bittersweet part comes from the knowledge that this was our last youth camp as Joel is moving into Children's Ministry...we know that this is where the Lord is leading but it was still hard to let go of this part of ministry!
The camp it's self has changed so much for the better! They have repainted, got new equipment, built a zip line, are adding a basketball court, have a disc golf course, horse shoes, etc! What a blessing to see these things added!
Spiritually I will say that this was possibly one of the most difficult camps we have faced in that so many of the young people shared some truly deep hurt issues that they are facing! We saw everything from a young lady who had recently attempted suicide, to a young man struggling with the loss of his brother, to drug and alcohol addictions, to physical and verbal abuse. As a mom - my heart broke! I wanted to sweep them all up and bring them home to a safe, loving, and healing environment - but I was forced to rely upon the knowledge that Christ is truly their refuge and strength! I will say that for the most part - all of these young people really do have strong support systems in their home church and we are praying that they will take advantage of those!
The biggest release for the students was learning that their is true and real freedom in forgiving those that have hurt them! It was so awesome to see them grasp this concept and to take that difficult step of forgiveness!
Hesperus Baptist Camp and the staff there will always hold a special place in our hearts!!!
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