Celebrating over 45 years of Christian camping in Iowa

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A Walk in the Woods

They say you can get to know artists by looking at their art.

In the same way, I believe a simple "walk in the woods" reveals a lot about the Author of nature.

Recently I came across a tiny, dull gray moth on the wall of the office that, on closer examination, revealed intricate patterns of color. In the woods, you witness the dark mud on rocky trails, speckled by sunlight in the afternoon; or fawns curled up in weeds, patiently waiting for a silence to emerge... Fair weather with crisp blue skies above the swaying trees, or a short thundershower at dusk which leaves a cool, inviting air still aroused by the passing storm that carries a strange but pure orange light onto the surrounding rocks - then celebrating it with a friend who has also seen it.

This is a beautiful place.

At Ewalu, we can quickly be amazed by God’s creation. However, the forest is not the entire picture before us that reveals who God is; looking closer, we discover that God’s great painting even encompasses our “own” works!

Even more resplendent than the natural world, whose beauty alone is too overwhelming for any of us to understand, is the beauty that we see in God’s Spirit at work. I hope that by sharing some of the things I've seen these past nine months, that the credit will rightly be attributed to God for the privilege of noticing his handiwork.

Let me tell you what I’ve seen while walking through the woods:

I have seen young men reach greater maturity by trusting God, spurred on by encouragement from their communities of faith – both from the past and presently at camp.

I have seen young women mentoring your children with devotion, energy, maturity, patience, joy and forgiveness.

I am honored to see that God brought together an exemplary summer youth ministry staff to serve Him – people who answered each of their calls to a real summer vocation.

            I’ve seen kids from abusive homes come and see how life can be. At the end of the week, they return home as different kids – kids with hope.

            I’ve seen youth come here who never knew how fun it could be to sing, even to sing out of tune. They end the week by jumping up and down in front of all the kids and their parents, beaming proudly while they sing (actually, yell) a silly song about Moses. This crazy energy is not rooted in their pride over a song, but rather joy in the camaraderie they found in the Body of Christ.

            I’ve seen adolescent boys so touched by a counselor’s gentle prayer for them, that they were moved to tears. Youth leaders moved in the same ways, inspired by their youth group “living in the Scriptures” together in great adventures.

I’ve seen staff members go out determined to serve others and to meet Jesus in our neighbors, only to find themselves cared for by fellow Christian believers.

I’ve seen (and been) the prodigal son, and I’ve seen how when we turn towards God, he “runs to meet us” even while we are still a long ways off.

            I’ve seen, read and heard the gifts God has given his people: prayer, music, art, faith, compassion and all other fruits of the Spirit used to the glory of God.

            I’ve seen sins forgiven.

            I’ve seen God bring together young with old when “camp grandparents,” summer staff and campers actually experience new unity in Christ by sharing stories and working together in ministry, outside.

            I’ve seen God work in my life through Scripture, prayer, relationships, and by the blessings of so many colleagues in faith: Summer staff, year-round staff, volunteers, donors of time and resources, parents and children – their humility reminds me that Jesus is, as the song goes, “alive, awake, alert and enthusiastic!”

At Ewalu, we witness beauty in creation. We are surrounded by it. Moreover, we can perceive God’s beauty through meeting Jesus in our Christian community and by following in His paths.

In the beginning, God spoke and created our natural world. Today, may God reveal as clearly as during summer camp that God’s same creative Word is active and alive, inspiring life around you despite some darkness. He is still speaking and creating, and through Jesus’ love, God has surrounded us with grace.

Maybe we can make time for a “walk in the woods” – even without leaving the house. God’s creation may be closer than we think. :-)

Jesse Klosterboer
Ewalu Program Director