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Camp Ewalu In the rhythm |
A Walk in the Woods
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.
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 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 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 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.
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
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I have seen young women mentoring your
children with devotion, energy, maturity, patience, joy and forgiveness. 
