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A Walk in the Woods
In the same way, a simple walk in the woods
at Ewalu reveals things about the Author of nature. I remember seeing a tiny, drab gray moth on
the wall of the office that, on closer examination, revealed perfect and intricate
patterns. Or seeing the dark mud on rocky trails, speckled by sunlight in the afternoon.
Fawns curled up in weeds, patiently waiting for a silence. Fair weather with blue skies.
Or the short thundershower at dusk which left a cool, inviting air still aroused by the
passing storm that carried a strange but pure orange light onto the rocks - then
celebrating it with a friend who had also seen it. |
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This is a
beautiful place...
Even more resplendent than nature, whose beauty alone is too overwhelming for us to
fully know, is the beauty that we are seeing here now in Gods Spirit at work at
camp. I hope that by sharing some of what I have seen these past nine months, that glory
will rightly be attributed to God for the privilege of noticing his handiwork. Let me tell you what Ive seen at camp
while walking through the woods: I have seen young men reach greater maturity
by trusting God, spurred on by encouragement from communities of faith both in
their past and presently at camp.
I am honored to see the results of God having
brought together an exemplary summer staff to serve Him people who answered each of
their calls to a summer vocation.
Ive seen kids from abusive homes come to camp to see how life can be, and at the end of the week they go home as
different kids kids with hope.
Ive 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 tune about Moses.
Their pride is not over a song, but in the camaraderie they found in the Body of Christ
during the week.
Ive seen staff members go out
determined to minister and serve others and to meet Jesus in our neighbors, only to find
themselves cared for by fellow Christians. Ive seen (and been) the prodigal son,
and Ive seen how when we turn towards God, he runs to meet us even while
we are still a long ways off.
Ive 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.
Ive 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 side by side in the outdoors.
Ive 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 perceive the beauty of creation. We are surrounded by it. Moreover, we
can perceive Gods beauty in meeting Jesus in our Christian community and by walking
in Jesus paths. In the beginning, God spoke and created our natural world. Today, may God reveal as clearly as during summer camp that Gods same creative Word is active and alive, inspiring life around you despite some darkness. He is still speaking and creating, and through Jesus love, he has surrounded us by grace.
Summer Program Director Camp Ewalu |