New this year at the cancer camp
was a challenging ropes course. For those of you who don't know
what this is, let me explain. Children (and their adult leaders,
including yours truly) were asked to navigate various types of
ropes obstacles. For example, one was a spider web in which we
had to pass through without touching the web (ropes). If we did,
a small jingle bell would ring, and we'd have to start again.
Another was a series of ropes tied between trees. We had to walk
on them balancing ourselves as on a balance beam, holding onto
trees and/or each other. All elements (as they are called) required
teamwork. So the day began with various team-building games. One
very fun and memorable one required teams to race each other while
all members walked simultaneously on a pair of skis! This required
us to lift and move our feet in a percise rhythm. Needless to
say, we had a lot of laughs!
Later in the day we had rope elements which were even more challenging.
One was a rope bridge over a large hole. Of course we all wore
safety harnesses and helmets so the activity was absolutely safe,
but still we had to overcome the psychological obstacles in our
minds—namely fear and self-doubt. Another element had us
hoisted into the air about 30 feet and then slide down a zip line.
It was exhilerating!
What was truly amazing though, was that everyone tried every
element—even the smallest kids who were only 6 and half
years old! Also, several children had moderate physical disabilities
(visual or motor) and this didn't stop them from participating.
It was such a blessing, such a joy to see their faces and hear
their shouts of excitement when they completed each element. Throughout
the rest of the day and indeed throughout the remainder of the
camp children were still exclaiming how they were so proud of
themselves for overcoming their fears and doing the ropes course.
That feeling of accomplishment and increased self-esteem is something
money just can't buy! This is ultimately why we have such camps.
Another reason we have camps is to witness to the love of Christ.
On quite a few occasions I was able to share my faith and testimony
to others—many camp staff and several parents. As many (at
first skeptical) staff exclaimed, “We truly see what you
mean by your faith because we see it in your actions and in your
lifestyle.” “Your hope and compassion is what we value
so much and want to have them in our lives.” Parents thanked
me with tear-filled eyes for having such camps, but I told them
to offer their thanks to the One who makes every good thing possible:
our Lord.
Thanks for your prayers and financial support! As I learned in
the ropes course, we all must work together to achieve the best
possible results. I am just one member of a great team which includes
many members of many congregations throughout our denomination.
Your teammate in Christ,
Brett
The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
336 |
