¡¡¡DECISIONES!!!
“Every year just gets better and better!” was just one of the many favourable comments received at the end of the Summer Camp programme at Ite. God was at work in so many different ways, in so many situations and, more importantly, in so many lives. Luz Maria, the Camp Centre Administrator, tells us more…‘Decisions’ was the theme of Summer Camps 2010 in Ite.
We thank God for His faithfulness in providing us with a good team who worked during all the camps, covering different areas of responsibility and the daily running of all the various activities. This was hard work and at times very intense, especially since the camps ran one after each other with no time for rest in between! We had a team in charge of the worship, music and the sound system; a team of counselors who were ex-Misión Rescate members; and, of course, the unconditional help from the present Misión Rescate Team. We also had our own “resident” nurse on site…Alistair Creelman…who looked after any emergencies that arose from. Everyone worked together with one aim and purpose… to share God’s message of salvation.
We also praise God for all the campers because without them nothing would have been possible. The programme each week touched on different areas of life where decision making is so important. The area of personal identity, for example, and how as Christians we can face the challenges of being part of the world in which we live. Relationships amongst friends and family; principles for living; ambitions; and, most importantly, God’s plan of salvation and how this is worked out in our lives in a way that will bring honour and glory to God.
It was just so good to see God at work in the lives of those who attended camps and also after camps have finished. We got to know so many people. Let me tell you about Christian, or ‘Shortie’, as he was affectionately known. At the end of camp around the camp fire, Shortie spoke about how he was so lonely, someone who had few friends, who had no confidence in himself and much less in his ability to stand up in front of others. However, at camp he had the opportunity to meet lots of other people, people who really cared about him and were interested in him, and who encouraged him to do things he had never done before. He thanked the counselors for showing him God’s way of salvation and asked for prayer. We thank God for the many opportunities like this to share His love on an individual basis with so many who left each camp having been challenged and changed!
At Family Camp we were saddened to hear a number of people, young and not so young, sharing about areas of their lives that were not pleasing to God. However, we were also encouraged when many realized their need before God and were willing to trust Him more and hand over their lives completely to Him and allow Him to bless their lives and those of their families.
At the different camps, some did take the decision to follow Jesus for the first time and, for us, this was very special and gives us much reason to celebrate. It was also so encouraging to see others returning to their churches with an even greater commitment to serve the Lord. All of these things encourage and motivate us to keep on working in this ministry, knowing that we are also contributing something special to the life and ministry of the churches in southern Peru.
How can we not praise the Lord for this? God was present in all the preparation and organising, helped and guided during each camp, and we saw Him at work in the lives of so many. Even though the camps are finished for 2010, we know also He continues to speak in the hearts of campers… for these reasons and so much more, we praise God and give the glory to Him.
Thank you to everyone in Ireland who prayed for us during Summer Camps… God is still answering your prayers!
Article by:Luz-Maria Lopez (Camp Administrator)