Christmas 2017
Have you ever looked at the figures in a nativity set and thought about the strange scene? You’ve got animals and angels, magi and a manger, shepherds and a Savior. These are some interesting characters for sure.
It makes for a great story, but this is not just a story on display. This is Love on display. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…” John 3:16. The nativity scene shows us rich and poor, young and old, natives and foreigners—everybody is included.
Last summer, Angela found out that she is included too. Her cabin director, Rebekah, passed out glow sticks to each of her campers one night before bedtime. The campers hid the glow sticks under their blankets, while Rebekah turned out the light. She explained that the darkness was like life without Jesus. Then she asked the campers to take out their glow sticks, and the cabin was filled with the light radiating from each bunk. Rebekah explained how our lives are filled with the light of God’s love when we put our faith in Him. Rebekah prayed with her girls, and then it was time for bed. But Angela began crying on her bunk. When Rebekah asked her what was wrong, Angela said, “I think I just accepted Jesus into my heart.” Rebekah talked with her to make sure she understood what that meant, and she did. Just like that, Angela was born into the family of God.
In a season of thankfulness and rejoicing, we have much to celebrate here at South Mountain Christian Camp. Thanks to our supporters, we were able to bring 600 children to camp this summer. Many of them, like Angela, had a life-changing encounter with God while they were here. A staggering 420 of our campers needed financial assistance to cover their camp fees. If it weren’t for our policy to never turn a child away for lack of funds, these kids would never have been able to attend camp. We booked every bed by faith believing that God would provide the scholarship funds needed to cover our expenses, and He proved Himself faithful once again!
Sadly, dozens of children missed out on summer camp because we lack the dining and assembly space needed to bring these children to camp. As we move toward 2018, however, we see that God is at work, bringing us closer to our fundraising goal for a new multi-purpose building. This will enable us to bring more children to camp every summer. You can get more details about this project HERE.
Since summer ended, we’ve been operating seven days a week with hundreds of children here for our outdoor education programs Monday through Friday, and hundreds more for weekend retreats. Additionally, we’ve had some successful fundraising projects like our Pumpkin Patch and 5k Trail Run. It’s been a wonderful year.
We now look forward to what God has in store for us in 2018. As we work hard planning and preparing for next year’s summer camp program, we are so thankful to have partners like you who believe in the ministry of South Mountain Christian Camp. We pray that your 2018 is blessed in every way and “that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2.
Wishing You A Merry Christmas and A Blessed New Year,
From the Staff of South Mountain Christian Camp!
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