Smoldering Faith
“It just seems like a waste of time,” Nate stated matter-of-factly. He didn’t mean any offense, but when his cabin director, Taylor, asked him why he didn’t really want to be at camp, Nate gave a straightforward answer. Taylor admired his honesty and was determined to show Nate that camp can be an amazing experience.
Later that week, Taylor grabbed a devotional book from our resource center before leading his boys up to the cabin for bed. There, he led a discussion and encouraged the campers to spend some time thinking about their relationship with God. After a few minutes, Nate opened up to the rest of the group about some difficult times he had experienced and how those times had caused his faith in God to waver.
After some discussion, Taylor pulled out the devotional book and began reading. The first two devotionals addressed why God allows bad things to happen and how we can know he is still there in those times. The entire cabin group was in shock at the remarkable coincidence.
Taylor looked at Nate and said, “I think God is speaking to you.”
Nate couldn’t deny it and agreed. At the end of the week, Nate made a profession of faith and was baptized. He also ended up winning the super camper award.
The smoldering ember of Nate’s faith was awakened that night. Taylor recognized what was happening and gently fanned the flame so that it could grow. Our supporters provided the fuel for that fire because Nate, like so many others, came to camp on a scholarship. With everyone doing their part, God turned a waste of time into a life-changing experience.
