A New Life
Becky was a 10-year-old girl in Cabin 1. She had a great week of camp and got along well with the other girls in her cabin. Her delightful smile lit up the room everywhere she went. You’d never know she was covering up immense inward pain.
On Thursday night, all the girls gathered for campfire time. This was a fun time, filled with singing, dancing, and testimonies. After campfire, Becky asked her cabin leader, Taylor, if they could talk.
As the rest of the campers got settled into bed, Becky and Taylor sat on the porch of the cabin under the moonlight while tree frogs croaked in the background. There, Becky revealed to Taylor about how she has always had a hard time trusting God. Her father was absent from her life, and she felt like God was absent too. She shared how she’s always felt very insecure and even had suicidal thoughts in the past.
Taylor listened thoughtfully then shared with Becky her own testimony. She told Becky how she came to learn the truth that we are all very special to God. Becky listened as Taylor told her how God sees us and what he says about us.
As they talked, Becky began to believe it—that God really does love her and accept her. That night on the porch of the cabin, Becky put her faith and trust in Jesus. Taylor and Becky celebrated together through tears of joy. The following morning, Becky was baptized.
After her baptism, one of the cabin leaders was offering face painting for the kids. Becky knew just what she wanted. On one cheek, she asked the cabin leader to paint a dark, stormy cloud to represent her life before Jesus. On the other cheek she asked for a white, fluffy cloud with a rainbow to represent her new life in Christ! Becky had been changed, and she knew it.
Later that day, just hours before leaving camp, Becky began crying. Taylor checked on her and asked her if she was okay. Becky turned to her and wrapped her little arms around her in a big hug. Through tear-filled eyes, she looked up at Taylor and said, “I’ve just never felt loved before now.”
The impact that a week of camp can have on a young person's life cannot be overstated. When kids like Becky have the opportunity to experience the love of God in an environment where they are valued and celebrated, the results are remarkable. Breakthroughs happen and hearts are changed forever.
If you would like to be a part of what God is doing at South Mountain Christian Camp, you can partner with us through your giving through the Donate button below, or mail your donation to SMCC at PO Box 9, Bostic NC 28018.
A Free Gift for You
I would love to send you a free, autographed copy of my book, Footsteps of Faith. This ministry autobiography shares some incredible stories of God's hand at work in my life, at South Mountain Christian Camp, and in the lives of our campers. To receive your free copy, place your order through the link below. No purchase is required. Donations are deeply appreciated.
