After close to 30 church camps in my life, I still enjoy the time at camp with children and youth.
I spent the week with about 80 children plus sponsors from our church at camp Zephyr for Children's Camp. We had so much fun, played many games, enjoyed the recreation, and spent a lot of time in the word of God. I was blessed with an opportunity to spend quality time with so many great kids. My relationship with those kids has grown so much, I feel like I know them better and they seem to feel the same about me.
As I got to know the kids better, I was so encouraged by their love for God. They were great examples of Christ-followers all week. But what really encouraged me was how much time they wanted to spend reading the Bible (with flashlights at night, during breaks, in the mornings and evenings). The love our children have for God was evidenced in their lives each day of camp.
The way they served each other, the way they respected the sponsors, the way they helped people they did not know, were all ways in which Christ was seen in their lives. Their love for God was clearly seen in what they did. I believe Jesus said it this way; "If you love me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15) The FBC Harlingen Children's Ministry is definitely being used by God to partner with parents to produce children of great character; the character of Christ.
I was truly challenged by our children this week. Their pure love for God, love for his word, and love for his people, really challenged all of the sponsors. Let us all come to the Lord with a child-like faith and love.
"2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. "
Matt 18:2-5 (NIV)
from one who is not as young as he used to be, but who needs to be youthful in his love for God,
Bro. Wade
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Summer Family Vacation 2007
Vacation - a term that formerly meant rest and relaxation in my vocabulary.
We have truly enjoyed our family trip to Arkansas to visit with friends and family. We enjoyed a reunion with some of Jennifer's family, many of whom we have not seen for many years and the younger ones (below the age of 15) we have never met. We ate meals with many good friends, laughed as we reflected on days gone bye, visited the church that Jennifer's father serves as Pastor (heard some great preaching), and simply enjoyed our family for a week.
While visiting with my brother and his family, Adam enjoyed the thrill of driving a four wheeler. Adam also discovered the pain of falling off a four wheeler (he is fine and will love to tell you the story).
While visiting my father, stepmom, and grandfather; we wondered if this might be the last time with my grandfather. We have watched his health deteriorate over last few years, but he seems to be better than we expected. We pray for his health, but treat each visit with careful deliberation and lots of love.
While visiting with Jennifer's sisters, we rediscovered the joys of having children that are no longer in diapers, cribs, and bottles. Jennifer's younger sister has three girls (ages 4, 2, 1). We also visited her older sisters new house while in construction. I discovered a two-by-four sticking out of the house, it was nose high to me, I have the scar to prove it. After hours spent getting a new prescription and new glasses we were able to continue our journey.
While visiting Jennifer's parents, we taught our children how to shuck, silk, and put-up corn. It was great working together under the shade tree and in the shed as a family. Jennifer and I are glad to see our children learning the work that it takes to make life better. We also enjoyed being back in the church where Jennifer attended as a child. It was great to hear Jennifer sing with her mom, our children sing with the children's choir, and Jennifer's dad preach a wonderful message from God's word.
The only thing missing from the vacation was rest. We usually have some down time to rest, but this trip was so fast and we travelled the entire state of Arkansas, so rest was a luxury left to the next vacation. Tonight, as I type these words, I find myself looking forward to the 12 hour drive home to Harlingen. We look forward to being "home." Home with our church family, our friends, and our own beds.
God bless from one who finds his rest in God alone,
Bro. Wade
We have truly enjoyed our family trip to Arkansas to visit with friends and family. We enjoyed a reunion with some of Jennifer's family, many of whom we have not seen for many years and the younger ones (below the age of 15) we have never met. We ate meals with many good friends, laughed as we reflected on days gone bye, visited the church that Jennifer's father serves as Pastor (heard some great preaching), and simply enjoyed our family for a week.
While visiting with my brother and his family, Adam enjoyed the thrill of driving a four wheeler. Adam also discovered the pain of falling off a four wheeler (he is fine and will love to tell you the story).
While visiting my father, stepmom, and grandfather; we wondered if this might be the last time with my grandfather. We have watched his health deteriorate over last few years, but he seems to be better than we expected. We pray for his health, but treat each visit with careful deliberation and lots of love.
While visiting with Jennifer's sisters, we rediscovered the joys of having children that are no longer in diapers, cribs, and bottles. Jennifer's younger sister has three girls (ages 4, 2, 1). We also visited her older sisters new house while in construction. I discovered a two-by-four sticking out of the house, it was nose high to me, I have the scar to prove it. After hours spent getting a new prescription and new glasses we were able to continue our journey.
While visiting Jennifer's parents, we taught our children how to shuck, silk, and put-up corn. It was great working together under the shade tree and in the shed as a family. Jennifer and I are glad to see our children learning the work that it takes to make life better. We also enjoyed being back in the church where Jennifer attended as a child. It was great to hear Jennifer sing with her mom, our children sing with the children's choir, and Jennifer's dad preach a wonderful message from God's word.
The only thing missing from the vacation was rest. We usually have some down time to rest, but this trip was so fast and we travelled the entire state of Arkansas, so rest was a luxury left to the next vacation. Tonight, as I type these words, I find myself looking forward to the 12 hour drive home to Harlingen. We look forward to being "home." Home with our church family, our friends, and our own beds.
God bless from one who finds his rest in God alone,
Bro. Wade
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