3,791 days and counting
by Captain Claudia Simmons
After a year of uncertainty, lockdowns, zero socializing and online schooling, youth were eager to attend Camp Mihaska. There were 38 children registered to attend Kids Camp A. With preparation finished and prayers lifted for a successful summer, we began training the camp ministry team. Many discussions took place over the week of training along with deep relationship-building. The team spent the majority of their time working on their worship elements: a skit called “God’s Chisel Remastered” and interpretive movements called “Rods.”
These elements of worship set the mood for a dynamic evening which I was not expecting. It’s beside me why I didn’t expect God to show up. I had been consumed by the details of camp and needing to make sure everything ran smoothly, but God reminded me what is important and where my focus needs to be. When I say God showed up, that is an understatement. After the devotional, we had an altar call, and nearly every child responded, 36 to be exact. As the children came to the altar the youth department and staff began praying with them, leading many to Jesus. Even the toughest children responded.
As I sat and watched children respond to God’s Spirit, my heart was moved. I drew close to my officer’s covenant which states, “Called by God to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Later on, it reads, “To live to win souls and make their salvation the first purpose of my life.”
Kids Camp A was a success not because of all the details, planning, decorations or anything else, but because the campers left with a relationship with Jesus which is way more meaningful. They were moved by the Holy Spirit to come to Jesus. I pray I will continue to be obedient to God’s Spirit. When He asks me to move, I will recall the summer of 2021 and the faith those children showed to me.
I am thankful every day for my calling and being part of such a beautiful ministry.
