It's a battle

Steve unloading groceries - Summer 2008

Steve, the newest member of our English Camp Coordination Team, arrived Thursday. PTL! Steve was a member of my 2005 and 2006 CU English Camp teams, and then was our Program Coordinator during summer 2008. He is here now for all of 2009 - to fill that Program Coordinator role as well as help with follow-up and other areas of camp. We are thankful and excited to have him here! It is amazing - and a testament to who God is - that as He grows our team, each member brings different strengths and abilities. We complement each other well. It's exciting to be a part of God's ministry in this way!

As we talked with Steve yesterday about past camp experiences and ideas for the future, I was reminded just how much of a battle this is. During camp there is an intense spiritual battle that is happening. God is at work, and Satan wants to stop it. I have experienced this battle. I have lost sleep because of this battle. I have fought this battle with prayer.

However, I have been reminded recently that this is not just a four week battle that happens in the summer. I need to be constantly bathing this ministry in prayer. I covet your prayers as well. Please be praying for this summer's staff and campers. For God's protection.

My heart has also felt heavy recently when I think of the battles that our campers are constantly fighting. Some of these battles we are aware of. Others we don't know about, but they are still happening. I think of the pressures of the German educational system. I think of the peer pressure. I think of one who battles suicidal thoughts. I think of another's youth group, who lost three girls in a car accident in January (and a fourth girl was seriously injured and faces a long road of recovery).

I know that it is not just my campers who face battles. I face battles. You face battles. We all do. I think of the economic problems. I think of those facing cancer and other illnesses. I think of those facing major decisions.

Yes, these things are heavy. It is the reality of life. But I am thankful that my God is bigger than these things. And He promises that we don't have to fight these battles alone. I have been reflecting on Exodus 18:17-18 this week:

"Moses’ father-in-law said to him, "What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone."

God does not expect us to fight our battles alone. Praise Him for this!