Amanda* didn’t believe in God. She told us she was an atheist. The reason she came to camp was to learn about Christianity so she could have verbal ammunition to go after the Christians in her school. In her words, she wanted to “throw rocks at Christians.” It looks like camp was going to be a rough week for those around her. Watch out!
As the week went on, something started to click in what she was hearing. She learned what sin was and how she was a sinner. She learned that she had a Savior whose son’s wrists were pierced just for her and that He rose on the third day. On Thursday night at camp, she screamed out “Yes!” to God and immediately her life is radically changed.
That’s what camp is all about. It’s about radical transformation for all of the Amanda’s that come. It’s about giving life to their stories. It’s about young lives coming face to face with their Savior.
What I didn’t mention above is Amanda’s story took place two years ago. Two years ago Amanda came to camp and I can confidently say that those she encounters will never be the same.
You might be wondering why I’m bringing up a story from two years ago as well. Just like all of us, Amanda’s story isn’t over yet. I learned of her story because this year she was on the work crew. The Work crew team consists of teens whose sole purpose at camp is to serve the other campers. They do everything from serve meals, do dishes, help with activities and so much more! Amanda was there serving the campers that were here so they could have the same experience she did two years ago.
I noticed her as she served a group young men at their tables during the meals. At first I noticed something simple. Every time she came to the table, she had a smile on her face. As the week went on I noticed that she was engaging them, laughing with them and being an ambassador of Christ’s love to these young men. She was loving them as Christ would.
Isn’t that what camp is all about? Radically changing lives! We are called to go out and make disciples out of all men.
For one atheist, it started at camp.
*I’ve changed her name for her privacy.
