I had the pleasure of driving the elementary campers back home. They had spent almost a whole week (Sunday through Friday) up in the mountains in Oklahoma. I arrived on Thursday afternoon, in time to witness baptisms and participate in "Family Night". I enjoyed catching up with the many adult and teen leaders (I hadn't seen them for almost a week), and I delighted in receiving hugs and kisses from my own young sons. I spent the night in Brian's private cabin (he was Dean of the camp and was not needed in the boys' dorm). On Friday morning, after a hearty breakfast, our Murfreesboro church folks left Christ's 40 Acres camp in two 15-passenger vans. Brian drove the teen leaders in his van (I think they needed a break from the little ones), and I drove five boys, ages 5 to 10 years old, in my van, along with all of the luggage.
On our first leg of the journey back home, all of my passengers wanted to listen to the CD of the same music that they learned while at camp. I had already learned most of the songs during my time at camp the previous work, but I obliged. It was fun to see all of the kids in my rear view mirror do the motions along with their singing. Okay, so I could not see many of their motions, only when their hands were in the air, but I had the idea that they were doing all of the motions. I joined in singing along. Once the CD played once or twice all the way through, I shut it off, much to the disappointment of the boys.
I allowed the kids to borrow my phone. My eight year old, Phinehas, asked if he could use the "Bible for Kids" app. He told me he wanted to show his friend on the bus. He said he wanted to teach Hunter more about the bible! After they went through the Creation story and The Fall of Adam and Eve, they went through the account of David and Goliath. The Bible for Kids version was too tame for Phin, so I heard him explain how David finished the job (read about it in 1 Samuel 17:31-56).
I could not see what was going on in the back of my van because I was focused on driving down the mountain. I could HEAR what was going on, and was so proud of the kids. I do not know Hunter too well, but he was open to learning more about the Bible and what his friend had to say. Phinehas could have talked about ANYTHING else, but he chose to teach his friend from the bible. I hope that the two of them continue to be friends, and grow in both knowledge and faith.
When was the last time you shared the bible with someone else? When was the last time you shared your faith with someone else? Hunter attended camp because his big sisters wanted him to go (they had both been to this camp two years ago). He really was not sure about the whole thing, but he ended up having a great time and made new friends. When we walked down to the creek at the camp for the baptisms, he did not know what was going to happen. Those dozen kids who were baptized had just witnessed to Hunter, and I was able to explain to him what they were doing. From all of the songs they were singing, Hunter was learning what Jesus commanded His followers to do, and he was singing the words. I hope my family will continue to share our faith with others, and that our friends continue to ask us questions.
Philemon 1:4-7
4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers,5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
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