This week, Karen and I had the joy of taking two of our grandchildren to a Vacation Bible Camp at our home church in Verdun. It was wonderful to see how the Lord used the energy and gifts of the team from Pennsylvania, as well as others, to share the love of Christ with the children between the ages of five and twelve. The theme of the camp was “Scuba Diving” as the children were encouraged to dive into God’s Word. After playing soccer at a nearby park, delicious meals were served in the church basement, followed by different crafts, worship songs and missionary stories.
Meeting many Spanish-speaking children and parents brought back memories of travelling to Mexico and Panama when I was in my 20s. I enjoyed learning some Spanish then, but have forgotten much of what I learned because I did not keep using it. Helping at this camp reminded me of the first Bible Camp that I attended at a church near where I lived in Montreal. The leaders helped me and others make a world map, that gave us a glimpse at how vast the Earth is.
One of the many blessings of being at the kids’ camp was getting to see the different talents that the children have. Some are gifted in making crafts, others at making friends. I also enjoyed seeing the many names of the campers and volunteers. Some children had attended Bible Camp in previous years and their parents were very grateful for this ministry. Others were first-time attendees and were very glad that they came. I think they all loved singing in the church sanctuary.
Last night I read part of Dr. David Jeremiah’s book “The Great Disappearance” in which he writes: “There are only two ways to face the future: with fear or with faith. Those who live by faith will find all their fears – especially the fear of death – consumed by the beauty of God’s Person and the certainty of His promises.” He then cites the following passage from the epistle to the Hebrews: “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage” (2:14-15).
It is wonderful to know that even though we don’t know what the future holds for us in terms of health, activities, and other things, children of God know who holds the future. If you have never asked God’s forgiveness for your sins, you can do so today. God is waiting with open arms to receive you into His family.
Scripture for the weekend: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:1-2 (NKJV)
By His grace,
Steve