Greetings faithful supporters of Camp Gilead! My name is
Nolan Cason, and I'm serving as the counselor of cabin 15 throughout this
summer. This is my first summer at Gilead in any capacity, but in a mere three
weeks I've already to come to care for this place deeply, and appreciate the
incredible impact that it has on the lives of so many. The Spirit moves in
incredible ways at this camp.
It was anticipation of this impact I applied for the
position of counselor in late April. While I'd never been to Camp Gilead, I've
worked as a counselor at different Evangelical Christian camps over the course
of three summers, and I've grown up going to camp. In my own life and in the
lives of others, I've witnessed firsthand the tremendous power the camp
experience has as a tool for youth ministry in God's arsenal. That power was
felt this last Wednesday night during Junior Camp #1 (3rd--5th grade).
Our speaker for this week, Pastor Curt Bidwell, had been
pounding home the message of the Gospel all week, skillfully intertwining the
Good News with the story of King David. During the Wednesday night chapel, he
continued in this thread, telling not only of David but also relating the story
of Gideon. He established the definition of true faith through an insightful
acrostic (Fact not feelings, action, individual response, trails and
temptations, and hope), and challenged the campers to respond to God's
promptings and accept Christ.
As the invitation was given for those campers who wished to
respond to quietly slip out the back and wait for their counselors to join
them, I was hopeful. I knew that the Lord does great things with this
particular age group. Yet, the response that occurred surpassed my
expectations. A majority of the campers, including five of my nine, slipped out
their seats and headed out. I'm sure the rest of the staff shared my elation
and surprise as we watch the Lord work powerfully in so many young lives.
As I talked with my campers that night and reflected, the
Lord impressed two truths on my heart. The first was in relation to one of my
guys, whose joy at his own commitment to Christ was uncontainable. I was
reminded of just what happens when the Lord gets control of someone's heart, an
experience I once shared at camp growing up. His joy was contagious and
exciting, an absolute pleasure to witness.
Secondly, I was reminded of the power of the Gospel message in its
simplicity. Pastor Bidwell added no garnishments or enticing extras to the
Gospel; he simply presented the truth. And the Spirit worked. At few other
times have I been reminded of the truth of 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. Praise to the
Name of our Lord, who softens hearts and calls the lost out of the darkness.
In Him and for His glory,
Nolan of House Cason, earl and lord paramount of the
fifteenth holdfast, servant of the High King.
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