Camp!!
by Colette Varanouskas

The large WELCOME banner again greeted those returning for another year at camp and those coming for the first time. It was like a big family reunion getting to see our Christ family members again, and even meeting some "distant cousins" for the first time.

Each morning Brett Burrowes walked us through Romans 1-8, verse by verse and chapter by chapter, often referring back to the original Greek to explain some passages. We saw, among other things, how each person’s value is not derived from his/her humanity, but from the Spirit life indwelling the "vessel." One vessel is not more valuable than another, but our worth and usefulness are determined by the spirit in us…whether it is Satan or Christ operating through us. We no longer walk according to our thoughts and feelings (flesh), but with confidence we know that we walk "according to the Spirit," knowing that He has come to live His life in us.

John Shank discussed fear and resentment and organized small group discussions for the afternoon sessions. He emphasized how important it is for our being "weapons of righteousness" that we understand where we have held onto fears, and also to know what our "payoff" has been in not resolving them. In looking at our resentments, we asked ourselves what "instincts" had been threatened and where we had been selfish, fearful or dishonest. This was a very helpful and important workshop and gave folks the practical tools needed to go home and continue to resolve these issues.

The evenings were spent hearing from lots of folks about where they had come from and what changed in their lives upon hearing and believing the no-independent-self message. By Wednesday night, we were ready for something a little different, and had a very impromptu and hilarious talent night. We had wild and domestic animal imitations, a pair of hog callers, skits, jokes, songs and lots more. Everyone was amazed at the wealth of material (and bravery!), as not one person escaped this rather bizarre form of fellowship. (I wish I’d had a video camera!)

The youth program was led by Robyn and Kari Mace, Dacia Trethewey, Scott Prewitt, Virginia Brown and Sanda Cooper (with singing led by John Shank). This year’s theme was the life of Joseph, and his faith in God that was unwavering even in the midst of terrible adversity. The younger children, or "juniors," were taught separately. They made colorful coats for Joseph and Egyptian head-dresses, and did skits that helped illustrate the Bible stories. The "middlers" and "seniors" studied together in the mornings, looking at scripture and talkinb about what it means to be a Christian today. The afternoons for the youth were spent in small group discussions, covering issues appropriate to each age (obeying parents, family issues, peer pressure, dating, etc.)

All the children participated together in the evening campfire and testimony times. We wer all very proud and pleased to hear that one young lady gave her life to Christ during one of these sessions.

Bad weather for much of the week prevented some of the usual outdoor activities such as the traditional canoe trip. But this gave them extra time to prepare for the biggest event of the week–the culmination of much hard work (and fun!)…Thursday night’s performance of JOSEPH–written by Dacia Trethewey, directed by Jonathan Shank and lead played by Scott Robertson, and superb narration as usual, by Henry Matson. After just two days of practicing, they put on a delightful rendition of the Broadway musical, complete with a very authentic looking Elvis/Pharaoh. From the wee ones to the young adults, they worked hard, had a blast, and wowed the audience (videotapes available from Jonathan Shank).

Personally, this year’s camp was the best one yet. (I say that every year.) I got to know so many new people, saw some important truths about God and my relationship with Him, and have a lot of information carried home with me to digest. It was a very important week in my life and I know in everyone else’s too. I look forward to seeing everyone again next year…and then some. Be there or be square!t on