A guest post from Assistant Counselor Katia Brink (see update #1) ... 

Hello again from Camp Shetek! God has blessed us with some beautiful, sunny days. In the afternoons we were able to open the waterfront. Campers could enjoy options of tubing, canoeing, and swimming during free time. We are so thankful for this answer to prayer!

The exciting activities continued as campers competed to gather “"grain” for their teams. Cabins are learning to work together in relays, puzzles, and activities to help their teams succeed. What a good gift it is that God has given us fun and games to enjoy for his glory!

In the midst of our busy days, God has given sweet times of fellowship with him. The Holy Spirit has been moving during our worship sessions to lead campers to praise God with total surrender. On Tuesday, we studied the exaltation of Joseph—though Joseph was brought low through various trials, God raised him up “that many people should be kept alive” (Genesis 50:20). God raised up Joseph out of jail to be the second-in-command in Egypt, a position of honor, wealth, and power. But even in the good times, Joseph’s focus remained on God. Pastor Ben Katterson challenged us to remain faithful in the little things, just like Joseph. Though God does not promise us wealth and material success in this life, for his children he has guaranteed an eternal reward in heaven.

On Wednesday, we studied the character of Judah, Joseph’s older half-brother. Though Judah fell many times, the book of Genesis tells the story of God’s redeeming work in his life. Both of the morning Bible teachers and Pastor Ben connected parallels between Judah and our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Judah shows his love for his family by willingly giving himself as a pledge for his younger brother Benjamin, but how much more did God himself give up to take on flesh and come to die for unworthy sinners! What great love this is!

Now, as we are coming to the end of camp, please join us in praying earnestly. Our sovereign God is on the move, and we are trusting that he is not finished yet. Please pray that the Spirit will continue to move in students’ hearts to convict of sin and bring many more to repentance. Pray against distractions and any spiritual footholds for Satan. Join us in praying for cabin unity and openness; pray that we would rally around one another as the body of Christ. Finally, pray that hearts would be softened to hear and accept the word of God.

We praise God for the work he has already done in students’ hearts, and we ask him to continue to do far more abundantly than all we can ask or think!

Photo courtesy of Amanda Buck