Mission Messenger #2

“I hate squirt camp, I hate squirt camp!” That was my quiet yet whimpering cry to another staff member. Registration was starting and I looked at a child I knew was going to be in my cabin and wondered what I had gotten myself into! For the next three days, what seemed like an eternity to me, I would be the babysitter to a bunch of homesick, disobedient, non-interesting, bed-wetting squirts! What could God possibly do in their lives?! Usually at this time every week, my heart was soaring with anticipation over my next cabin, but this week... I was terrified! I love kids, but I knew that these 10 girls would aggravate me in the most exhausting way possible. My numerous prayers in preparation for this camp was that God would grant me: wisdom (for all those situations where you have no idea what to do or how to make yourself understood) patience (for all the times I was put into situations that included a screaming child) and most of all His love ( for when I wanted God's love to be my first and only reaction!).  Even though those things were prayed for, I knew that I was hopeless. “Horrible” was the only way this week was to be categorized! Yet, there was nothing to do, but pray and implore God to grant me the blessing of children that would be interested in His Word and the love that I needed. As each of 'my girls' filed up to the cabin, I knew right away that God had changed my heart, for the sickening feeling had left and God's love had taken it's place with such force that I had no choice but to let it overflow into the lives of these same squirts! I know that God has done a work in the lives of my beautiful girls, but I know the greater work of sanctification and trust was done in my own heart. Never again will I allow myself to believe the lie that wee little ones can't or won't be transformed by the Gospel message!

(Article by Marie)