GREETINGS FROM CAMP EWALU,
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:13
This is the theme Bible verse for our week at Ewalu as we explored, “Holy Trinity, Wholly Love.” Father, Son and Holy Spirit begin and end the circle and we know and discover God in this beautiful setting that is so green and so full of life. Sometimes we need to step away from our routine and what we know for God to show us more and help us to discover what God is up to in our lives and the lives of those around us.
It is a pleasure to be with our Confirmation students at Confirmation Camp as they challenge themselves to try new things like canoeing, camping in a tent, high ropes and serving each other. We learn together, encouraging one another as we play and live together for a week. We’ve learned some new and sometimes silly songs. Ask our campers about the bean song and the bog song. Ask them to tell you a story from their camp experience.
Here's one of my stories. One of the camp counselors for Confirmation Camp is Marika. She is from the country of Guyana, South America which I got confused with an African country, when I just heard the name. Guyana is on South America’s North Atlantic coast with dense rainforest. Marika is here for the camping season which is made possible through the larger church body. She is a bubble of energy and enthusiasm. Marika showed me her country’s flag and told me it’s symbolism. She told me about the foods she eats and misses.
She is so brave to be in another country. I saw this bravery as I watched her canoe the Turkey river. This was her second time canoeing ever and here she was leader and learner at the same time. It was beautiful to behold and a lovely witness for all of us, the seasoned and novice canoers.
I thank God for our paths crossing as I am getting ready for an adventure in Israel. It was good for me to see the bravery of an adventurer before me to wet my appetite and tap into my courage and bravery of exploration as I learn more about our amazing God of circles, beginnings and ends, Father, Son and Holy Spirit who comes to us and wakes us up to this amazing creation and amazing people.
I thank you for supporting our confirmation students and camping ministry partnership. If you haven’t tried camping ministry, I invite you into the circle to explore. If this isn’t for you, then explore and imagine yourself in the circle of wonder and creation that the Holy Spirit lays before you.
Bold Inquisitive Belief Loving Expansively,
Pastor Connie Spitzack
