God’s Mysterious Ways

During these past few weeks God has been working in mysterious ways, seeing how these children grow and change in such a short time. Children often fight and it's difficult because they generally haven’t learned how to handle it at times. Although at my time at Kingston-Galloway, I have seen kids mature and grow, learning to handle their problems and manage their emotions. During the first week I felt that the kids were not interested in camp and it seemed like a problem that I couldn’t solve but as time passed kids started to become interested and actually paid attention to lessons or participated in activities.

My faith has grown throughout my internship as I learn to trust God in times of difficulty. I would say there are a lot of obstacles that I encountered, whether it would affect me mentally or physically, but I know God will provide me with the strength and energy needed. Although I may have not been at full strength, I still was able to be there for these kids and serve God. As I encounter problems, I often try to deal with them on my own but the team at KG reminds me that I have brothers and sisters in Christ that I can rely on. While I serve at KG, it has certainly taught me that it is not by my own strength but through God that I am able to do what I do.

Being at KG, I am able to see the lives of those around me. Although these children have been impacted by poverty, they still are kids growing and dealing with problems like anyone else. Seeing the children grow and mature through problems reminds me that people have struggles and obstacles that they often hide but the least we can do is be there for them and support them through their struggles. During my time at KG, I can see that although they are impacted by poverty it doesn’t make them different from any other kid and I’m glad that I’m able to be a part of these kid’s lives.

Everyone Needs Compassion

If this summer has taught me anything, it’s that God’s compassion is overflowing. It’s a simple fact, but an easy one to forget. While preparing my lesson on Jonah and the Big Fish, I found myself challenged by this idea. While the story is a great reminder of God’s compassion, it’s also a reminder of the selfishness and anger of man.

““The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.””

— Psalm 145:8-9

Having made it through half the summer as of writing this, I can tell you that there have definitely been days where it feels impossible to have patience for the kids. As much as we love them, it can be hard to show them compassion and be that model of Jesus’ love. But it’s in these moments that I’m reminded of God’s overflowing compassion. How many times have I come to God asking for forgiveness for the same sin, over and over again, and yet He still shows me compassion? God continues to show me grace, patience, and love despite my failures and shortcomings. And, it is that same grace, patience, and love that God calls me to extend to those He places in my life. Of course, it isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned to lean on God for strength. Where my patience may end, God’s patience endures. Where my love may fail, God’s love remains unconditional. And where I am lacking, God is able to be glorified.

““We love because he first loved us.” ”

— 1 John 4:19

Despite the hard days, it’s been such a blessing seeing God work through Sonshine Daycamp. I’ve loved seeing the kids develop a love for praise and worship, even singing and dancing outside of worship time. I’ve also loved seeing the kids grow through small groups. It’s always surprising the questions the kids will ask but I’m always thankful when they do because it shows a genuine desire to know God more. Through their curiosity they are able to make the lessons they learn personal to them and hopefully make their relationship with Jesus more personal too. Lastly, it’s always so encouraging to see how God is working through the kids. It always warms my heart when I see the kids cheer on a camper who may struggle with certain gym games, or when a camper shows genuine concern, and comforts a friend who’s upset.

God’s compassion is overflowing, and it’s my prayer that these kids not just feel and experience God’s love, but also want to share that love with others in their life. I have faith that God’s doing great things in each and every one of the kids and I’m just so grateful that I can be a part of it.

A Loving God

It has been a whirlwind of a summer at Flemingdon Park. This summer has indeed been a huge learning experience for me. Coming into this, I was actually pretty scared to connect with the kids and figure out how to do ministry but God has shown me that a little bit of love can go a long way. I’m thoroughly surprised every day by some of the conversations and how much they have opened up to me throughout the summer. Even kids that I never thought would ever truly talk to me at the beginning of the summer, have started to open up to me about family and life. I’m always surprised by what they learn and how they see life.

One of our kids asked me a great question, “How do we have eternal life?” Trying to share it though I realized I never had the opportunity to truly share this before. It was a struggle but I could see all the gears click in when I answered her. Being able to share about God every day just in everyday conversations with the kids and seeing the small miracles of God working is such a beautiful blessing to have. I’ve nothing but joy to see these kids grow.

Especially in my time doing Bible, I was teaching the kids about the prodigal son and how no matter what God will accept us for who we are or what we’ve done. It reminded me that even in our worst states, especially as I was sick that week, God can use us. And that’s what I’ve been feeling throughout this whole summer. No matter how tired I am or how hard it is to communicate since many kids don’t speak English, God is always working and He is a God filled with love and acceptance. As long as we live with love, we will be able to see God working in people even in the chaos of life. Everyone is worthy of God’s love and we need to show grace and love to those who need it.

“ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.””

— John 13:34

Unity in God's People

Near the start of Sonshine Day Camp, one of my fellow interns gave a devotional about unity of the body of Christ. We read through a passage in 1 Corinthians 12, highlighting how important it was for us as a team to work together to share the Gospel and love the children.

In the moment of hearing that devotional, I don't think I realized how true the passage would be. Everyday, I have felt so blessed by our team. The ability to get along and work so well together with our different strengths, to rejoice together for good days at camp, and to share and eventually laugh together during the difficult days has truly been a gift from God.

Something that I have always struggled with is pride. I had difficulty with asking for help this summer and took more responsibility on myself instead. This has led to exhaustion and much harder days. Without realizing my pride, I have asked God for perseverance and strength to get through the rest of the week.

The next day, God answered my prayers in an unexpected way. I was having a difficult time disciplining the campers that day. (As a future teacher who prides herself in classroom management, it stopped me from asking for help as well). Every time I was about to correct the behaviour of a camper, another intern thankfully stepped in. This was the moment I realized that it wasn't more physical strength that was needed, but humility and reliance on my fellow interns. I have experienced God so many times that day and in the days to come through my team and their kindness, joy, perseverance, and care.

““...But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.””

— 1 Corinthians 12:24‭-‬26

Picking Up the Pieces – In Unity

This is my first year as an intern at Sonshine Day camp. I did not really know what to expect as I had heard that I will be stretched in my time in Kingston-Galloway. So before I had even begun I had decided early on to go in with full confidence and faith in God. As I have experienced a few weeks of camp with my team and the youth, my faith has been tested many times as I did not know exactly how to navigate conflicts between the children and my relationships with the youth. It is hard to see a child so upset during a fight or an incident such as name calling. I have had to truly rely on the Lord to guide me with wisdom on how to help resolve these fights and tend to the needs of both children whether it is consoling them or speaking the truth in love. As it says in John 15:5,

““I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” ”

— John 15:5

It breaks my heart as some of the experiences these kids go through, I believe no child should have to face, and amidst this I’m learning to respond in humility, letting God lead in and through me, and letting Him teach me. I am also encouraged to see children open up and trust me enough to call me a friend! It really softens my heart to see the kids supporting each other during upsetting moments or showing affection to each other. One of our littlest kids is five years old and I love how everyone wants to look out for her and take care of her - nothing warms my heart more than that.

God has given me endless grace and patience that I need for the youth and myself, for moments where they test my patience. By God’s grace, I have been able to remain patient and understanding. After all, I realize there is a lot more going on with them and their families than I know. As little human beings, they are so much more than their experiences with poverty and the effects of living in a community that has been negatively labeled by society. There is unseen hurt and brokenness underneath, but then again, we all experience this in our own way. As a leader, I pray that I can lead them to Jesus and unify us all in His gospel and mission. I pray the Lord can help the youth pick up the pieces of their hearts and see themselves as wholly, fully, and complete. I would be the utmost honoured for the Lord to use me in the slightest way to fulfill this mission.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blogpost.