My Summer, My Destiny

Stephanie R. Thompson

This summer I was fortunate enough to be able to enroll my children into a vacation bible program. The program was scheduled for the entire summer and served free breakfast and lunch to each child and although the hours (8:30 to 2:30) were a little difficult to manage it was a wonderful experience for the girls. But, it was I who was probably most impacted by this summer.

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You see although the program was billed as free, it did carry a premium. And it was being supported by all volunteers. Can you imagine trying to run a 9 week session with more than 70 kids for 6 hours each weekday with only volunteers?!?

Admiration for the dedication of the staff, financial obligations, children pleading and an honest desire all led to my decision to help out where I could. There were many places they needed help so I knew they could use me. The kitchen preparing food, on the playground as a safety person, in the main hall just to watch and maybe even in the classroom all had opportunities for help. I could decide what I did and for how long. So, I decided when I registered the children that I would volunteer at a couple times a month.

Each morning started with grace and breakfast and each group was dismissed for classroom time. The groups were all split out by age and gender (you would be surprised what a huge difference that makes – another topic) and made lesson planning and fun time a lot easier. A bible lesson, math and english were all covered each day. To say that I was impressed was to put it all mildly. It was more that a parent could hope for. Well, it took a few weeks to be able to volunteer; but when I walked in, I had no idea what to expect.

I had hoped for little boys. That group seemed to be easier to me. Loud and playful. I could do that. So, what am I given? Pre-teen girls!!!!! And one of them was my own obstinate 11 year old. Here I am looking at a bunch of 6th and 7th graders with two 12th grade teen leaders. I was in shock and utter fear. But you can never let that age group see fear or confusion, they will eat you alive.

So, I took a deep breath, said an emergency prayer and acted like this was the best thing that ever happened to me. And guess what? It was. The girls needed to be able to talk and I loved to talk. They needed to truly know that someone has been where they are and that it can be alright. It took a minute, but they opened up and we did alright. The 90 minutes were up quite quickly and it came to the time to dismiss. I said my closing prayer and was sending them out the door, when a couple of girls, simultaneously asked me if I was coming back the next day. I just stared at them, “do you really want me to come back?” I am loud and move around too much, I do ask a lot of my students and expect them to perform. I honestly could not believe these girls wanted me to come back. Even my own child looked a bit hopeful (as much as you can through adolescent indifference). “WOW, of course I will come back.”

And I did, I took that job seriously. We talked about so much. We became friends. And I worked with more than just the girls. The adults, mostly church members, greeted me as an old friend and a lot of the children began to call me auntie. I even led a couple of worship services. My summer was wonderful and a huge blessing. I even received an award, as did all the volunteers. But the best part when the director stated that “she was not even a member at this church, but you would have never known.”

My girls still talk about Camp Genesis. Many friends were made and lots of fun was had. They remember the principles that were taught to them. Going to church was fun; well, at least, if it is not on Sunday. They actually want to go to that church.

I knew that my church needed to begin a youth program and we were working on it. But, these children were placed in front of me, to demonstrate the need and desire of young people. They want to know God. They want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They really do want to go to church.

They are smart and fun and have more problems than were ever want to imagine. Young people want to believe that Jesus is theirs. They need HIM and they want HIM. Young children are not lost; they just have not been given the directions. They earnestly seek him, most just don’t know how on their own.

Did you find God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit just walking down the street? Or did someone talk to you, carry you to church, love on you? We are our children’s guardians. We provide for them with food, clothing, a roof and love but how often do we remember to offer the ultimate shelter; God.

FORCE was created with the strong urging to create a safe, loving, fun place that exemplifies Christ. There will be many components; dancing, worship, movie nights, etc, but the name says it all – Focus on Realizing Christian Excellence.

This summer I learned that I loved working with kids. It was hard work, it was loud and sometimes chaotic. But at the end of every day there was a sense of love and satisfaction that I had never known before. Being a mother is the greatest gift and responsibility ever given, but being a teacher is a very close second. I thank God for the summer of ’09. I thank him for showing me my destiny.

May you know God’s perfect love with each breath you take.