Try, try again to write this post --having lost it 3 times!
We have completed our first day and a half of camp, and are encouraged but tired!! We have about 22 campers and several Dominican helpers. They arrived at lunchtime yesterday, and after placement tests, got started with afternoon classes. The days are full, with chapel twice daily, English class, character training, music class, art & sports.
The theme of camp is "The Greatest Command", to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul & strength. This is fleshed out with the Ten Commandments, and they are learning two each day. The first two days have dealt with the commandments about our relationship to God, and each message has moved from the law to the cross. These kids have heard a clear gospel presentation 4 times already! David also preached twice on Sunday, so has preached six times in 3 days! He will get a bit of a break as John & Mason will be doing morning chapels for the next three days, and David will only preach at night.
Our character studies the first two days have been on Truthfulness and Self-control -- attributes we all need, but that are particularly appropriate for this audience. The character qualities are being tied in to the scripture verses with Biblical application.
English classes were fun today, with students competing in (English) Bible memory and enjoying English conversations with the leaders. We worked on "greetings" and "getting to know you" conversations. Craft projects so far have been decorating Tote Bags and baseball caps. The tote bags were filled with notebooks, pencils, pens & Bibles.
Daniel has appointed himself drill sergeant, and has the young men doing PT (physical training) every morning before breakfast. That has turned out to be a very positive thing, building respect for the leaders and for the boys themselves.
During that same time, the girls are learning about modesty and femininity, beauty without enticement, with Lisa as their leader. Guys and girls both have devotions first thing, before any of these activities.
This trip took months of financial and teaching preparation, and I had some doubts due to the smaller team size this year. However, God is faithful to bless, and I am so filled with joy at His preparation of these young people for their time of service. I knew that Lisa and and David wold be prepared, but am so thrilled to see the active roles that John, Mason, Anna Beth, Daniel & Kristina have taken in stepping up to the plate. John & Mason have especially stepped into a leadership role with these difficult young men, and we are so grateful.
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