Written by Kristen Maxwell, Bhutanese Youth and Kids Director
Think back to your first camp experience. I hope it brings back good memories of friends, fun, and for many of us, spiritual growth. Going away to camp can be a life changing experience. For many kids, it is one of their first chances to be responsible for themselves and make their own choices, without much risk being involved. It also gives students a chance to be surrounded by Jesus followers, to grow in their faith, and to wrestle with what the Lord may be calling them to. Not to mention that camp is a whole lot of fun when it includes getting to experience swimming, bonfires, messy games, and sleeping in a cabin with a bunch of friends!
Earlier this July, six of the girls from our Bhutanese LIT (Leaders in Training) program, and one intern had the chance to go to camp for the first time. We drove to North Georgia to join the community at the Northlake Church camp. Northlake Church is much like Mission Adelante in that they work with people from a lot of different places; including many students who are refugees. So, they felt right at home!
Camp was such an amazing experience for our girls, they matured during their week away. We saw tremendous emotional and spiritual growth, a new level of confidence and self-assurance. We saw some of our smallest friends explode out of their shyness and find their voices. We saw gifts developed in meeting new friends, or discovering new talents. We saw a new maturity in them, a realization of a strength they didn't know they had.
We also had fun, so much fun. We made new friends who were like us, yet different from us. We realized that we had much more in common than we had different. We played messy games, swam more than we ever have, and laughed a whole lot.
We learned a bunch of new things too. We spent a lot of time dedicated to answering the question "What does the Lord require of you?" from Micah 6:8. We learned to seek justice in our lives, and the lives of those among us; we learned to love mercy in our everyday lives, and we learned about walking humbly with God. We learned that in doing these things we would grow closer to God, and be bringing His Kingdom to earth.
If you want to see more of what we did, check out this great video of Camp Northlake: Camp Northlake 2016
Current Needs:
- Our after school leadership development and tutoring program, Leaders in Training is getting ready to launch for the fall trimester! We are in need of volunteers Monday-Thursday afternoons. If you are interested in learning more contact Kristen Maxwell at Kristenm@missionadelante.org
Important Dates:
- Come and celebrate 11 years of ministry with Mission Adelante! Mission Adelante's end of the summer party will be a huge celebration with the Bhutanese and Latino ministries together in one location. Mission Adelante is thanking their students, volunteers, partners, and God for 11 great years of ministry. The celebration will be Sunday August 7, 4 pm to 8 pm. at Wyandotte County Lake, Leavenworth Road & 91st St. Kansas City, Kansas 66109. Parking & Shuttles to the party will be at the Marina Parking Lot. The party will be held at Shelter #6.