briannafranklin - Camp Nathanael

Camp Nathanael!!!!!

The past seven weeks I spent at Camp Nathanael. It is a small camp in southeastern Kentucky, run by Scripture Memory Mountain Mission where my parents work. This summer I worked as a counselor, lifeguard, assistant recreation director, and team leadings. I have been so blessed by all that has happened is summer. God has worked in my life and in the campers lives as well. To be honest, I began the summer feeling quite inadequate to be a counselor, responsible for the spiritual welfare of so many young girls. The thought of being asked questions to which I would not know the answers, terrified me. I simply prayed that God would use me and be the strength I knew I lacked. God more than answered that prayer and felt that God used me inspite of myself.

The theme verse for the entire summer was Matthew 5:16 which read, â€œLet your light so shine before man so that they may see your good works and glorify your father in Heaven.â€� We emphasized the importance of shining brightly for God every moment of every day and to make the kinds of decisions that glorify God. This is so hard to do especially for young people who are faced with so many temptations at school and home. The girls in my cabin could relate with the various individuals from our daily dramas which depicted many so-called Christians making poor choices and dishonoring God in the process. One of the high-lights of the summer was one night after our cabinâ€™s camp fire. I was given the opportunity to talk with seven of my girls about serious issues they were dealing with. All of them wanted to rededicate their lives to Christ and be assured of their salvation. Each of the girls took a turn to pray and by the time we were finished we were all crying. I was touched by the sincerity of their prayers and their true desire to live changed lives.

I was also blessed with many new friendships formed with the great staffers that God provided for camp. I had many great talks with great Christian girls who challenged me in my faith. I look forward with nervous anticipation to having more wonderful friendships with the many who are going to Africa with me in the near future.