July 14 2024
How do you handle unsettling news in a camp setting? This is not an unusual question; we have faced it many times. It always comes as a surprise at the moment, and one such moment occurred last night. We were just finishing up a great rice bowl meal in the dining room when I was called to the porch to hear the news of an assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump at a campaign rally. In the fog of the moment, only a few facts were clear: the attempt failed, and our nation (and the world) would soon be up to our necks in political turmoil.
Such situations are out of our control (as are most life circumstances), and we find it helpful to go to the Bible. First, our theme verse: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. We also love what Jesus said in Matthew: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” And we are comforted by what Paul wrote the Phillipians do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Thankfully, this circumstance was not as bad as it might have been. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family who lost a loved one, to those who were injured, our country, and our leadership. But we do not intend to mention it to the campers. You can do so in emails if you want, but it is outside of the bubble, so we don’t think the campers as a group need to know.
The fact is, our community is able to be spared the details of current events most of the time. Those details often leak through, but our little world keeps spinning in a predictable direction and toward a predictable outcome. The delights and anticipations of the moment continue to be what matters most. Every day is full of dire potential that we have no control over. This is where faith in the loving, omnipotent, omnipresent God of the Bible makes life easier. He will provide what is needed when it is needed, so be thankful. Acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.
With that in mind, we will celebrate our third Sunday. I look forward to the delights of a walk along the river with 500 friends and no camera. Now that I can’t take pictures, the walk with the campers is even more enjoyable. (The occasional benefits of a torn rotator cuff continue to astound.) Campers relate to me differently. The cries of “Jimboy, Jimboy” by groups keen to capture the moment are gone. Now we just chat… not a bad price for such an outcome.
Church promises to be very good. Next week will be the best (our congregation will be an emotional mess by then, and the Holy Spirit can do amazing things in such a setting), but today will be awesome. The afternoon will be hot and dry. Widely scattered rain showers promise an excellent setting for our last concert on the lawn (The Business, a super fun local band that plays weddings… and Greystone). They love doing our camp gig, and the girls crowd the stage to dance and sing along with the mix of well-known songs. It is rare to be so sincerely appreciated and celebrated in a group this big and in a setting so beautiful.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. We pray for continued health and safety for our camp community, country, and political leadership. Thank you for checking in.
