There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests get together to work toward the same goals. –Idowu Koyenikan
The beginning has finally begun! We have been in preparation for this for several months. Actually the Lord has probably been preparing us for this all of our lives. We are so thankful to be in this season of life and able to do all we sense God is calling us to do.
This mornings devotion was such a great way to start the day. I love Nehemiah and all that God was able to accomplish through one man dedicated to God’s purposes. His heart broke at the knowledge of the devastation of his people and of Jerusalem. His beautiful prayer asking God for favor with the King is dynamic. He prayed and fasted and sought the Lord for his next step. Nehemiah’s leadership and humility is such an inspiration.
There are four couples here with the SOWER ministry. We are so thankful for the experience we find in these couples. One couple, John and Anita have been with the SOWERS for 16 years. Anita used to be a specialty clinic manager so we can certainly relate to each other. Our general leader couple Dan and Kathleen were at this camp for three months last year so they know the staff and the area well. Ken and Barb have been in ministry all of their lives and have been with SOWERS for three years. As you can see we two newbies are in a great group.
The women are staining a deck on a cabin and will be painting the cabin and trim also. A couple will be living in it this summer when they arrive to help staff this huge camp for the summer. We ladies will also be doing some other painting and staining jobs with some new water stations that are being built. It seems that summer camp in Texas with thousands of kids playing and learning about Jesus, water stations are essential. One thing I don’t understand though is how these other gals can do this work and not have the stain all over them. Somehow I seem to really get into my work!
The men are building a large bell tower in front of the auditorium. This camp was given a huge bell that a church had in the area. One of the traditions here is that at the end of each camp those who received salvation while here at camp are to get to ring the bell! This new bell will make an even larger sound than the old one. I think they had 600 some salvations last summer!
We are really enjoying our first week at Highlands Lake Camp and Conference Center in Spicewood, TX. This place has the greatest staff and the ministry here on this 200 acres on the shores of Lake Travis is inspiring.
Where the Dutch Ovens Roam 