Important!
We need to make you aware of a couple of issues. First, the date for our camp session is different than usual! Please take note of this. We almost always have the first full week in August, but this year it will be slightly different from that. Due to scheduling around the Sturgis Rally, we had to take the week of August 8 - 14. So please make your plans accordingly!
Second, as you may have noticed, we have a new web site, or at least the beginnings of one. The features on this site will be coming up slowly over the next little while. So if you can't get to the page you are looking for, check back in a week or so. The new site will allow for a number of expanded features including more collaboration between directors and their teams. Thanks for your patience.
|
2010 Session Theme
As the storm raged around the little boat, the occupants pulled on the oars in sheer desperation. The little craft was taking water, and their progress was negligible. These guys were not novices, many were accustomed to the Sea of Galilee. They knew the lake's moods and had likely told many a story of men who went out and didn't return. They knew that the chances were not good and getting worse.
While the drama unfolded on the deck, the One who spoke the lake into existence was asleep in the boat's hold. Finally, some were sent to wake Him. The accusation in their voice was raw and panicked. "Don't you care that we are all about to die?" Notice there was no cry for help, no suggestion that Jesus do something. No one could have dreamed what was about to happen right in front of them. It would have been interesting, to say the least, to be down there in the stern of the ship when that question was yelled at Jesus over the roar of the storm. As He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and stood and stretched, His face must have radiated compassion. I think he put His arm around the shoulders of the messengers and smiled a disappointed smile. He yelled over the roar: "You have such small faith! Why are you so afraid?" He climbed the few steps to the deck of the ship, walked to the railing and faced the beast that was bearing down on His friends. "Quiet! Be still!", He yelled in a tone that must have reminded the witnesses of a parent rebuking a little child. What happened next is obviously understated. First a great calm occurred. In an instant, at the moment the word "still" left his mouth, the Sea of Galilee went from raging storm to a sea of glass. Secondly, the occupants of the little boat went from being afraid to being "terrified". They stood around asking one another (probably whispering): "who is this that commands even the storm?".
Though few of us are likely going to be tossed around a huge lake in a little boat any time soon, our own personal storms are no less real and certainly no less traumatic. As Jesus interacted with the people around Him, the words "Don't be afraid" were often on His lips. He was fond of asking us why our faith is so small, and reassuring us with the statement: "Fear Not!". The uncertainty of this time in our Nation's history inflicts a great deal of stress on families and individuals. It seemed an appropriate theme for our 2010 session to just draw close to the Master, and heed His encouragement: "Fear Not!"
|