Week Two - Thursday Update

The 4th of July was celebrated with a late night swim and dance party in the canteen!  Our wonderful cook made special treats and there were red, white and blue decorations all around the pool.  The pool water was almost refreshing after a hot day in the sun.

We could hear fireworks even over the music that was blaring.  The girls were excited to do something different for the holiday, although some were wishing they were home with their families.  Many of the returning teen girls have made coming to camp a holiday tradition because it is usually held the week of the 4th.

Even after all the excitement of the party, some of the girls chose camping out as their optional activity.  There were 3 cabins of girls and one cabin for staff.  At 5:30 am one of the recreation staff woke up and noticed there were 3 girls standing outside of their tent.  These were the 16 year olds, our most veteran campers.  They were talking quietly and she couldn’t quite hear what they were saying.  All of the sudden they started shaking out their tent! 

They talked a little more and then one of the campers started praying over the tent.  Our rec staff person, Jodie, heard them asking God to remove all the bugs so they could get back to sleep!  They gave the tent one more shake, went back inside and went right back to sleep.  That’s called trusting God!

Prayer requests for Thursday, July 5th:

• Praise God for our fun 4th of July celebration last night. 
• Praise that several cabins have had deep devotions.  The campers have started opening up.  There have been many tears and late night conversations.
• Today we are going to Truman Lake where the girls will swim and have a picnic supper.  Please pray for safety and fun! 
• The heat is causing headaches, swollen ankles, leg cramps and sunburns.  Allergy symptoms have also kept our nurse busy late into the night.
• Many campers have requested prayers for their families.  Our God knows each of their situations and needs.  Some would like their family members and friends to come to know Christ and for Him to keep them safe. 
• They also want God to change their attitudes and to reduce the stress in their lives which will only come as they learn to trust Him more.
• The counselors (and all staff) would like prayers for energy and perseverance to finish the week strong.  Good restful restorative sleep is also needed.
• We have a camper with a sprained ankle.
• 2 sisters who are homesick.
• Campers testing their counselors
• Many girls who are more concerned about what others think than what God thinks.

Thank you, thank you for your prayers!  They are where all the power comes from!!!