It has only been 10 days since I have returned from one of the best summers of my life. It exhausts me to remember all the way back to that last week of May when training started for camp. It was really awkward to meet everyone for the first time. I had no clue that a team (as large as we were…33 on our biggest week!) our size would come together so wonderfully and do such great service not only in Charleston, but among ourselves. And trust me, this service did not come from within ourselves, but from the Lord, “who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Eph 3:20
If I could fit the entire summer into one phrase, it would be, “God provides.” In every aspect of camp and beyond, God provided what we/I needed. From encouragement, to special teamers, to site supplies, to specific construction-ish professionals I needed for my ministry site (I’ll get to this later), to SALVATIONS, to food, to physical health…it was all there. At exactly the perfect time.
Our theme for this summer was “Connect” and one of the bible study lessons focused on the connection within the Church, or the body of believers. We focused on passages in Acts 2-4 where Luke describes the Church as being of the “same mind” or “having everything in common.” I would always DRILL into my students’ heads the importance of accountability and growing in our walks with Christ TOGETHER.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him–a threefold cord is not quicly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Throughout the summer, it was a blessing to have my leadership team and fellow staff members when adults were difficult or nothing seemed to be going smoothly at ministry site or the students were all falling asleep during bible study. It was refreshing and challenging (in a good way) to have my brothers and sisters there to feel what I felt and understand with me, yet encourage me to step up or keep me accountable to pray for and with my students. I have learned that for daily ministry, in general, I need…WE need that threefold cord, that fellow to help us up when we fall or are about to fall. I need my brothers and sisters to help me up. Hear me? I need you, people!
Each time I would explain this to my (precious PRECIOUS) students, the Holy Spirit would remind me of my place back home. What am I to do when I don’t have my 33 member staff to keep my accountable?
My DD, Amy, told me this, “Bloom where you’re planted, but don’t let your roots get so entangled that it’s difficult when the Lord pulls you up.” What a faithful sister to remind me of my responsibilities. You see, my life isn’t at camp or where I might be this year or next. My life is and should be wherever the Lord has me for this season of my life. For this REMARKABLE summer, it was in Charleston. For the next 8 months (for sure, at least. ha!) it’s in Baton Rouge. Therefore, I absolutely NEED my brothers and sisters for this next season. I need you to encourage and challenge me just as I have been encouraged and challenged this summer. I know it’s also important for me to share the love as well! I will be surrounded by some AMAZING women of God in the next few weeks…including my roommate, new classmates, women in my church, and even more I’m sure the Lord will sovereignly send my way…as He seems to do 
Every week, I would give the illustration of a broken ankle. “Ok, so, let’s say I break my ankle. What happens? (long pause…a few answers here and there) Yes! It immediately starts to swell, hurt, bruise. Why? (another long pause…then a few more answers) Yes! My body is rushing to the rescue of my ankle. All the blood and fluid rushes to the broken joint because my brain (which is located in my head) is telling my body that there is a part that is broken and needs healing. It works the SAME way with the Body of Christ! When we see someone who is hurt or struggling in sin, we don’t turn them away! No! We are to rush to them in love and help them, pray for them, lift them up, and allow healing to take place. Just as Christ is the head of His body (the Church), we are to obey Him and rush to our brothers and sisters ready to encourage, challenge, and love one other as we all need.”
This is how the Church ought to behave among itself. It reveals the glory of the Lord through His people. And it’s beautiful.
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart. 1 Peter 1:22
I am so thankful to have been apart of a summer staff where this lesson (among others) were worked out among us. I can’t wait to share other details from my summer. This post is one of many, and I look forward to writing them all in due time
