By Josie Sheard, Campus Life Arcanum Volunteer
Finding the right words seems nearly impossible for
such an experience. The days leading up to Junior High YFCamp in June were difficult for me, as a young stay at home mom to two very young children. The anxiety of being away from my family was a struggle. And amidst those feelings, the 4-hour drive to camp was a very good example of how our group of girls were going to be that week, quiet and reserved. I was full of worry and doubt about the week ahead after that silent drive but am so thankful to say that God, once again, is completely in control and had the perfect plan.
Days one, two, and yes, even three, had come and gone and honestly were extremely trying. Time and time again spent fishing for conversations and connections just felt like I was hitting a wall everywhere I turned. Cabin time questions were silent except for a couple girls. Conversation was only ever held on the surface, and bedtimes were early. I began to wonder why God had placed me here…if I was going to impact these girls in any way at all. Would our drive home again be silent? I began to doubt my place and capability to form relationships with these teenagers.
Waking up on day four, the last thing I ever expected happened. During our morning session, we heard three brave leaders share their story with Brandon, the main speaker, and 200+ students. Afterwards, I felt led to share my story to my cabin. We sat in a small circle in the back of the basement and Alisha, the other adult leader, and I shared our stories to the girls. I FINALLY had a breakthrough with a girl. We talked, we sobbed, we hugged, we laughed, and we prayed. It was simply a domino effect from there.
Day five, after the last night’s session, our group sat on the floor of our cabin for one last small group time, and I felt the presence of Jesus sitting right in the middle of our circle and performed what felt like the impossible. Every single one of our girls opened up, and shared their stories, some of which took an incredible amount of courage. Two girls in particular who did not speak the first two days of camp broke down…we could all see God softening their hearts right in front of us. Not a dry eye to be seen, not a hand un-held, and not a story unheard all because of the everlasting love of Jesus Christ. It is all because of Him!
Four out of our seven girls have yet to fully commit to a relationship with Jesus, but I can see the wheels turning and their hearts opening. I cannot wait to watch their relationship grow. Group questions quickly became more interactive, conversations were deeper and more heartfelt, and bedtime got a whole lot later. Our separated group slowly but surely became a bonded family.
A week, I assumed was for our students clearly was for me too. It was a week I had no idea I needed so immensely and a week I grew closer to the Lord as an individual. I can now full heartily say I know exactly why God has me at YFC. He had the perfect plan for me and our girls that week. A week where He brought home His story, my story, and their story to form something beautiful. A week I won’t soon forget.
Check out the full camp photo gallery!
