I just returned from kid’s camp, in the mountains where our church puts on camps all summer long. My point of going was to serve and experience whatever God wanted to show me. Maezie (age 11) was on work crew with me. Cellie, my youngest and my two oldest Grands, Maubry and Shawnie were all campers. Having the opportunity to be at the same camp with all those littles, who are a huge part of my life, was a giant gift from God.
We unplugged for four days and plugged into camp. The kids were amazing. They played and prayed and jumped and sang and swam until our feet throbbed and ours heads pounded. Watching the kids, was amazing, but honestly it was the adults that rocked my world. I was new to the whole gig, so I felt like I spent a lot of time being in the wrong place, and looking for where I needed to be. I soon learned if you find a broom or mop, no matter what, you will soon be in the right place with the right tools.
Serving In a Slice of Heaven
The adults showed up and they matched the energy and excitement of 175 kids. They served with all their heart, and put their whole body into it. They were humble and full of life. I was one of the few newbies. Most of the others have been doing this for years, and knew what they were doing and what they were in for. Giving up time and technology, schedules, bed and sleep to jump around and work their heads off with a giant smile on their faces, is what they signed up for.
I was on the work crew, but honestly, I will keep saying “they” instead of “us” because I think to qualify as part of the “us” you need to sign up again. Saying I know what’s coming and I’m all in, is how kingdom work grows into full hearts and full camps. As I watched the more seasoned servers it made me want to be more like them.
The people that serve these little campers will inherit the earth. I think that is why God has let them serve in such an amazing and beautiful place. It’s a taste of what they will inherit. Serve in the most beautiful place and see what your inheritance looks like, is the picture I have in my head. The mountains, clouds and sound of the river kept everyone in awe and surrounded by beauty as we moved from games to dining, to the chapel, camp fire and cabins.
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.
Become Like Children, Experience God’s Kingdom
Then entire team of adults did their part to serve King Jesus as they served the campers. The worship team sang songs as if they were in the most important venue, before the greatest audience. Kitchen crew cooked as if they are serving kings and queens. Camp counselors moved around the camp as though they are hosting the most important guests in all the world. Children’s pastors and the main speaker spoke with Truth in fun and in Love as if their very life depended on their message. The games were as if we were setting up for the olympics. It was all the best we had for the little children, for the least of these.
Jesus said in Matthew 25:45 ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
There was nothing done in selfish motivation. There was nothing to gain by giving to these little campers. Nothing to gain, by serving, other than a sneak peak into an amazing inheritance and the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one child like this in my name welcomes me.
I definitely want to go back and serve. Seeing those little ones be impacted by Jesus, is big and powerful and hits us big time right in the heart. It’s a slice of heaven and a glimpse of a great inheritance.
