For some reason, St. Louis has become a hub for refugees from all over the world to seek a second chance at life. Families and individuals from countries such as Nepal, Burma, Ethiopia, and several more have found safety in this city through the works of Sue and other volunteers from all different walks of life. One of the volunteers that work with her is a friend of mine, Caitlin. She has been through an incredible journey over this past year, and I’ve actually written about her a few times. In this last year, she’s faced a huge anniversary of her brother’s death, had to face another death when she lost her cousin that was only 5, and countless other bouts with the attacks of Satan. In the midst of all this attack, much like the people she has been serving, Caitlin has found refuge with this ministry in St. Louis.
Sue has now taken charge to try and help provide these refugees with a summer adventure. In a little under a month, Caitlin, Sue, and the rest of the volunteers will put on an all girls camp to help some of these girls face down their pasts. Some of it will be the process of healing from abuse, neglect, and just constant attacks their entire lives. But, they will also get the chance to enjoy the perks of summer camp that all kids should get to experience. I told Caitlin that I would pass along the word that they were doing this, and since she’s much more passionate about it, I’ll use her words. This whole idea started with a good thought. The greatest thing about it is that it never stayed a thought. Now, within a few weeks, these girls will get a summer camp because these ordinary people decided to do something.
Hey Friends,
I am writing this letter on behalf of the many children
from around the world that I have grown to know and love. As most of you
know I have spent the majority of my time the last 7 months
ministering to Refugees from around the world. I’ve spent quite a bit of
time serving at Oasis International as well as volunteering with many
other refugees I know in St Louis. The stories I have heard are
unbelievable. In St Louis we are blessed to have friends from all around
the world who come here to start their lives over after years in
Refugee camps.
Through my work with the Refugees I was introduced
to many other women who shared the same heart to reach the nations with
the love of Jesus. An opportunity came my way to serve as a camp
counselor for one week in the summer at an All Girl’s Camp. This is the
first year this camp has existed. Our gracious, hard working, and
committed leader Sue Winter has done an amazing job gathering volunteers
and all of us have worked hard to get over 80 kids excited about going
to summer camp. While we have fought hard to prepare for this camp the
enemy has also fought to prevent this camp from taking place. At the
last minute we found out we could not use the location we were going to
use. This location offered us a very affordable rate, but it fell
through. After much prayer and hard work our leadership team secured a
location at Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp.
As they say, the show
most go on. So we are praying and working hard to get things together to
have this camp June 11-17! This is the original week that the parents
of the kids already agreed to, so it worked out perfectly.
Unfortunately, this camp is at a cost of $125 per camper for one week. A
much larger amount then the other camp ground. The truth is money is an
issue for us, but I believe God will make a way. He has been faithful
so far and I believe his faithfulness to us will continue.
Here’s
where I need from you. Please please please be in prayer for myself and all
the other counselors. Please pray for the 23 days we have until this
camp starts. We have a lot to do in the next 3 weeks. What is impossible
with man is possible with God. Also, please pray for these kids. Most
of these kids we know from tutoring but these kids don’t know Jesus.
Most come from Muslim, Hindu, or no religious background. Many of these
kids have been through horrors we can not even imagine. These kids are
survivors of genocide, famine, sex slavery war etc. They are from
Burma, Nepal, Ethiopia, Congo and other countries. They have come to St
Louis for Refuge. The statistic is 90% of Refugee families will not be
befriended by an American much less a Christian. We want to change that,
but we need your help.
Many of these children have not left the
city since they have been in St Louis. This will be a great opportunity
for the kids to be kids. To enjoy boating, archery, swimming, and nature. It will also be an amazing time for us to remind these girls
whose they are. It is my heart that while these girls are with us they
would know that we love them and that God loves them. I pray that we
would see girls come alive to who they are in Christ and that he would
set them free.
Please consider sponsoring a camper. We appreciate
any donation you can provide. All of the counselors will be putting in
money towards the kids, because we believe this is a great opportunity.
If
you are interested in making a donation. You can write a check out to
Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp. You can mail your checks to my friend and
fellow counselor Adina Basse. Her address is 4231 Iowa Ave St Louis, Mo
63111
If you have any questions about this camp or ways you can get involved respond to this email or call me at 314-359-7098.
Again please be in prayer for the campers, the counselors and that God would guide us each step of the way.
23 days!!
Peace,
Caitlin
