Zimbabwe, easily one of the best ministry months I have had on the race. For a couple of different reasons. Got to live on a camp, 30 km out of the major city of Bulawayo; help restore and reconstruct an obstacle course, host a 3 day leadership camp for 83 6th graders.
While I was in college, 3 of 4 summers I spent working at Vista Camps in Ingram, Texas. Easily 3 of my favorite summers of all time. Camp life is so different. You are suceledued from wifi, typically a drive from town. It is like you are in a bubble of sorts. It’s a time to really dive deep and build relationships that last a long time with the students. You dont get a lot of sleep, but in the end it is worth it.
The first week at Willow Park started wth a day of fasting and praying for Youth For Christ. We did this a team, WR and locals. We prayed not only for the youth in Bulawayo, but all over southern Africa, our ministry, our teams, our families, and everything else God put on our hearts. The next few days was spent working on reconstructing the obstacle course. To do this we had to clear sticks, tall grass, dig out a tree, clear a lot of the debris that had built up out. Then there was some painting of sings and a few of the obstacles, as well and having them burn down a bee hive. At the end of the week we attended an all night prayer. The theme was Fresh Fire from Isaiah 43. There was some worship and a time of prayer. We introduced them to circle prayers. Writing down things we may think are too big, or things we are realy praying for and circle them everytime we pray for them. The idea came from the Circle Maker and Jericho. The rest of the night as we had prayer time you could circle the room and join in on the prayers and circle them, we had a few teachings and testimonies. There was also a part of games to keep us awake and to join us together as a body. It was a difficult night for me as the Lord was really working on something in my heart. The challenge to stay awak was there as well. But overall it was a great night of prayer.
This last week we got ready for the kiddos. We got to be camp counselors as well as facilatiors. I had a group of 11 children. We were lime green and they called themselves the Green Machines. I am so proud of them. WE came in 3rd over all the 8 teams in competetion, They took 1st place in the obstacle course, which I was really proud as some of them had to conquer their fears of being able to complete the course. This team really grew in learning what it was like to have to work together as a team, build each other up and encourage when people are down. To be able to lead these kids in leadership and what it looks like to be a leader as I am learning more about this at the same time was a sweet expereince. During the camp we had a chance to have a girl/guy question and answer time. Being able to see what these kids are struggling with broke my heart. These kids struggle with some of the same things that kids in America do.
These 3 days pouring into the kidds and cheering them on will hold a special place in my heart. The friendships I made with the YFC team that lead with us are sweet and very dear to my heart. I am so greatful God gave me this ministry this week.
Zim has definetly stolen my heart and I will be leaving a piece of it behind that is for sure.
