Community (2) – Encouragement.
The staff at Totara Springs has taught my team a lot about humbling oneself before others, serving others before yourself, and most
importantly, encouraging each other daily.
Birthdays and going away parties
are ways they tell someone how important they are. Weekly staff meetings
are another way. Daily prayer meetings are a third.
As I have mentioned before, the staff goes out of their
way to serve newcomers and even help build their walk with God.
Here is one example,
Myriam, a summer staff member
from Colombia, turned 23 yesterday. The staff passed around a birthday journal in which we all were told to
write something sweet inside. We were also invited to a birthday celebration
that night. This could be related to a “typical” birthday party except for the
fact that EVERY member of the team is
loved in the same way she was loved last night. We changed from grungy work
clothes to our party best, enjoyed spiders (ice cream floats) and different flavors of
tim-tams (delicious
chocolate cookies). We played charades type games, shared heaps of laughter, and even prayed
together for Myriam. And that was only the
first half of the night. For the second half we jumped on a trailer and headed
down back for a bonfire
and more dancing.
more than that. It meant Myriam is truly loved and blessed to be a member of
Totara Springs staff. We all are loved and blessed to be a member in fact.
Kids camp
is coming up next week, and as we prepare to greet and encourage these
children in their faith with God, please pray we are reenergized and encouraging to one another daily.
I also want to lift up Myriam
as she is trying to raise funds to pursue dancing
in Australia.
God Bless!
