My 3 Passions (Part 2) - Camp Cherokee

"Jesus? Who's that? He's someone who died for me because He loved me? Why did He do that?" Tears streamed down her face. She could not comprehend the fact that someone loved her so much that He would die for her. There are so many children who have never heard the name of Jesus--who never knew that they were so special that someone would die for them.

Camp Cherokee is not just another summer camp. It is not just a place where kids come to have fun for a week. It is not just a convenient way for parents to have a break from their kids. It is not a place for staff to make lots of money to pay off their school bills. Camp Cherokee is a mission field where every day hearts are changed and spiritual commitments are made.

It all started my first year at Southern. A large portion of my friends started telling me about this wonderful camp in upstate New York that proactively seeks to paint a picture of Jesus for children. First of all, the kids get to enjoy riding horses, swimming, tubing, wake boarding, water skiing, doing archery, gymnastics, arts & crafts, learning about wilderness survival, cake decorating, and much more. Then, they get to learn about Jesus. The counselors have worships in their cabins every evening, there is chapel every morning and evening, there is a special program about the crucifixion of Jesus on Friday night, and a fun Sabbath activity unique from the rest of the week. For those who are interested, there is also the option of taking Bible studies during their stay.

I was blessed to spend the summers of 2008 and 2009 working as a counselor, wrangler, lifeguard, and boat driver at Camp Cherokee. My life was changed. The staff were awesome friends and had a special skill of uplifting each other spiritually. I got great experience disciplining kids, having fun with them, teaching them, and loving them.

What impacted me the most was seeing God work in the lives of my girls. Many kids would come to camp because they had to, but by the end of the week their lives were changed. Time after time I wouldn't know what to share for worship in the evening and God would give me just the right words. Girls heard the story of the cross for the first time. They made commitments to do right, and best yet, many of them gave their hearts to Jesus for the first time. Camp Cherokee changed my life.