Jesus loves me
Doris Born
It was the first campfire of the summer. We had spent a year in planning, we had finished staff training, we had prayed, the first batch of eager campers had arrived, and we had survived the chaos of registration.
At the end of the first day, we gathered around the campfire for a few skits, songs and a short devotional. My husband Will and I decided to lead the kids in a trendy upbeat version of "Jesus Loves Me". We thought it would be a safe opener, a song that most kids would know the words to.
"How many know the song `Jesus Loves Me'?" I asked. To my surprise, less than half the group put up their hands. This confirmed that many of our campers were from nonchurched homes. As we sang the song, my mind raced with the impact that the words have.
Jesus loves me, this I know. . . .
I wondered how many of our campers knew this simple yet life-changing truth? Many of our campers would; others wouldn't. What an awesome opportunity to reaffirm what is taught in Sunday schools and Christian homes, and to share the love of Jesus with those who have only heard His name as a swear word.
For the Bible tells me so. . . .
A friend from my community had called prior to the start of our summer program. She was sending her son for a week of camp and noticed that he needed a Bible. "Should I buy one for him? We don't have a Bible in the house." Although I told her we'd have extra ones at camp, she decided to buy one for him. "I'd like him to have his own. In fact, I might buy one for myself as well." What a privilege to place the Word of God in children's hands, in their hearts and in their homes.
Little ones to Him belong. . . .
I thought of Jesus taking the little children in His arms and blessing them, saying, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it" (Mark 10:13-16).
They are weak, but He is strong. . . .
We need the Lord and His strength to bring us into a relationship with Him. We are weak, unable to reach God on our own. But in his loving mercy, through Jesus' death on the cross, the gap between us and our Maker has been bridged. Through Him we can be forgiven and live in peace. Why is this so much easier for children to grasp? Statistics show that most conversions occur before age 18. Children aren't afraid to admit that they are weak, that they need a Saviour.
Many children make life-changing decisions at camp. Many adults look back to camp experiences as being pivotal in their Christian walk. Maybe that's because camp is a safe place. In God's creation, away from the world's distractions, camp is a place where it's cool to be a Christian. The Word of God is read boldly, songs are sung enthusiastically, and hearts call to the Lord. What a privilege to have a part in sharing this timeless message.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Doris Born, Gardom Lake Bible Camp
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