By Angie Cluck of Highland, Kansas, USA
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
On a summer night at Camp Farwesta, I was asked if I would consider being a part of a camp for children who had lost a parent or sibling. This was a new endeavor for our mission center, and I accepted the challenge. I had lost my son, and he left behind five children. I knew this was something I needed to be involved with for myself and my grandchildren. This project was given the name Camp Haven, and it will forever be one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
Many hours of planning and preparing made sure every logistical decision was about the needs of these children who would be entrusted to our care. The money came in from all over due to the generous donations of the surrounding communities. The volunteers came from all walks of life, giving their time to join the community of Camp Haven. The day finally arrived and the staff gathered for training. The excitement was in the air as we became closer to having the children on the grounds. It was during this training that we began to realize the magnitude of this endeavor.
As we were given the details of each child’s story, we knew this was bigger than us. We knew that through our faith, our life experiences, and by the guidance from our Lord, we would make a difference in the lives of these children who had experienced such tragedies of loss. As the children arrived, Camp Haven became alive. What happened during that week was full of generosity, laughter, joy, and tears. These children taught me that life could be so hard, tragic, and unimaginable, but being resilient could bring joy, happiness, and love.
I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to serve in such a presence of generous givers of their time and monetary gifts to make a safe and happy place for children to be loved and supported in the midst of their grief. With love comes loss, and with loss comes grief. God is so good, and I witnessed that through the eyes of the children at Camp Haven.
Prayer Phrase
“Bear one another’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2).
Spiritual Hunger
Jesus discerned hungers of body and spirit, and he fed them through a physical, verbal, spiritual ministry of presence. In a time of listening prayer, ask God to help you discern physical or spiritual hungers of people in your congregation, community, and global family. Invite the Spirit to move you to one hospitable act that “feeds” someone’s hunger today.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.