Week 3 - Tim

​It’s hard to believe that the third week of WildHeart Adventure Camp is done and that camp is already over. During our final week of camp, we took the guys on a 5-day, 30+ mile canoe trip down the Flambeau River in central Wisconsin. Compared to backpacking, the canoe trip was less strenuous, but also required the patience and discipline to paddle the canoe properly so as not to tire out your arms. We enjoyed swimming in the river when we got the chance, and also got to canoe down several rapids ranging from class 1 to 3! When we returned from the canoe trip on Thursday night, the campers were greeted by their fathers and they spent the weekend doing activities together including skeet shooting, archery, and firing .22 caliber rifles. Pastor Mark ended the week with a challenge focused on helping the campers and their fathers deal with sin and hurt in their lives through the power of Christ instead of coping with their own power.
In spite of the fun we had canoeing and fellowshipping with the fathers, week three was a difficult week in a number of ways. There were no dramatic conversions or evident movements of the Spirit. From a pragmatic standpoint, it would seem that we failed our mission as counselors. But although we did not see the planted seed take root, we are encouraged by the truth that God’s Word does not go out void; it always accomplishes the purpose for which it was sent. Even if they did not accept God’s gift of salvation yet, they saw His love in our lives, and who knows what God will do with the seeds we have planted?
Although camp is now over, please continue to pray for these campers, that God would continue to confront them with the liberating truth of the gospel. We are excited that two of the campers will be returning to our program in August to attend Victory Academy for Boys. Pray that God would prepare them for their time here during the school year and that he would break their hearts of stone. We have planted, others will water, and God, if he will, will give the increase.