"Because of camp..."

Back in January, our friend, co-worker in the camp & retreat world, and former MTOP staffer* Paul Harcey (Camp Kingswood) asked us to finish this sentence: "Because of camp..." We reposted the question on our MTOP Facebook page. I recently paid attention to the responses. I was overwhelmed.

That got me thinking about something I heard said by Rev. Dickie Hinton, the United Methodist TN Conference Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries and also a former MTOP staffer*. Dickie was plugging camping ministry, and reminded me that sending a young person to one week of Christ-filled summer camp was equivalent to a year's worth of Sunday School instruction. It made me see what I do and what I spend as a parent on my child's camping experience in a different light.

(*Coincidence? Hmmm...)

So, here it goes. "Because of camp..."

• I have renewed my relationship with God. - Paula

• I have long lasting relationships with people across the country and have grown so much closer to our Lord and Savior. - Shelby

• I learned that those who have less material things tend to have more spiritual treasures. - Melissa

• I could build a house by myself (almost) but more important are the friends from all over and the spiritual renewal every time! - Jan

• I feel more comfortable with helping the valley below. Not only by doing God's work, but helping our giant community on Earth. - Emily

• I have a heart for missions, a closer relationship with my Savior and Friend, and many sisters and brothers in Christ all over the country who are my prayer warriors! -Sonja

• i began a life long pilgrimage of ministry - Gavin

• I learned to use a breath prayer and I now say it multiple times a day -Julie

• I've been given a living hope in God and man. -Colton

• I now live and work in Grundy County School System. -Erika

• I take longer walks with god and have unending friendships across the country - Matt

• I know and love God more than I possibly could have without working out in the county - Andrea

• I heard a call to start an organization called ATOP (Austin, Texas Outreach Project) to serve the "valley below" at home-to love my neighbors, to grow in my faith, and to commit myself to a life of service with my faith family. - Meghan

• I also learned that no matter where you are called to go, you will ALWAYS be blessed by those your serve and serve with!!! - Holly

• i have an amazing relationship with our father and have nevr had an experience like that since and will remember the relationships formed for a lifetime and know the miracles he can perform in just two weeks thanks sooooo much mountain top the staffffff and our father - Muffie

• I found my way back to my creator. - Mary

• I helped our church start a group in my home community in 1977 called S.H.A.L.O.M... and after my 2nd trip to the mountain in 1983, I was called(the day I got back-talk about answered prayers) to be a teacher in a low income area 1300 miles away and what I learned on the mountain has guided me every day of my life. - Michele

• I am a Christian. - Eric

• I have never truly felt disconnected from God. Far away at times, yes; but I couldn't forget what He has done for me because of my experiences there. - Alex

• because of camp im a better person and i love more - Perp

• i am happier - Carolyn

• i know from which well to drink. - Carolyn

• I became closer with God. I met amazing people. I learned that physical labor isn't that scary. I had hands down the best week of my life. ♥ - April

• I learned that 'God spoke to me' at least sometimes literally means "God SPOKE to me" and that the first time is a little scary. -John

So, thanks to everyone out there who supports camping and retreat ministries, who pays a camper's fee, who eats a spaghetti dinner at a youth mission trip fundraiser, who organizes a trip to camp. You make an invaluable and immeasurable impact for the sake of the Kingdom.