Gem Lake Bible Camp

Thank you for being part of the team that prays, encourages, and financially supports the work of Inner City Youth Alive at Gem Lake Wilderness Camp. It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 17 years. God has truly been faithful, and I could not continue in this ministry without you.

Our winter camp season ended much better than it began. We had a great time enjoying outdoor activities together in God’s creation, but more importantly, we had many opportunities for meaningful personal connections during our five winter camps. We heard about some of the difficult challenges our youth are facing in their personal lives and families, and our staff were able to offer encouragement and pray with them.

One evening during a teen girls’ camp, we were waiting for the last few campers to arrive before starting minichurch. One girl, growing impatient, jokingly announced that she would start mini-church herself. She went to the front, took song requests, and began leading. Before long, several other girls joined her. Once everyone had finally arrived, she looked at us, expecting that we would step in, but we let her continue. By the end of the singing time, nearly every camper was up front, praising God and dancing. It was a joy to watch the shift from impatience to wholehearted worship.

Last summer, we were blessed with a strong, committed, and very intentional staff team, and are encouraged that most are hoping to return again this summer. We are still in need of someone to fill the City/Camp Liaison role. This person connects with campers in the city, shops and packs food and supplies, and drives campers to and from camp. Please pray that God will lead us to the right person for this role soon. If you know of anyone who might be a good fit, please let me know.

Much of my time away from camp is spent coordinating staff, maintaining vehicles, and navigating the administrative and regulatory responsibilities involved in running camp. I’ve also been able to stay connected with some of our camp staff team, walking alongside them through many of the challenges that come with life in our community.

Recently, several of our staff attended a spiritual deliverance training weekend together. It was good to grow in spiritual depth together. Please pray for continued spiritual healing and protection for both our staff and campers.

PRAISE AND PRAYER ITEMS

• Praise God for the good connections with campers this winter.

• Praise God that so many of our staff from last year are planning to return again this summer.

• Pray that what campers learned will stay with them as they continue journeying toward God.

• Pray that our new boat will serve us well as we put it into use this spring.

• Pray that we can quickly find the right persons for Camp Liaison, cabin leaders and cooks.

• Pray for spiritual protection over our staff team this spring and summer.

• Pray that God begins to work in the hearts of our campers even before they come to camp.

Gord and Beckie serve as the head of Gem Lake Bible Camp.

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This article is was originally published in the Recorder, Vol 63, No. 2