Joy and Faith
in Action
“For
where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.”
Matthew 18:20
“A little
child shall lead them.” Isaiah 11:6
Twenty-six
plus two day visitors gathered for the 25th time for a winter retreat
at Lake Louise Retreat Center, part of Lake Louise United Methodist
Camp. Over 200 families have attended this event with highest
attendance being eighty-nine people. Ages from 5 months to 85 years
of age have experienced the magic of Lake Louise.
Large or
small, the group gathers each year for the same purpose, to come
together in faith for fellowship, friendship, fun, and food. New
friends are made and old friends are cherished. Prayer and worship
experienced in a relaxed but spiritual way. The camp provides acres
of outdoor fun, freedom to play hard or rest, and a gathering place
for families and friends to be together without the pressures of
daily life. Conversation is constant, texting is not.
Six youth,
ages 5-13, led the retreaters through a weekend of joy and faith.
When asked to serve in this capacity they readily agreed. Two girls
announced the activities prior to each meal, gathered volunteers for
grace, and communicated with the camp staff the needs of the
retreaters. Two boys volunteered to keep the wood box full for the
fireplace. They never failed us, hauling wood by sled from the
woodpile and carrying many arm loads of wood up the steps to the wood
box. The remaining two girls joined with the others to lead the
worship service as member of the “Lake Louise Choir,” under the
direction of Miss Tamara. All participated in the talent show with
innovative skits, offered to lead grace before meals, were Olympic
champions on the sledding hill, and were willing to play a game, work
the community jigsaw puzzle, or weave a bracelet with anyone who was
interested.
Three
senior “Senior High” girls were in attendance. All are recent
college grads. What a joy to have their company.
The camp
staff asked me if a “Leadership-In-Training” program was part of
our weekend. He was amazed by the examples of good leadership and
communicating skills that were displayed.
How
grateful I am to have witnessed the kindness, joy, and volunteerism
these children displayed. What a display of faith in action.
Hope you
can plan on being a part of this wonderful weekend next year!
Lynn Van de
Putte
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