Last week I had 5 full-on days at Luther Heights, Coolum, being Camp Pastor at a camp run by Lutheran Youth of Qld for Yr 3-6 children. There were 18 other leaders: 2 married couples, 1 about-to-be first time grandma farmer from the Darling Downs, a few junior leaders (going into Yr 11 or 12) and the rest young adults who are professionals or still studying. 45 of us including active children.
Paul reminded the new Christians at Corinth that the gifts of the Holy Spirit, spectacular or unspectacular, are given for the common good. I was daunted by the initial thought of being part of a camp with so many children. My actual experience: it was challenging at times and it was tiring. That’s par for the course of working with children and young people. It was also very special. I was part of a wonderful team of leaders and support people. It makes such a difference to be part of a good team. They are all volunteers, who actually pay their own accommodation costs in order to attend. They have also been carefully vetted by LYQ, and there are good Childsafe practices in place.
Each person of the team brought their own skills, experiences and enthusiasm to make it a great camp for all the children. Small group leaders engaged with the camper Bible studies in ways that the children could relate to. Activities and games were well run. The occasional challenging behaviours of a few were dealt with safely, in ways that did not humiliate anyone, and helped children make good choices.
I haven’t seen the feedback forms the children completed, but I’s sure, from all my interactions, conversations and observations, that it was a good week for all. There is no way one person, even the most gifted, could achieve that for so many children. It’s Christians, bringing their giftings, their personalities, their faith, and their skills, and working together who made it happen.
It’s that way, too, in the congregation that we are part of. We are all part of the body of Christ, and we bring what we have, and who we are, to make this thing called ‘church’ work, and work well. One person doesn’t do it all. The Holy Spirit works through us all, for the common good.
