Stories
A Colorful Summer
Heavy breathing and sweaty faces lined up ready to go back to the air- conditioned center. They were sweaty but they were smiling. This was the last couple days of camp on our day out. They piled into the vans with questions like, “can we do another week of camp miss” or “where are we going to go next year?” I smiled back and replied, “you’ll have to wait and see.”
For the last four weeks 60 kids came each morning to do activities ranging from arts and crafts, board games, technical awakening, sculpture, sports, games, music, and theater. Some started apprehensive about if they would like it but others jumped in with both feet.
During the bible class one week they talked about what they were thankful for. One boy who has heart issues shared that he was thankful that Jesus had been with him during his surgery and had never left him. Another just simply sharing that he was thankful to know that Jesus was with him during these hard times sharing no details but with a look of understanding past her age.
The teens this year have been specifically impressive. Opening up and having tough discussions and pushing and encouraging each other in new things. They found a place of safety and understanding where they could speak their mind without judgmental eyes from adults. So much so in fact that some of them are still coming each day to hang out and play a game or just chat with the teachers.
This is our goal. It’s not just to create a summer program of fun but that this time of “fun” opens doors to hearts. For those who feel they are alone and have no one to really listen to them, that they have a place of peace to let out what’s bothering them and find solutions and healing.
Our ears, hearts and doors at Triumphant Mercy always remain “open” just as Christ’s are open to us. So that we may portray His love and presence to the community.
