The following pictured frames are gifts from our summer staff. Some of the comments are- well you know- campisms, and inside jokes, but we will cherish them always!
Saying goodbye is so very hard in the sense that we LOVE the MINISTRY! We love our campers, our staff....they are in our hearts. We have spent hours and hours and our hearts on teaching them the Gospel, by disciplining them and praying over them and with them. It hurts to know that we are leaving them.
We know that God has BIG PLANS to continue growing the ministry here. In fact the directors that have been hired to follow us....are none other than our former summer staff members- that have married and have been working at another camp for the last 4 years. We know God will BLESS them and the camp. We know most of our summer staff are coming back to serve with them. We know that the campers will continue to be spiritually nourished!
And yet......it doesn't make saying goodbye any easier. During this past weekend camp I have started crying a few times.....and know that I will really truly miss them.
Today at 2pm we say goodbye to campers, staff, and any others who show up for our farewell. We will ALWAYS carry you in our hearts......here is the scripture I used in this morning's worship time......
Philippians 1:3-11 "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God.
With ALL OUR LOVE TO THOSE WHO WILL CARRY ON GOD'S WORK HERE AT USKICHITTO RETREAT CENTER........................................
What a great gift. You have changed many lives through this ministry. Praying for you through this bittersweet transition. God has a great plan for the future! It's always comforting to remember that we'll be happiest when following His plan! (helps when we're leaving what we know/is comfortable behind!)
ReplyDeleteLooking back and looking ahead IS bittersweet. You wouldn't be who you are without this ministry experience. And only God knows what lies ahead on your exciting adventure called life.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you and yours in the coming days. May He give you comfort and peace through all the change.
What a sweet (and thoughtful) gift!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what God has in store for your family...!!
All the boxes packed?
I am sure it is so hard to leave. However, I know God has big things planned for you and your family. I am excited I get to follow along :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Amy
God has used you in a mighty way and is going to do big things through you!!
ReplyDeleteSaying goodbye is definitely the hardest part of moving. I hope it all went well. God certainly used you in this position & I'm sure He will continue to use you in whatever path He is leading you.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day
Renata:)
I know it's hard, but I am excited that now I get to know you. Can't wait for you to get here!
ReplyDelete