The Joy of Camp Chula Vista

I was talking with some friends about Camp Chula Vista in a public place when another person walked up.  He had heard us discussing Camp Chula Vista.  He said, “I know about Camp Chula Vista.  My sister went there one year with a group and was saved during one of the services.”   Is that just a coincidence?  Probably, but this event also reveals the fact that many lives have been changed at Camp Chula Vista.  Its’ impact on eternity is unmeasurable.  A new camping season is here.  Every week in June there will be kids at Camp Chula Vista swimming, playing, singing, worshiping, studying, listening, praying, and being drawn closer into the presence of God.  If I had the chance to make my wishes come true one of the them would be to give every child a week at Camp Chula Vista because of the impact that week could make on their life and their eternity.  The counselors who spend a week with the kids, sleeping on a bunk bed, sweating, and swatting mosquitos are also changed by the experience.  Seeing God work in the lives of the kids makes a powerful impact on one’s life.  I can remember many a night when the kids were tired after all the activities of the day but awake just enough to listen to a bible story and devotion.  After the devotion was over some fall asleep but some asked questions and you could see a light has come on in their soul.  The Holy Spirit was working and gradually they come to the point they are ready to surrender their life to Christ.  That is the moment the inconveniences of camp were forgotten for the joy of being there to see a life transformed for eternity.  If you are a pastor, please send your kids to camp.  Have a spaghetti supper or sell doughnuts to raise the funds for them to go.  Encourage them to go.  Better yet is you go with them.  Be a counselor or just drive them to camp but do something to be involved.  If camp is important to you then it will be important to them.  If you do not care about camp then they will not care about camp.  The church you pastor or attend should give to the state budget to support the camp.  Giving to camp is an investment in eternity.  Your interest and involvement are critical to the ministry of camp in the lives of our kids.  I hope to see you there.