Thank you so much for your prayers and support as we were away serving in Spain. We came home exhausted and bug-bitten, yet filled with the hope of salvation and stories of the goodness of grace.
During the camp week, the campers were divided into eight teepees, each representing a large American city, like Los Angeles or NYC. The groups participated in competitive activities throughout the week, such as "mess fest" and "water games," in order to win points for their team. Although our Westover team was divided into various roles, we all got to interact with these precious campers throughout each day, whether at meals singing "Hands on the Table" as a prayer, during ESL activities in the afternoon, or during the night activity in the big tent singing and dancing before bedtime. During the times when we felt as though we had no energy left to give, we realized that "He gives more grace" (James 4:6). Some of the most meaningful times for the counselors were the "Teepee Talks," which gave us an opportunity to share our personal stories of how Jesus has worked in our lives and gave campers the opportunity to share their stories and ask questions about scripture and understand the meaning of the gospel.
We learned so much during this trip, but one major takeaway is that we want to long for true Christian community in the way that the Spanish evangelical church does. We so often take for granted that there are churches on every corner here, and that every person in our lives has a story that is precious in the eyes of our Father. We loved getting to know the Spanish nationals because they taught us to show genuine love and care for others, and invest in lives. We must ask real questions to others and desire to know each other in a meaningful way, which will in turn point us to the One who knows us more fully than anyone.
Indeed, that is the goal and journey of L'Arcada: to develop meaningful relationships that will last, and help disciple young believers to be lights in the ever-present darkness that surrounds them. Yet we know this: light overcomes the darkness, and the battle has already been won! Let us remain faithful to "shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15).
Love to you all!
The Spain Team
Overview Video of L'Arcada
During the camp week, the campers were divided into eight teepees, each representing a large American city, like Los Angeles or NYC. The groups participated in competitive activities throughout the week, such as "mess fest" and "water games," in order to win points for their team. Although our Westover team was divided into various roles, we all got to interact with these precious campers throughout each day, whether at meals singing "Hands on the Table" as a prayer, during ESL activities in the afternoon, or during the night activity in the big tent singing and dancing before bedtime. During the times when we felt as though we had no energy left to give, we realized that "He gives more grace" (James 4:6). Some of the most meaningful times for the counselors were the "Teepee Talks," which gave us an opportunity to share our personal stories of how Jesus has worked in our lives and gave campers the opportunity to share their stories and ask questions about scripture and understand the meaning of the gospel.
We learned so much during this trip, but one major takeaway is that we want to long for true Christian community in the way that the Spanish evangelical church does. We so often take for granted that there are churches on every corner here, and that every person in our lives has a story that is precious in the eyes of our Father. We loved getting to know the Spanish nationals because they taught us to show genuine love and care for others, and invest in lives. We must ask real questions to others and desire to know each other in a meaningful way, which will in turn point us to the One who knows us more fully than anyone.
Indeed, that is the goal and journey of L'Arcada: to develop meaningful relationships that will last, and help disciple young believers to be lights in the ever-present darkness that surrounds them. Yet we know this: light overcomes the darkness, and the battle has already been won! Let us remain faithful to "shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15).
Love to you all!
The Spain Team
Overview Video of L'Arcada
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