Shine

Once upon a time, Josh Blain and Ashley Lesslie traveled for an entire summer together, going from camp to camp with two other great friends. In those days, Josh and Ashley were young and energetic. They could stay up all night, and function coherently the next day. This could go on for weeks.

But such is no longer true. Josh and Ashley are old, and their bodies demand more than just a few hours of sleep to function at all, let alone coherently.

One thing remains true, though, and that is that Josh and Ashley LOVE camp!

We just spent one wonderful albeit tiring week in Vancouver, Washington, with eight to twelve year-olds. Josh was the camp speaker this year, and did a wonderful job! The kids listened and understood, and many gave their testimonies the last night around a bon-fire, and God spoke greatly to young hearts.

The theme of this year's camp was SHINE, based on Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Josh used a lantern he named Larry to illustrate the idea of either conforming to the darkness, or letting God transform the darkness into light.

I am exceedingly proud of my husband. The enemy tried his hardest to shut Josh's mouth, but the enemy lost! God put passion and fire into Josh as he shared what was layed on his heart, and it was difficult to miss the calling in Josh's life.

I spent the week with a cabin of six campers, and one co-counselor. I have missed weeks like these! It may be exhausting, but it's also refreshing. And I would argue that kids' camp isn't just for kids.

We head for Chicago this weekend for my graduation, then back in time for one last camp.

I'll close with some of my favorite pictures from the week, but also with yet another request for your prayers. Josh and I covet them, especially as we travel and jump into another camp.


Josh holding Larry the Lantern as an illustration.


Josh preaching during the morning rally.


My cabin, the Sunshine Hearts.


Six wonderful campers, and three wonderful co-counselors.


Josh and I sporting our SHINE t-shirts the last day of camp.


Campers dancing to "I'm in the Lord's Army."


Patty Blain teaching about keeping oil (Christ) in your lamp (heart).


Jodi Hess teaching about Amy Carmichael.


One of my campers was an expert animal imitator!