...finding Jesus in Cuba...: A Spirit of Power, Love and Self-Discipline

It’s difficult make our dreams come true. Especially if it involves many people and finding resources to make it happen. Each obstacle, each resource obtained is only overcome through God’s providence and the strength he gives us daily. Some months ago God laid heavily on my heart to have a Children’s Camp and it became my dream and desire.

And it was indeed through God’s grace the people and resources came together. People prayed. South Valley Community Church in California provided the funds we needed. And enough adults volunteered for Children’s Camp.

We wanted to challenge the children to make a difference in the midst of a society that is relentless in tearing down Christian values. With God’s guidance the children’s leaders selected the theme (Marking the Path), verse (2 Timothy 1:17) and song (”We can do all things through Christ”) for the Camp.

Getting to this point was a challenge, but there was more to come. A few days before Camp we found out that the facilities did not have produce for the meals and some of the children would have to sleep on the floor. We found the produce and mattresses needed. We were ready to go.

More than 100 children attended camp

Finally the day arrived for our trip to camp. Among tears (mostly from the parents) and kisses we set out for the camp, an hour away.

Arrival at Camp

When we got there, the camp manager told me that one of the two water pumps was not working. He said it’s OK because they can operate with the other one. But while we were talking, the second water pump started to smoke and shut down. Now we were without water and 100 children plus workers in the buses. There was a strong possibility that we’d have to cancel camp and return to Remedios. I looked at Maitee, the Children’s Leader, and saw tears streaming down her cheeks. No one could bare the disappointment of not having camp. Undeterred, we set out to fix the water problem. We found some pipes and buckets to provide water. And what could have turned out to be a disaster became an adventure. The children had fun using buckets of water to bathe and play.

Without even beginning camp, we were already experiencing “the spirit of power, love and self-discipline” God has given us. A great lesson for the children.

I can imagine the smiling face of our Heavenly Father as he heard the voices of more than 130 of his children praising Him that night at camp and enjoying their time together.