Bem vindo! (Welcome!) This past week, we got to welcome campers into a fun Christ-centered week of camp. Although we are all tired, it was an absolute blast serving with the Lifeshapers.
During the overnight camp, we had the opportunity to step into diverse roles of leadership and service. There was a lot to do at camp, and no matter what position we were in, we all had to die to ourselves and serve the teenage campers. For Henry and Rebecca, this work looked like leading the Conquerers and the Flamers! These were the two teams at camp that played in competitions and created chants to earn points. Henry partnered with LifeShape leader Maju to lead the Conquerers, while Rebecca teamed up with LifeShaper, Caio, to lead the Flamers. Despite the language barrier and obstacles with the campers, leading these teams was a very important task. Nathan joined LifeShape leader Julia as our camp mediators. These two helped create and explain our games, lead and judge chant competitions, and create an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
Our next role was just as crucial as the last. Garrison, Landon, Lucy, and Abby joined Davi, Ester, and Pedro to make up the Logistics team. They diligently worked behind the scenes to set up spaces for activities and made everything work smoothly. Alongside the setup, they also got to grow closer with the campers. We could not do camp without them!
Finally, we have the camp counselors. Each was paired with a Lifeshaper: Jeremiah and Pedro Zaban, Austin and Yan, Lendon and Caio, Abigail with Lucy and Anna, Hannah and Luiza, Selah and Magila, Haven and Sophia. Each day, they spent time with the campers playing games, leading devotionals, eating meals together, and getting to know them more. These counselors got to pour into the campers like no one else.
We are so grateful for our partners at LifeShape who made these collaborations possible. The Americans and Brazilians working together had a big impact on the campers and showed us that no matter where we are or who we are around, we are called to serve.
Has there ever been a time in your life when you were called to serve in an environment that was unfamiliar?
Nathan Rushik, Austin Wiggins & Henry Anderson
Current Fellows, Class XX