The sermon progression for camp was the acronym J O Y, representing Jesus, Others, You. The first two days focused on who Jesus was and is. We focused on His perfect life and the ultimate sacrifice he made, not just dying a gruesome death on a cross, but also the outpouring of God's wrath onto the person of Christ to atone for every time we haven't been obedient to God's instruction. I have to think they were able to connect in the smallest sense with this concept of wrath on the one who disobeys based on the stories they would tell me about their home lives.
Each day I had about 20 minutes with each kid to find out where they are at in life. Over time I began to see patterns in their answers based on my line of questioning. Asking them what they are most afraid of usually brough responses ranging from repeat nightmares, to paternal beatings, to neighbors and family members who practiced witchcraft. When asked about their home-life, rarely did one comment about both parents. They all spoke of school and how they would do anything to be able to attend.
One of the most impactful stories was from Hatson, the second blessing time I conducted. Hatson's father died in 2000 and his mother had passed away in January. His shoes didn't fit, so his heel hung out the top, and his left hand was disfigured from birth, leaving only 2 fingers. From the way he cried on my shoulder, it was apparent that he hadn't had someone to open up to and feel safe with in a long time. Hatson lives with his grandmother who cannot work, and his biggest fear is what will happen to him if she dies. His fear is validated by the rest of his family disowning him, and refusing to care for him now or in the future.
Hatson is a perfect example of a life Family Legacy is working to restore. Through the blessings of God, Hatson is now sponsored by Kevin and Lori Smith, and he is receiving 3 meals a day. He is being discipled by Godly men who look out for his well being, and he is receiving medical treatment. Through Family Legacy, those who have been blessed by God are able to comfort the physical needs of Hatson. Hatson sees the sponsorship as a blessing from God, and proof that God has not forgotten him in his time of need. This is what God meant when He told Abram that he would be blessed to be a blessing.
Please pray today for Hatson's safety, nurishment, health, and spiritual development. Pray that the Lord will graciously lift the veil and show His face to Hatson. Pray for peace that passes all understanding. Amen.
