I didn’t have any plans for mission work this summer.  God apparently did.  I will spare you the details, but through a series of events with many a twist and turn that can only be credited to the hand of God, in July I found myself boarding a plane in Baltimore, final destination,All The King’s Horses Children Ranch, Benson AZ.  Questions posed by family, church and friends as to the nature of my mission work with the children of ATKHCH were answered with a shrug of my shoulders and an “I don’t know.”  Other than knowing I would be helping at Broken Arrow Camp for a week, I truly had no idea exactly what my mission work would entail.  Here’s what God had in store.

Beauty:  I discovered the desert and mountains of the Tucson-Cochise Stronghold area to be breathtakingly beautiful.  Initially, I thought, “Really God?  The dessert in July!” Not my idea of where I wanted to be.  But God blessed me with evidence of His signature at every turn.  Three deer greeted me in the yard of the ranch as I stepped out onto the porch one morning.  Coming from the east coast, I was struck by the unobstructed vistas, openness, the variegated colors of the mountains as one range after another stretched out before me.  Towering, billowy clouds, a wild thunderstorm with wicked lightening and the welcomed drenching rain as monsoon season (who would have thought!) swept through the dessert.  The colors, the vegetation, the smells all so different from my Maryland home, reminding me of how God lavishes me with gifts found in His creation.

The Children:  Hmmm, what can I say about the kids. I spent 5 days at camp with the children.  I was there as a helper, an adult who came to guide and care for them and, I hope, bless them by my presence.  But who blessed whom?   I was blessed by their hugs. Many made me laugh with their antics, their exuberance and the enthusiasm with which they approached each camp activity. I smiled as a very loud, very chatty dorm full of teen-aged girls reminded me of my own youthful, late night, girly gab sessions (and yes, the charm of this wore off quickly). My heart was warmed as the little ones rushed to sit with me at the meals and share stories of the day’s adventures.  And my heart was broken.  Not all, but many of the children attending the camp come from less than ideal living conditions.  Many were in foster care or living with relatives since Mom and Dad could not or would not raise them.  Some were troubled and exhibited outbursts of anger, fueled I’m certain by deep pain.  As I learned their stories, some are what I would I call “throw-away kids”, living on the fringes of society, a hair’s breadth away from the next disaster.  Which brings me to…

Humility: I was humbled by the children.  I was humbled by their resilience in the face of adversity and difficulties that make me shudder as I consider them.  I was moved to tears as one young girl who has seen more heartache in her 16 years than I have in my lifetime told me she felt God had blessed her by allowing her to meet me!  I told her, “Oh sweetie, it is the other way around.” I can only hope to emulate the grace and poise this young women projected despite her difficult situation.

 I was humbled by the profuse thanks offered by one young lady for my instruction on the underwater somersault.  She practiced with the diligence of an Olympic athlete and had a willing, teachable spirit.  I gave her a few minutes of my time and attention; you would have thought I handed her a million dollars.

I was humbled by the example of faithful servants of the Lord such as Ana Lucore and Billy and December Galloska  (All The King’s Horses Children’s Ranch) and Pastor Tim (Broken Arrow Camp) who daily minister to these children.  I am amazed at their unfailing faith in the Lord’s provision for their work, their commitment to heeding His will in caring for these children, and their unflagging dedication to this challenging labor of love.

His Saving Grace:  The sadness, tragedies and unfairness of this world frequently overwhelm me.  Sitting in chapel every evening with the children and listening to Pastor Tim preach the message of God’s saving grace was balm to my soul. Many of the children came forward in repentance with faith to claim the saving power offered by our Lord’s grace.  I am so very sorry those little ones have to suffer as they do.  I am sorry earthly parents many times fail their children.  But I thank God each of these kids heard the message of the unfailing love of our Heavenly Father and the joys of a relationship with His son and our savior, Jesus.  I pray each of the children will grow in their relationship with our Lord.  He will never let them down.

As usual,the week at Broken Arrow Camp was a special time for our youth.  Here are a few photos to help you share the memories.

Here we are lining up for cookout.  Yum!

The beautiful scenery and the bumpy ride are

some of the best parts of the hayride!

Basketball is always a hit with the kids! 

Enjoying a good chat at the picnic table