By Natalie Martinez
On the week of July 9th, 2023, I served as one of three leaders in a group of ten girls in the fourth through sixth grades. I loved getting to know each and every one of these amazing young women, getting to laugh with them, teach them, and enjoy each day together. Every day the students have a 3-4 hour window in the afternoon in which they can choose from various activities around the camp to do with each other or other groups. On one particular day, my group went swimming at the lake, and I watched as child after child took off running to that water with reckless abandon and utter excitement to try the zipline, the slip n’ slide, or jump on the trampoline. I grew up a swimmer and spent 10+ hours in a pool every week. The water was always, and still is, a comforting place to me. I easily forget that is not the case for everyone. As I was standing there watching the students, I noticed a young man whom I had the pleasure of having taught for several years during Sunday School standing along the water. I recognized the look of wanting to join in while being afraid of something clouding his face as he stared after the other students. After talking to him briefly, I discovered he was petrified of the water because he couldn’t see the bottom and was afraid of falling into a hole he couldn’t see. After a lot of coaxing and promising him that I would not let him fall, we entered the water hand-in-hand. He was pale with terror and starting to hyperventilate, but I told him, “Just keep your eyes on me, I got you, I promise.” I walked backward in front of him so as to hit any holes before he ever had a chance, and to let him see that the way was clear. Slowly, he went all the way in.
What is more amazing, though, is that by the end of the week, he wanted to be baptized. He wanted it so badly that, instead of waiting for the clear water back at church (not that there is anything wrong with that), he agreed to do it in the water that scared him so badly. Anyone watching his face while he went under would have known he was terrified, but his love for the Lord was greater than any Earthly fear. If that isn’t impactful, I don’t know what is.
Matthew 18:3 NIV says, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Well, this child’s faith definitely taught me and continues to teach me a valuable lesson about my own. As someone who has struggled with anxiety for over half my life, I am no stranger to fear; in fact, it has been a large part of my everyday life for more years than I would care to admit. Over and over, God has taught me to trust Him in the biggest to the smallest moments, and yet so often, I find myself forgetting to. This moment at camp was one of the sweetest reminders for me, and for all of us, that no matter how afraid we are, if we keep our eyes on the Lord by His strength, we can do anything. He walks before us and makes our way safe. Every fear must submit to Him, and every obstacle we face will be overcome. This young man chose to trust me, a very flawed human being, to keep him safe, so how much better is it when we trust the Almighty God of the universe to keep us safe? He never once failed, and He never will. Camp made an impact on many this year, more baptisms occurred there than I had ever seen, but the biggest impact it had for me personally was this gentle reminder to trust God with all my heart, mind, and soul. To have faith like a child.
If you are interested in volunteering for camp this summer, please register your interest soon!
Also, if your child is interested in joining in the fun this summer, register them soon!
