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Now, maybe more than ever, I want to see people come to faith in Christ. It took only a few weeks after I first believed in Christ during college to realize that if I need Jesus to be saved then so does everybody else. I began talking to my lost friends and family members who had no clue what it means to repent of our sins and trust in Christ’s death on the cross, allowing the “wall of hostility” (Eph 2:14) between sinful man and holy God to be torn down and the two reconciled. Then and now, I see folks seeking peace and satisfaction in the things of this world when those things ultimately cannot satisfy the true cravings of the soul. I know because I was one of them.
C.S. Lewis explained that “creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. … If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”
The ultimate longing of souls can only be satisfied through a humbling of ourselves before Almighty God, acknowledging our wrongs, and trusting in Him to fix what is broken in us. And the days may be getting short for opportunities. Jesus promised he was coming back soon and who knows, the Day may be at hand.
This summer, campers heard the words of Jesus as he informed the disciples of his return to earth and how important it is to be found READY on that day. It is with much joy I report there are more young people who are, indeed, ready for the return of Christ because of their time at Cedar Lake Camp. But they are not just ready for His return, they are ready for death should that happen first. Even more, they are ready to LIVE. How is that? Because they trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Not material possessions. Not good deeds, even religious ones. But by the grace of God through faith in Christ.
One evening after campfire, I was approached by one of our junior counselor girls. She said one of her campers, *Amelia, wanted to trust in Christ for salvation but her counselor was taking care of other campers, and would I be willing to speak with her. The three of us sat on the swing set for the next several minutes discussing the human condition with all its shortcomings and the forgiveness and hope found only in Christ. Despite being only 11 years old, Amelia asked some really good Bible questions (kids have a way of keeping us on our toes, don’t they?!!). I could tell she was sincere in her desire to embrace the truth. At the end of the conversation, I asked, “Is this a decision you are ready to make?” She said yes. I said, “Then just confess your sins to Jesus and invite Him to be your Savior. Tell Him you believe in Him and that He rose from the dead.” Amelia prayed to receive Christ and is now a born-again child of God. What a privilege to witness the new birth!
In addition to stories such as these, we also see the Lord work in the lives of campers who have already made that decision to be saved but haven’t been the most serious about their faith. Sometimes we say they are “making their faith their own.” They are learning what it means to follow Jesus for themselves. Camp is a great place to learn how to do that. Camp is quite simply good in many ways. Praise God for another wonderful summer! We are so grateful to the Lord for shattering our previous record of 712 campers by granting us, 906 kids!!!
We are pleased to announce that cabins 7 and 8 have been completely renovated! They were finished just prior to the start of the summer and still have that wonderful new wood smell. In all, over the past few years, four cabins have been completely overhauled. And during that same time, our newest cabin, Behemoth, was installed. Thank you to all who have helped us with the process.
The design team is busy working on the plans for the new gym and pool as we speak. Architects are busy folks these days and unfortunately, we have to wait in line like everybody else. It should only be a few short months from now when we have the finalized plans in our hands. At that point, we are free to break ground.
If you would like to join us in the Capital Campaign for this project, please contact us. As a non-profit, we are always looking for partners who recognize the benefit of contributing to the cause of the gospel by making an investment in the lives of our young people.
In addition to cash donations, we can receive gifts of stock, annuities, IRA rollovers, or even used cars, ATVs, boats, and jewelry. In whatever way the Lord has blessed you we would be so grateful for your gifts of time, talent, and treasure.
If you or anyone you know has experience in writing grants, please send them our way. We are always willing to learn more in this area.
Finally, if you would like to join us for our annual fundraiser banquet and auction on Thursday, October 21st, please let us know! We have a great time with food, fun, and fellowship as we hear reports and encouragements about the ministry of CLC. This year’s event will once again be held at Duck Pond Manor near Sparta, TN. We would be honored to have you as our guest!
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