from the firing line…

As I look out my cabin window, I see children sitting by themselves or in small groups with their counsellors, having a bit of quiet time with the Lord. “God and me” time we call it. Our desire is that children begin developing a habit of some daily time with God each and every day of their lives. Can there be anything more important than that? It is great to see them and to experience the bit of quiet that exists across the camp ground.

Today is Wednesday, the mid-point of our camp week and always a time for mixed feelings. The week is passing fast, but is it fast enough… or maybe too fast? The Lord has been gracious to us in giving us wonderful weather, a great volunteer staff, good preaching, sweet spirits and for the most part, good kids. Junior Week at camp is always a challenge. Our desire is to see God work in their hearts, that they would come to know Christ, and if already saved, would make some important decisions that will impact their lives – not only down the road, but here and now.

Our preacher this week, Pastor Shawn Beliveau, is doing a great job of communicating with these kids and we are thankful for his preparation and energetic spirit. However, it is plain that the devil is also at work, trying his best to keep God’s truth from entering into young hearts and minds. I wonder if we fully comprehend the battle ground that exists for our children. A child’s life is worth so much to the Lord. He said, Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Mark 9:37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me:

In ministry, it is easy to slip away from this truth. Yet, children are the most open of all harvest fields and a child who comes to know Christ has a lifetime – a full lifetime to live for the Lord and make a difference in a far greater way. I love camp – as tiring as it is at times. I can’t think of a better way to invest my life than in giving to minister to these precious souls for whom Christ died.

I sit on a plane bound for another city. My journey is not a planned one, nor is it one I really want to make. I go because of people – people that I love who are hurting terribly at this time. I don’t know that I can do or say anything at this moment that can alleviate their pain, but I want them to somehow know that I care for them. The difficult circumstances are not because of their doing, nor is it something that they could have somehow prevented. But it happened nonetheless and I am on my way to sit at their side and grieve with them at what I know will be a pain-filled, sorrowful funeral.

Death is never easy, even after a long and blessed life. It is more difficult when it comes in the prime of life, and oh, how so terribly difficult when the life is ended at one’s own hand. The news came by phone, the words shocking and stunning. I walked around the rest of an entire day – in a daze, feeling as if someone had kicked me in the chest. And I am only remotely connected – yes, it was a friend, a man I admired and highly respected, but I am not family, not a follower.

For those so close and so devastated by this uncaring act, and to an extent for myself, I ask: Where is God in all this? I have to answer: Where He has always been – close, ever present and caring deeply for His children. I don’t understand how this could ever happen, but God does. He saw every move away from Him – no matter how slight and unseen by anyone else. God looks at the heart and He knows the thoughts and intentions of us all. I am sure it will be many days, months, even years, that I will wrestle with the reality of all this. I fully expect that as long as I walk the path of this earth, I will not comprehend the truth of it all.

Except this, that God is here with us – we are not alone. In the most despairing and difficult of days, when the people of this earth fail us, disappoint us, even make us angry, God ever remains faithful and true. I am so glad for His Word and His promise, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee…”

Tomorrow, I will make this same long journey in the direction of home. I will welcome the warm hugs of my wife and children, I know I will need those hugs of reassurance and love. Then next day, I will make my way to the pulpit I am blessed to stand behind each week and I will open God’s Word and try to make sense of this all to people who also will be confused and wondering. “Lord, help me to point us all to Thee and Your presence in the storms and trials of life.”