So my blog is one of my favorite platforms for ministry because it is where I get to share my life and my heart with those who I do not normally come into contact with. It allows me to reach a broader group of people for Jesus. Most of the time, I do not know who reads my posts, but I almost always get one message that explains how an individual was impacted. And if one person is reached for the Kingdom, it is worth it.

With that in mind, I want to be totally transparent with you all so that Christ may be better displayed. And that means sharing my raw experience at Kanakuk Kamps. My first experience at K2 was life-changing. It has changed my outlook on ministry, it has grown me spiritually, and God has used it to sanctify me in new and unexpected ways. Kanakuk is THE kamp for kids who want to grow in their faith and K2 is THE kamp for those who are passionate about athletics as well. So the next couple of blog posts will be full of wisdom and guidance that I gained from kamp and I hope it uplifts you and gives you hope as an imperfect Christ-follower. So here goes nothing:

Take out all the comforts and norms of real life and you get the best growth you’ll ever experience. No phone, no contact with the outside world, no familiar faces. New environment, new schedule, new friends. And guess what that equals? A new understanding of relying on God. One of the most convicting things I experienced at kamp (yes kamp, with a K, welcome to kanakuk) is the fact that our hearts deceive us. I like to tell myself that I rely on God, but when I was emotionally drained from socializing, physically exhausted from sailing, and spiritually wrecked by areas of ministry I had never thought of, my instinct was NOT to fall into the arms of my Heavenly Father. No, my first reaction was to run to my close friends and talk it out. But I was not surrounded by my everyday gals. My second choice was to pick up the phone and call home, but I couldn’t do that either, so finally, when I felt I had no where left to turn, I fell into the arms of my Savior. (I know right, The God of the universe was my last choice for help). But I asked him to renew me and to give me the energy I needed. And (amazingly) He filled me up to get through that day. And he carried me through the rest of my days as a counselor. This was a convicting reminder that God is literally all I need. It made me wonder why I don’t always go to Him first? I am distracted by this world and how society tells us we should be comforted. No, my instincts were not bad, my family and friends are supportive Christian influences that help me in many ways, but when I value their opinions over Christ’s then it becomes a problem. Therefore, Psalms 73:26 became my prayer and my desire for my life, both at kamp and now that I am leaving there. It says “My heart and my flesh may fail, but God, you are the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” This verse reminds me that my flesh constantly fails me. I did not have the stamina to be a kamp kounselor. I was not a perfect example for my kampers. My body got tired, my muscles were sore, my heart was worn. But I also learned that I didn’t have to have the stamina. I didn’t have to be the perfect kounselor. I didn’t have to have it all figured out, because God knew what I was capable of, and he was able to use my strengths AND my weaknesses for the glory of His kingdom. And HE would fill in the gaps and be my portion (exactly what I needed, the person that gives me strength, endurance, and rest). One quote I heard at kamp that sticks with me is to pray that you will be small so that God can be big through you (John 3:30). The fact that my imperfections were revealed allowed my time at kamp not to be about me, but to be about Him!!! And I am thankful that He could get the glory and not me.

This was just a little snapshot of the sanctification that took place in a little town called Lampe, Missouri with a bunch of college athletes and 11 high school kampers that reminded me of some important aspects of the Christian life. More on this to come in my later posts.

-the latest Kanakuk lover: Megs