Hello!!!
It’s been a couple more days and let me update you on the goings on! It has been eventful and full of expectation and hope.
First of all, I want to say that the Lord’s presence and purposes in this place (Porto Astro) are very real and very exciting.
We have finished preparations with the team here, setting up tents, filling air mattresses and checking them with a stethoscope for leaks (!), making beds with the new pillows that arrived, keeping dishes clean, setting up tables and chairs for 200 people in all the shady spots and barging over groceries for the week. There were more cucumbers and tomatoes than I could count! We’ve all been assigned to teams and duties to help keep the camp running smoothly and we’ve met many beautiful souls who the Lord has gathered from all corners of the earth to help and support these families and the camp for this special week.
Our campers arrived late this morning by Zodiak. What a treat to see them coming across the waters and to welcome them to a safe place where they can experience the peace and hope of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We have heard many stories about the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His word and bringing many people to saving knowledge of Christ. It is with expectant hearts that we pray for Him to continue this work.
We were reminded in our orientation last night that the work we do is simply to partner with God and that He is responsible for changing people’s hearts and minds. He is responsible for the work of the Spirit, and we can provide the place and means to facilitate it, but ultimately it is His work to change people’s hearts.
What a beautiful thing to be able to partner with the Most High in bringing these marginalized people to Himself. The lost, the least, and the littles are all here. What a privilege and joy to be able to serve alongside the staff and full time workers here. My heart is full and expectant that He is going to stir deeply in people’s hearts and lives this week, not least of which is my own.
Something that has struck me today as I’ve watched families arrive and interact, is just how exactly human they are. There is nothing that sets them apart any more than does me and my family. Life has been dramatically different for this group of beautiful humans, yet our needs are compellingly similar, with our greatest need being for Christ our Saviour.
We are grateful for your prayers for our safety and well being. We are slowly adjusting to the heat and time change, though it is still a work in progress! We would love to have continued prayers for energy, peace and unity as a team, and especially for our campers. That they would feel the love of Christ and be open to the stirring of the Holy Spirit these next few days.
Thank you all for your love and support. We look forward to sharing more in the days to come.
Wait with expectant hearts alongside us and all the staff of Porto Astro. God is moving and we are excited to see part of His plan unfold this week!
Jennica
