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A Week at Camp - My Experience |
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Written by Rosanne Maas
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Thursday, 28 August 2008 11:08 |
Wheelchairs, llamas, zip-line, kayaking, music and s’mores by the campfire. What do these things have in common? They were all part of the fun at Joni & Friends Family Retreat August 12-17 at Castaway Club in Detroit Lakes. It was four days of relaxation, refreshment, & rejuvenation for persons and families affected by disabilities. I have been so overwhelmed with the positive experience I had, I scarcely know how to put it into words.
As a Short Term Missionary, affectionately referred to as an STM, I had 24 hours to be trained and equipped to minister to the family or individual I would be serving. None of us were professionals in terms of our background or skill, just ordinary people who have a desire to serve and help out any way we can. Some of the STM’s were paired with the siblings - the healthy brothers and sisters of the family members who have disabilities. Working with a child who does not have a disability can be just as important as tending to one who does. It is a blessed thing to guarantee the fun of one of these sometimes-neglected siblings.
The whole week of camp was tiring and hard as well as sweet and good. The theme for this year’s retreat was “Let’s Do It!” based on Philippians 4:13. We did! More importantly, God did!! Families were blessed and STM’s were encouraged too as we provided practical help and assistance to our assigned families. Bob and Joan Ruprecht came with an awesome work crew of 14 youth eager to serve in the kitchen, many of whom want to return next year as STMs.
Joni & Friends Family Retreat is a life-changing enriching experience for the STMs who come to bless and serve and who end up being blessed too! If you want to learn how you can serve as an STM next year or attend as one of the campers, contact Rosanne Maas at rosanne.maas@clcelkriver.org. |
