It has been freezing cold and raining, but the team was imaginative and all survived. So many little ones were not clothed for such weather. Parents, your children may be coming home short a few sweaters or jackets.

God works all things together for good for those who love Him so I think He used the cold rainy weather for bonding and conversations. Chapel was great; we even had a prayer time at the end and lots of kids came forward or got together with leaders for prayer. The team is regrouping for clean-up and relaxation this afternoon. It is still damp and chilly, so we aren’t sure if we are going to Sleeping Giant or not.

Lois writes: “The night before, some of the children prayed the sinners prayer and invited Jesus into their lives. Today, during morning small groups, I asked one of the girls how it felt to let Jesus into her life; I was blown away by her response. She told me that when she prayed that prayer, she felt something. I asked her what she meant, and she told me that she felt the Holy Spirit, and usually she would be scared to use the bathroom, but she wasn’t scared anymore. I then asked another girl in my small group how she felt about asking Jesus into her life. She told me that she didn’t feel anything, and that God is too busy for her. I felt ashamed by her response because when I was around her age, I felt the same way. So I told her that no matter how many people are in this world, God is never too busy for them, because God loves us and He is always there for us, even if it doesn’t feel like it. These kids have been through so much so it is amazing to me that they still turn to God in their time of need, and that is truly breathtaking!”

Thank you again for your prayers and financial generosity that allowed this camp to happen. I saw so much potential in the room last night. Because it was cold outside, we had a movie night after chapel. We watched Prince of Egypt. Torika and the girls made popcorn and hot chocolate.

I feel like the children took in all the seed they could handle. Here are a couple of our more amusing times. We taught them the meaning behind the little song, “I Just Want to Be a Sheep” and why we didn’t want to be a hypocrite (cause they’re not hip with it) or a Pharisee (cause they’re not fair you see) or a Sadducee (cause they’re so sad you see.) One of the little girls accused another and told her to quit being a hypocrite. (So funny coming from such a little one.)  During one of our chapels, Wes and I did a skit. I asked Chantal to explain that it was a skit before we started, but I’m not sure they understood. Anyway I was ready to go to Toronto to visit friends and was telling them all about it and I was calling for Wes at the same time. He was busy looking for a map. I started out arguing that I did not need a map; any road would do. Then I picked the road to Winnipeg and kept insisting that would take me to Toronto. I had the right scarf and hat and everything and was sure I could get to Toronto. One little girl spoke up and said, “Jesus is not happy.” I think it distressed her to see Wes and I arguing—even if it was in fun.

Thank you again to all! Your participation has changed lives and we pray these changes will change families and communities. God Bless You!

Thursday is often a difficult day because leaders are weary from little sleep. Many certainly are tired, but it is good to see God working in the lives of the children. One of the girls on our team commented  that she didn’t really think that she would get attached to the kids, but she is attached and will have a hard time saying “good-bye” on Saturday morning. Three of the team wrote some of their thoughts for the blog tonight.

Darius wrote: “Even though it is a very difficult effort to try and keep these kids happy and entertained, it brings joy to me that I can make them happy. Even though these kids don’t cooperate, I have to realize that they are just kids and I will try and do all in my power to make sure they have the best time possible.”

Olivia wrote: “When I was feeling pretty sad and emotional, one of the young boys came up to me and was joking with me and told me to stop crying and completely lifted my spirit by making me laugh. It was extremely touching and special to me.

Rachael wrote: “You’d think one of the craziest girls is extremely happy. However, one night she opened up to me and told me how her mum passed and her father is in jail. This was so touching to me because her life is very hard, but she still has a smile on her face.”

I am only sending one picture because it takes 30-45 minutes to send because of the poor internet speed. Lois, Alysha, and Olivia got captured in last night’s game so they got thrown into the lake this afternoon (along with many others). They were good sports!

Again, thank you for your prayers. Several boys are asking me when they get their new Bible storybooks. They want to start reading! Thank you God!

Thank you for your prayers! Tonight was remarkably better. At least two children said that they wanted to follow Jesus. Our main theme tonight was Jesus loving the little children. Jesus is our Creator and He made imaginative, artistic, and fabulous things, but He won’t make us love Him. He leaves that choice to us. We have reached the place, WITH YOUR PRAYERS, where we will miss each other when we part. I keep thinking that at least I get to keep the Portico team and then I realize that Wes and I will be staying. What wonderful friends they are! Everyone is doing their part. We have an awesome team. I know Pastor Doug says we have lost the impact of the word “awesome,” and he is right, but I am grateful for the people on the team.

Tonight’s skit was a hit from our award-winning drama department. They played the starring roles in Jesus Blessing the Children. Then they sang the theme song, “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” We all had a good laugh as they popped up with “red, and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.” God loves us all.

What a great picture of the brothers! Baraka is from Kenya; Jonathan is First Nations; Manasa is Fijian; Derek is Chinese and Josh is Indian. Isn’t God good?

Sorry for no blog last night, but we lost our connection for a time. Monday is always a busy day. It is not a normal registration with children arriving and summer staff taking charge. For many, including our Portico staff, this is the first day into the unknown world of kids camp, and for many youngsters it is their first day into a strange environment (and we wait outside their complex while they pack).  We started Monday with cold rain and mud, but all was sunny by the time camp began.  On Monday night Ryan asked if anyone ever prayed. Many of the older boys responded that they pray that they will get to see their Mom one day. That information helps provide patience when they are rowdy.

Camp is a challenge this week with so many kids. There are 12 boys in each of the two cabins. That means that the cabin leaders are on cots.  Our cooks are cooking for around 80 people, which is quite an accomplishment since the kitchen is in the back of a semi-trailer. (The food has been good!)  Activities today included the polar dip early in the morning (CRAZY), rock climbing, swimming, crafts and paint ball.

I’m glad I’m the grandma here. Wes and I had two little boys for our small group this morning. One of the little ones was so tired that I put him on the couch where he quickly fell asleep. He is going into grade 2.  He is cute. Chapel is new for many. Please pray for us that the seed sown will grow and flourish. Many are interested, but it is also a tough crowd.  I hope you enjoy the pictures. We had crazy hair for supper tonight. I wish I could send the campers pictures. So many great and crazy looks.

Bless you all.

A full moon is shining over Eagles’ Cove tonight as everyone settles into their new surroundings. The team enjoyed an outing to Kakabeka Falls and the ice cream vendor. After the heat at home, there are many shivering in the cold. It is a bit chilly. Bera shared an inspiring devotion tonight about God’s calling to make disciples. We are looking forward to the children coming tomorrow. Do you remember the story of the little boy who asked Wes, “Who is Jesus?” He is coming tomorrow as a young junior leader. We are excited to see him.  We have 43 children registered. That is amazing! Thanks to all that sponsored a kid for camp. Thank you, Paul, for bicycling across the mountains and prairies so that more children can hear about Jesus.