The Camp That Came to the Missionaries - Camp in Colombia

By Duane and Linda Cross

For several years we ABWE missionaries in Bogota, Colombia have been unable to attend the church camp for juniors and teens due to the active presence of subversive groups in the camp area. So we decided to experiment with holding a two-day junior camp in our Bible Institute in Bogota. Through the planning of about 15 national helpers, the Cross and Bilbrey families, camp was set in motion. (There's more than one way to stop a subversive group from shutting us out of camp.)

To our surprise 68 eager campers arrived on Friday morning, all carrying lunches marked with their names. Off we went to a local park for the day. After the games, rides, and lunch we capped the day with a wonderful swim in an indoor heated pool. Since the institute is not equipped for a group this size, all the campers were supplied with shampoo and soap, and after using the showers at the pool, they returned to the institute smelling sweet. We had enjoyed a great day in the fresh outdoors and arrived with healthy appetites for the evening meal-and no guerrillas bothered us.

We spent Friday evening singing, eating, playing games, listening to a Bible lesson and watching a special film before heading to the sleeping bags. Each counselor led six boys or girls in bedtime and morning devotionals. Lights out at 11:00 p.m. saw 68 tired but happy and safe campers drifting off to sleep. (Note: our Bible institute sleeps 15 people comfortably.)

Saturday morning we were up and ready for the day by 7:30. No showers, only brushing teeth, then devotions and into the day's activities. The day was filled with handicraft, games, music and two sessions on the subject: "How's Your Attitude?"

While we were playing games in the park a local recreational organization arrived to teach new recruits about recreation for children during summer vacation. The trainer asked to borrow our campers for his demonstration!

The response to the weekend was great! Six children came to Christ. Many other lives were also touched by God's Word, friendships, good food and a safe two-day retreat.

We missionaries were grateful that the idea worked. We outsmarted the terrorists and were able to participate in camp: the camp that came to the missionaries, right in their own backyard.

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