Wow it has been a long time since we have been able to blog to you guys. Last time I blogged we were discouraged about our time here on the Ranch. On July 11th we departed for the Brooks Range for camp. We took a couple hours at the Palmer airport, and then set off for Fairbanks in which we came upon some turbulence, SCARY, but we all ended up making it perfectly fine. We then made it to Paradise Valley in great time. The Lord blessed the day with great sunshine and beautiful fluffy clouds. We have always seen it as hilarious that the campsite (an old mining grounds) is called Paradise Valley because the view is great, of course, but once you step out of the airplane; swarming mosquitos. Ah!
Daniel and I were designated as the activities directors of camp this year. We came in with a great plan and plenty of supplies. We also came in with willing hearts and with the thought, "Blessed are the flexible, for they do not get bent out of shape." The kids camp I (Kathryn) was a counselor as well as working alongside my partner Daniel as activity director. Daniel did such a great job in implementing the games that were planned. As it said it is better to go in with a plan than not have one at all. We had a plan but we definitely remained flexible because things changed constantly. Camp in the Brooks Range is much different from camp in the Lower 48 (as alaskans call it). The village life is not easy living. The kids of the village deal with and experience much more than should experience and so therefore in a sense the kids hearts are tougher. Life in the village leads many to depression, alcohol, and drugs, or worse. The kids as they come to camp are overwhelmed by the sense of love that they receive from the staff. As we received kids this year it brightened our hearts; some of the kids ran up to Daniel and I screaming our names- oh wow what a way to stir our hearts! Kids camp had its amazing moments, as well as challenges. The campers and staff memorized the armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-20, which was a great way to encourage them. This verse also brought a lot of spiritual warfare as well; the kids kept complaining that they were bored or that they wanted to go home, and then the next minute they would be so excited in a game. They really clung to the staff and the love we had to offer. As always the kids LOVE piggy back rides, face paint, singing Father Abraham and Bananas of the World, screaming and yelling with joy, and filling the world with their smiles. We had to deal with plenty of sad and homesick kids but what a joy it was to see them smile and be overwhelmed with joy when you see what they live in and the lack of joy they have there. We love those kids; our flesh states I am tired and ready for them to go home, but our hearts scream for them because we know what we send them back to!
Transition to teen camp is always the hardest day because you dislike saying goodbye to the kids but love seeing the teens as well. This transition day is the hardest mostly because the staff are worn thin and out of strength, tired, sick, and in much need of a nap. In loving the kids we give ALL our strength and ability towards them and thus left with nothing (so it seems) for the teenagers. Teen camp was in a lot of ways a breath of fresh air. The teens had a deep deep desire to know the Lord more. This does not mean we did not have our challenges but in no way was it like what we face with the kids. The teens had troubles with smoking and had to be sent home, but in some weird way the Lord moved in that and their hearts were changed in a big way. A lot of people come expecting for people to get "saved" but there is so much more to missions than "saving." Discipleship is a HUGE part of what mission is all about. Yes, the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ is needed to disciple but it is important to know that the Lord will lead them to a point where they are ready or they are already saved and thus need direction and discipleship. Teen camp was an example of discipling; we used the same scripture for the teens but went in depth of what all the armor of God meant and how we can implement this Scripture. We also played lots of fun games: Human stratego, 4 square, wreck the castle, swimming, tug-O-war, etc.
The Lord was with definitely with Daniel and I the last week of camp. Daniel went on the float trip during teen camp instead of the original plan of myself going on the trip. This left us being separated which ended up being a great thing. I got to air drop a note and some candy to Daniel while he was on the float trip. Man the Lord was definitely withe me and he gave me peace, as well as gave Daniel peace to know that He was with us. The Lord was in all of camp even with the frustrations, and we took a STAND against the devil's schemes.
Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take a stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, and against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God so when the day of evil comes you will be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist and the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all of the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare fearlessly as I should.
Over and Out~
Daniel and Kathryn LaFon
Wow...to God be the Glory!!
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