Prayers for the Kids

So for the past two days the staff has been introducing us to kids that have attended the camps in the past by telling us a little bit about them. I thought that it might be good to share, especially for those of you who may be struggling, I am sure, with a mission trip to a non-third-world country.



The school system here is highly disciplinarian in mode, it is a harsh environment where everyone is tore down. The atmosphere in the States is often one of encouragement (compared to here), telling kids to aim high, and not wanting to crush anyone's spirits. Well, in France, it is common for teachers to call children up to the front of the class and berate them for a poor paper, ripping it up in front of everyone. One of the missionary's kindergartener has gone through this twice this past year.



Many of the kids who come to the camp come from broken families, or families where perhaps only one or even none of their parents are Christian. The pervasive ideaology here is often athiesm, deism, or agnosticism. Many children approach God similarly to their parents, but are taken aback by the love and genuine encouragement from camp staff. The goal of the camp is to be unlike anything the child has ever experienced. And they are.



Some kids have come back from the states just for this camp after moving. Everything is loud, encouraging, and different. In the States, there are about 50 summer camps within a 10 mile radius of your home, that is not the case here. So this is truly a memorable experience, allowing the parents to also form relationships with staff members.



So, please be praying for the hearts of the children signed up to come to the camp. And for the staff, to be encouraged themselves and to have the attitude of Christ when interacting with these kids. Please pray that we will be able to show Christ's love to these kids unlike they have ever experienced. Thanks guys!