I knew this particular week would be different. The girls arrived on Sunday for Teen Camp, and it was soon apparent they did not connect, coming from a wide range of backgrounds. The week was rough because of arguments and tension. It was frustrating to see no spiritual change in the girls’ lives as the week went on. I tried to help them feel at home and enjoy spending time with everyone, but nothing seemed to work. I could tell Satan was working.

During the middle of the week, one of my girls, Hannah, had a birthday. A few of the staff planned a little surprise party for her. Justin Sanders, the nurse for the week and a very good baker, made her a birthday cake. While the girls and I were getting ready for bed that evening, Justin and some staff members snuck over to our cabin and surprised Hannah with the beautiful homemade cake. She was so surprised that she began to cry and say, "Thank you!" over and over again. She told us that this was the first birthday cake anybody had ever made for her. That night the girls ate cake and connected with each other through the staff’s act of kindness.

The birthday was great, but the next morning the tension reappeared. I continued to pray, but nothing seemed to change. When Friday arrived, I was relieved because the week was almost over, yet worried that the girls had not grown spiritually. At campfire the staff acted out the messages in the song, "What Sin?" Pastor Charlie spoke about giving our hearts to God, and I wondered if any of it made an impact on my girls.

When campfire was over, the girls and I walked back to our cabin in complete silence. As I walked, I begged God to give me the right words to say to the girls when we arrived at the cabin, but the words did not come. Entering the cabin, the girls sat in a circle as I lit all the candles and turned off the lights.

I began to talk. It was amazing. I could hear my voice speaking, but the words were not my own. The words kept coming. Then I felt impressed to open my Bible to Luke and read the last part of the crucifixion story. Next I heard myself talking about the two thieves on the cross at the crucifixion, and how we all need Christ’s forgiveness. I knew what I needed to do next, so I asked for their forgiveness.

All week I had tried so hard, but felt that I had failed at showing them Christ. When I was done, we sat in complete silence. Then the walls of hatred began to crumble. Tears began to fall as each girl asked for forgiveness from Christ and their cabin mates. It was beautiful. The girls had gone from arguing, disliking and hurting each other to hugging, accepting, and forgiving.

Christ revealed Himself that night. Even though there had been tough spots during the week when I had felt hopeless, He had been there. Each of those girls gave their hearts to Jesus that night. There is no greater joy than to see 11 girls make the decision to follow Jesus. Jesus changes lives through camp!

Mindy Meckleburg was a counselor last year and will be the girls' director at Timber Ridge for 2004 summer camps.