I planted the seed,  Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.  (I Corinthians 3:6-9 NIV)

Everything about this Scripture is so true. Now that we have returned home and begin to meditate on our time in Lebanon, it is very easy to harmlessly talk about the things that we have done and the ways that God used us. But the truth is that it was God who worked in every situation. It was God’s hand of protection that covered us and His favor that has opened doors in Lebanon that no man can ever shut. It was God who did those things; we were simply willing to be used by Him.

During the first day of camp the children learned that God is with them. This lesson incorporated the camp theme and verse from Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Having been physically abused and abandoned by those who were supposed to love them the most, this Scripture ushers a vital message into the lives of these children. To know that God will never ever leave them is reassuring. To know that there is nowhere they can go or nothing they can do to separate themselves from the presence or love of God is eye opening for them. Though they may not fully understand all that this message means right now, the seed of this truth is now planted in their hearts and it is up to us to not lose heart or fervor, but to continue to pray for God to send others to water the seed as He makes it grow.

On day two the children learned that God has given them His power. During this time Sarai used the story from John 6:1-15 about the little boy who was willing to share his lunch of two fish and five loaves so that Jesus could work a miracle of feeding a multitude, to illustrate to the children how the Lord can use them and that when they allow themselves to be used by the Lord, they too, just like the little boy in the story, cannot just see, but be a part of the miracles that God works in the lives of others as well as their own.

After doing the group discussion from this lesson, Connie had shared that when one of the boys in her group was asked to describe a miracle God had worked in his life, his response was that he had gotten so mad at someone that he had made up in his mind that he was going to kill the person. The little boy said that he had gotten an object sharpened it, and was hovering over the person about to stab them when he felt God stop him. He said he knew that that was a miracle and that it was God because he really wanted to kill this person.

This is why we ask you to stand with us in prayer for these children. They need to know that God loves them even when so many people have hurt them, giving them a warped view of love or no real evidence that love exists at all. We also want them to know that we love them and that you love them and you pray for them. God’s love and His Word are truly having an impact and working miracles in the lives of these children. Please don’t ever stop praying for them.

Arriving at the camp the kids were excited about tent assignments – Yes, I said tents! This was a true camping experience for them and for us as well. Once everyone was satisfied with where they would be sleeping it was off to lunch and then on to crafts.

During their craft time the kids really got their hands dirty with glitter glue, acrylic paints, and regular glue as they created designer original carry bags, visor hats, and bandanas on day one and journals, Fear Not bead bracelets, Lamb of God foam picture frames, a Jonah and the whale catch game, and even designed their own flying discs and glow in the dark shudder shades on day two. Even the camp leaders joined in on the fun. To say that these children are creative is an understatement. They did an awesome job expressing their artistic sides!

When crafts were done the children moved on to activities! They got to play volleyball, frisbee and ping pong. They even got to kick around a huge plush soccer ball – making up the rules as they went of course!  There were also life-sized chess and Connect Four games for the children. I was amazed to see them playing chess – and actually playing it correctly! They made up the rules for soccer but they actually knew how to play chess – children are so funny!

The camp activities for the second day gave the children an opportunity to apply the camp theme. They did balance beam walks, a nature hike, a zip line, and wall climbing. Some kids were excited and brave when it came to these activities, but there were still quite a few who were afraid. It was such a heartwarming experience to see each frightened child being comforted and guided through their fear with the Word of God and with the helping hand of a camp leader. Not one of them was left alone to conquer their fear or complete an activity. There was always someone right there with them just as God is. I know that they will never forget that.

Day three the kids took full advantage of their unplanned access to the activity bag where they found Tim and Valhalla’s stash of sports equipment and balloons. Some tried their hand at transforming the balloons into recognizable shapes or animals but weren’t very successful. So instead they just blew them up and relished in the joy of simply having a few balloons to call their own! Later the kids got to do a balloon toss which they really enjoyed and hey the few splashes of water even helped them cool off a bit!

After their activities it was time for showers. Now this is something we should have added to our list of prayers. But our prayer warriors back home didn’t miss a beat because God answered our unspoken-need-of-strength-for-shower-time-prayers too.

Our team leader, Sarai often used the Bible story of Jesus dividing the two fish and five loaves of bread among the multitude to catapult our faith as we prepared for the trip. Well this story became a vivid reality every time we had to shower the kids.  I say that because only God could have gotten 45 kids bathed in one hour using four showers, and barely working, barely hot water to accomplish it!

Last year we spoke of a run away. Well we had one of those this year too but for a different reason. We had a shower runaway! One little boy had no problem making it known that he was not willing to take a shower. With a lot love and a little bit of coercing he finally gave up his plight to escape from being washed by the water so to speak. There was a multitude of praise as he emerged from the shower room clean as a whistle. This gives a whole new meaning to rejoicing in all things!

There are times when these children could be hard to deal with but for the most part they were a ton of fun and it was an absolute joy to be with them!

After showers the children had a hearty, healthy dinner and then marched off to the worship tent for their evening program. On day one during this time the Arabic leaders performed a hilarious skit that the children really enjoyed. They also lead the children in some of their favorite worship songs. The children really come alive during praise and worship. It’s amazing to see them really get into the songs, with choreographed movements and all. 

On day two our team led the children in praise and worship singing both some familiar favorites like Superhero and Shine! But we also introduced some new favorites as well to include You Make Me Happy and I Am Not Forgotten.  All of the dancing and dust being kicked up in the tent was a sure fire sign that the children were enjoying themselves.

Candice and Virginia also did a skit that reminded the children that there was nothing for them to fear because the same Lord who calmed the storm and who even the wind and waves obey, is the very Lord who is with them and protects them.

At the beginning of camp each group was assigned a biblical character to familiarize themselves with and to present a skit to the rest of the camp about how that character trusted God when they were fearful. The skits were so hilarious! To see the kids acting out the lives of characters such as Moses, Esther, Daniel, Rahab, Mary, Joshua, and David was just simply unforgettable because now they know from their lives that God keeps His promises!

When the evening program was finally finished it was finally off to bed. Using flashlights to guide them to their tents, we also got to pray with the children and tuck them in before bidding them goodnight.


God was conitnually answering prayers while we were in Beirut and as we returned home as well. Candice our camp nurse kept pretty busy tending what seemed like endless minor scrapes and bruises. We praise God that there were no serious injuries.


Although our flight in Beirut was delayed by over an hour and a half, we made our connection in Paris with ease, and even arrived in Atlanta slightly ahead of schedule. 

Departure day is always the most difficult day for the kids and also for the rest of us.  This year the children received lots of extra goodies. Before camp ended the girls were excited about receiving new dresses made from pillow cases and donated by the women at FBA. Those smiles were unforgettable! Each child also received a new pair of gloves, a stuffed animal, toothpaste and tooth brushes, and the boys received W.W.J.D bracelets.

T-shirts that were donated were given to the missionary in which she had designed with the camp theme and the name of each child. We were totally surprised to find out that she had even gotten t-shirts made with our names written on them in Arabic!

During this time we also presented gifts to the missionaries and local leaders to show our appreciation for their partnership, faithfulness, and hospitality.

As the buses arrived for the children to leave each of them expressed their thanks in different ways.  The hugs seemed endless. We didn’t want to leave them and they didn’t want us to. But we have always known and because of this year’s camp lessons they now know that even when others can’t be there, God is always with them, wherever they go.

Please continue to pray for the children of Lebanon. Pray that the Lord’s love will become so overwhelming and undeniable in each of their lives.

We want to say thank you to each and every one of you. It is because of your prayers and support that God’s work is done in the lives of these children. Thank you for supporting His mission in faith and with the expectation of seeing all of the prayers that you sent up for this team answered. Know that God answered each of those prayers in His way and in His timing. God truly did immeasurably more than we could have ever asked or imagined!

In His Love,

Team Lebanon 2011