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Cover Article
“Camp Open Arms - Looking Back, Around, and Ahead"
It was the summer of 1973; I had just come to work for the
Mission, then directed by my father-in-law, Jim Lindley. Among my first
assignments was helping put together a camp program for needy children. The
Lindleys had been involved in such a ministry with our parent Mission, and the
burden for reaching lost little ones with the gospel was clear. The Peninsula
Rescue Mission had incorporated a year earlier, after six years as the Peninsula
branch of Norfolk’s Union Gospel Mission. Now it was time for a camp ministry
for Peninsula children.
Ten acres of land were leased in New Kent County, and we went
to work. By the summer of 1974, Camp Open Arms was up and running; it continues
today, stronger than ever. In 1985 we moved the operation to a rented facility
in Surry County - where we still conduct the annual summer project. The facility
we use, Eastover Retreat Center, has a new resident manager, and COA is now
under the capable leadership of Rev. Alan DeFriese. Other changes are merely
cosmetic, a result of working with "the times."
Rev. & Mrs. Lindley (Jim & Lena), to Rev. & Mrs. Poteat
(Lindsay & Barbara), to Rev. & Mrs. DeFriese (Alan & Faith) - "and the beat goes
on." There is a new address, there is new leadership, there is a lot of new
equipment, and there are always new faces among workers and campers alike. The
passion is old, the effort is old, (some of us workers are getting old), and the
story of Jesus and His love is ever old, yet ever new. We are still telling "The
Old, Old, Story."
Flannelgraph figures have given way to electronic
images in PowerPoint and videos, but they relate the same truths, from people
with the same passion and love. Children in the 21st
century need the same thing young people needed 40 years ago - they need a
relationship with Jesus Christ. They need the loving care of Christian adults
and youth who will invest their hearts in them. They need time away from the
"asphalt jungle." They need a structured environment and Biblical nurturing.
They need pleasant tunes running through their heads, accompanied by words that
will bless them as they sing.
All these things (and more) we provide at Camp Open Arms. For
100 hours in each of two weeks in July, we minister in many ways to many
children from needy families. Alan and Faith lead the chapel teaching times;
Ruth heads up the Bible memory segment. Music is lead by Barbara and Billy (with
several others participating); Steve gives leadership to the many activities.
Morrison, Norman, and Myra direct the craft effort; a great group of counselors
guide the children through their day, leading them with love.
If I close my eyes during a hot summer camp day, I can still
see Jim and Lena laughing, working, ministering to the little ones. The sounds
of the activities indoors and out are also reminiscent of yesteryear, even
though the children of the past are now adults, most with children of their own.
It is a testimony to the blessing of camp that some of those parents want to
send their children to be with us as well. We cherish many wonderful camp
memories, and we look forward to heaven and the people who will be there, having
met the Lord at Camp Open Arms.
Superintendent's
Corner
"Benefits of Summer Camp"
Thirty-seven years of Camp Open Arms have come and gone,
and in those years conversations with thousands of children have yielded some
interesting reflections as we approach year 38 of COA. Among those reflections
are their testimonies of benefits gleaned from their time at camp. Many a child
has smiled from ear to ear as they moved across the pool , swimming for the very
first time! They had learned to swim at Camp Open Arms - what a blessing for the
rest of life.
Listening to Christian music as I write these thoughts, I am reminded of the
importance of melodies and lyrics in the minds and hearts of the youth. Someone
philosophically said that if he could write the music of a people, it wouldn’t
matter who wrote their laws. The idea has weight - music is very influential in
a culture. God alone knows how many children are even today singing songs they
learned at COA - songs that build and bless, that honor the Lord, that bring joy
to a heart. This is certainly a significant camp benefit.
It is possible to make too much of the matter of self-esteem, but where these
children from such difficult backgrounds are concerned, it is to be considered.
The competition at camp is quite varied, and the youth don’t have to be great
athletes, or gifted artists, or even the “top of their class” in academics to
win something. They can take a blue ribbon home for having the “smallest foot,”
or for the “loudest yell.” “Good behavior” can send them home with a
sportsmanship trophy, or with a prize as camper of the week in their cabin (4
each week). For several years now, new (donated) bicycles have been prizes at
COA.
Friendships with campers, relationships with godly adults, memories of the best
week of the year, a craft item that is precious to them, and many more things
make Camp Open Arms a place that children love to come, and come back as many
years as they can!
There is one benefit area that I kept for last - matters of the soul - spiritual
benefits. To carry a Bible home in hand is great; to leave camp with Scripture
portions in your heart is even better. To have new friendships that will last
forever is great; to meet Jesus and have Him as the “Friend that sticks closer
than a brother” is greater still. An award that builds self-esteem is a nice
thing; learning that I have such value to God that He sent His Son, Jesus, to
die for my sins is the nicest thing of all.
When you consider that God might have you sponsor someone to camp this summer,
know that we will do our best to give them the week of a lifetime, as well as to
introduce them to the Savior Who can give them life! God bless you.
A Note From Alan
"Christmas in July"
“Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Let Earth receive
her King!” “Hark the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the Newborn King…!!’” “Oh
come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!!”
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over
their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of
the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the
people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the
Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in
cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host
appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest
heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)
If you’re anything like me, you’re now thinking about Christmas trees, Christmas
carols, Christmas cards, Christmas movies, Christmas smells, and anything else
that relates to that “most wonderful time of the year!” The only problem is that
it’s June…it’s hot…it’s summertime!! However, when campers show up at Camp Open
Arms in just over a month they will find that it’s Christmas in July!!
This is a theme that we’ve done several times now, and it’s always lots of fun!!
We decorate Christmas trees and hang lights all around the facilities to help
create the feel of December!! This theme helps pave the way as we spend the week
sharing the story of Jesus with our campers. We will begin with the Christmas
story – His miraculous birth. We will move on to stories from Jesus’ life, and
finish the week with His death, crucifixion, and resurrection.
The trees and lights are fun, but our focus for COA 2011 (just like every other
year of COA) is to help campers understand their need for their Savior!! Thank
you in advance for your partnership in this unique ministry to children and
teenagers in our community!!!
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