This summer marks the seventh summer since my parents sent me north towards Huntsville, a place that changed my life in so many ways.
I could have never imagined just how much of an influential role Pioneer Camp, Ontario would have on my life. As a camper, I learned about finding God in nature and in an amazing community. As a Leader in Training (LIT), I learned leadership requires serving. And as a staff member, I have learned to trust God in all situations and how to find joy in the midst of thunderstorms.
This summer will be the third straight year that I have served at Pioneer Camp Ontario. I have taken a leap of faith and followed God as I have felt Him calling me to serve the entire summer as the Boys Camp Special Needs Coordinator. Pioneer is highly regarded across Ontario, and even Canada, for the work they do in integrating Special Needs campers of all types into the regular camp experience.
I need to rely on God to give me peace, wisdom, and confidence more than ever in this new and challenging leadership position. I will be coordinating the best special needs inclusion program that an Ontario camp offers and I will only be able to do it with your prayers. I have been up at camp since mid-June and already it has been so reaffirming for me to see the way in which God has provided everything I have needed thus far.
In this short time, God has placed two verses on my heart, the first was Matthew 6: 32b-33, “Your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” It’s crazy how God calls us places that sometimes make no sense to us at the moment but He is always reminding me that He has me in His hand and that He is providing for me daily.
The second scripture verse is a summary of why I serve at camp.
1 Timothy 4:10, “We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people.” I will sweat much… become exhausted often… and probably cry at least once more… I know it will be worth it in the end because I am helping campers find hope in the living God.
In the same way, I’m trusting God to provide the physical, spiritual, and emotional strength for my work at camp this summer, I also have to trust He will provide financially. My income is based upon donations made to camp ministry. This is where you come in… you are able to partner with me in providing financial support! By using the link below, you can help me so that I am able to continue the mission God has called me to.
This will, in turn, help me cover the costs of my schooling in the fall. I return to British Columbia for my second year in the Political Science program at Trinity Western University. This year I have been chosen for a leadership position in “TWUSA” (Trinity Western University Student Association) and as the new Passages Israel Ambassador for TWU. I have the privilege of recruiting new Christian leaders to go on the same trip I went on this year. I’ll get to host a trip reunion, Shabbat dinner, and advocate for Christian-Jewish relations in my school community.
Back to Pioneer Camp Ontario…. it is more than just a summer camp… it is a fantastic ministry that saw over 2500 children experience Jesus last summer with over 250 of those making first-time decisions to follow Christ.
I can’t wait to share stories of this life-changing summer with you.
Blessings,
Quinton
