What was formerly called “Bajío Spiritual Emphasis Camp” finally and mercifully underwent a name change to something a bit simpler: MK Camp. That sums it up pretty well as it is a camp for MKs. Not that it doesn’t emphasize the spiritual component, as it surely does, but it sure does economize space. More importantly, it was held last week from Tuesday afternoon to midday on Friday at Campamento Koinonia.
As always, the parents and a few other missionary volunteers pitch in to make the camp happen. These adults are the Bible teachers, the cabin counselors, the clean-up supervisors, the kitchen workers, the snack shop vendors, the game time leaders, the music/worship leaders, the registration handlers, the food purchasers, the camp organizers, the errand-runners, the craft-time organizers, and whatever else that may need to be done that I left out. Obviously, there’s a lot to it and it takes a community effort to make it happen.
When we see how great the impact is on our kids’ lives over the years, we realize that this is an important event and we wouldn’t want to pass up the opportunity to give our kids these memories and these life-changing events. The success of our MKs is directly linked to the success of all of our ministries (the #1 reason missionary families leave their field of ministry is the needs of their children, i.e. MKs). Our MKs are active in our ministries and important in forming relationships with nationals. MKs are highly likely to become the mission force of tomorrow. Out of the 8 adults on our ministry team, 7 of them are MKs themselves. Out of the 21 missionaries on our team (including 13 children), I’m the only one who isn’t an MK; 20 out of 21 of us are MKs!
All that to say, MK Camp is not just an excuse for giving our kids a couple of fun days together. We’re investing in the present and the future with an eternal purpose.
A family from one of our supporting churches in Ohio understands the value in this camp and made it their goal to come and help out this year with the camp. Unfortunately, due to economic realities, they were unable to come. However, they had been saving up to make the trip and shared a generous gift with us to use for the needs of the camp this year. Their $500 gift was used to purchase the crafts (which we have always provided out of our own pocket) and to subsidize the participation of those who came to help out who had no children attending the camp. A few other expenses were covered as well. We appreciate the generosity of the Scott Marhefka family from Ohio as well as their heart’s desire to be a part of the MK ministry here in central Mexico. We’re sorry they could not join us but their willingness and generosity is an encouragement to us. The “Thank You!” sign in two of the photos below is meant for them.
Beth ran the crafts again this year and I helped in a couple of small ways. Unfortunately, Beth and then I became ill during the camp time so we came home and missed some of the camp. I had an English class Tuesday evening so I missed some time at the beginning of camp as well. I didn’t have the opportunity to take as many photos as I would have liked since I missed most of the camp this year.
Knowing Your ABCDs 