Surviving Africa Camp

As the Africa trainees were arriving many did not know what to expect. They assumed the airport simulation was merely a simple checking of the bags and signing a few medical release forms. What they forgot or simply did not know was when you fly overseas it can be a bit frustrating and tedious. I think several of the trainees were at first caught off guard at how high the bar was being set for them last week. Much was expected of them; therefore, much was learned.

As the week progressed they became like sponges soaking up every bit of information they could. I think I personally saw many of the Africa Camp trainees begin to thirst for more knowledge like I have never seen a teenager do before when Steve and Dianna Teel spoke about their experience in Argentina. That Tuesday night was the turning point. At that point we no longer had to motivate the trainees to stay engaged as they sat through many hours of training. Each morning after a short night sleeping on the ground they quickly rose from their sleeping bags and spent the first 45 minutes to an hour in quiet time with God studying his word, journaling, and praying.

The trainees left having a much deeper understanding of the most basic and important mission’s principles and practices that they will be applying to their everyday lives and possibly in a foreign land. I hope you will take the time to talk to Taylor Perkins, Ethan Hardin, Ben and Chris Godley, and Tyler Bice about what they learned and how it has changed them. The number one thing that was taught last week was that Christ is always the message we take to the world. Good deeds, appropriate technologies, and feeding the hungry are all good and fine but will still leave people wanting if they don’t know Jesus our Lord. Thanks for your support and prayers for the Mission Camp trainees. —Will Tucker