I’ve always loved attending camp. Not camping, mind you, but going to camp. As a kid, teenager, young mom, and even older mom, the opportunity to pull away from the daily distractions to be in the midst of God’s creation, and be reminded of what really matters has always been powerful to me. I actually met Jesus at camp, and I’ve never been the same since.

Flora’s clothes were literal rags. She only had one shirt. It was a short-sleeved button-down shirt, with only one sad button remaining. She was very dirty and didn’t have shoes. We had no shoes or clothes left that were her size.

Trials and tribulations happen just as rampant and severe to those of us who serve others as they do to those we serve. During these times Satan’s ploy is to get us to think we have nowhere to turn. Whether it’s burnout due to the overwhelming needs of others, shortage of staff or funds, or personal issues, those of us who serve others need the same grace we dispense to others.

I was at the end of my rope. My marriage was falling apart, I was starting my own photography business, and my dad was dying of cancer. My mom invited me to a Bible class and that’s when my life began to change. It didn’t change overnight, but it was the beginning of my journey… Following Jesus. Sandy came into my life in 1992; she had been teaching the Bible class for many years. There was something about her that I wanted and needed in my life. It was Jesus! Over the course of the next 28 years, she taught me how important it is to trust the Lord Jesus, to depend on Him, and to be available to Him. Then, He could use me for his ways and his purposes.