Praise God!

A report from Executive Director, Cavin Harper

It is likely we could not have scripted this summer’s Military GrandCamp pilot any better than it happened. The Lord really used this week to begin some healing in the campers, and an keen awareness for us of how great is the need among our military families.

Obviously, I heard stories and descriptions of the struggles these grade school age children of our deployed families are facing, but to actually see it for myself was heart-gripping and motivating. I really grew to love these kids. Their grandparents are great and caring individuals. For most, this is one of the few times they have ever been able to spend extensive, quality time with their grandkids, and I believe God has begin a long term process that will bear much fruit in the years ahead. There are tough battles to be fought, but each left with an understanding of the joy and strength through our God of hope.

There were lots of tears and lots of anguish, but the Spirit of God moved mightily in all of us during the week. The staff was great — in fact, Dr. Gambone commented that Beth and Carol, who led the small group discussion times, were among the best he has ever had in any camp program he has done. We were concerned about the small size of the group for so long, but I believe God divinely orchestrated this particular group for His own purposes. In hindsight, a larger group would not likely have had nearly the impact for this first pilot as we experienced. The numbers were ideal for what we needed to do and learn. We will be much better prepared now for future programs and larger numbers due to our experiences of this pilot.

The Christian Grandparenting Network also reaped some powerful champions and ambassadors for this Military GrandCamp ministry, which will be so helpful for future programs. Thanks to all of you who were praying, and those who were able to come up and see what we were doing. I don’t think I have ever experienced a more powerful and impactful GrandCamp than this one.

Please keep praying for these kids. The emotional issues and anxieties they are facing are more than most adults should have to handle. They are being affected, not only emotionally, but physically as well. Keep them in your prayers.