Indentation by Yvonne Barreras

I came to Prescott Pines Youth Camp as a fill-in counselor for Youth Camp Week 1.  I didn’t know any of the girls that I would room with. Where would they come from? What kind of background? Spiritually, where were they at? The six girls were from two different cities, two different churches and the majority shared that they didn’t want to be there. *Sigh.* Anxiety and fear gripped me; this was going to be an interesting week! This situation was as uncomfortable as the mattress was that first night. I couldn’t do this alone so I asked for prayer from staff, counselors and even some friends from out of town.

  God didn’t waste any time. The second night one camper told me that God wanted her to share a message with the whole camp! We took time to pray that she would be empowered to carry out her task in obedience. She shared God’s message the next morning in chapel. (Later in the week I was told that two other campers made decisions for Christ because of the message.) Well, the rest of my campers were still resistant to just about everything even meals! They weren’t comfortable sharing at cabin times so it was time for me to pray some more.

  By Wednesday evening though, there was change - all the girls participated in everything and had a good time. They were excited and had smiles on their faces.  Yes! They were like that mattress that got more and more comfy cozy each day. Thursday night during chapel the music moved one of my most resistant campers to tears. This was the first time she sat with me during chapel. We took the time to leave the chapel and she was able to share her pain with me, but even after talking with her she was not ready to give her life to Christ. The seed has been planted though and more prayers surround her as she goes home. Her friend joined us outside and shared her story. She made a decision to rededicate her life to Christ.

Friday was bittersweet - knowing some of these girls would be returning to situations that I would never understand, but also knowing that they all had a wonderful memorable time and want to return to camp. It all so worthwhile!  By Friday, there was an indentation in that mattress after all, a reminder that Christ had made an indentation in their hearts and mine. There were no accidental or coincidental housing situations that week. I was so blessed!