A week of fellowship, encouragement, spiritual enrichment and fun was had by all, when 48 young people (and a few young at heart!) gathered at Kanga Boys High School for CML's 2009 April Students Camp.
Blessed with several new students, many returning "regulars" and four 2008 graduates (Fred, Kassim, Clifford and Elisha) that came as invited speakers, we were also joined by our dear friends David & Janene Waldrop, Amanda Smith and teacher Syprine Ogada.
With the addition of new teachings, movie night and a drama competition for the students, we explored the Camp theme "Knowing Christ, the Foundation of our Faith" and learned new ways to incorporate our faith into everyday life. Games, outdoor activities, Praise & Worship and hearty fellowship around the dinner table were also an enjoyable part of the week!
Excited with the opportunity to express themselves through drama during this Camp, we discovered that these kids were very creative and had some amazing talent. Asked to give a 20 minute drama based on a topic they had learned something about during the Camp, the teams explored subject matters such as; redemption, substance abuse, the intricacies of relationships, and culture traditions in opposition to Christan values.
Below are pictures of each team presenting their drama, and let me just say that the competition was very tough to judge! Team 3 won in the end however, and as their prize each member has been invited to Nairobi in August where they will attend a 5 day Youth Convention. As you can imagine, they were very happy!
This was David & Janenes first time to attend a CML Camp. They received a warm welcome for all the students, as well as an invitation to return again soon! Married over 30 years and parents to 5 children, David and Janene were not only able to speak with knowledge and experience as they taught a session on "Relationships", but were also able to relate to the challenges teenagers face.
Facilitating the session on "Jesus and Leadership" David emphasised the need for creativity, integrity, time management and transparency in a leaders life. Seen below, he also explained the importance in knowing the difference between one's "Circle of Influence" and "Circle of Concern".
Several students were also surprised and grateful for the new Bibles they received, and we thank Janene's father for the wonderful gift of God's word!
Always a delight to have at Camp, Mrs. Ogada and Amanda are not only awesome facilitators with multiple talents, but are also a lot of fun to spend time with. Just ask these kids!
A teacher by profession, Mrs. Ogada had much to say in her session about "Discipline" and encouraged everyone to cultivate the fruit of self-control. Amanda's topic was "Jesus and everyday life challenges" and she used a personal story from her life, to illustrate how the test of character is given when no one is watching. Both used scripture to highlight the perspective of Christ and His teachings about these issues and others such as integrity and peer-pressure.
Above, Amanda had a good laugh with her new friend Patrick about his sunglasses and below she enjoys a chapati with Maureen!
As always, my favorite part of Camp was the interaction between the people.... God is all about relationships and I love to see Him working in the midst of His people! Whether debating a question during the small group workshop session....
....helping each other study....
....counseling ...
....or just having fun, God is there at work!
And of course we had games! The 3 legged race was something new for most of these students and it took awhile to get the hang of it.
But once they realized the importance of "teamwork" ...they were off to the races! Outdoor games can teach profound spiritual lessons and offer insights to life, while allowing the students to have fun at the same time.
After Camp, William put on his student cap as he started a 9-month program called "Life-Forming Leadership Coaching". Here he is skyping with his teacher as Simba (one of our dogs) looks on. This program will not only assist in his personal growth, but will also help equip him to be more effective when he mentors and teaches other individuals and groups. The program uses Jesus as the supreme example of what a coach is.
As the students head back to school to start their 2nd term, we want to make known the urgent need so many of them still have for assistance with school fee's. We realize that many people are feeling the pinch of the current economic downturn and are having to cut back, but ask that you and your family pray about sponsoring a Kenyan student. We have over 20 students, both primary and high school level, that will not be able to remain in school this year without your help.
Please contact us by email at thechristianmile@yahoo.com for more information or visit the "Sponsor a Student" page on our website at http://web.me.com/denisedavenport.
Thank you and God Bless,
Denise & William
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