Camp Day 3 from the heart and voice of Angela Gudahl

Cześć! (Hello!) I write to you with both joy and droopy eyelids, as today was another day full of goodness and a lot of sweaty activities. It was day three of camp, and after debriefing with the entire team (both Poles and Americans), it is evident that our God is a God that answers prayers and uses His children to work together for His glory.

            Because it was our third day at camp, both the campers and the members of the team arrived feeling more comfortable with everything that takes place during a typical camp day. Everyone is getting more familiar with the camp dance, learning the dynamics of their English Class, and feeling more comfortable with interacting with each other. Sometimes this interacting involves very good conversations, simple small talk, or just smiling and a whole lot of high fives.

            I could list all of the activities that went on today and give you an agenda for what fun things are to come in this next week. It has been placed on my heart, however, to express to you the way God has orchestrated this camp by stealing the hearts of those He chose to work for His glory. It is truly amazing the connections that the sons and daughters of Christ have with one another, even when they don’t share the same first language (and had met just a few days ago.) It is a mystery how beautiful prayer is even when you don’t understand the words that are being spoken. And it is so incredibly tear jerking to sing Polish and English praises simultaneously with others who share the same eternity with Jesus.

            These past two nights were very interesting, as I got to speak and pray with one of the girls from the Polish Youth Group who I have been growing closer to everyday. Last night our prayer together was to take down the discouraging walls that were up in the hearts of the campers in her small group. After the Gospel was shared last night, this specific small group was very quiet and unresponsive. Sometimes God says yes, no, or wait. To this prayer I found out His answer after the small group time was over and I was overwhelmed with a giant hug and a summarized “Praise God! The girls opened up to one another tonight!”

            It is humbling to be been given the opportunity to witness God move in the hearts of others. I am encouraged and filled with joy to be around the Polish Youth Group who is on fire for Jesus. It is no wonder obstacles and a number of small misfortunes were placed in our path on our way here, if I were the enemy I would be terrified to know how God was going to reveal Himself in Skoczow.

            Camp has only just started, with much to do and a field trip to the mountains tomorrow. Please be praying. Specifically, please pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who lead small groups after the message each night. Please pray for encouragement for them, for God’s wisdom, and to continue softening the hearts of the campers. Please also pray for us. Please pray for energy and rest, as the days are getting longer and sleep is getting scarcer. Please pray for our hearts, that the enemies attempt to discourage us, to hurt us, and to distract us will not prevail. But that God’s goodness will comfort us, give us energy, and overcome all anxieties.

God is doing big things. Please keep praying, because He hears!

Goodnight!

Much love,

Angela