Christmas camp ministers to underprivileged children

LAKE YALE (FBC)—Gales of laughter from 106 care-free migrant children filled the air of the wooded camp grounds at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center Dec. 5-7.

Despite the chilly air and low temperatures, smiles draped the faces of the children, age 8-12 attending the 14th annual Migrant Children’s Christmas Camp sponsored by the Florida Baptist Convention’s Church and Community Ministries Department.

The luxury of playing sports and participating in crafts, dramas and puppetry contrasted with the responsibilities many of these children face as they raise younger siblings or work in farm fields.

The cooperation of churches, associations and volunteers and funding from the Maguire State Mission Offering makes it possible for these migrant children to encounter a weekend filled with activities that communicate God’s love and purpose for their lives.

"For most of these kids, this is the only chance they have to come to something like this," said Misael Castillo, Florida Baptist Convention migrant ministry consultant. "Many are not Christians, so we are trying to show them Christ so they can have better lives."

The opportunity to show these young ones a better way of life motivates many of the volunteers.

"Underprivileged children are my heart and I want to see them learn about God and have enough clothing and food," said first-year camp counselor Diane Schenk, a student at the Baptist College of Florida. "I want to do my part to help provide for them in any way I can."

An afternoon picnic sponsored by the Marion Baptist Association followed by ice cream provided by the Lake County Baptist Association is a tradition at the camp and another way of sharing Christ’s love to the migrant children at camp.

Virginia Shelton, director of Lake County Women’s Missionary Union has volunteered to serve ice cream at the camp 14 years. "There is so much opportunity to have fun, share God’s love and let the children know they are cared for because Jesus loves them," Shelton said.

Volunteers of all ages conveyed a consistent message. Their concern to share Christ’s love with each child showed through every moment of interaction and activities incorporating the theme," A Child of the King" based on Psalms 100:3b.

"The crafts and bookmarks have verses on them that can teach them about God and the Bible," said 12 year-old Amy Grayson, a volunteer from Deermeadows Baptist Church, Jacksonville.

Counselors, locked arm-in-arm with a group of young girls, told the youngsters they were "created as special children of God."

Adults teaching tae-kwan-do on a sunny patch of grass constantly reminded the children of the importance of carrying Christ’s character as God’s children— even in a moment of self defense.

Sign language and drama teachers encouraged the students to act and perform as children offering praise to God.

This camp, "shares what true Christianity is all about," said Sixto Sayaz, a long time volunteer and youth pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista, Bonita Springs. "We use this time with them to try to guide them to Christ through talking with them, visiting with them and setting an example."

That these young people can have a better life is important to the coordinators of the camp.

"I am so thankful that Florida Baptists care enough about our migrant children to provide them with this Christian camping opportunity," said Brenda Forlines, director of the Church and Community Department. "Being able to take them out of their environment and to a place where they are surrounded by a Christian environment helps them to focus on the message of God’s love for them.

"Hopefully through our Bible studies, dramas, music and interaction with Christian counselors, our children will learn to make good choices that will lead them to a better chance of life," she said.

During a discussion session for the older girls, Sharon Thompson, professor of psychology at William Carey College, Hattiesburg, Miss., and former convention employee addressed God’s greater plan for the girls’ lives, setting life goals and the obstacles that keep those goals from being realized.

Specific attention was given to the repercussions of having sex before marriage and how to make responsible decisions concerning dress and dating.

Though much of the camp gave great attention to the children’s emotional and spiritual nourishment, their physical needs were not overlooked.

Each child was given a laundry bag made by the sewing ministry at First Baptist Church, Merritt Island, and filled with a blanket, Bible, camp shirt, box of toiletries and Christmas gift.

At least 41 percent of Florida’s migrant population have families with young children exposed to the harsh realities of poverty. Such a lifestyle can be especially difficult during the holiday season, Forlines said.

For those who attend migrant camp, the Christmas season may not be filled with countless material gifts, but many volunteers gave of their time to give the gift of Christ’s love.

"I know a lot of these kids haven’t heard about Jesus and we have an overwhelming opportunity to share with them," said camp counselor Laura Coulter, a student at the Baptist College of Florida.

"As we spend time with them, they are so excited to talk to us. I feel I am impacting them in some way They see God’s love in us and that He does have awesome things for their lives."