Rich Mullins - Awesome God - Live

I have a very distinct memory of being in "the cave" at Rainbow Christian Camp and being introduced to this song for the very first time-1987 I believe. I'm totally going to show my age, but this was during the time when contemporary christian music was making it's way into the worship services in our conservative churches. As a teenager, I was thrilled to learn new songs at camp and Amy and I would sing them all year long. Actually, she would learn to play it on the piano, figure out the harmonies and I would sing along! This is when my love for Rich Mullins was born. There have been so many songs that he wrote that I have loved more...but this is when it began.

This is just one of a thousand wonderful beginnings for me and my spiritual journey that Rainbow Christian Camp provided. I went for the first time as a 4th grade camper-and I went every year after. When I got old enough, I started volunteering and helping at the younger camps as well as attending as a camper for "Last Chance" week. It was during these weeks of camp that I would find rest and rejuvenation that would last me a whole school year. I remember saying that we could "hide away" from being "in the world" and just "be ourselves" and not have to "worry about guys or anything"....well, that was a bold-faced lie! I packed my cutest outfits, flirted with a different guy every year and actually invited one to a valentine's dance one year....we were pathetic!

But in spite of all that, I had some amazing worship times that truly taught me how to close my eyes, intentionally prepare my heart and mind to pour myself into worship to my Savior. I am so grateful! I remember one year they walked us through the crucifixion story...we listened to hammers, wrote our sins out on paper, and nailed them to the cross. I still go back at times to that night during my communion meditations. I remember being challenged by adults to make my faith my own, take Christ to my school, and dedicate my life to Christian service....and God used those seeds that were planted to grow a faith that I am still clinging too.

It's funny how life cycles sometimes. I am writing this 10 miles from that camp. I have worked in the office, the kitchen and as a volunteer. I spend at least one week every summer serving and teaching teens during the Senior High week of camp...only it's called "Higher Ground" and the dean is my husband. My children LOVE to go to their week of camp, they love even more packing up and going for Russ' week, Russ is a board member and I intend on working in the kitchen with Tess this summer. I must admit that at times when I walk onto that campus with Russ and everyone knows his name and I have to introduce myself as "Russ' wife" it irritates me. I have teased many of the staff about this being "my camp" before Russ ever stepped foot on the property!

Regardless, Rainbow Christian Camp is a ministry filled with a history of men and women who love the Lord and has blessed and continues to bless me and my walk with the Lord....and I am grateful!