An enthusiastic traveler, Sarah is an energetic extravert who loves to visit new places and meet new people. She is a mom, a wife, and a teacher. A follower of Christ, Sarah has become a lifelong learner who enjoys mentoring others. In short, Sarah builds relationships.
“As a camper, I looked for fun times with new friends,” Sarah remembers. “I loved the outdoors and learning about God’s word. Since I was home schooled, I was eager to meet new campers. Each year for 9 years, I attended camp with friends who were sisters, and then each year I found more new friends. I couldn’t say it at the time, but I was looking for community!”
“Camp was the perfect place for me to grow in my faith,” Sarah explains. “I learned rustic skills (fire building, hiking, etc.), and made new friends, while asking questions about God and Jesus with people outside of my church and family. Wanake opened my eyes to the wider world. I had an international counselor one summer who prompted my interest in travel and introduced me to other cultures and different ways of doing things. Under the guidance of our counselors, my groups enjoyed campfire discussions, Bible study conversations, and exploring what it means to follow Jesus daily. At camp, my eyes were opened to the needs of others. I learned how to respond with the hands and feet of Christ showing others His love. Camp allowed me to own my faith in Jesus.”
“The spiritual practices introduced at Wanake have become part of my daily life as an adult: morning watch (spending quiet time with God), prayer, reading and engaging in scripture, and intentional service. These habits continue to spur my spiritual growth,” Sarah remarks. “I enjoy re-writing Bible verses as if God were talking directly to me and reading the scripture over in four different ways (Lectio Divina). The opportunities for intentional service at camp led me to be mission minded, looking to share God’s love with others through service. Because of camp I understand that God is real, for I have met Him.”
“What I appreciate most about the ministry at Wanake is the true Christian community that is built as we live together in God’s creation,” Sarah declares. “I hope that Wanake will continue to be a space set apart for people to discover God and themselves, be nurtured in their relationship with Jesus, and hear God’s call on their lives.”
Your generosity allows campers like Sarah to explore their faith in God, build spiritual disciplines, and respond to encounters with the living God as they explore God’s creation with caring, Christ-like role models. Thank you for your generosity.
