(This blog update is from Sherrie Ainsley, a third-time camp team member and part of the Arm of Hope leadership team.)

Wow! What an amazing first week of camp! Since our first-time team members have shared about Ghana and camp from their “fresh” perspective, I decided I might as well share what has stood out to me the most from a “veteran” perspective.

The word that comes to my mind when I think about this week compared to previous camps is growth. The kids have grown so much! Yes, they have grown physically (many of my campers from previous years are taller than me now), but more important than that is that they have grown in how they interact and speak with one another. Two years ago I saw lots of fighting, hitting, and cheating at games. This year I observed almost none. The kids are still able to recite the Bible verses they memorized at camp the past two years. And beyond just memorizing them, I am watching them live out what they have learned. I saw love in their eyes as my kids interacted with some of the residents here at Echoing Hills who have disabilities. I saw patience as they waited their turn to play the games and complete the crafts. There was definitely much more self-control as they participated in camp activities.

As we talked each day about the fruit of the Spirit, they recognized that this is not something they can do in their own strength. They’ve tried. I’ve tried. It doesn’t work. It is only the Holy Spirit living in us that transforms us and makes us able to bear fruit. The Holy Spirit is working in their hearts. He’s working in mine too. And it’s so fun to be here with my kids in Ghana encouraging one another in this process.

Cheryl Zimmerman