All four of our groups arrive back at Vedavoo within a half hour of each other. There is much joy and excitement. It's great to see our friends again. And there are so many stories to share and experiences to compare. RMR puts together a deliscious dinner, and I have the chance to catch up with the Toths (old friends from way back who actually run the RMR ministry.
After dinner we all settle in, finding a spot to sit inside this natural amphitheatre where rock walls create a cozy place to gather. Tiki torches are lit and the atmosphere is awesome! We start out singing "Beyond the Shore", the perfect backpacking song. Two acoustics, a djembe, and a lot of joyful singing.
Four people arrive late, making a lot of noise. Don't they know they are late? Don't they know it's inappropriate to laugh loudly when you arrive somewhere late? Soon we find out why they are so excited. God has worked miracles for them! People were healed just moments ago, and they are pumped! Chloe is a bubbly person anyway, but now she is like on another planet, filled with awe and wonder at God's power and love! Jody shows us all her thumb, which had been broken a long time ago. Now it's restored and there is no more pain! Alecia now has arches on her feet! Mia's knee, which is scheduled for surgery next week, is healed. She can straighten it out now! As they share, I recall my prayer from our first day out, when Jesus asked me, "What do you want me to do for you?" I answered that I want to see miracles. I want to experieence supernatural events, things that only God can do.
As you can imagine, this inspires our worship time. We sing songs from deep in our spirit, pouring out love and praise to our Abba Father who has given good gifts to His children. "You've stolen my heart, yes you have". Stories continue to be told in between worship songs. Stories of miraculous answers to prayer, and changed hearts. Story after story!
As we all head back to our camps to go to sleep we know that we have been changed forever! How can we know this power and presence of God without being changed for good?
Posted on
Thu, July 23, 2009
by Chris Spitters