Pirate Summer

Again this year we got to attend a family camp. We visited Laity Lodge, and it was a wonderful week. A great way for us to connect as family and also to connect with the Creator.

We had the opportunity to meet a lot of wonderful families. Many fun activities were carefully planned, food was delicious, and devotionals were inspiring.

There was a very special gift that we received at camp. It all started the first night, at the round up event. After dinner all the families gathered together for worship, games, skits and a Bible story time. All went perfectly, until a little after starting Bible story time a pirate came into the room. The pirate claimed to be a new follower of Jesus, and one who wanted to learn about the Bible and God.

Principe got very afraid. Princesa followed right after him. Soon we got two very scared little ones, crying, hiding, and wanting to leave. Papito and I insisted that the pirate that came to listened to the story, was indeed a changed pirate, that now desired to do good. The kiddos agreed to stay with us while hiding behind our backs.

That night we prayed together for Marauder Mark the pirate. Principe had a lot of questions. We tried to bring peace to his little mind and help him go to sleep in peace. Next morning we introduce Marauder Mark the pirate to Principe and Princesa (while he was not in costume) and we told them that he was just pretending to be a pirate.

The entire week , Principe will keep on walking to find Marauder Mark the pirate and engage in conversation with him. Principe also started to say that he will find a treasure for the pirate. The topic for the devotionals of the week at camp was about God's Grace: The free gift of new life that we can receive in him. Marauder Mark the pirate continued to appear in every night at round up, and talk about how he loved Jesus and wanted to learn more about how to be a good pirate. Principe continued to hide behind our backs.

The last afternoon at camp we mention to both Principe and Princesa, "Today is the last day at camp, and is the last time that you will be able to see Marauder Mark the pirate  Maybe you want to go and sit down with all the kids (were the pirate used to sit as well) to listen to the Bible story." Principe woke up from nap that afternoon and said he will give Marauder Mark the pirate a little airplane toy he had in the room as a gift for his treasure.

The night of round up, at Bible story time, Pincipe was not sure he wanted to go and sit with the rest of the children. Princesa went confidently and sat there. Principe decided so find a secure place mid way in between the children and us. Marauder Mark the pirate arrived, and Principe raised his hand and in loud and secure voice he said, "I have a gift for you". It was a moving time. In the midst of fear, insecurity and grace, Principe was able to share a treasure with a Pirate that had decided to take a step towards God.

This week, clearly spoke to us about God's grace. His love is so immense, his forgiveness is so powerful, and his transformation is so amazing. New life in Him is a new chance in life.

Have you encountered God's grace?