How have you been blessed by VE?
Biggest Takeaway
It was a great joy and blessing to serve with Village Eulogia as an intern last summer! For one week, we all packed our bags and willingly surrendered our steady wi-fi connections to camp out together at Riverview. We were removed from the regular rhythms and routines of our daily lives, and invited to recreation, reconnection, and rest for body, mind, and spirit.
While we did the ordinary things of eating, playing, sitting side by side, or talking and walking together along the way; while we prayed, praised and joyfully served; and while we simply gave each other our time and presence, God was doing extraordinary things in our midst. He was delighted to bring together people of all different ages, interests, abilities, experiences and stories, and create a picture of His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. He was showing us glimpses of His glory, radiant and reflected in every single person there, made in the image of God.
Those who are on the run, can be still and know that He is God.
Those who speak without words, shout His praises from their hearts.
Those who are loud, also love in gentle and quiet ways.
Those who are young, can be patient and wise.
Those who are older, can be full of wonder and child-like faith.
Those who need to be led, lead others to see His goodness and beauty.
Those who wait on the Lord, will renew their strength.
Those who sow in tears, will reap in joy.
Indeed they are blessed! During my time there, I had begun to see what made Camp VE such a unique and cherished place, and why families and volunteers looked forward to coming out to camp year after year. Some had known each other for years, and others had just met, but Village Eulogia is a place to become family, where everyone is known and loved as they were made to be. I've been greatly encouraged by the families who have shared with us their time, opened up their generous hearts, and welcomed us to walk with them on their journeys. Though each family may have many varying challenges and significant needs, it is evident that God delights to display his faithfulness, steadfast love, and mercies through their testimonies.
It was also an honour to work alongside such amazing volunteers who truly give themselves to serve as the hands and feet of Christ, with humility, grace, and the fruits of the Spirit. They say the days are long, but the camp week is short! While we were all exhausted by the end of each day, God supplied our joy, unity and fellowship to keep us going and laughing all the way through!
When I first joined as an intern, I didn't really know what to expect... just how many hours would be spent on Zoom meetings and program planning, the number of emails and phone calls, the shopping hauls for craft supplies, and immeasurable step-counts through camp, etc. But I knew I wanted to be where Christ would be. Where He would serve. Where and whom He would love. Where He would rejoice in God and all that He is doing in our lives. He showed me that Camp Village Eulogia is such a place as this.
Will you come and see for yourself ?
Consider joining Camp VE 2025 as an intern or volunteer this summer!
-Kristen
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10