Summer Camp 2003: Where it began
Over my ten-plus years in Poland, I have participated in a number of children’s camps, and the Lord has granted me the privilege of praying a salvation prayer with 15-20 kids. The first two boys who ever asked me to pray this prayer with them were in my Bible class at a camp in the summer of 2003. One of these two was a 10-year-old boy named Krzyś. Unfortunately, we have very little chance for follow-up on the kids at camp, so I’ve often wondered what effect the salvation prayers have had on the kids’ lives after camp. As is typical in Poland, Krzyś and I had no opportunity for further contact after our summer camp ended.
Summer Camp 2013
Fast-Forward 10 years to Summer Camp 2013…
One of the counselors at last summer’s camp was a young woman named Nela. Nela was in an ever-deepening relationship with a young man she met at her church. This young man came to spend a couple days with Nela midway through our camp.
The day Nela’s boyfriend arrived at camp was an open-schedule day, so everyone was busy with personal “catch-up” activities. I, of course, had no particular reason to take notice of Nela’s arriving guest. But as Nela and her boyfriend strolled around the camp grounds together, this young man spotted me, turned to Nela and said,
“That’s the man who prayed with me at camp 10 years ago.”
You’ve probably already guessed that Nela’s boyfriend is Krzyś. Krzyś came over and greeted me very warmly.
Krzyś is still a strong Christian, and he still attributes the prayer that he and I prayed together 10 years ago as the starting point of his walk with the Lord.
We had a great time of re-connecting. It was also a huge encouragement to see how the Lord takes moments of service and nurtures them into life-changing and eternal good for others.
Thanks for partnering with us! Your partnership is bearing lasting fruit.
by Jim LaRose
Jim LaRoseITMI partner, Jim LaRose, ministers to children in Poland, through serving at camps, sunday schools, christian schools and foster homes, he has developed deep and impactful relationships. He has also developed and trained teachers and leaders who have impacted children’s lives. Jim is honorary “grandpa” to Julian, the son of a young man he met through his ministry to children living at a foster home.