KIDS CAMP 2007 - MADAMPE YGRO
 

Sixty four children from many parts of the country converged at the Madampe YGro Camp Site to participate at the “Persecuted Pastors Kids Camp” which was held for 3 days from 8^th –10^th December 2007.  

On its 2^nd year, this camp was much anticipated by the children. Each of these children has one thing in common. That is, that each of them has gone through persecution for the religion they follow; for the Lord they call their personal father and friend. Some of these children are the only Christians in their schools. Unlike children of their own age these little ones have been ridiculed for what they believe in and shunned from the societies they live in and have much more than what we could imagine. The parents of these children live day to day on the meager earnings they make. Society’s attitude towards these children and their faith are not all they have to battle. Their struggles are also due to dire levels of poverty.

With escalating incidents of violence in the country, transportation in certain regions had come to a halt. Most of the children from the regions of Trincomalee, Jaffna and Batticaloa were not able to attend the camp. Therefore out of the 109 children who had registered only 64 children were able to attend.

As the children started arriving at the camp site, smiles lit up their faces as they saw familiar faces around the campsite. Friendships that were made in the year 2006 were once again rekindled.

The message of peaceful co-existence was illustrated in a memorable skit to the children by two ‘old friends’ who represented from the north and the south. Outside the safe camp grounds towards the north and the north east and even in the central regions of the country is a waging war. Teaching children the message of peace and unity was vital as children are considered vital peace makers of the future.

Each day the programme commenced with a time of worship. The feelings of happiness and love in the hearts of the little ones were evident on their bright faces.  “We didn’t have enough money for all of us to come, but at the end we were able to get the money that we needed. I want to thank God for giving us the money” shared a little girl, one of 3 sisters who were attending the camp. It made us realize that many are the needs of these children, but greater has been their faith.

The children were placed in three groups as per their ages.  The group activities were based on this year’s camp theme “Jesus is our Friend, an ever present friend, Father and a loving God”. The youngest age group between 6 – 9 years was involved in story telling and drawing pictures. They also played a game where one little girl of 7 years shared a testimony “I told Jesus that my father didn’t have a vehicle and to please give him one. God answered my prayer”. This little girl’s father had no mode of transport and found it very difficult to get around and conduct his ministerial duties.  “My two friends and I prayed for dolls to play with and Jesus answered our prayers” said the youngest in the group. Later each child was asked to write down their thoughts on paper and post it on the wall.  The children had drawn their families, toys, getting good grades and some drawings even depicted little ones in new homes. One little girl from Gampola [Kandy District] had written and drawn “Jesus has helped us all stay together, no matter which background we are from”. And underneath this statement she had drawn little children from Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burger backgrounds, holding hands and smiling. This really touched us who were with this group that morning. It reminded us again that amongst children there are no boundaries. The small ones also learnt about Zacchaeus and how a new found friendship with Jesus helped him become a better person.

The children between the ages of 10 to 13 had a time of discussion on “Who is a best Friend?”. The children shared the fact that they didn’t have best friends; instead they had friends who had hurt them. These children were carrying deep wounds in their hearts. Most of them had been hurt by the fact that other children had made fun of them or refused to play or spend time with them because they were Christians. At the end if this particular session each child accepted and voiced the fact that Jesus was their best friend and that no one could ever take that place. At a later session after learning about the traits of Jesus, the children were asked to create little cardboard hearts that contained makeshift mirrors. On one heart was written the words “Jesus is my friend” and when it opened were the words “Jesus loves me” and they could see their reflections on it. Each time these children opened the little hearts they would be reminded that Jesus is indeed their friend and He loves them. This group also learnt about the story of Zacchaeus and how he made a special effort to get close to Jesus. The children were challenged to have a relationship with the Lord. The response was overwhelming. A significant highlight for this group was when they spent time in prayer, making a commitment and asked the Lord to become their personal Savior.

The senior group concentrated on how they could live a successful life with Jesus Christ. The Ten Commandments provide a road map to life, like an instruction manual for a Christian life. The children then made a ten commandment hanger which served as a reminder of God’s commandments to each of them. This group also discussed the topic of “standing up for Jesus who is our friend”. A story was related to the children about 2 ladies. Both of whom loved the Lord, but one of them betrayed the Saviour in the hour of need. The challenge was posed to the children; would they stand for God no matter what the situation might be or would they run away? Taking into consideration the back grounds the children came from, this topic was of great relevance to them. Our prayer for them was that no matter what problems they go through, they should never lose sight of God.

To keep the momentum of entertainment, a talent show had been organized where both the Staff and the children participated. There were colourful dances and skits. The senior boys presented a novel version of the Good Samaritan’s story which was enjoyed by all.

On the last day of camp the children were given a surprise, when each child was presented with a story book of “St. Nicolas”. 

On the last day the parents came to the camp site to take their children away. The parents were very grateful to NCEASL for conducting the camp this year as well. Some of them shared with us the problems that their children faced. One mother said that her daughter was the only Christian in her school. Others stated that their children were even forced to study other religions as Christianity was not taught in their schools.  

As the children left the campsite many voiced their hope to attend next years camp as well.  At a tender age these children have been the victims of persecution for their faith. Seeing their unshakable love for God, carrying a living testimony to God’s faithfulness, His wonder and grace was a great encouragement for us at NCEASL