Camp "Good News 2009"
Camp Good News was everything I had hoped, dreamed and prayed for since the first camp in 2002. It took seven summers to complete the vision I believe God put in my heart. This summer Tabara Vestea Buna ceased to be an American camp in Moldova and became a Moldovan Christian Camp, led by Moldovans for the youth of Moldova.
Twelve young people fulfilled the roles of senior leaders, and ten new recruits filled in as junior leaders (leaders in training). Five “mature” women completed the team; enjoying the relaxed pace of being 
the supporting staff to the leadership team. Many on this exceptional team have joined me since the first year at camp. Back in those days, they were young teenagers, inexperienced in this new adventure and not yet equipped to deal with the obstacles and challenges of leading a group of improvised (physically and spiritually) kids who ranged in age from three to eighteen. But, that was the beginning and this year I believe they stepped into their assignments with boldness and confidence, completely capable to fulfill their God given assignments!
It is my privilege to share the amazing way in which these young people sacrificially poured Christ’s love and life into their young friends: Dima took the role as Camp Pastor and he became the Spiritual Guide for all of us. He spoke with the authority of Christ and didn’t back down when a small group of government officials showed up in the middle of his sermon and stood to listen. We knew the government was ostracizing Christian camps, not allowing praise music or gospel messages to be shared but, we believed to take the Christ out of Camp Good News would be to take the life changing power out of our week and so, we continued.
Vlad, Sveta, and Ion; cousins and “old timers” at Camp, having been with me since the beginning have become so proficient in their roles as teachers they need no instruction. It has been my joy to watch them grow into Spiritual leaders who have all the talents and gifts and knowledge to lead this camp.
Alexei and Alexandru, our Camp Worship Leaders taught the children that true Worship pleases God and makes our Souls happy. It was evident the children “got it” as they would arrive 20 minutes early to chapel to sing the new songs they had been taught. I am filled with joy to tell you that the post Camp report I received from Ana included the news that these praise songs can be heard all over the village as he makes her rounds!
Adriana, Hope, Roger, Ina and Mariana instructional teachers/leaders in English, Outdoor Rec., Sports, Crafts and Story Telling expanded their assigned roles to become mentors and friends to their charges.
The young women on the senior team gave up their daily “free time” so as the daily “Beauty Shop” hours could be extended. This was a favorite with all the girls and it provided a wonderful opportunity to teach the young campers about Godly beauty.
The post camp report also included testimonies of these lessons taking root in princesses’ hearts as the social worker reported the changes in the attitudes and dress of these young women, more reflective of Christ beauty in them.
The “mature” team included Ana; the local social worker and director of the home for abused and trafficked women; Lucia, an origami artist and an instructor in Japanese culture, and Irina, a professional Floristic artist. These women were so kind, giving and enthusiastic in their service. They could often be found amongst the children, teaching, listening and loving them and in their “free” time honing their crafts and working on Camp projects.
Nena and I, the only Americans on the team took a much more supportive role this year. Nena used her talents and gifts as our Camp Photographer and I, just being Mama Sue who’s only job was to answer questions and offer encouragement. We truly are pleased to tell you: “We have outsourced our jobs and we couldn’t be happier!!”
The teenagers who made up the junior team felt ill equipped and some were doubtful of the power of God’s Word but as they participated in the lessons we saw heart changes. They understood it truly is God’s love, Christ devotion and our trust in Him that brings purpose and power to our lives. I met with them post camp for follow up and I (with the support of many) was able to send them to the “English for New Life” camp the very next week. As I work with local Christians to disciple them further, I am encouraged to see their new love of God’s word and the humility and maturity they have shown as role models to their fellow campers; many who are their neighbors and friends in the village.
The highlights of camp are many, including the apprehension on the camper’s faces as they swarmed into camp and the tears and hugs as we said our goodbyes at the end of the week but, certainly the pinnacle moment was when a camper put his/her trust in the Lord. It is at that moment that we all clearly understood that whatever it took to make it happen was worth it!...and I am reminded, in a much bigger way, Christ thought the same thought!
Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
I am delighted to tell you God fulfilled His promise at Camp Good News 2009!!