Six Snakes

We got home late last night from the Easter Camp. The camp was really blessed of God. It ended up with a heavy rain of 55 mm (2.3 inches) whilst the final service was in progress. On Good Friday we removed from the dormitories no less than six snakes. 4 were Philodryas natereri and 2 were Leptodeira annulata. I give the scientific names for anyone who wants to check them out with Google. Neither species is poisonous but finding six during one afternoon did cause quite a commotion. 

The whole camp had as its theme "Intimacy with God" or "Living close to God". Everything started on the Thursday night with a fellowship meal at 6 pm. This was followed by a lovely opening service when Pastor Rafael preached on 'Sanctification'. Breakfast on Good Friday morning was at 7 am followed by 45 minutes of 'alone with God'. At 9 am we had the morning service when granddaughter Louisa spoke on 'Transformed Lives by Christ'.

In the afternoon there was lots of sport including swimming with aqua-basket-ball, plus table tennis and volley ball. The volley ball was particularly good and at times the competition got quite heated so that we had to appoint a referee to rule on the close decisions. In the evening our final-year-Bible-College-student Murilo spoke on 'being a reflection of the Bible for those that never read it' and 'being an example of the church for those that never go to it'. 

On Easter Saturday we followed the same routine with breakfast at 7 am, 'alone with God' at 8 am and in the morning service Lawyer Rayla spoke on prayer. In the afternoon we had a lovely time of "Opportunity knocks" with all ages from little children to seniors singing praises to God. I led all the services, but this session was led by Sacha. In the evening service Sacha preached on 'Priorities' and for me it was the best sermon of the camp.

On Easter Resurrection Sunday Pastor Rafael preached in the morning service on 'Don't moan! Love!' This was based on Colossians 3:13-15. Before he spoke Alice brought a short Biblical reflection linked to the same theme. On Sunday afternoon there was more sport, and then the evening meal was skipped so that we could have the evening service at 6 pm and all go home after this. However, at 5.45 pm down came a very heavy prolonged rain. This found most already in the hall but Liz and I were still in our room. Sacha led the jubilant praise and worship in the hall and when the rain eased off Liz and I joined in. I preached in the final service from Matthew 28:1-10 on 'Intimacy with God through the resurrected Christ'. 

Our sincerest thanks to all who helped us hold this excellent camp. We praise God for another blessed Green Pastures camp which we have been holding for over 40 years.