Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Bostic, NC 28018 Permit No. 2
South Mountain Christian Camp 1129 South Mountain Road PO Box 9 Bostic, NC 28018-0009
Phone: (828) 245-3322 Fax: (828) 245-1659 Email: smcc@blueridge.net
Making a difference...one child at a time
We’re on the Web! www.SMCC-online.com
ADDRESS SERVICES REQUESTED
Steve’s Story
Steve Collins Program Director
Sweat, blood, and tears. These are not things that we enjoy experiencing. We’d rather have relaxation, comfort, and peace. Unfortunately that’s not always the way life goes. It reminds me of a time when Matt Kramer, my Assistant Director for several years, was talking with a rebellious camper. She told Matt that she always did things her own way and always got what she wanted. Without missing a beat, Matt looked at her and said, “Well, welcome to Earth!” It would be nice to live in a world where everything was perfect and everyone was happy. But if that’s what you’re looking for, you may be on the wrong planet. We live in a fallen world. We don’t like to think about death, abuse, violent crime, and war. But not thinking about them doesn’t make them less real. I’m reminded of this every time a camper begins to open up and share the pain that they’ve experienced in their lives. Their homes are not just broken, they’re shredded to pieces. I’ve talked with campers who
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never knew their father because he’s in prison
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slept outside on the street to avoid a drunken parent
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called 911 when their mother overdosed on drugs for the fourth time
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have been abused their entire lives and now live in a group home
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witnessed the murder of a family member and now endure nightmares every night
Every time I hear their stories and see their tears, I wish I could pull out a magic wand and make all the pain go away. But then I remember something better. I remember how big my God really is. And I remember how much He loves us. Then I tell them. And when the love of God reaches their hearts it permeates their souls and they are filled with peace, hope, and joy. I can’t take their pain away. I can’t change their circumstances. But I know Someone who can, and I want them to meet Him. That’s what the ministry of South Mountain Christian Camp is all about: giving children the opportunity to meet Jesus. Once they’ve had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, they are changed forever. If you’d like to give a child this experience, prayerfully consider sponsoring a camper through our scholarship program. See page 3 for details.