Dogwood tree in forest by Fran Meservy
"The Other Side" by Ann Murray from CD "What A Wonderful World"
GA & Acteens Camp by Frances M. McCrory-Meservy
I was not the Acteens leader any more but it was time for Summer camp and Charlotte was not able to take the girls. God told me to take the girls to camp. Now camp was for two weeks and cigarettes were not allowed. I still smoked. Again He said, "take the girls to Camp." I agreed to take them and told Him He would have to take care of the smoking.
I had 15 girls in my group (ages 13-16). My left hip hurt if I stood too long in one spot so I told the girls that if I had to stand in a long line we would have to go home.
Now at camp if you have the cleanest, neatest cabin, you were first in line for breakfast. If you memorized the most Bible Scriptures, you were first in line for Lunch. If you were the best mannered group, you were first in line for Dinner.
The Acteens group next to us consisted of 16 girls. Their leader's sister was in an accident and she had to go home. I agreed to watch her girls so they could stay. Now I had 30 teenagers. Call it temporary insanity; but I did not want these girls to miss camp.
My girls broke all camp records and we were always first in line for everything. Different GA groups usually won everything; but not that year. Our Acteens were the first Acteens group to win and the only group to win every day. It was like God took over and moved them to do everything just right.
Several girls met Jesus at camp and a couple accepted the call to be missionaries. It was a very rewarding, fun filled two weeks for the girls and I. It was a tearful day when the other 16 girls went home and we went home in a different directions. Some lasting friendships were made.
I never even thought about a cigarette from the time I got on the bus to go to camp until we got back. As soon as I got home I wanted a cigarette so bad I could not stand it. So - now I knew for a fact that if God wanted me to quit smoking, he could remove the desire and I would quit.
Phil 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Psa 119:22 Remove from me reproach and contempt, For I have kept Your testimonies.
Mat 19:14 But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Mark 9:37 "Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me."