How One Teenager's Comment Changed my Attitude: A Recap of Summer Camp

Last week, we had the opportunity to take a group of at-risk teenagers to Lake Denton Camp in Avon Park. 

Every summer when we go to camp, one of my favorite things is waking up early and enjoying a cup of coffee before anyone else is up. I find a quiet place, usually down by the lake, and spend time with God before the day begins.  

But last week, as I was doing the very thing I love, I found myself having a pity-party with God. I was complaining about the sorry instant coffee I was drinking, about that one bug that wouldn’t stop bothering me, about how little I had slept the night before and about how I have to field a thousand questions about what we’re going to be doing every hour of the day. To top off this “woe-is-me” morning, I forgot my glasses and could barely see to read the Bible on my phone. 

As I was sitting there, complaining to God and watching the sun come up, a camper named Nate came out of his cabin and wandered over to where I was seated. I signed Nate up for camp the morning we were leaving. I had never met him before that morning, and I really did not know him or his story. Nate started talking about the camp, so I asked what he liked best so far. I was expecting to hear about the swimming, the water slide, the food or being with his friends. I wasn’t prepared for his answer. Nate looked at me and said, “I like the shower the best.”  When I asked him why, he said, “It’s so great. The water works when I turn it on. It’s warm, there’s soap and I can stay as long as I need to.” He went on to tell me about his home and all his brothers and sisters.  How the water is always cold and sometimes there is no water at all.

God really has a way of putting me in my place. Here I was complaining about instant coffee, and Nate was rejoicing about a shower. It reminded me that some of us have so much that w take for granted while there are hurting people — hurting kids — who don’t always have water for a shower. 

Right then, I started to pray for Nate and his family. Later that evening, Nate said yes to Jesus for the first time, along with two other boys. 

The next time you jump into your warm shower, please remember to pray for Leverage Ministries and the boys and families we are reaching every day. 

We are so grateful for your continued partnership. Please continue to pray specifically for the Leverage Ministries finances. Like many organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected us significantly. We are committed to serving at-risk teens in Polk County, and I’m confident that God will provide. 

Serving Him,

Scott Hirdes
Executive Director