Camp Joy Choir Tour 2006

A Word from "Uncle" Jim Wickliffe

Prayer Posse: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress." (Psa. 91:1,2) This week, on the Camp Joy Choir Tour we experienced, as scripture makes it clear; "Because he loves me', says the LORD, 'I will rescue him, I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. Psa. 91:14-16)

God abundantly answered your prayers! I need to tell you some of the wonderful things our God has done on the Tour. The trip consisted of traveling more than 1600 miles going south as far as Chesapeake VA, while singing at 2 Bible Colleges, 2 churches, a Christian school, a homeless shelter, and to a friendly Amish family in their home. The kids slept in homes, on a gym floor, in a dorm and yes lots on the bus. Two days were spent sightseeing in Washington DC. They viewed the monuments, museum's, the zoo (even saw the new Panda), and rode the subway. The trip was climaxed by them being given some spending money and experiencing a "Farmers Market" in PA. People were so gracious and loving to all on the Tour.

The goal was to learn how to serve Him! Throughout the week the children were challenged to serve not only God, and the ones they sang praises to, but to one another (which is always the hardest). Hearing them pray daily, encouraging them to do their devotions that the leaders had written specifically for the trip, watching them listen to their God throughout the week and make new commitments to Him, being surprised by them cleaning the bus on their own time when not being told, and really caring enough to look to each others needs rather than being selfish and starting fights. It was a "blessed' trip.

Some of God's Surprises! For months we have praying and planning this trip. It was our desire to honor the Lord, ministry to many, be lots of fun for the kids, recruit summer staff, and be life-changing for all on the choir team. God certainly showed up and went before us in every conceivable way imaginable. Rejoice with us with some of His "doings".

" When we went to get our bus inspected for the trip, we were informed that it would cost about $3,500. Plus there probably wouldn't be enough time to do all the repairs. I called our partner "Mike" and he answered the phone by saying "What can I do for you?" I humbly told him. He loaned us a late model bus, and informed us that he would have his shop do all the repairs as a gift unto the Lord. While two of our missionaries were driving to get repairs the linkage to the gas pedal broke. Only God's grace could see ahead and rescue us valiantly.
" At one of the Choirs presentation at a college, the President leaned over to me during their program and asked, if you need help for some of these kid's education, let me know. After lunch we talked about John and Rey wanting to attend that college and they have received scholarships. Praise Him
" We had a church interested in "adopting" a building on the Carmel campus. They will commit to all the repairs and upkeep of it throughout the year. What a blessing. Only 49 more to go! We also had new partners who are excited about using their skills and experience to fix and repair buildings.
" We had students, at the College's, interested in serving this summer after listening to the Choir sing praises. We hire about 100 people who love God and the kids to serve in our summer programs.
" We had some people interested to take some kids either during the summer for a short period of time or possibly help in "reparenting' kids or even over a longer stretch.
" There were students and even a professor and pastor who testified how God has used CBF through the years to help prepare them for the places where they serve today.
" We met and made some very special new "partners" who will join us in making disciples of NYC's forgotten fields.
" We met Sandy at a pit stop. She looked weathered and worn and displaced. I told her we would take her to her next stop. One of the fellows got her coffee (I know if it was Starbucks we were really starting to get a handle on this serve others thing). She was over whelmed by the kindness she received on the bus and the warm welcome of singing by the kids. She then recited a very long poem that she had written about God's grace in saving her. She loved Jesus. I thought for sure that she was one of those angels we meet unawares.
" Some sent in $50 and even more to help support the kids on the trip. I am so thankful that God used your money and everyone's prayers to meet the needs of the trip but also to create a week of serving the King that the kids will never ever forget.

I could go on. . . but I won't! I can hear The Father saying that because they loved me I will do all these things and more for my glory and so they can know me even better than ever before; I love them so much.

We, the leaders and the kids, want to say thank you and that we love you for supporting us for this The Lord's adventure.

Together joyfully and forcefully advancing the Kingdom, making disciples of NYC's forgotten fields, focusing on giving the King all the glory. Rom. 11:36

Jim