A Season of Discernment
God is faithful. This is exactly how I would describe my experience at Toronto City Mission’s Sonshine Day Camp. As the second half of camp commences, I have felt so much joy in serving the Kingston-Galloway community over the last seven months. Although my physical body feels tired, the Holy Spirit continues to renew me. In week two, I shared a simple message of “We’re all in this together” during our morning staff devotionals. Paul tells us that,
“ If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it.”
With this in mind, I encouraged our staff to have intentional time with each other, sharing their lives – joys, worries, and hopes. I am so grateful to be part of team that is accountable in every aspect of my life.
Throughout these past four weeks, KG has been met with some challenges such as difficult interactions during transportation, sharing spaces on field trips, and utilizing a different space in the community. Yet I see how God is working at KG, protecting us and softening the hearts of the children, who are slowly transforming to be more open to change.
In the background of my life, I am also spending this summer discerning where God is taking me next – with ministry being a potential contender. To be honest, I am fearful of fully submitting myself to what God has in store, similar to the story of Jonah. But God remains faithful. In sharing my journey with people in my life, I continue to experience love and support, being reminded that I am not wandering alone.
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ”
1 Corinthians 12:12
This is significant because God values people and is aware of their need for one another. He created us to live in community, encouraging each other to give and receive support, which promotes charity and thankfulness.
What I have loved the most this summer is storytelling and the unexpected questions that follow. I don’t want the children to just accept what they are told, but to challenge and wrestle with the idea of trusting that God has a bigger plan for them. “Why was Jonah angry when God saved the people of Nineveh? Isn’t it a good thing that He showed mercy?” It is in questions like these where humility is displayed, being aware that I don’t have all the answers and we have this perfect opportunity to work together to think about what God means. “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’” Matthew 19:14.
Despite experiencing highs and lows, one thing I know for sure is that I am making an impact at KG. And through all of this, God is faithful. May He continue to be present in this community.