Come As You Are

Written by: Lydia Hon

My journey with Toronto City Mission started this January when a friend invited me to apply for the summer internship. Hearing about Sonshine Day Camp and the after-school programs from friends this past year made me curious about God's good work in this organization. I felt God calling me to try something new this year with children at the Jesse-Ketchum community. This opportunity has reminded me of the need to spread God’s love to those who don’t know Him. 

I am already more than halfway through the internship with three more weeks of camp left! God has taught me the importance of staying rooted in His ways through the Holy Spirit. One of my favourite parts about this internship is having an opportunity to worship and pray to God alone every day at work. Starting the day with God helps me keep close to His side throughout the day as the team and I at Jesse Ketchum do our best to spread His love through what we say and what we do.

Although we do our best to be an example of God’s love, I am reminded we are not perfect leaders or humans. At the beginning of camp, I was unsure about how children and other team members would view me, so I placed pressure on myself to be the best summer intern I could be. Naturally, I realize I cannot accomplish this idea of a perfect camp leader and team member. I am learning to accept my failures and the times I show weakness. There are times at camp when I doubt my abilities to lead or to answer questions about life and God. God has taught me to come as I am, instead of coming to camp as the ideal summer intern. He has reminded me that He does not call the equipped, but He equips the called. 

““For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.””

— Ephesians 2:10

Two qualities I learned from the kids at Jesse-Ketchum are perseverance and kindness. There are times when they trip, fall, and get injured during physical games. Seeing them persevere through the pain and the hurt to the calm and peace is encouraging. They rest, then stand back up and play again with no fear. There are also times when they show kindness to each other. One child is going to grade 6 who is non-verbal and has autism. The kids support him when he accomplishes something and cheer him on. Even though he may be different, they treat him with the same kindness they treat each other. It is so inspiring to witness this kind of love from the children. 

Every day I am in awe of these children, and even in the toughest moments, I am learning to show grace and love just like Jesus teaches us in the Sermon On the Mount. I want to cherish these moments from camp and I am encouraged to come as I am every day trusting that God will equip me. 

““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.””

— Matthew 11:28

Cheering on God’s Work: A memory of everlasting joy

Written by: Simeon Hwang

“ “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
”

— Matthew 5:16

Going into the camp, there have been many uncertainties, notably how campers would interact with each other. As a new intern, the idea that kids would share the same schools and family friends intimidated me. I knew it was inevitable that various problems could transition from school to summer camp, such as bullying. I anxiously wondered if these problems could potentially set the tone at the beginning, especially when kids would feel most uncomfortable as they don’t know everyone.

When camp began, the expected happened. A lot of the kids were new to the camp and didn’t know each other very well. On the other hand, the returning kids had their set of friend groups. Even while the campers gradually became more relaxed with each other, several problems arose. Some kids did not like each other, and bullying occurred to the point where certain kids were uncomfortable being in our camp.

However, as time went on, God would use His mighty hand to turn things for the better. The kids would step out of their comfort zone to connect with the other kids. The age difference did not divide the campers from befriending each other, and even the troublesome kids put tenacious effort into caring for the younger ones.

Group photo with the older kids after making lava lamps.

Group photo with the campers after the first theme day.

All of this led up to theme day, where Lily was leading a theme day based on the seasons. The kids were very interactive during the fall station, where they made frames and took pictures with each other. The kids would then receive polaroids and add them to their frames. However, the main highlight would follow after this station.

Two of our campers enjoyed the frames and Polaroids made during theme day.

To celebrate winter and Christmas, campers sat in a circle and took turns trying to open a present with oven mitts on. Upon learning about the activity, campers initially showed competitive spirit, wanting to be the one to open the present. However, the kids suddenly started to cheer for each other, and it wasn’t just a few kids, but all of them cheering for the person opening the present. This became my most memorable experience. At that moment, I was in complete awe of the love felt in the room. Seeing the kids cheer reminded me of how far they have come, and of how God used His loving hand to help them bond with each other in such a meaningful way. As the cheers continued to echo across the gym, the campers continued to resonate in my heart.

Moments like these are what motivate me to continue serving at TCM, that positive impacts are made on the children through being ambassadors of Christ.

Meet the Team: Flemingdon Park’s summer interns and outreach workers after the first day of camp

To This I Hold

Written by: Joseph Del Rosario

When campers find out about my long commute to camp, a common question I get asked is “Why Sonshine Daycamp?” 

This is my second year as a summer intern for Sonshine Daycamp at TCM’s Jesse-Ketchum site. Since last year, I've been so excited to return and experience the joy of camp with these kids again. I think God has made a special place in my heart for this community. And despite having just graduated from university, I felt called to come back for at least one more summer. 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” - Philippians 4:4 

First off, God has been so good and faithful to the Jesse-Ketchum community site. It's amazing to see how the community has grown from around thirty kids last year to almost fifty now. It's really encouraging to welcome new families and kids to TCM and it's also a good reminder for the ever-present need for Jesus’ love. 

While having more kids is definitely a blessing, it also comes with some challenges and even more opportunities for growth. Between leading activities, managing behaviour, and working with volunteers, it is easy to get overwhelmed. It's easy to get so focused on ensuring that everything is running according to our plans. But in these challenges, I’m reminded of God's steadfast love and to lean on Him for strength and guidance. 

I'm also reminded that God works in mysterious ways. More often than not, it isn't during Bible or Small group that I see the kids’ curiosity and heart for Jesus, but in the conversations while walking to the park or playing in the gym. God calls us to be present. To walk with these kids and families in the same way that Jesus walks with us. To sit with these kids in their frustrations and to rejoice in their celebrations. God's plans are greater than ours. I just need to trust in Him and surrender. 

As we learn about the Sermon on the Mount, I am reminded about of call to be salt and light. We are called to be different than the world, so that others may see God's glory.

So “Why Sonshine Daycamp?”

Because I see a difference. I see a difference in how the staff cares for these kids, families, and each other. I see a difference in how the families respond to our programs. And I see a difference in how these kids grow and discover Jesus, day after day. 

This may be my last summer as an intern before I start my nursing profession. I'm excited to see how the rest of the summer goes and I'm sure even after, I'll still want to volunteer or visit Jesse-Ketchum. But even without me, I trust that God will continue His good work in these communities because I have seen what He can and is doing through TCM. 

My hope is only Jesus. 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

— Romans 15:13

Time for Seconds

Written by: Jonathan Law

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

— Proverbs 3:5-6

My journey to TCM was a dive into an unknown area of serving and it was quite surprising how I ended up here. I didn’t know much about TCM and what their purpose was but I knew that it was a ministry that my sister, Janice, was a part of. At one point of my life I was looking for a summer job and also eager to serve in some part of ministry. My sister suggested TCM and I said “why not?” 

After my first summer of working with TCM, I decided to return again for a second summer. At the end of my first summer I was asked the chances I would return for another summer and I said a somewhat high number like 70%. I had many doubts and struggles throughout the year but I felt God was calling me to serve again in this community. It was through the community events hosted during the year that I attended, the Christmas dinner and Community BBQ, that I remembered all the relationships I built during the summer outside of camp. 

As I returned for my second summer I was left comparing the two experiences. Whether it was the training or the camp itself. With the experience of my first year, I felt more confident and felt like I could truly call TCM my second home. As I struggled a lot this past year in the community, God has been teaching me that community can be temporary and that I can find it in places I expect the least. 

Through my time at KG, I have seen God working and the growth of the children, physically and spiritually. From hearing stories of how kids would behave in the past and seeing how they behave now is truly miraculous - seeing how some campers grow up to become part of the TLC program (Teens Leading Community) and others aspiring to be one. 
The main thing God has been teaching me is perseverance and trusting Him through times of trouble. Even when I don’t understand the plan He has for me, he places me where I need to be. I find myself learning new things and seeing God work in different ways. Although I don’t know where God is leading me to in the future, I trust God and am excited for the opportunities He has for me next.

God's Grace is Sufficient for Me

Written by: Deyaneira Esteban

This summer is my second summer with Toronto City Mission/Sonshine Day Camp and it has been so awesome to see how God is working in the lives of the kids, interns, and staff. While the summer started off somewhat hectic for us at Kingston-Galloway, we have had lots of fun getting to know both the new and returning campers. It’s amazing to see how God even works in times of busyness to bring us closer to Him. For myself, preparing the bible lessons for the kids has also helped me remember not only to speak God’s word but also live it out day to day both for his glory and to show the kids God’s love and grace.

One of the key things I’ve been reminded of this summer is how important it is to be present for the kids. Not simply being another person in the room with them or keeping them in check, but being engaged through listening, participating in some of the games and conversations they have, or even serving them when they need help with something. After week two I realized how easy it is to get caught up in just the serving aspect alone or focusing on discipline alone, but it is so important to take some time to know the kids on a little bit of a more personal level. This act of being intentional also lets them know that you aren't just trying to tell them what to do and get them in trouble, it helps them understand that you want to be at camp and that you care about them.

Some of my favourite moments from camp so far have been small group time after bible when the kids are put into various groups with different interns to review the bible lesson of the day and complete an “exit ticket” activity sheet which usually consists of some reflective questions and some aspect of the memory verse. I have had the pleasure of getting to sit down and discuss each day’s bible lesson with my main group of girls for the past three weeks now. I enjoy hearing both their usual answer of “Jesus” and their more vulnerable moments where they discuss how the bible lesson applies to friends, family members, situations at school, etc. These moments of openness and vulnerability remind me that they are placing trust in me to listen and hear them out. I thank God for these girls and all of our good talks. Seeing the kids’ answers on their exit tickets also brings me a lot of joy as they can sometimes be so different depending on the camper who wrote them. Some of them share exactly what is going on in their mind and some of them take creative liberties and draw out their answers instead. Regardless of how much they write on their page, it is always a blessing to see them takeaway at least something from the bible lessons.

For myself personally, I feel that God is yet again growing my reliance on Him. At Kingston-Galloway one of our outreach workers, Mila, takes the liberty of opening our doors earlier than needed for our staff to engage in personal devotional time with God each morning. This time has been especially precious to me as I am reminded each morning at our workplace that I cannot do this role as an intern alone. I cannot lead alone. Each morning as I look around the space, usually filled with kids talking, playing, and sometimes running, God shows me that this is all for His glory and requires His strength each day to do it.

Sometimes I struggle with my internal thoughts after work. What did I get wrong and how do I make sure not to do it again? Or sometimes it's simply replaying something that went wrong on my part over and over again. While these are helpful to make sure I do better in the future, they can do more harm than good when they become dwelling thoughts. This being said God has been teaching me to have grace for myself in my mistakes while keeping in mind solutions for the future. Though I still can’t help but think about moments where I could have done better for the kids directly, simply serving the kids, or even how I work with fellow interns and staff, I know that I’m not perfect but my God who gives me strength is.

2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

This verse really comforts me about this. Christ’s power which gives me strength is made perfect in all of my weaknesses. I can’t do this life, walk with Him, or even Sonshine Day Camp alone. It is all in and through the power of Jesus Christ.

I am excited to see how God continues to work at Kingston-Galloway for the rest of the summer and my hope is that by the end of the summer, I have grown even closer to God, the kids come to have their personal relationships with Christ, and that my terrible farmers tan would be fixed/evened out (lol).