December 29, 2007

One of the requirements for Ashley's (Albert) degree in Theology was to over see an event for a Church. She graciously accepted the Bokenkamp Christmas Party as her assignment. Wow...it's amazing what happens when we let go of the reigns and let God work. From a fresh perspective the event became a very powerful moment.

As I stood and looked at 70 volunteers from two church's, Riverwood and St. John's, coming together to share the celebration of Christ's birth with the youth at Bokenkamp, I realized the gift........was ours.

Bokenkamp - Christmas 2007

The theme for the party was the Three Wisemen. Ashley and Kyle Tillman painted a beautiful backdrop of the desert and painted and cutout life size Wisemen. Stockings had been made for each youth that were made of beautiful midnight blue felt with the star of Bethlehem shining on each one. Each had the words "They followed the star" penned in Spanish.

On the day of the party it was unbelievable to watch 70 people transform an institution where youth live into a beautiful Christmas experience. People brought in boxes and boxes of stocking stuffers for 65 stockings. Loads of brand new tennis shoes were wrapped and brought in that the youth had bought with the money raised at the bake sale. All the windows were decorated to match the desert scene of the Wisemen's journey. The Christmas tree was decorated with clear glass ornaments filled with midnight blue to match the night sky during Christ's birth.

The most beautiful table of midnight blue and jewels, like the Wisemen would bring, was filled with beautiful homemade bake goods made from recipes from their native countries. Star of Bethlehem Piñata's were filled to the brim. Four craft tables filled with activities. A homemade dinner awaited all the youth. Laughter and singing filled the entire place... love shared in a language we all understand. God's language delivered a powerful message of love that day......not only to the youth that take refuge there ..........but to us! What a wonderful reminder that God's love transcends all language and it's power transforms all of our lives!

Catherine

Travis Calhoun writes about St John's Youth ministry with

Bokenkamp Children's Shelter

Providing short-term care with long-term impact

Whether we are playing a slightly aggressive game of soccer, fixing the kids dessert, playing bunko, or just talking, being at Bokencamp always provides a feeling of satisfaction. When we leave there, we all know we have brightened someone’s day. When you know, that you are one of the factors in creating an all-around good feeling in another person, that same feeling spreads all over you. I know that as God looks down upon us being involved with the residents of Bokenkamp, he smiles. Although we may not always go the extra mile and we are not completely selfless all the time, I think the St. John’s youth will always have a place at Bokenkamp. Though we don’t share the same language, (not much anyway- muy piquito), I know we all, youth from church and the residents of Bokencamp, share the same faith. We share the same love for one God and for one another. We love serving Him there and I know that the kids enjoy us being there. Thank you.

www.bokenkampchildrenscenter.org