A Taste

Camp Loucon is near and dear to my heart in many ways. It’s dear to me in ways that I can’t put into words. It’s here that I met, dated, and married my husband. It’s here that I was introduced to some of my dearest friends. It’s here that I learned to love children and youth. It’s here that I learned about myself and grew in ways I never knew possible.

But, those memories are like dust in the wind in comparison.

Most people who have been to Loucon can agree that God works there in mighty ways. Sweet children experience the love of God and commit their lives to him. Believers see God in new ways and come to a deeper understanding of who He is. His Spirit convicts us and His grace overwhelms us.  Strength is gleaned and courage is found to be who God calls us to be. It’s unforgettable. 

Upon leaving camp after my first summer on staff, I found myself wondering. God was so great at camp, but what was I supposed to do with the next 9 months of my life until I could be back at camp? The question was left unanswered and I kept doing what I’d been doing. I continued to seek placed that reminded me of camp- my church and a campus ministry. And I prayed summer would come soon. But, much to my surprise, as I sought places that resembled the summer I had just experienced, I began to experience this same God outside of camp. Lives of my friends were being changed! New friends were committing their lives to Christ! 

This is when I realized why Loucon is so dear to my heart. It gave me a taste. A taste of what it looks like to when God is at work. A taste of what it feels like to be in a community like the early church. A taste of what it is like to allow God to work through me- yes, ME- to bring about His Kingdom. 

This “taste” was the opening to a world I didn’t know was possible. Looking back, it seems like I was barely acquaintances with the Lord when I joined summer staff. We embarked on a journey a few short years before, and we’d had a few ups and downs. But, we hadn’t traveled very far. I’d settled into legalism and complacency because the God who moved mountains when I came to faith was nothing more than an occasional fleeting thought in my mind. 

Then, I tasted that the Lord was good. I met my first set of Discovery campers and my life was changed. I became a part of a movement where God is accomplishing His gospel through the means of humble servants. From processing a Zipline activity to worshipping with campers, God was there. From campfires to retreats, God is still there. He continually shows up at this place and immerses those who seek Him with His truth.