Monk's Musings: New Life After the Winter
Beacon Bible Camp
“So the elders of the Jews continued to build… They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel… Then the people celebrated the dedication of the House of God with joy.”
EZRA 6:14-16
These are the first two flowers to show their heads at Beacon this year! Beautiful crocuses signaling the end of the icy winter and the start of new life. A couple of weeks ago we had the joy of visiting one of our married sons in Holland, and they took us to see fields of tulips laid out in beautiful gardens. Spring arrived in Europe well before it reached Canada! Maybe the past year or two has been an emotional and even spiritual winter for you. Well, God is calling us back to Himself, to enjoy the Son-shine of his warmth, to renew our commitment to loving Him and serving in His Church and even at camp! Just as with flowers, God is calling each of us to live the new spiritual life He offers us in the Lord Jesus.
In a similar way, many centuries ago, after 70 years of “winter exile” as captives in Babylon, the Jews were finally allowed to return to Jerusalem, and in 537BC, soon after they arrived, they rebuilt the altar and offered sacrifices of thanksgiving to the Lord. It took them 21 years to rebuild the temple (516BC), and a further 71 years before the city walls were rebuilt under the direction of Nehemiah (completed in 445BC). So also, restored life and healthy growth are not quick fixes, they require time and perseverance and following the Lord faithfully and allowing Him to rekindle His Holy Spirit in us.
We hope that during this camp season, Beacon Bible Camp may be used by God to strengthen your spiritual life and provide opportunities to serve and give back to others. We trust this may be true for you and for those you care about; whether you come as a camper, and invite a friend along, or come as a family, or whether you have the courage and faith to volunteer as staff; our desire is that you grow and find abundant life in the Lord Jesus. Perhaps God is calling you to sponsor others to attend camp. There are many ways in which we can get involved: Have faith in God and step up!
With all our best wishes for your life!
Andrew “Monk” & Marianne “Tia” Nunn