The Tejas Pages 2012 | Page 10

Summer Camp As we both climbed the wall to wait our turn, I began to get fearful and everything in me wanted to turn around and leave Mattie to conquer her fear alone, but I couldn’t. Sitting on the ledge, I begin to encourage and motivate her to calm down and conquer her fear. Bailey counted us down on the towers and Mattie was pushed off. I was thrilled for her as she overcame her fear but I was still at the top of the wall clinging to the pole. Then the campers and Sara were trying to support and convince me to go. In the end, I made it down the zip line and the girls were just as proud of me as I was of them. Serving here at Tejas is a rewarding ministry in so many ways and it really helped me understand the importance of putting others first. There is a joy in serving God and his children as a lifestyle that is limitless.// “Serving here at Tejas is a rewarding ministry in so many ways and it really helped me understand the importance of putting others first.” A Joy in Serving There are many memories that first year summer staff member, Marquisha Reed, has experienced over the summer. She shares one of her favorites with us. When I first arrived at Camp Tejas, I didn’t know what to expect. I haven’t been to a camp since I was seven and I have never worked at a camp before so I was anxious to begin. However, nothing could have truly prepared me for the months to come. As an SMT, I knew we were to be examples of God’s love to the campers in every way. What I didn’t realize was how much of an impact the campers would have on me. I remember the very first time I went down the zip line. I was there with one of my very first orientation girls, Mattie. My plan was initially going as encouragement for one of the girls who was afraid of doing it but didn’t want to miss out. 9 | Pages 2012 Our programs are designed to provide assistance and service. Meeting the needs of our guests is the essence of what we do. Our passion to serve our Lord is what drives and motivates us to care for the churches that depend on us as a partner in ministry. camptejas.org | 10