Monday

We're getting to the home stretch for camp now and definitely need endurance. The heat continues so we'll have to break out another game today that gets everyone really wet.
I (Dan) had a great talk with two guys named Alex (both of them . . . name creativity isn't a high priority here . . . just ask Sasha, Sasha, or his buddy Sasha). They are in their late teens and are nice guys but aren't believers. One of them speaks a little English and likes to practice so it gives us many opportunities to talk. We spoke for a long time about how they view God and what they have thought about the messages at camp. Alex 1 used to place all his faith in science but now sees that science doesn't explain everything. He thinks that many people just wear a religious mask in order to exercise power over others. As an example they told me about the hypocrisy they see in the Orthodox priests. I told them that Jesus got very angry at religious people who use their position to gain something. I think that surprised them. Their big hang up now is that acknowledging God makes man insignificant. I tried to explain that it is only a worldview that is built on God that can give true value to humans. Pray for insight on how to talk further and for openness in their hearts.
Another prayer request is for a young boy named Pasha. He has been the camp trouble maker. That ended when he took a nasty fall from about 8 feet and broke his arm. Dirk was the first one there, calling for help and comforting Pasha. His right forearm was bent in a wicked, rounding 90 degree bend. Nicole's nursing training came in very handy. They got Pasha to the hospital where his arm was cast. Remarkably, I think he is coming back to camp today! We're all sad this happened but are praying that the Lord uses it to sober him up and work in his heart.
I've included a picture of Dirk with a young boy named Sasha. He's been on all of our hearts because of his downcast expression and lack of participation. He wears the look of a dog that has been kicked around and is just waiting for another boot to come his way. He's responded well to our care and affection.