Lisa Backman, Group Services Coordinator
Paddle With Purpose
While kayaking on the North Santiam river with Camp Canyonview I was struck by the beauty of the deep pool of clear water and lush green forest. We divided the kids into two groups and were on our second run of the day. As we headed around a bend the wind picked up and it became more difficult for the campers to paddle and get their boats were they wanted to go. When we got to Spencer's rapid I was in the sweep position and watched camper after camper paddle up to the rapid and then become overcome by fear and stop paddling which caused them to flip one after the other.
After working with the staff to gather all the students and gear I began to hear echos in my head of "paddle with a purpose." I was reminded of the verse in James 1:6 "he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." I remembered what it felt like the first time I was in a kayak and how timid I was. I realized that now I have a lot more fun when I paddle hard and hit the big rapids.
That night during our girls cabin time I felt compelled to share this verse and experience with the girls. I shared how before I made Christ number one in my life I was a very timid person. I didn't like to make waves by sharing my faith but I just went with the flow. After I began to make Christ a priority in my life I had a new purpose for my life. God took away my fear because God's approval meant more to me than mans. Life became a sweet ride because I was now going for the waves. Just like I'm not afraid to fall out of my kayak because I know others will fish me out, I'm less afraid to take risks in sharing my own faith. It was cool to see that the girls were thinking about what I was saying.
As the week progressed I saw the kids show a lot of courage on the rock. They began to open up with our staff and were honest about were they were at. Three kids rededicated their lives to Christ. I pray that these kids experience the abundant life that God promises us, and learn to paddle through life with a purpose.