Nikos Camps Blog

Wednesday Update - Vernon’s Story

We’ve told you a little about our theme “The Amazing Race” in our intro to camp. Each day has a mini theme and a verse that the kids learn to a song (We’ve recorded each song – go to http://mpaustin.tumblr.com to view the videos – they’re great!). We have temporary tattoos that are the prize when a child can recite it all on their own. Wednesday’s theme was what keeps you from running well? Our verse was Hebrews 12:1 “Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd watching our lives of faith, let’s throw off everything that slows us down - and the sin that so easily trips us up - and run with perseverance the race that God marked out for us!” We discussed what things can trip us up and how to run unhindered (like an athlete runs with light clothes and the right shoes).

Monday’s theme was ‘What is The Amazing Race?’ 1 Corinthians 9:24 “Run in such a way as to get the prize! Athletes train for a prize that does not last, but we run for a prize that will last forever.” We talked about how we should live our lives like God is real – because He is! The reason for mentioning Monday’s theme on Wednesday is because the story below is about a child living believing that God is real.

Vernon is one of our veteran Nikos campers. He’s 11 and has been coming for at least 3 or 4 years to every camp he can. He has two sisters here at camp – Jaylen and Charlissa – and all three have sweet smiles. Vernon loves to say his verses he learns both at this camp and the previous camps he’s been too.

Last year, Vernon leaned up against a tree and got poison oak all on the back of his body. He was a trooper and had a smile when running around looking for something to rub his back on. This Wednesday a rash again developed on his back. He and a couple of leaders (Shawn and Caleb) sat and prayed right before FOB to heal his rash. Here is the story in Caleb’s words:

Vernon had a rash of sorts (looked like poison ivy) on his back. We prayed for him during FOB and nothing seemed to happen. We prayed again and still the itch and rash remains we prayed a third time and sent him to bed. Less than two minutes later he hops out of bed and exclaims the itch is gone. We praised the Lord with thanksgiving. Soon God completely healed Vernon…the rash was gone! I could see it visible on his back easily before hand, and not it was gone! Healed by the blood of Jesus.

Vernon got up during the night service to tell the rest of the camp what had happen and after the story everyone celebrated with him. Life in Vernon, Jaylen and Charli’s home is going through a rough time, so it was even more exciting to see him experience the realness of God. It is so amazing to see all the children experience the power of prayer and in one of their own friends. Keep them in your prayers as they are continued to experience God and His love for them throughout this week.