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After the Barakel Experience (fall 2003)

(the unpublished Ghostwriter)

You wake up to the sound of the East side bell. You know it's the East side bell because it's got that cow-bell sound; besides, you're sure you just heard the crisp sound of the West side bell echoing off the lake. Breakfast is in an hour, but you have to get your campers up and move your stuff off the floor for cleaning and inspection. Why did you sleep in? You jump out of bed-- and you're at home.

It's funny how camp sticks with you. The experiences you've had, people you've met, and jokes you've got stuck in your head make you a part of an elite group that makes all other people in your "normal" life outsiders. Now that the Barakel group is broken up, you're the outsider. It's time to mesh in with the family and friends you left behind. The intense ministry you've undergone this summer is over... or is it?

One mistake you can make is to relax and rest too much after camp is over. This summer, you may have taken Jonathon Edwards' first resolution to heart:

Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory [ . . . ], to do whatsoever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved, to do this , whatever difficulties I meet with, how ever so many and how ever so great.

Your commitment to God and camp this summer already involved "doing your duty." God used you this summer, but now it's time to go back to the real world.

But Jonathon Edwards throws out resolution number two:

Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the forementioned things.

Seek out new ways to serve God in every day life, even away from camp. You've had the perfect training this summer; use it!