Hawaii Conference

Perseverance Leads to Blessings

When Camp Waianae was closed this summer due to the pandemic, a small group of volunteers stayed on the grounds, sheltered in place, and made many improvements, including in the kitchen (TOP LEFT), lighting on the basketball court (TOP RIGHT), and a new parking lot (BELOW). Do you like being in seemingly impossible situations where it seems there’s no possibility of a good outcome? I surely don’t!

Although I don’t like being in those types of situations, I certainly like reading about them in the Bible. In fact, those are some of my favorite stories.

Consider Moses and the Israelites standing in front of the Red Sea, with mountains on both sides and the Egyptian army quickly closing in pursuit; the battle between a young shepherd boy and a giant named

Goliath; the sons of the prophets and a sunken axe head; 5,000 hungry people on a hillside without any food; and a Savior who had just been crucified when everyone thought He would be King.

The Bible is filled with stories where a positive outcome seems impossible, but in these moments, God enters and shows us He is greater than the circumstances.

So what should we do when we find ourselves in situations that seem impossible? “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4. NIV).

This verse became relevant when COVID-19 came to Hawaii this past

spring. It seemed like it would be impossible for us to do ministry at Camp Waianae. What could we do when everything was shut down? We decided to lock our gates and shelter in place with a small group of volunteers who had been helping us at the camp.

Over the next 10 months, what seemed like an impossibility turned out to be one of the biggest blessings for our camp. • We cleared three pieces of property to be used for a future maintenance shop site, main parking lot, and new Pathfinder camping area. • A new parking lot and driveway were constructed. • We transplanted 18 palm trees, constructed a nautical fence, and put in landscaping surrounding the new parking lot. • Virtual summer camp—Unchartered Waters—was a great success, with thousands of viewers. • We completed the kitchen renovation—new ceilings, lighting, flooring, tables, sinks, walk-in pantry, fridge, and freezer. • There are updates and repairs everywhere— lighting, staining, painting, and more. • The pool tile was re-grouted and cleaned, and inpool lighting was installed to address safety hazards. • Basketball court lights were installed. “The Bible is filled with stories where a positive outcome seems impossible, but in these moments, God enters and shows us He is greater than the circumstances.”

We truly are amazed at what God has done for Camp Waianae during these difficult times. While we lost 70% of our income in 2020, by abundant measures we experienced growth that would not have been possible had there not been a statewide shutdown. We received financial gifts from our faithful friends, businesses gave us donations and discounts, and many volunteers helped us do the work.

What seemed to be an impossible situation turned into a mighty victory! And while I know this pandemic isn’t over, I’m continually reminded that God is still in control. “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

____________________ By Erik VanDenburgh