By Clare Pursch, UGM Camp Photographer/Blogger
UGM Camp thrives on not only the incredible love of God, but also on the generosity of those who donate money or various items that keep the camp running.
Before camp started, a group of very kind and generous people saw a need that we had at camp and decided to raise $600 in order to help us meet that need. They bought multiple sets of bathing suits for both boys and girls, beach towels, sunscreen, flip flops and much much more. Because of the generosity and kindness shown by these people, many children will be able to swim happily this summer without worry.
Some kids that come to camp really don’t have much. Sometimes, they don’t have a bathing suit or a towel or sunscreen, and they feel ashamed compared to the kids that do. But now, every kid at camp will have these items. They won’t feel shame because of the generosity of the sweet people over at the Spokane Southeast Lions Club.
They have been serving and donating to camp consistently for the past 5-6 years, ever since they took a trip to camp and their lives were changed through the happy spirits of the children who greeted them.
As they told me the story of what first opened their eyes to the beauty behind the mission of UGM Camp, their eyes were bright with joy. They told me about how the kids stood in two lines and created a human tunnel for them to walk through once they came off the bus, and how it encouraged them to help change as many lives as possible. For years, one of them has kept a note from one of the children that says: “Now that I have found God, I hope someday that I can find my mother.”
The group was heartbroken over the stories of these children, and they decided to do something about it. One of the members expressed, “These kids can’t pick the background they come from. They can’t pick the parents they are given or the circumstances that surround them. So, we think it’s a beautiful thing to try and give them something positive that they can hold on to for the rest of their lives. And that is what UGM Camp does. They take the broken kids and show them hope.”
The whole group was very passionate about the heart behind UGM Camp. They encourage everyone who is associated with camp to either donate or simply tell people about the amazing work of Jesus that happens in the lives of the kids at camp.
Their story touched all our hearts and reminded me of the verse from Deuteronomy 16:17 “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which he has given you.”
God bless the Spokane Southeast Lions Club for their generosity and for helping us continue running UGM Camp!
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