Any task worth doing will test the mind, body, or soul, and sometimes even all three. FCA Baseball camps often hit all three and the first ever Crescent Elementary School FCA Camp in Anaheim Hills was most certainly no exception. There were obstacles from day one, with missing leadership and sudden physical ailments to coaches being headliners amongst them.
But any team with intentions of accomplishing anything knows to be ready for a challenge and the Shepherds and their leaders are certainly one such team. Proving themselves to be more than justa group of individuals with skills, they showed the true metal of a team that is a well oiled machine, making necessary adjustments from the get go and setting out to achieve their goal.
From the very first day I saw that unfold before my own eyes, as young men stepped into tasks that they had never done before, trusting God’s grace and provision to get them through the week successfully. I saw young first timers stepping up to work at a caliber many would think was that of a seasoned veteran. The mission of FCA was in a dire spot for a moment that anxious Monday morning, but the Shepherds would rather break themselves to pieces than see an opportunity for the gospel to move forward. It was a task that promised to bring pain, sweat, and tears. It was a task that the Shepherds signed up for with a smile and a high five.
Shepherd Anthony Wilson was one of the first year Shepherds who stepped up on the front lines of the camp this week and he had much insight to share about how the week went and the unique challenges it brought.
Wilson said that “This year’s team is special, even with smaller numbers and different people leading us we came together as a group and supported and leaned on each other and worked tirelessly to have a smooth camp for the kids, it was a complete team effort.”
As a result of this team effort Wilson saw great fruit at the camp this week. There were many examples but one particularly special one he recalled was a particularly challenging camper having a massive change of heart throughout the week as a result of the diligent faithful work of another coach who really felt God put serving this kid on his heart. Another highlight was his own team showing appreciation and encouragement after Wilson’s first ever Bible time talk in front of the whole camp.
When asked about the biggest challenge of a camp week, Wilson said “the long days, with practice and gym after camp days, but the kids make it well worth the effort and bring out joy in us shepherds and we get to see how God is moving out here and it’s such a blessing to be a part of!”
In sports, many athletes or teams have crumbled under the pressure of a big moment due to youth or inexperience. This year’s team of Shepherds is a massive outlier, with few returners on the roster and extraordinary work being done wherever one may look. The difference is found in a special bond based in a faith in the truth that God spoke in 2 Corinthians 12:9 when he made a beautiful promise.
“My strength is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
God’s work needs nothing more from us than faith and diligent servitude and this year’s young squad of Shepherds were a beautiful example of that at Crescent Elementary this week.