One summer, nine young men from the village were given permission to attend Bible camp. This was an amazing answer to prayer but we met it with a hint of trepidation. Although the love and Word of God had been transforming this “Wild Bunch” they were still far from disciplined. From a young age they learned to fight for everything. How would they interact with the rest of the “educated and cultured” city kids at camp? Could we keep a handle on them?

As camp progressed we encountered several incidents that took patience and love to deal with. Then on the third evening a lesson on “Resentment or Forgiveness” was presented. The two American young men giving the lesson challenged the campers and camp team to not let the sun go down on their wrath.

In spite of their rowdiness, the “Wild Bunch” had been listening and took to heart the challenge. After all, Jesus had said to forgive 490, or in reality, infinite times. They were deeply convicted and spontaneously began in sincerity to confess sin and wrong doing to others and ask them for forgiveness.

This demonstration of the Spirit in them prompted conviction in several of us camp “leaders” and haughty city campers to humbly confess and seek forgiveness also. That evening we were all taught a huge lesson through this group of lowly young men.

Please pray as our Father matures and tames us along with this “Wild Bunch.” They are His leaders of hope for the village and beyond.
-a SEND worker in Europe