Reflections to Chinese Baptist Church of
Miami (Apr. 27th – May 24th, 2003)
Phillip Koo
All the little children came to Jesus, and He did not refuse to listen to a single one (Mark 10:14). At the age of twelve he went into the synagogues to preach to the teachers of the law (Luke 2:41-52). How did He have the perseverance and maturity to understand kids of all ages? Simple, He was once a kid Himself. Coming into youth counseling at a camp, I believed that children, pre-teens, teenagers, and post adolescent children all have these things in common: an innate ability to pay attention, a burning desire to be heard, and finally someone to hold their hand. Twelve to eighteen years ago these children were once babies. Carl Sandburg’s quote is so fitting, that today children remain a focal point of our ministry. I have been blessed by an opportunity to see kids who truly have a need be fulfilled.
During this past month, I have gone through spiritual, mental, and physical changes. Looking at the spiritual changes, I realize that God’s love is evident upon the work of His will. Zach Lamont, one of my kids, is a Christian. He was an outspoken believer when He was here. We had an opportunity to share about faith. We both agreed that faith was belief in action. That afternoon we went rappelling together. We took a quick glance towards the rock face and then towards each other; 135 foot drop, and 6,000 pounds worth of rope strength to go down. He shook in fear, but he remembered our conversation, so down he went, and safely he traversed the ragged rock face. Zach knew and trusted that the ropes would hold him. But he also knew that faith goes beyond understanding, while secure in the promise that God uses our fears and suffering to bring us down so that we know we are safe in Him. What a wonderful feeling it is to know that his faith challenged my very own.
Mental strength comes with perseverance. A few of the counselors told me that personalities were some of the hardest obstacles we’d face. At first, I thought he meant the kids, but after digesting the thought some more and talking with Him, I realized he meant personality clashes with one another. I quickly remembered Paul’s disagreement with John Mark (Acts 15). One thing I realized about a bunch of Christian believers/leaders coming together was that tough times could ensue if a disagreement came. That happened twice. During these times I realized that I had to know the difference between how two people had their relationship with Christ. I remembered (Rom. 14:1-4) that Paul spoke on how God has accepted our faith. Whether we think we’re stronger or weaker, God ultimately uses the humble. This made me realize that my approach had to be one that reflected His character and not my own. I am glad to say that God has blessed me in those circumstances, and to Him I am truly grateful.
There are professional mountain bikers up these hills, three mountain climbers who are trained to scale rock cliffs, and fly over ravines, and not to mention outdoor staff who knew everything from first-aid to the types of weather-proof socks that protect them from the cold morning sky. Physically, coming from Florida, I was ill prepared. It was humbling to know people who rode 20-30 miles in one day, when I couldn’t even complete that in a week. God spoke of strength as the ability to finish the race, and fight the good fight. The famous verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” took a new meaning. The strength He has given me taught me I can do all these things, but it also taught me I would be extremely tired. It is so fitting that even through these times we can soar like eagles (Is. 40:29-31) and still not be tired, because it is He who gives us strength. There is nothing like a time to see the smile on a kid’s face when they cream you during a game of dodge ball, or when you wrestle with 7-10 thirteen year old boys.
The past month has given me many new challenges, but it also gave me the opportunity to retry many old ones. Prayer has been my biggest weapon as some days are so grueling that even scripture reading becomes difficult. Reading has become my favorite pastime. It’s good to know that God has given me such a desire. I just hope that I will have more time to do so. I am truly thankful for everyone who has been here, but also those who have supported me in Miami. I miss so many of you. I will leave a short prayer list. I hope to hear from all of you soon!
Camp Redcloud
Attn: Phillip Koo (aka: Switch)
PO Box 130
Lake City, CO. 81235
Prayer List:
Kids
Seth Horvath – chronic back pains (carried him around during camp when he had back spasms)
Sean Berkson – vibrantly disobedient
Blake Beyerbach – single parent family (dad in prison)
Cheyanne Arellano – Bipolar (dresses like a boy but is a girl)
Taylor Deines – Chronic Headaches
DJ Curtis – broke his wrist, and extremely mischievous
Jamaal Waughtel – just a really disobedient child who needs some rearing
Kindra Sniffen – sheltered child
Ben Roop – Low self-esteem
Ashley Nogar – 6th grade in a 8 month relationship who doesn’t seem any more mature
Jeremiah Kranwashl – taking temporary Ritalin
Derrick Miszczak – End over on his bike spraining his wrist bad
Aubrey Vrbas – boyfriend who is 15 and she’s 12
Others
Pray for my health and ministry
Pray for summer program
Pray for Ashley and Jason who are getting married in New Zealand (two of my new friends)
Pray for Jesse. He’s 19, and a counselor but struggles with many things
Pray for Nikki. She has a bad back