Dear Friends in Faith,
Thank you for your generosity to help AWAKEN, EMPOWER and EQUIP the youth that attended Catholic Youth Summer Camp in Centerburg, OH this summer. My eight weeks as a camp counselor was filled with silly chants, uncontrollable laughter, worship, mud, paintball welts, color wars, dance, parties, witnessing miracles, freedom fires, ceaseless prayer, climbing, zip lining, friendship and a whole lot of Jesus. Over 3,500 campers from all over the country (even outside the USA) came to experience a week of high adventure activities and high adventure faith. We also had many visits from different religious sisters and priests to witness to the joyful life of religious vocations to the campers.
The theme for camp was Venite Me, which translates to Come, Follow Me. During each night the campers listened to what it means to “drop the nets” that keep us from following Jesus. As a counselor, I witnessed this theme come to life. Many of my own campers overcame “nets” of anxieties or fears. Some let go the “nets” of lies from feeling unworthiness, uncertainty, and weakness about their own identity. It was amazing to see the breakthrough in the campers by their willingness to open up and allow God to reveal His love for them.
I am exceedingly grateful for this experience at Catholic Youth Summer Camp at Damascus, as it has strengthened my own faith to live a life of adventure. I pray that your contribution will continue to bring renewal to the faith and revival of our future church. If you would like to continue to support Damascus Missions, please reach out to me. Lastly, pray for me as I begin my next adventure with the AmeriCorps, doing one year full-time service work with the Ursuline Sisters in Youngstown, OH. Thank you and feel free to contact me if you have any comments or questions about CYS.
God bless you,
Melissa Baker (330)507-5778
Email: mbaker2423@gmail.com