Greetings from Summer Camp 2014!

Amberlea is a busy place this week. What a joy it is to hear the squeals of delight and laughter coming from outside my office window while the kids have water day. Water, water everywhere. It’s amazing how much fun kids can have with two buckets of water and a few sponges!

Yes, this is a good time for me to be sitting inside writing, the other leaders are drenched!

Each day at summer camp, children and adults have been learning bible verses, bible stories and amazing songs pertaining to the theme of the day. But perhaps the highlight has been when the tribes visit with Moses and hear first hand the perils and challenges he faced in following God and leading HIs people. Moses is pretty awesome!

It has been a brilliant experience for children and adults alike to be immersed in the culture of the travelling Israelites. If you haven’t seen the transformation in the fellowship hall, it’s not too late to pop in and visit. You will be impressed. You might want to make a pair of sandals or some homemade butter while you're here!

So, the story today was taken from Exodus 17:8-13 (read it when you can). It’s the great story of how Israel defeats the Amalekites. Remember what happens?

The Amalekites attack the Israelites and so Joshua is sent out with his troop, who, by the way weren’t warriors, they were just a group of able bodied men. Meanwhile Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the hilltop.

Here’s what happened, as long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning the battle, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.

I love the image of Moses’ hands lifted high. It was a symbol of his dependence on the Lord. Joshua could have never succeeded in the battle without Moses on the hilltop laying hold of the resources of God.

Though scripture doesn’t specifically mention prayer here, I am certain that the people of God were calling upon the power of God to win the victory.

Then we are told that when Moses’ hands grew tired, Aaron and Hur got him a stone to sit on and helped Moses to hold up his hands - one on one side and one on the other -so his hands remained steady till sunset.

Can you picture it?

Here’s the thing I get from this… We Can’t Do It On Our Own.

Joshua could have never succeeded in the battle without Moses. Moses could have never succeeded in his role without supporting friends, Aaron and Hur.

What a phenomenal picture of how God wants us to face the battles of life. And let’s face it we all face battles, don't we?. Maybe it’s a physical battle, like a sickness or disease. Or maybe it’s an emotional battle like depression or an addiction. Or maybe it is a battle of wills between children and parents. Whatever the battle, we all have them, and God is reminding us that we can’t do it on our own.

We need each other and we need God.

And if you want to see this principle in action come by and visit us at Summer Camp from 9 am to 12pm. If you aren’t able to come during the day please join us for the Summer Camp BBQ on Friday at 6pm. We’d love for you to join us, just send us a quick email familyminitries@amberleachurch.ca

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Then join us on Sunday morning for a very special morning. Rob Styler, a fantastic storyteller will be here, and Gabe Salem will be leading us in worship. You will want to be sure to invite your friends to this very special worship service.