At KAA we know that a strong faith in God is the most effective weapon against fear. We spend hours with campers teaching this concept in age-appropriate, tangible ways—from overcoming fear of water through the tubing and swim lessons to high adventure challenges—all tethered to a biblical principle or promise from God’s word. Even Jesus said to his disciples “’Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'” (Mark 4:40).
Faith over fear is something that allows believers to live boldly for Jesus and overcome life’s challenges with grace and perspective. This summer, our campers will learn how to overcome life’s pressures through studying James 1:12—”Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
A camper named Faith (This is her actual name! God does not orchestrate coincidences.) will testify on how this fundamental concept has helped her develop a deep trust in Jesus—one that has and will set her course for the Kingdom.
Sometimes lessons, especially the concept of faith over fear, are best learned with shaky knees and a thumping heart standing on the Faith Pole Challenge at KAA, 30 feet above the ground. Sure, it may be uncomfortable, but those moments of discomfort, when grounded in God’s Word, can be fertile ground for tremendous growth. Faith came to understand this her time coming to camp as a camper this past summer. She wanted to go out with a “bang!”
The Faith Pole Challenge at camp is likely one of the most intimidating. It requires the participant to ascend a 30-foot pole, plant both feet on the very top and leap to grab a trapeze bar (all while wearing a safety harness). Even though the jump to the bar is a mere few feet, that far up you feel like you might as well be leaping across the Grand Canyon.
When Faith reached the pole’s summit, her trembling knees, sweaty hands, and racing heart all screamed fear, but she had learned some life-changing truths by coming to camp the last two years, especially to put her “trust in God.” She heard her counselor yell from below, “If you are able to jump off of the faith pole challenge—you are able to do anything.” Upon hearing this encouragement and knowing “God had her,” Faith leapt, arms extended, toward the trapeze. Success!
After finishing her last official week as a camper, Faith was not ready to go home. So, she applied and was hired to work as a kid sitter for one of the KAA directors the remaining weeks of camp. Since camp ended, Faith has continued pursuing Jesus and attended a biblical studies gap year program and interned for KAA. She is boldly living out her life for the Lord and trusting Him when adversity strikes.
“I’ve learned we can bring the ministry anywhere,” Faith shared. “I am not going to be shy to share the “Good News” wherever God’s path leads me.
Faith is an overcomer, a Kingdom seeker, a courageous believer set on making an impact for Jesus wherever He places her. The Kingdom training KAA pours into young people, like Faith, does not return void.
