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“Would you like to come to camp with us?” This combination of nine words has redirected my life. In the summer before my freshman year, my friends invited me to join them at Butler Springs Christian Camp. I agreed remembering the plethora of stories my friends had disclosed to me about the camp. I was raised in a decidedly traditional Lutheran church and considered myself a “good Christian.” I followed the Ten Commandments, was well behaved, believed in Jesus and attended church every Sunday. Due to my experiences at Butler Springs I now understand how misguided I was.
Butler Springs is a seemingly conventional summer camp in the middle of nowhere. There is no cell service, no contact with the outside world and a lack of edible food. When I first arrived I was skeptical and more passionate about trying out the zip line than I was about developing my relationship with God.
The first night there was lackluster until my first experience with sincere worship. I had grown accustomed to singing out of a hymnal with an organ only aided by a proper bell choir adorned with robes and stoles. The sight of electric guitars, flashing lights and considerably sized screens was followed by a flood of questions and uneasy glances to my friends. As I assimilated to the foreign environment I began to observe my peers. After seeing the way other campers responded to the music and the sermon it was clear to me how special Butler Springs is.
The first night set the tone for the week that transfigured my life. Each day was better than the last. In that extent of time my relationship with God elevated to a height I had yet to experience. With respect to Butler Springs, I now realize at what point I had gone wrong; “good Christians” do not exist. As Christians, it is our job to continuously and relentlessly develop our relationship with God as well as attempting to extend God’s kingdom.
I continue to apply the values instilled in me at Butler Springs in my day-to-day activities. In addition to revisiting Butler Springs every summer and fall, I have furthered my spiritual relationship at First Christian Church. Every Sunday I can be found teaching Sunday school as well as leading worship/music for children ranging in age from five to seven. I am also actively involved in Christian organizations such as Young Life and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as well as a small group that I attend regularly. Therefore, my ongoing journey through Christianity is not only to give myself an identity and purpose, but is a devotion that I will continue to dedicate my life to.