The FRAA Interns at the Siksika Youth Camp by Bonnie Anderson

"Don't go. Can't you stay .just one more day? I'm not ready to leave camp yet!" The voices of the campers lingered as the Interns gave one more hug and said one more goodbye. As we coaxed the campers out of the van and the Interns into the van, tears of joy were shed because of the great things God can do. We slowly drove away, back up the steep trail to the top of the bluff, and through the prairie grasses on a barely discernable path until we reached the road which would take us back into Gleichen and the highway home. We had come so far but it is not the 1600 miles from Blue Springs, Missouri to Gleichen, Canada that I am referring to. The FRAA Interns had seen the hand of God move when they were not sure what to do, and they realized that He truly is "in charge."

The Interns were very excited about the opportunity to witness at the Blackfoot (Siksika) Indian youth camp and began preparing for that ministry on the first day of the Internship. We continued in daily prayer and weekly fasting regarding our ministry at the camp during the four weeks leading up to the trip to Canada. The week before the camp, we had classes on witnessing to other cultures and on Wednesday of that week, Richard Hensley came to talk to us about the Indian culture and specifically the Blackfoot tribe we would be meeting. The Interns had requested that we come fasting one day that week and have a sacrament worship service in preparation for the trip. All the Interns had prayed for understanding and love, one had specifically focused on charity and another had requested administration before we left. Their commitment inspired me.

As we drove into the camp, I was sure we were ready to do the Lord's will in this place. However, it quickly became apparent that we might not be as ready as we thought we were. The children were divided up among the Interns who would be their counselors during the camp. The Interns also took charge of the nightly campfires and helped with crafts while the staff provided some object lesson activities. But our first night could best be described as chaotic and though we became frustrated at times over the next several days, we again turned to God in prayer as a group. The Interns tried to be patient and loving even when they did not receive love in return. They could not preach the gospel, they had to live it and God gave them the strength and compassion to do .lust that. Hearts softened, love blossomed and God's spirit bore witness to at least one that He was in this work. That one was the youth leader, Quinn Blackrider, who was respected by the children at the camp and will certainly have influence on them in the years to come.

The Interns will again travel to Gleichen next summer and I have no doubt that this new group of young people will be ready for the opportunity to witness. And if we can get funding, we would also like to take a few of last years Interns back with us to help teach some classes and provide support to the new Interns. We are thankful to IMCA for giving our young people this faith walk experience and preparing the way so that the doors to this part of God's vineyard are open.

If anyone would like to help with the financial costs of taking the Interns to Canada or sponsoring an Intern for the summer, please call Linda Guin at FRAA, 816-461-3722.