We’re jammin’ in the jungle
lifting our praise
We’re looking hard to find
Something God has made…
“Let Heaven and earth praise Him;
The [jungle] and everything that moves in it.”
Ps. 69:34
Thus began “Jammin’ Jungle Praise”, our weeklong worship and arts camp for preschoolers at McKinney Fellowship. I was first approached about the possibility of directing a camp like this in mid-April, and what seemed at the time to be an exciting opportunity morphed into “Oh-no-what-have-I-gotten-myself-into” within a matter of weeks. But on my own personal journey through the jungle, God showed me that when He calls me to ministry all I have to do is follow. If He calls me to it, He’s faithful to see me through it!
Despite my doubts, fears, insecurities and misgivings, God worked in amazing ways this week. I was completely humbled and awed at what He accomplished. He provided an awesome team of volunteers who came each day completely committed and totally enthusiastic about being a part of this ministry. He provided 27 darling and excited little campers who filled our days with energy and life – and who absolutely threw themselves into praising God. He provided supportive and grateful parents who brought their children faithfully and encouraged us in the work we were doing. He gave me time with my family throughout the week so I could stay grounded and connected despite the busyness of all that was going on.
The old adage states that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” And frankly, they can tell the story much better than I could. So I now present a snapshot view of our “Jammin’ Jungle Praise.”
The children made cute animal masks out of ZooPals paper plates. They decorated and embellished with yarn strips and felt to create whiskers, fur, or stripes for their animals.
They also made cute little safari vest – like Diego! – from brown paper sacks. These vests came complete with lunch-bag pockets. They used foam animals and circles to create badges and decorate their vests, which they wore for the performance on Friday.
Each day in music they learned songs and practiced the motions for them. Our music leader created our own cd of music for the week. The songs were perfect and the children loved them.
It was such a blessing to watch the children in music as they sang to the Lord!
We would fill our time with games and fun activities. The children made lots of new friends this week!
At the end of each day, we would meet back in the large room and practice our program for Friday. We would sing songs, do the motions, and review our Bible verse for the week.
There was always activity going on with this group!
Crisana was the Mommy in one of the songs we performed. She had to instruct the disobedient children while Jesus changed their hearts to be obedient ones. She loved that role.
In their songs, the children showed how Jesus changes our hearts to love one another and be kind.
The performance was definitely the highlight of the week. The children wore their camp t-shirts and the vests and binoculars they had made in crafts this week. They sang their songs, recited their Bible verse, performed a scripture chant, and closed out the program with a special scripture reading (Ps. 148) and signing of “How Great Thou Art” as recorded by Selah. We served jungle-themed refreshments and the parents saw some of the games and activities from the rhythm rotation. The children picked up their remaining crafts and all the leaders had the chance to mingle with the parents and friends who had come for the performance.
It was an exhausting week to be sure, but one that was definitely worth it. And I must admit I was moved to tears during the performance as I listened to the children sing exuberantly: “You are always with me, Jesus. Where could I go? Where could I hide? You are always with me, Jesus. Where could I go? You’ll never leave my side.” What an awesome message. What a tremendous truth to be hiding in their hearts at this young age.
We’ve jammed through the jungle
And we’re amazed
At all we’ve seen
And all God’s made.
We’ve jammed through the jungle
And now we’re through
Except to say:
“God, we love YOU!”