Footsteps

When I was camping at Camp Deer Run, I remember being at Cross Devo and being emotionally moved watching the reenactment that the staff put on of Jesus' crucifixion, then seeing the delight of Thomas and the other apostle's at when Jesus appeared to them. I remember that after this reenactment someone would come out and give a short little talk about what we just saw, and reenforced the message that we were taught throughout the session. After this, the staff would walk up as a whole, in front of the campers, and form a line so that they could give all of the campers one last message. This message was a song that was supposed to be the final word of encouragement, and for me I know that it was. It was always very powerful to hear the staff sing "The Lord Bless You and Keep You". When I was done camping, I was blessed to be able to be on staff for 5 years. We would do the same thing at the end of each session. It was always a great message to send to the campers, but as time went on, it became obvious that "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" was a very difficult song for worn out college kids to sing late at night, and that the song might be hard for campers to hear and understand. So during my third year on staff, someone came up with the idea of changing the final song of Cross Devo. I know that some people were not in favor of changing this tradition, but everyone agreed that "Footsteps" would be a great addition. The song ties in perfectly to what the staff wants to campers to take away from them and their time at Camp. Here are the lyrics.

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.

May the fire of our devotion light their way.

May the footprints that we leave,

lead them to believe,

and the lives we live inspire them to obey.

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.

What a great message for the campers to hear from the staff. I hope the campers are thinking about the example that the staff gave them, and are spending each day living for the Lord.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky