Wednesday, December 19, 2018

They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 11:9

The waters more than covered the sea during Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Children and youth that had lived through the Hurricane came to Camp Noah held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Reading, PA for a week this August.

At first they didn’t want to open up about all the pain and suffering they endured. They felt the hurt and destruction on the holy mountain. Yet throughout the week, thanks to a great curriculum, caring and understanding staff and volunteers and the work of the Holy Spirit, the children and youth began to let their guard down and open up about their experiences.

The story of Noah and his family escaping the flood was woven throughout the week of camp showing them that God had not abandoned Noah just as God had not abandoned them. They saw that God was with them and that they could move forward. Death and destruction was a part of their life but it didn’t have to end there.

Janmary, one youth who attended Camp Noah, talked about how her new life was beginning in Reading, PA. She was ready to face whatever came her way. Camp Noah helped her with that.

In this season of waiting may we be full of the knowledge of the Lord as he prepares to come to us through the Christ child. May we know that God does not abandon us and beckons us to share his message of healing and hope with the world.

Holy One, thank you for showing us that death and destruction are not the final answer. Help us to see you in everyone and remind them that you are with them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Rev. Katie Lyon is Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Reading, PA. She worked with Liberty Lutheran to help make Camp Noah become a reality in Reading this summer for those who came from Puerto Rico as a result of Hurricane Maria.

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