Camp Amazon - Iquitos, Peru

2011-02-08T14:26:00.002-05:00

Here is another first time Camp Amazon camper Luana with Saraid. Luana is 11 years old and has advance arthritis. She is unable to run and play games like the rest of the kids due to limited use of her arms and legs. Last night she told the entire camp how loved and accepted she has felt and the joy that is in her heart! Yeah God !!! We try to meet each camper at where they are at to challenge and encourage grown in their faith and purpose in Christ!

Noé

2011-02-08T14:21:00.002-05:00

This is Rodolfo our Camp Amazon Director with Noé and first time camper. Noé came to us from a very difficult background. Noé came to camp addicted to cocaine, and harboring deep resentment against anyone in authority. It was a difficult first few days but God is faithful and with the messages and team building at camp, we have seen amazing change and transformation. Noé received Jesus and made the decision to allow us to help him. He is back for a second week, helping Rodolfo and continuing to have his heart ministered too. He would have never had a chance to go to Camp Amazon if it was not for your prayers and support.

2011-02-08T14:12:00.001-05:00

This year on our third week of camp we opened it up to our 15 to 20 youth (another first this year). As these youth walked through the door for registration I looked at Rodolfo my assistant and said “this isn’t kid’s camp anymore”. They were the cool youth, the “mom made me come to camp” , the “I am here for the sports”, and the rough and tough youth. The first night went a little slow and very little emotion was shown on the mostly serious faces. The following day brought forth difficult sports competitions and challenging straight talk in the teaching time as well as small group.
The staff and I felt the resistance in the atmosphere, therefore the leaders and I joined for prayer as we knew something had to break with these youth, we needed soft hearts and healing to take place. The problems and lives that some of these youth live make anything we adults have dealt with seem minor. We needed to see sexual confusion broken, addictions of every kind broken, healings of the hearts and God’s presence to be made manifest. The last two nights we brought forth strong messages and the youth responded with joy, upraised hands, and eager desire for more. It seems like everybody wanted more of Jesus among these youth, earlier in the week considered so unreachable. Most wanted the Holy Spirit! Most wanted prayer! Most wanted clean hearts, more love and joy, more of His Presence. We are not ashamed of enthusiasm; evening meetings like this are to us a time for emotional release, a gift from heaven, Peruvian-style! And the Holy Spirit backs us up...

Camp Amazon ages 12-14

2011-02-08T14:06:00.002-05:00

Week two and this week we had 12-14 year olds running around the camp. This is our first year to offer camp to this age group. As this was a challenge it proved to be full of rewards. The camp week started off with games, competitions and the first night a strong message of salvation and God’s call and purpose. The second night was teaching on the Holy Spirit, well, God broke out and we saw such freedom in worship, liberation and healing take place. The Camp Amazon team was busy late that night praying and loving on these precious youth. God has lent these youth to us and our desire is to see them changed forever.

Camp Amazon ages 8-11

2011-02-08T13:54:00.002-05:00

Week one and four was for 8-11 year olds so full of life and energy, so much energy that our guides and leaders wondered if they would ever run out of it. These kids teach us so much, we learn from them. Through these crazy, curious, hungry kids, God teaches us about the Kingdom, and what it means to be a true child of God. In fact the Bible says in Matthew 18:3 that unless we are like these children we will never get into the kingdom of God. What a privilege and honor it is to be able to play in the dirt and worship under the stars with these king’s kids! It is so easy to share the Word with these kids as their faith is transforming. During worship time the sweetness of God would come and rest on them as they told God how much they love Him.

It is all abot their faces!!

2011-02-08T13:46:00.001-05:00

Today is the third day of our fifth week of camp at Camp Amazon and everyone is really dirty, clothes are soggy and feet caked with mud. We really look like a sight. But the excitement in the air and the joy is undeniable from the love of God. Every week has been so distinctly different just the same way God has created each and every one of his children different and unique yet we all are called sons and daughters of God

2010-02-23T09:48:00.002-05:00

I have never been to a Camp before, I am meeting so many new friends and my guide has been so good to me. Thank you God for all this fun and this week. ~Cecy (age

10)

2010-02-23T09:35:00.003-05:00

Lets play ball!!! Week number four a home run so far! All our bases are full this week with kids for camp! On the heels of summer here in the Amazon we are hitting home the message of Christ with these campers. We want them to walk away with heart for their region and the lost. Thank God for the great sun this week, I can tell it is going to be a great week! Keep us all in prayer this week!

2010-02-17T11:44:00.004-05:00

Small group time this week has been wonderful, being able to share God's hear to these children is priceless! Here we are teaching about honoring your mother and father.

2010-02-17T11:33:00.003-05:00

Thank you TbarM for your partnership in this camp, I can not express the eternal effects you are having on these children..~Trent

2010-02-17T11:29:00.000-05:00

2010-02-17T11:19:00.003-05:00

We have been so blessed by great weather this week! Thank you God for the sunshine! We have been playing hard this week and so far the girls are in the lead.

2010-02-17T11:07:00.002-05:00

Camp is back and running at full speed!! Here is the begining of our Alpha and Omaga team pick!! ~Ray

2010-02-15T07:31:00.001-05:00

2010-02-12T12:17:00.000-05:00

2010-02-12T11:53:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday to everyone!! Have you ever been to a birthday party for 90+ kids? It is a sight to behold wednesday night we just did that, a massive birthday party full of tons of fun. Most of these kids have never had a birthday party of their own let alone have clowns, balloons, cake and games with their friends. We got the privalage of telling every camper by name how special they are and how GREAT God's love for them is. Winne the Pooh attended as well to help with our games and activities. The many hugs and thank you's from the Peruvian children we pass on to you. Thank you for your prayers and heart for the people and children of Iquitos! ~Matias

2010-02-09T14:31:00.004-05:00

Pollo Loco! We have had a little sun today and the games are on! This week our camp is over filled with 93 excited kids, praise the Lord! What a blessing it is to see those smiles on the faces of these kids. I can honestly say that I myself will never be the same again after watching and seeing how happy these childern are being able to have this week of camp. I came to camp to be a blessing but I know I will walk away from this season so changed by God and the peruvian kids. Pray for sun and lots of fun today! Blessings ~Trent

2010-02-09T14:17:00.005-05:00

Here we go!! We are in full speed for the second week. God has blessed us with a large amount of rain and mud again but the kids did not seem to mind. We taught the kids today about helping each other and reaching out to your neighbor in love. Tonight is our birthday party for all the kids my favorite part of the week . Most of the kids here have never had a party like this and to see their faces is an amazing thing. keep us in prayer and the kids as we have had lots of sick tummys and colds this week. We will post pictures of the birthday party soon!! Thank you for your prayrs and suport. ~Xiomi

2010-02-05T08:55:00.000-05:00

2010-02-05T08:23:00.006-05:00

We have pressed on to the Goal this first week of Camp Amazon!!! Our last day was full of fun, games, fellowship, all day very hard rains and lots of MUD! It was amazing and fun to say the very least! I cannot express how my heart was touched as I say these campers' hearts so touched this week by the love of God. The connections that where made where friendships that will last and be so good for their Christian walk. One of the things we taught the kids was to express love to their mommy and daddy, we told them ways in english and spanish to say I love you. So when they saw their parents they did just that!! It was a blessing to be able to present these campers back to their parents. One set of parents said that because of the excitement in their son they will be attending church this weekend with their son. That in itself is wonderful but as he went on and explained he has not been in a church in over 40 years but is moved by what ever happened to his son, my eyes filled with joy. God is truly uniting families; this is one of our pryayers. Thank you for your prayers and support, please keep us in prayer as we prepare for week two!!
~Matías

2010-02-05T07:56:00.004-05:00

Earlier this week the kids learned to ask for help when they were in a time of need and not rely on their own strength to achieve goals but to depend on God for direction. So today before starting a game today my girls (the aviseas)circled up and prayed asking God to guide them and help them play better so they could wim. To my surprise theydid win!! I explained to them that winning was a great thing but the greater event was their dependence was on God for help and guidance. ~Veronica (Wednesday afternoon)

2010-02-03T08:51:00.002-05:00

Rain or Shine ( and we have had lots of both!!) we are out here praising God. Yesterday we went crazy playing Pollo Loco and rolling around in the mud!! We spent the afternoon learning about forgiveness and God's love for us. Keep us in prayer as we have a few home sick campers this morning, but I am sure that will change as we have a full day of great fun ahead. ~Rodolfo

2010-02-01T08:57:00.003-05:00

Registration is beginning!! Excited kids are pouring in! Busses will be here in less then an hour to take all of them to Camp Amazon!! The guides are already building the relationships that will be the

foundation of this year's camp. keep us all in prayer as we take the plunge!!
Matías

2010-01-31T22:27:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone from the Camp Amazon headquarters here in Iquitos, Peru. We just finished with our final meeting and are all headed to bed to get rest for what waits us tomorrow. Tomorrow is the first day of CAMP!!!! The excitement is thick and we are praying for an amazing Camp season. Please be in prayer for us as we jump into the first week of camp. God is so faithfull and we are looking forward to seeing the faces of those campers as the come through those door. We will be updateing the blog with accounts from our leaders, guides, and campers as well as pictures.
Matías

CAMP AMAZON SEASON 1 FINALE! GLORIA A DIOS!!

2009-03-03T18:20:00.006-05:00

Well, first my apologies that it has been so long since the last blog. Our last 2 weeks, actually the entire season absolutely FLEW BY...but what a great time it was and it was exciting to get to see God provide the energy and love necessary to complete the season to His glory!

Week 6 finished up in great Camp Amazon fashion with lots of rain and muddy, happy kids!

Week 7 was an exciting finale as the T Bar M Timothy Team came down for the first 2 days of camp to boost our guides spirits, play in the mud with our kids, and witness the mighty work that God is using our Peruvian brothers and sisters to do here in Iquitos!

We finished the season of right with new activities all the way to the end. Check out our team building log bridge, designated "Puente Artemio!" Artemio is our servant hearted groundskeeper here and puente means bridge. Artemio and I got to spend some great time together as he educated me on canoing techniques and water construction in building this fun activity for the kids. Praise God for all those who helped build and rebuild this fun challenge course!

The guides worked hard up to the end and were loving on kids for the glory of God! Keep praying for more opportunities for Camp Amazon this year and as we prepare for Season 2 in 2010!

WEEK 6: Day 1!

2009-02-16T20:41:00.002-05:00

Well WEEK 6 started with...MORE RAIN...of course! Evidently, it wouldn´t be Camp Amazon without a triple dose of rain. So we´re wet and muddy and having a great time again. This week is kind of special for us as we have many kids that have come in from some of the villages up the Amazon instead of those from right here in Iquitos. We´re so excited to have these kids who have been so limited in experiencing things outside their own pueblos! Of course, just like the rest they have bright, smiling faces and are loving life in the ritzy set up of Camp Amazon.

We started the week off right with an exciting game of ¨Guerra de Banderas¨ or flag wars that of course we play in the mud and get it all over! Pray for these kids as they play hard, eat well, and learn about the love of Christ in their lives...many for the very first time.

¨¡Cosa Loca!¨ (scream here)

Also, on a more serious note, please pray for Ronald (camp director) as he injured his shoulder in a fall today and the nurse is trying to determine the extent of damage.

LETTERS FROM CAMP AMAZON COACHES!

2009-02-14T16:33:00.002-05:00

¡LOS AMAMOS!

This is for T Bar M...I´m very grateful to all of you and God because He has given me the privilege of being part of this team. The Camp Amazon program has changed my life a lot. It has taught me how to be more patient but at the same time that I can be energetic and funny for Christ.

I thank God for each one of you for the decision to build this camp. This camp is very important for me and all the kids here. God has shown me his will in a special way through this camp and I´m sure that all these kids are just as grateful for this camp. Here in Iquitos we´ve never had this kind of program before...and it has been new and amazing for all of us.

Thank you...God bless your lives in a double portion!

From Iquitos, Peru 2009
Rosa Aguilar Manzur
CAMP AMAZON

God bless you and thank you for your prayers
¡WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

WEEK 5: God Provides

2009-02-13T12:03:00.002-05:00

The creative juices are flowing as we continue to find ways to have fun in and out of the rain. The CAMP AMAZON crew are learning to persevere and be creative in a climate that rains almost everyday. As we see kids smiling faces, begging to return, and most importantly…lives turning to Christ we know that God continues to work through this team in this first camp season.

The rainy day activities have been great as we try to balance indoor fun, rainy fun, muddy fun, and protecting the health of these remarkable kids. But it is always a joy to be able to run and play in the sun whether it be on the field, court or splashing in the water. Please pray for about 2 weeks of sun and fun at CAMP AMAZON and for the joy of the Lord to flow through these guides (coaches to us at T Bar M) as they play, work and teach these kids how to know and love God.

The kids continue to learn about how to have a relationship with God through spending these special days with their guides. You can see it in the joy they have in running up to them after each activity period for a high five and as many have started calling their guides “papito” (Daddy) or “mamita” (Mommy). I even get dubbed with the title of “Tio” (Uncle) Drew! The guides are cautious with these tender titles of affection but also have the opportunity to use them to explain a relationship with God. It also has the bonus affect of forcing our guides to reflect on their own relationship with Our Father and think about how they will teach and love their kids in the future. What a wise and loving God we have!

WEEK 4: Sun, Fun, Mud, and JUANITO!

2009-02-06T14:11:00.012-05:00

Or Jaw - Knee! as most of us know him. That's right, we had a very special week here at Camp Amazon with mostly great weather and a special visit from Mr FUAGNEM himself with some much needed encouragement and enthusiasm for the staff down here.

We continue to have fun as God uses this amazing place and people to touch the lives of the children of Iquitos. The hillslide and surprise birthday party continue to be the big hits of camp but God had the spotlight this week as he used Johnny to demonstrate His love to these kids and coaches. The kids left here ready for the next adventure at Camp Amazon and asking when Juanito would be back!

Camp Amazon Week 4!

2009-02-04T20:19:00.006-05:00

HALFWAY!! HERE COMES WEEK #4!

2009-02-01T14:32:00.002-05:00

God has done amazing things in our first half of camp. Please pray that he will continue to work in the lives of these guides and use them to show Christ to the kids of this area. Please pray for health, strength and perseverance as these guides are challenged everyday in many ways to continue to serve Him!

Thanks so much for all the prayer support...it is definitely changing lives here!

Camper Story

2009-01-30T19:43:00.002-05:00

Actually, a camper's uncle's story. My friend's nephew went to camp and when he returned my friend was anxious to find out about his experience at camp since he knew camp well but it was his nephew's first time. So, he immediately asked how it was and of course the response was great so he asked if he wanted to go back...at this his nephew hesitated and said "Si...pero no." (yes but no!)
Of course, my friend immediately wanted to know why but got no response. So he asked again do you want to go back, the same response. At this time the boy's father said, it's ok tell him why, again no response and again yes but no. Finally the father said tell him...the boy responded, "so sad."
This, of course, alarmed my friend and wanted further explanation. So he asked, "Was it fun?" "Yes, fun."
"Did you play and learn?"
"Yes"
Finally, "...but it's so sad. At the end I had to leave all my new friends...and that great bed."

Praise God for changed lives and open hearts!

More Week 3 Photos!

2009-01-30T15:41:00.001-05:00

Felix Cumpleanos! Happy Birthday!

2009-01-30T15:07:00.005-05:00

Think of your very first birthday party...I, like many, can't remember mine. But for some here in Iquitos their first birthday party is with us at camp. The last night of camp we have a "surprise" for the campers and when they find out it's a party they go CRAZY! and many start asking, "Whose is it?" Many think it's mine but when they find out it's for them they go crazy all over again. Check out the photos to see just how exciting it is to have someone celebrating with you!

Week 3 Update

2009-01-30T10:03:00.001-05:00

We just finished our third week of camp, which means we’re half way through our first season of Camp Amazon.

It's raining every night and about every other day. We've lost the lower field to the river (though it's great to slide down the hill into the shallow pool there), and the big field is a giant mud pit. But my God is soooo good, the kids are being reached, it is awesome. We teach English a little every day, and last week we learned the song "My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty there is nothing my God cannot do". God has shown that to us every day: He is so big and there is nothing He cannot do. We have great games and are spreading God's word, and loving on kids that many have never seen before, Christ's way. It’s just amazing.

If you like all hearing all that just wait till you hear what I tell you tomorrow about the birthday party!

More from Our Guides at Camp Amazon!

2009-01-28T17:35:00.002-05:00

Hola, soy Juanito!

Everyday I´m praying for you. I want Him to help you and give you His strength.

I would like to thank you all for your prayers. I especially would like to greet Phil and Mike.

I had a great time at the first week of camp. I got to know some great and CRAZY kids. We spent some awesome time together. I learned so much from these kids and thank God for His love and grace.

Thank you so much for all the advice that you gave during training.
God bless you.
Juanito

Letters from Coaches

2009-01-28T17:24:00.003-05:00

¡Hola hermanos y hermanas, soy Felix!

God´s work is growing faster than expected here. My church has a goal to reach 1000 kids this year and now this project has become real and showing great success.

These kids are coming to Jesus´feet. Most of them are new to Jesus´power and they are being filled with the Holy Spirit. This is something like we´ve never seen before.

We´re so excited to see what God is going to do in the next camps. Neither rain or any other problem with the weather can stop God´s will...because GOD IS WITH US!

God bless you.
Felix

--------------------------------------
¡Hola queridos amigos! (Hola dear friends)

I want to tell you I´m fine spiritually and physically however the second week of camp (we´re now in our 3rd) I felt like I could not do it anymore, but God has given me His great strength.

The 3rd week of camp I have 2 very "active" girls and I have almost lost my patience. But I felt so good to be with them; playing and laughing together.

I am learning so much about patience with these 2 girls...I love them so much.

Please, pray for me.

Best wishes to you. God bless you.
Your sister
Ruth
(Please pray for Ruth and her co, Rosa, also as they have a mentally challenged lady to work with this week as well as their "active" girls. They are doing an amazing job sharing Christ´s love with all of them.)

Week 3 Preliminary Report

2009-01-27T09:06:00.002-05:00

Well, we started out a little smaller this week with only 56 kids but
we're making up for numbers with great enthusiasm! Pray for renewed
strength for our coaches as they continue to seek the Lord.
We bussed all the kids out to camp this morning as we do every week to
find that a light pole had fallen down at camp (termites are amazing
here.) Well, this means downed power lines where our busses normally
pull in to unload a bunch of wild hooligans. So we stopped the busses
outside the gates and let the kids blast through the gates in a new
direction...I think we've found a new, exciting way to introdue the
kids to CAMP AMAZON! Praise God, He works in amazing ways. (By the
way, the pole is back up, the lines are safe, and somehow we never
lost power...even though we didn't have it all last night before the
kids showed up...like I said He works in amazing ways.)
More to come!

Week 2 Update

2009-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Week 2 continues to be a blessing from the Lord! We prayed for no
rain from Monday to Thursday and He provided great weather all week.
Although everything is still extremely muddy...that just means we have
extreme fun time in the mud! Pray that the word will spread, God will
change these kids hearts and the parents will see the change and want
to know what amazing love could create this new attitude in their
child.

Week 1 In Review

2009-01-19T09:05:00.002-05:00

COSA LOCA!...

…Woohoo!

Well, “Wild thing” definitely is the right description for our first week of camp. God blew away all of our expectations this week. Revealed a lot of our hearts, broke us down, exposed us and then allowed us to be part of His perfect will to reach out to 84 wild, screaming Peruvian kids for 4 amazing days! It was all that you have come to expect from camp…some of it was hard, we had to plan rainy days, we had to flex, we didn’t waste fun, we learned about our wonderful God, and many came to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.

Our leaders have definitely been placed by God and working to serve Him in every way possible, often through some difficult struggles and all of it in a new experience, doing a brand new job. Our mix of “guias” (or guides as we call our coaches down here) is incredible. Please pray for them as they learn how to serve the Lord and honor Him through their relationships with the campers and each other. God is truly teaching all of us amazing things through camp.

Ronald is soaking up information and gaining experience by the truckload and continues to do it with a smile on his face. Please pray as he learns the differences of relating to youth as compared to his experience with adults and married couples.

The campers were fired up with so many new games and experiences they couldn’t believe what was happening to them. When they went to their rooms for the first time some didn’t want to go play because of the excitement of the bunk beds with big, comfy mattresses. Of course, even with all the new games you can’t take the love of soccer out of these kids hearts so competition day was full of soccer and volleyball followed up by a huge race where they got soaking wet in different games all over camp…they loved every second.

It is so exciting to see God work in the lives of the campers and staff here at Camp Amazon. It is such a privilege to get to be part of His work here. Please pray that God will continue to work in the lives of our staff and these campers, that Satan will not be able to cause division in this place, and that all will come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Thank you for all the ways you have supported this ministry, especially in prayer…keep it coming!

Pictures to come.

More pictures from the first week of Camp Amazon

2009-01-15T17:02:00.009-05:00

Pictures of the first week of Camp Amazon!

2009-01-14T09:57:00.004-05:00

Camp Amazon has started!

2009-01-12T09:34:00.011-05:00

Camp Amazon Opens with 106 Campers!

FIRST DAY OF CAMP!

Dios es bueno! Todo al tiempo! All the time! God is good!

It is the first day of camp and we hit the ground running. The guides and leadership arrived at the church ready for what God had in store. With marching orders handed out, the kids began to arrive… early! They were so excited they just couldn't wait to be there. And for this being the grand opening of Camp Amazon, things went surprisingly smooth!

The coaches and leadership blew things out of the water! They were carrying kids, laughing, playing, welcoming them with open arms and caring hearts. We were so impressed at how the Lord was shining through them.

The energy quickly trickled down to the campers as they were playing in the youth area of the church and getting to know each other. As we loaded the buses, the campers were waving goodbye to all the parents, anxiously awaiting the trip to camp. Any time one of the buses would pass another, the kids went crazy cheering and laughing back and forth. The pull into camp was so exciting to see as this property just came to life. Kids exited and headed to their cabins. We then gathered in La Maloca (equivalent to our Sanctuary) to sing, cheer, and welcome the campers to Camp Amazon!

After our big group photo in front of La Maloca, it was time (what time?) for lunch! No yellow meal in Iquitos… these kids were chompin' on some rice, beans, beef, fried bananas and star fruit juice! There will be a short F.O.B. (Siesta) and then activities begin. We are about to leave so we'll have to get further updates later from Drew. What a privilege it has been to see this vision come to life.

Please pray for no homesick campers, for plenty of fun (Don't Waste Fun!), and most importantly, changed lives for Jesus Christ. May His kingdom grow as we work diligently for the Lord in Peru! Until later … Adios hermanos y hermanas!