Livingston, Montana
Stacy Betts Blog Post
“How are you?...My name is Coach Stacy and I am glad you are here this week for the Sports Camp.” This was my first comment to a 12 year old boy on the morning of the first day of the Sports Camp. What happened next reminded me of the reality of life and why the Lord placed us in Montana.
“You are a big guy to be 12 years old. Your Dad must be a big guy too…maybe a football player?” He then replied with sad eyes looking toward the ground… “I do not really know my Dad.”
I will never forget that moment. I had noticed this young boy just as he came up to the Camp that morning on his bicycle because he was one of the biggest kids but sat alone and had a distinct looking haircut – a mo hawk. We then talked a bit longer, and it was later in the week that I learned about his difficult home situation. Yet, somehow he managed to make sure he and his 9 year old brother came to Camp every day on their bikes. I also learned throughout the week other stories of some of the other children at the camp - their background, their challenges at home, and their desire to learn from all the Coaches and Teachers… to learn about Jesus.
It was my second time going to Livingston , Montana to help with the Sports Camp. This year was even more special than last because my 9 year old daughter, Morgan, attended with me. It was such a blessing to serve together throughout the week. One thing I wanted her to learn, as I am still learning, is the Christian life is more than just going to Church, praying, reading, singing Christian songs, tithing…it is also about serving the Lord. Serving in different ways, in different places, different people but all for the same reason – to help others come to Christ.
While we shared the Gospel at the Camp, taught Bible stories, prayed, learned new songs for Vacation Bible School…my hope and prayer throughout the week for all of us serving from Bayleaf was to not just talk about God’s love…but to show it in whatever way the Lord would use us. And the Lord did just that. The Lord allowed so much to happen that week through Sports and VBS. There were many questions about God and who He is. Many, many seeds were planted that week and our reliance is upon the Lord to grow those seeds. This reminded me of the verses in Corinthians where Paul is talking about planting and watering – especially acknowledging that God is the one that grows the seeds He allows us to plant (1 Cor 3:6,7).
I am also humbled at the opportunity to serve with some many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ at Bayleaf. We shared some much together from the moment we arrived in Livingston. Thank you to all of them for making that week so special.
And just as the week began with me asking the little 12 year old boy a question, it closed with another memorable conversation. We had just shared the Gospel with all the campers and parents that were in attendance. We requested that those who trusted Jesus that day to tell a Coach about your decision. After telling a number of kids goodbye and thanking them for a wonderful week at Camp, this little 7 year old girl came over to me. As I knelt down to speak to her she told me “Coach Stacy, I just asked Jesus into my heart and am a Christian.” My heart about came out of my chest because of the joy I felt for this little girl and her decision that changed her eternity. I was then reminded - this is why we serve.
Thank you Bayleaf for serving the world and our community through Missions.
In Christ,
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