Jake at Willow Springs Camp

03/24/2023

It's more of a shuffle,
Walking.
Yeah, more of a shuffle.
Little steps where my heel covers the toes I just left.
And already I'm out of.
breath.
My feet are cold.
My hands are cold.
My tears are cold.
This sucks.
"Come on, son"
Sniffle sniffle
shuffle.
Fall.
"Okay, buddy?"
Hands stronger than I could ever imagine grab ahold and hoist me into the sky
I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry, so I do both at the same time.
"You'll need to walk again soon, but I'll keep you right here a while."

~~

Thank you, God, for carrying me and my family through some of the hardest times and treating me just like your son even though I don't deserve it.

11/28/2022

Bring on Summer 2023!

Whether you're a parent planning schedules, or a camper counting down the days, we have got you covered!

Registration for campers in 2023 opens up 12/12/2022. In the meanwhile, watch this space for more details and links to get you on your way to another amazing summer at Willow Springs Camp.

Team applications will open up in January, so hang tight summer job seekers!

11/07/2022

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkqqvukPfA2/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Check out my new Reel! Abs and I were gone for four days meeting the wider One Hope Canada family, and we had a blast!

Jake Wilson shared a post on Instagram: "What an incredible four days with the family! and I were privileged to travel out to Manitoba for this incredible conference hosted We had an amazing time together in small groups, worship, devos and mealtime...

10/01/2022

Our first fall retreat kicks off under a beautiful night sky!

Welcome to camp! We are thrilled to have 80 young people using our beautiful grounds for fellowship, worship, and learning more about Jesus.

Thank God for weekends like these.

09/15/2022

"For I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me..."

The redemptive work of our saviour leaves no room for pride in our own revival. We have been slain, defeated, utterly crushed, not so that we may live, but so the will of the living God may be on full display within us.

Ours is not a crucifixion of martyrdom, but of necessity. We must put to death the sinful will and be born again if we are to be called brothers and sisters with Christ. Indeed, we deserve the cross, in all of its shame, so that the flesh may be defeated.

So, when you feel the nails and spear, rejoice! When you are completely failing by your own effort, take heart! When you are defeated, there is your victory! For then only may the chains which have bound you for so long be broken by a strength not your own!

CHRIST BE REVEALED IN YOU!

08/28/2022

A beautiful end to another remarkable summer!

It's quiet at the campground now, no more cheers, Campfire songs, or spontaneous worship sessions. The last of our Summer Missionaries has gone home. The cabins are cleaned and the chapel lights are off.

Thank you for all of your support, making this one of our most successful years yet! We thank God for his provision, and praise Him for the peace he brought even on our loudest days.

We will be sharing testimonies and memories in the coming weeks, but for now, we rest in the knowledge that God did the miraculous this summer, and we got to be a part of it.

08/07/2022

"Deny yourself"
Stop holding your judgments as fact. Of yourself. Of others. Of this life. Your perception is too small and your senses too limited. Deny yourself the glory of being righteous. Deny yourself the dignity of being self sufficient.

"Pick up your cross"
Suffer for the sake of others. No matter the pain, the humiliation, the hurt. Pick up the punishment of the lost. Pick up the injustice of their contempt as you love them.

"Follow me"
Be raised to new life. One without boundaries or bonds. Be ultimately free, citizens of a kingdom that cannot be corrupted. Follow Jesus into eternity. Follow Jesus into every moment.

07/26/2022

God is good!

Please pray for us in this call. Here we are in Week 4, praising God with our busiest week of summer camp, showing these campers how to worship Jesus with our hearts, not just voices.

Our team has faced many challenges over the past weeks, but through it all, we remain confident in God's work here!

Our mission is not to make the most money, have the slickest program, or secure a future for Willow Springs Camp. We exist to demonstrate Christ's love to these kids and establish the kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.

We have experience blessing upon blessing with volunteers, heavenly strategies and incredible missionaries. Thank you for being a part of our testimony.

07/17/2022

In a year of firsts, it was incredible to launch our Church Partnership week with the Japanese Gospel Church of Toronto. They brought in their ethos, volunteers, program and campers for an unforgettable week here at Willow Springs Camp.

The testimonies speak for themselves. It was a remarkable week of young people feeling like they belonged, encountering Jesus, and growing in an environment of encouragement.

It was incredible for our team to learn from the JCGT crew, and I know we served one another well.

Thank you to everyone who took part! It is amazing to see God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.