No matter how many times I recall the events that led me to Panfork, I cannot seem to discern how, other than by the grace and providence of God, I came to work there. Upon remembering, the events which transpired seem strange and almost unreal; my older brother Jesse simply mentioned the place to me in passing, and I, for unknown reasons, felt an unusual desire to work there. Only a few weeks after my first exposure to the idea of Panfork, I had been granted a guaranteed position as a 2010 summer staffer. Regardless of the countless times I have racked my memory for an answer, I have yet to discover why I was interested in working at a church camp that was completely foreign to me and was located two hours away from my home. I knew next to nothing about Panfork, I knew no one who worked there, save Kade Wilcox, and at the time I was far from the Lord. I suppose in reality I desired an escape from myself, and Panfork presented just that. More than that, though, I know that it was the Lord leading me and guiding me, though my face was hidden from Him.
Upon my arrival I had no idea what a change was to occur in my heart and mind as a result of what candidly seemed to be a summer job. Nonetheless, I am grateful beyond words for my experiences at Panfork. Prior to the summer of 2010, I was depressed, purposeless, and despairing. The Lord beautifully used the work, relationships, and opportunities I encountered that summer to draw me once again into His arms and to mold me further into His image. I have learned much and have grown immensely since then. I cannot express in words my gratitude to Kade and Lacey Wilcox for their selfless investment in me, their continual encouragement to me, and their irreplaceable involvement in my life. They have truly been a blessing to me, giving me much wisdom and admonishment. Oh...and a car!!!! Everyday I am amazed that Devin Noble chose to pursue a relationship with me. At the time in which we met, I was young, foolish, and probably a bit crazy, too. Yet, he lovingly chose me and committed to me and has not ceased to be a blessing to me. He has truly helped to change my entire perception of reality and to view all things in light of the Gospel. Many of the other staffers are my dear friends, pen pals, sisters and brothers in Christ, of whom I am unspeakably grateful. Panfork would be nothing special were it not for the individuals therein who have been radically altered by the Gospel and who seek to glorify Christ in all things.
I have experienced beautiful, boundless growth as a result of my time at Panfork, thanks to the graciousness of the Lord and the wonderful friendships with which He blessed me. I cannot thank Him enough for saving me from the despair in which I once lived, for delivering me from the domain of darkness and transferring me to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom I have found redemption and the forgiveness of sins. Praise the Lord!
Blessings,
Janae Elisabeth
"No matter how many times I recall the events that led me to Panfork, I cannot seem to discern how, other than by the grace and providence of God, I came to work there."
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I remember a few days after Kade contacted me about working at Panfork, I was sitting in class at school. As I was paying attention to the lecture, I heard this voice in my head that sent chills down my spine. It had been a long time, but I had heard this same voice once before and clearly recognized it. The last time I heard this voice, it told me to quit my job. I quit my job, like the voice said, and about a month and a half later our lives change when my dad gets called to be the pastor of our church in Claude. This same voice told me "You will work at Panfork this summer. Tell Kade that you will work for him".
And the rest was a fantastically unforgettable experience. This summer was a blessing from God that I did not deserve. How our Father loves us!