His Name Is Nauris

Nauris Rocens… born on January 12, 1996… Likes to crochet. That was what the form that Eric gave me describing one of the boys I was supposed to be his counselor during our week long camp in Latvia. My first thought was, “oh boy, what kind of boy likes to crochet…this one is sure to be special”. Little did I know then how truly special he was and is to God.

It was no mere coincidence that we met this past July at Camp Hope. Nauris is an orphan and so is his brother Aivars. They have other siblings as well. Their whereabouts are unknown to me.

The two precious brothers I met were both born to an abusive and alcoholic father. I couldn’t put all of the pieces together of all the terrible things that ever happened to these two boys. Part of the reason for the lack of information on their background is that Nauris has some learning disabilities. I don’t believe he knows how to read or write from what I saw. Although very intelligent, his brother Aivars, couldn’t fully explain to me their story either. Or maybe I just could not comprehend how a father could inflict so much pain on their children and afterwards turn them over to an orphanage.

Nevertheless, Nauris was one of my boys for a week. For almost the first two days, Nauris did not meet eyes with me. He didn’t speak. Not even to the other children. At first I thought he couldn’t but then I saw him speaking quite fluently with an orphan teacher and I realized that he was simply not comfortable speaking to strangers who love to stare for no apparent reason. Let me explain that it was not out of rudeness that I often stared but out of compassion. For I came to quickly understand that if the so called “normal orphans” go through hard times, the special needs children must undergo even tougher circumstances.

I believe it was the first night there as the morning light was peering through the window curtains, that I heard moans coming from Nauris. At first I thought, “maybe one of the orphans is physically hurting Nauris”. So I quickly peered his way and listened intently. What I saw was Nauris turning and twisting in his bed.  He was drenched in sweat even though the room temperature was pretty cold. His head kept moving from side to side and so I got up from my bunk and went over to him. I rubbed his head trying to gently wake him but he didn’t. I saw that his sheets were nearly off the bed. I imagine he must have been having some sort of dream or possibly more like a nightmare. As I looked at him, I began to think of all of the hundreds of the times that all of my 3 children have fallen asleep in the car. And how I have picked each of them up and carried them to their beds, loosen their shoes, and tucked them in bed. I recalled the times when I have read them books before going to sleep and said a prayer with them, talked to them ever so gently. I remembered seeing my children’s faces as they comfortably and peacefully go to sleep.

But then I wondered when was the last time that Nauris received that type of attention. When was the last time that his biological father actually tucked him in his bed? When was the last time that he received a kind word? A hug, perhaps? A kiss on the head from his mother, a grandmother, anyone! I can not tell you why but the dams inside my eyes ruptured. Tears began to drip, drip, drip as I just looked at this boy and wondered. I began to cry for this child and my heart was ripped apart as I pondered about these things. I asked God right there and then to help me become Jesus to every orphan at that camp. To help me show the kids his love. To forget about myself, my comforts, my dislikes with anything negative about the camp, and focus simply on the kids.

By the end of the week, Nauris and I were playing a Latvian patty cake game (Sakki AAA, Sakki BBB, Sakki, A, Sakki B, Sakki A, B, C). We did this probably over 20 times over the span of the week. He did this with Eric and many of the other counselors. I also saw him totally focused on a particular craft that would eventually turned into a bracelet. He spent hours working on that thing. That’s when I realized his love for crocheting. He also loved catching an American football. I tossed him so many passes that I thought he was dreaming of one day going professional.  But then it was time and the buses were pulling up to take them away to the orphanages. Nauris went from counselor to counselor and hug them. Maybe all of them, I’m not sure. When he came to me I saw that he was crying. I gave him the biggest bear hug I could muster. Oh how I love that boy! And Jesus loves him even more. Please pray with me and ask me how you can be a part of this incredible journey. God has something special for you as well. 

Andy

The Chesmont Church of Christ is pleased to invite you to an evangelism seminar on Saturday, September 24, from 9-4 at Coventry Christian Schools in Pottstown. The seminar is entitled "Sharing Your Story", and will be conducted by Steve Ridgell from Herald of Truth Ministries, Inc. (as some of you may know, a world wide mass media ministry). He will also preach on Sunday, 9/25 and teach the adult Bible class.

Steve is the Director of Ministry for the Herald of Truth and has conducted this seminar for a number of churches across the United States. He speaks for the Hope For Life radio program (hopeforlife.org), preaches around the world, and writes evangelistic study material. He is the co-author of two books, "Letters From The Lamb", and more recently, "Hope For Life". Steve is an elder at the Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas.

We are very excited about this ministry opportunity because much of Steve's material emphasizes making the most of every opportunity, reaching out to those in need, and concern for our fellow man. He utilizes stories from his own past as well as countless ministry experiences to enhance learning. Steve is dynamic, energetic, and has a passionate love for the Lord and sharing the Gospel with others. The tools we can all take from this seminar, presented in a very practical, down to earth approach, will help each one of us on our own corporate and personal ministries.

Please come and join us in this evangelistic learning opportunity - we are confident you'll be blessed by it. Also be praying for the blessings that others may receive because of what God will teach us through Steve.

Really hope to see you on September 24!

God bless. 

Rick Elam / for the elders

Camp Hope 2011 - A Huge Success 

This second year at Camp Hope has been transformational. Not only have we seen a transformation in the children just over the course of 4 days but we have seen a change in each other as well. It is very rewarding when you are able to see results as we have this week. Children who did not want to talk with us at all in the beginning are now sharing their life stories and crying with us. One girl learned how to ride a bike for the first time. One of our campers who was not interested in staying at camp on Monday when he arrived, prayed in Bible class only days later. Ingus, a camper last year, was a counselor this year and has done an excellent job. Another child did not like me at all when I punished him for snoking, that same day asked for a picture with me and just tonight asked me to sign his Camp Hope book and said that he would miss me!

These are just a few of the many stories of this year's camp. Thank you for all of you who have been praying for us. Your prayers have been answered! God has worked miracles in these children as well as in us.

I can not wait to tell you more stories and show you pictures about this week. Please continue to pray for those of us that will be staying next week during english camp.