On retreat at Sumatanga we can slow down and have some “heart” time.
Our small group went outside and met near a black walnut tree. One of my new friends, gathered black walnuts for each group member. We opened them up revealing hearts. When these nuts fall from the tree, they are encased in a large green ball which takes time to decay revealing the black shell with the heart (and edible nut) inside. At camps and on retreats at Sumatanga, it takes a while for persons to establish a safe environment where we are comfortable opening up and sharing our hearts, but when we do, we are gifted with life-giving friendship and love.
I’ve seen lives changed at camp because persons were ready to open their hearts to God. At Sumatanga, people of all ages have said, “Yes, I want to follow Christ more closely” and were given the encouragement and tools to do so. I want Sumatanga to continue to offering the non-judgmental and safe environment so God can touch their hearts.