Servant Events · Camp Linn Haven
Beholding God’s Miracles in the High Country
Worship overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains at Camp Linn Haven
Camp Linn Haven holds a special place in the hearts of many. Just two years ago, Hurricane Helene devastated much of the lower camp. In the midst of that destruction, the camp board and staff witnessed God’s people respond in extraordinary ways. They continue to share countless stories of God’s provision, often arriving at exactly the right moment and sometimes in ways that felt nothing short of miraculous.
This summer, Camp Linn Haven welcomed high school youth and their leaders for two weeks of servant events themed “Beholding God’s Miracles in the High Country.” Each day was filled with worship, prayer, Bible study, camp activities, games, and service projects throughout the surrounding communities. The days were long and sleep was often in short supply, but God’s presence was evident throughout the experience.
Community service projects provided countless opportunities for young people to discover and use their God-given gifts and abilities. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity, local schools, and community organizations, the youth built, planted, hauled, cleaned, painted, and tackled whatever projects were needed.
The surrounding counties are among the most economically challenged areas in North Carolina, and many local schools face significant resource limitations. At one school, a single full-time custodian is responsible for cleaning, repairing, and maintaining the entire building. During the summer, he is often overwhelmed with projects that cannot be completed while students are present. After working alongside the servant event participants, he shared that, for the first time in several years, he would be able to take a vacation because of all they had accomplished. At another school, a middle school principal learned that one of the volunteers was serving on his birthday. To express her gratitude, she purchased cake and ice cream for the group. She was thrilled knowing that students would return to clean, freshly painted classrooms ready for a new school year.
Servant event participants show off their SED t-shirts
Each week also included a unique human care component. During the first week, participants partnered with Crossnore Communities for Children to host a Vacation Bible School at camp. The teenagers led Bible stories, crafts, games, and small group activities for children ranging from toddlers to teens who live at Crossnore. This experience quickly became a highlight of the week as relationships were formed, and the love of Christ was shared through both words and actions.
The second week focused on serving local families through Avery County Schools’ annual Back-to-School Bash. Participants helped distribute 1,240 backpacks and school supply bags to students and families preparing for the new school year.
It has been such a blessing to use the gifts God has given us to serve others in the name of Jesus.
Jen Hills, Director of Christian Education
Beyond the service projects themselves, there was great joy in watching young people from across the country come together through the LCMS Servant Events program. Youth who began the week as strangers laughed, worshiped, served, and grew in faith alongside one another. Many left with friendships that will last for years. This summer, groups traveled from North Carolina, Michigan, Indiana, Florida, and Ohio. Each participant returned home with stories of how they witnessed God’s presence in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, through His Word, and through the people around them.
As they served others and grew together in faith, these young people experienced what it means to behold God’s miracles in everyday life. For that, we give thanks.