This past weekend in West Tennessee was truly one to remember. What made this camp unique was that it marked our first-ever West Tennessee camp. A month before the event, we weren’t even sure it would happen due to the Chaplain’s departure, leaving us without our key contact on the inside. But, as God would have it, the camp took place, and it was beautiful. It wasn’t without a hiccup or two—then again, I’ve never been to a camp that was glitch-free. I believe it was Coach John Calipari who said, “We shoot for perfection and settle for excellence.” I’m not sure where we landed on that continuum, but it was a wonderful camp.

That being said, I am deeply thankful for many things at Whiteville Correctional. Chaplain Moss deserves gratitude for making the initial contact, and Assistant Warden Biven took the lead inside the prison, helping us secure the men and approve the various elements of the program. I’m also appreciative that Senior Warden Leeds not only came to speak to the men but also spent considerable time with us during the camp.

Additionally, I’m thankful to Chaplain Fletcher, who traveled from Nashville to be part of this special event. Beyond these key individuals, many officers were incredibly cooperative and helpful. Though they had never witnessed one of our ODWG camps before and faced a sense of the unknown, they embraced the experience wholeheartedly.

I am incredibly thankful for our volunteers. In addition to those from North Carolina, we had dedicated individuals drive in from Michigan, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. These weren’t just any volunteers; they were our seasoned “A Team,” keeping the ship headed in the right direction. You know who you are, and rest assured, you are deeply loved!

And then there’s our new volunteers. We had a great Host Church and a great group of Tennessee Volunteers! Some of them, however, I found did not like being called that due to a certain football rivalry, but the group (pictured in the photo) was outstanding. Typically, for a camp of this size, we aim for at least 60 to 80 volunteers; we had 43—but what a 43 they were! Most of them had never experienced a camp before, yet they jumped in wholeheartedly and were a pleasure to work with. Special recognition goes to Pastor Boatwright, who was instrumental in recruiting the majority of the blue shirts from his church.

When we returned home, I texted Pastor Boatwright to express our deep appreciation for his church’s incredible contribution to the camp. His response was truly touching: “We gave testimony last night, and the blue shirts couldn’t stop talking. This was a great way for them to do something meaningful for the Lord and for people.”

We also received this heartfelt message from one of our caregivers who attended the shadow program at the church: “I just want to say thank you for the blessing you brought to [Father & Daughter] today. [Father] called so excited, and [Daughter] said she sure needed that. I will never have enough words to say God bless you all for what you did today. I hope one day to bring much-needed happiness to a family like you all did. Well, again, have a great week. God bless! Thank you.”

Thank you to everyone! Without exception, every time I attend a One Day with God Camp, I leave with the profound sense that we’ve done something truly meaningful for the Lord. It’s in these moments, surrounded by the lives we touch and the hope we bring, that the true value of our work shines through. The difference we make together is immeasurable, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

You are loved!

Les