Meet the Summer Staff: Stephen Forsyth

This is Stephen Forsyth’s fourth year on staff at Charis Camp, but God has a way of bringing people to exciting new roles - this year as Work Crew Director!

​Tell us a bit about yourself!
“At the moment, I’m going to Columbia Bible College for a Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies. I love it so far, and am looking forward to the Fall semester (I’m taking Intro to Greek, which is super exciting). I’ve always enjoyed reading the Bible, and now I get to do that for school! As for hobbies, I enjoy reading pretty much everything else; I’m currently working on Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series. It’s pretty good! I also enjoy acting, singing, and of course, spending time with friends.”

How was your life growing up in regards to faith?
“I grew up with a pastor for a Dad and a saint for a Mom. I shudder to think of who I may have become without their guidance. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour when I was at the ripe old age of 5, and since then, I’ve continued to learn what that means. I’ve experienced some times of need, as well as times of doubt, but God has certainly been faithful through those times, even when I have not; and so, I follow Him.”

Why did you decide to be at camp this summer?
“Over the past few years, I’ve made a lot of solid connections with the staff here. But, I’ve also developed relationships with many of the campers. I love building into their lives, and teaching them about Jesus. This year, as I transition into a program role, I’m looking forward to mentoring some of those kids as they come into their own as leaders, both spiritual and otherwise.”

How has God challenged you recently?
“Oh, boy. The main area I’d say God has challenged me (at least recently) is in prayer. My prayer life track record is spotty at best, but I’m learning (again and again) just how much more valuable God is than the other things I choose to spend time on. I’m working on a daily prayer routine to help me become more disciplined and intentional in my times of prayer, so I (fittingly) would appreciate prayers for me in that endeavour.”

Favorite camp memory?
“There was this one time where my whole cabin (Teen Camp) went to get seconds for dessert even though they were only supposed to have one each. Putting the desserts back wouldn’t have been Food Safe, so I wound up eating six or seven chocolate puddings before their eyes (so that they wouldn’t go to waste, of course). It was a good time.”

How has camp impacted your life?
“Camp has given me a community of believers that I didn’t know I needed, as well as an outlet to share some of the stuff I’ve been learning in both life and school. The opportunity to help shape kids’ lives is something I cherish, and it is something that has in turn shaped me. You learn just as much from the kids as you teach them.”

What do you expect from God this summer?
“I expect Him to act. Beyond that, I’m not really sure. He often chooses surprising ways to work in life.”

What can you tell us about your program role?
“I get to take charge of the Work Crew this year. I know a bunch of them already from previous years, so I’m really looking forward to getting to connect with them even more. It’s especially exciting because the whole system is being revamped; in a sense, I’m Charis’ guinea pig Work Crew Head. But that also means that I get to have a hand in designing it, as well as provide feedback for further improvement on the system. The main thing I’m excited about, though, is the opportunity to mentor these young men and women in the steps of Christ. That’s the whole theme of our camp this year: ‘Follow me, as I follow Christ’ (1 Cor. 11:1). I get to model that in perhaps the most tangible way out of anyone in the entire camp.”

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​Want to support Stephen as he takes on the role of Work Crew Head? Donate here!

We love what God has done through Stephen at Charis already and are so excited to see what He has in store this Summer!

Written by Danaye Reinhart