We live in an increasingly post-postmodern age. While, on paper, the majority of the population (58%) of Saskatchewan considers themselves “Christian” (over 24% of that number is Catholic), there is a large section (over 36%) that does not claim any religion at all. I would argue that a large part of those who consider themselves “Christian” adhere to the post-postmodern definition where the concept of God is discussed as a more individualistic and subjective experience, where truth about God may not be singular or definitively known but is rather experienced through diverse perspectives and lived realities. Rather than relying solely on Scripture or religious authority, individuals are encouraged to explore their own personal connection to the divine through their lived experiences. This is a far cry from the absolute Truth that Bible-believing Christians, including we at Camp Kadesh, are endeavoring to live out and teach. 

These are some of the challenges that we face as a camp. Kadesh exists in an interesting place among Christian camps in our province in that we are primarily evangelistic in nature. Between 70-80% of our campers come from a non-church, non-Christian background! I read an article that articulated what we are faced with rather well: “The state of post-postmodern humans is that we are aware of everything and willing to change nothing.”  We live in an age of information, and the kids who come through our doors have access to more information (and thus more choices) than any other generation. So how is it that we, who are largely seen as one voice among many, can have a lasting impact on the lives we come into contact with? Be recognizing the truth that Paul gave the church in Corinth in his second epistle and then being proactive about our response to it.

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Cor 10:3-5)

God has given us a mandate to share the good news of the gospel with as many people as possible. Here at Camp Kadesh, we are on the front lines of that fight, and the enemy is getting ever more desperate as we march closer to the final victory. Just as soldiers cannot be as effective without a team supporting them from behind, we know that we need the support of others.

This is where you come in! We recognize that not everyone has the ability to join us on this particular physical battlefield. It can be hard for people to commit to working at camp for a week or more (but we would welcome you with open arms if you could!). To carry on the battlefield analogy a bit more, we want to ask you to be our militia!!

A militia is defined as a military or paramilitary force that is made up of civilian members who can be raised in times of need to support regular troops. A militia is used to support regular troops by skirmishing, holding fortifications, and conducting irregular warfare. They are also used in defensive activities to protect a community, its territory, property, and laws. If you have ever seen the movie “The Patriot” with Mel Gibson, you know what the militia does. They are small groups, not attached to the regular army, who can move freely and wreak havoc in the enemy’s camp. That’s what we want to invite you to do in a spiritual sense. Individually, in small groups, or even a larger community, through prayer, you can uphold the front-line troops as they interact with campers on a day-to-day basis. Through prayer, you can hold the fortification (the physical place of Camp Kadesh that has been established as our battlefield) against the attacks of the enemy. Through prayer, you can ask God to protect our community. Through prayer, you can wreak havoc in the enemy’s camp by breaking his strongholds. 

We want to use our weapons well: truth, righteousness, readiness from the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. What does Paul say after he gives this list? Pray!!

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that wherever I open my mouth, words may be given me, that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador. (Ephesians 6:17-19

He reiterates this to the church in Colosse.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” (Colossians 4:2-4)

Great, you say, but what does this look like on a practical level? I’m glad you asked! By joining our prayer militia, you are committing to go to battle on our behalf in a spiritual sense by praying. We will send out a specific prayer letter (either email or paper, based on preference) once a month from September to June. This letter will contain a list of the full-time Kadesh staff and the current board members. It will list specific prayer requests. For July and August, we will send out a weekly letter that will give a list of staff for that week, the age of campers we are hosting, and specific prayer requests. 

We know that there are many faithful Christians who are prayer warriors, and we want to give you an opportunity to go even deeper with us. If you are one of these, we would assign you one (or multiple) member(s) of either our full-time staff or seasonal staff who are with us for a whole 2-4 months during the spring and summer. We will provide you with a prayer card for that person with requests and information. 

Every person who commits to go to battle with and for us will also receive either a magnet or a bookmark that can be used as a reminder.