A Spirit-Driven Moment, A Lifetime of Impact
Bella (front) with the LIT group in Vagland.
Annabelle “Bella” King came to Fortune Lake by way of Hayworth, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom as an international summer staff member. Her first few weeks at camp brought about the apprehension that often comes with being in a new place far from home. During staff training, Bella quickly made friends and learned songs, camp traditions, and the flow of camp in general.
One of the first camper weeks, Bella was placed as a cabin leader for the Leaders-in-Training Program. The group was small with eight people creating a close knit community for the week. It was during this week in Vagland that Bella would experience a Spirit-driven moment that would impact her life in a profound way.
Midway through the week, Bella and her treehouse campers were enjoying some laid back time in Vagland. Some were playing guitars, some were taking a moment to rest their eyes, and still others were playing games or crafting. It had been raining all morning, but looked like it would let up soon. As the rain drew back, to the delight of the campers and the staff, the sky opened up to reveal a double rainbow. The group made their way out of the pavilion to bask in the sun and the majesty of the twin rainbow. As joy and wonder moved through the group, a mother deer and her twin fawns meandered their way into the clearing right in front of them, under the beauty of the now blue sky.
For Bella, whose favorite verse is Psalm 96:11-12, this display of the beauty of God’s creation was awe-inspiring and gave her confirmation that she was indeed in the right place for the summer.
The rest of the week brought deepening friendships, meaningful time with scripture, many more moments of beauty, and the construction of the Vagland cross, lovingly dubbed “Big Cross.” That week was one of many memorable weeks that Bella spent at Fortune Lake; it served as the foundation for a continued relationship with FLLC’s ministry.
Since that first summer at Fortune Lake, Bella has returned multiple times, as a staff member, friend, and retreat participant. Each visit only cements her connections to the God who called her here and the other people who also call this place home.
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