Believe The Promise Through The Storm
The complaints of the Israelites were relentless. At the Red Sea, they cried out, “Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians! It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness” (Exodus 14:9-31). Their journey through the wilderness was grueling. They complained about bitter water, hunger, the daily manna, the challenges of entering the Promised Land, and even questioned Moses’ leadership. It’s easy to think, “How could they complain so much?” God was with them, providing for their needs! Yet how often do we judge the Israelites for their lack of faith? Then, we find ourselves in challenging situations that remind us we’re not so different after all.
Imagine being far from the comforts of home—living in tents with limited electricity, trekking miles each day on dirt roads, and sharing designated port-a-potties with hundreds of fellow campers for an entire week. After the first night of the International Pathfinder Camporee, I found myself wondering why I had left the comforts of my own home to endure such conditions with my family. And then, things took a turn for the worse.
Our group of about 180 pathfinders and chaperones from Calhoun, Georgia, arrived at the CAM- PLEX in Gillette, WY. It was a sight to behold, over 60,000 people setting up tents and canopies in anticipation of an exciting week. This camporee, the first held in Gillette, centered on the theme “Believe the Promise,” highlighting Moses and the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt.
From the beginning of the week, we faced Wyoming’s unpredictable weather. The first day started hot and sunny, but by Tuesday evening, the skies darkened and it began to rain. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for our county. Campers were advised to immediately evacuate their tents and seek shelter in buildings. Our group, about a mile from any shelter, decided to stay in our buses. Our camp director alerted parents back at home of the situation that the evening programs were cancelled and everyone was bracing for the storm. Many soliciting their prayers for the safety of our group and the entire camporee.
Then severe thunderstorms rolled in, bringing heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds. Our buses slowly drove around the CAMPLEX during the storm, and we witnessed tents torn apart, unsecured canopies flying like projectiles, and campsites flooding. In that moment, I couldn’t help but think, “ I’m going to be cold and wet all night if water came into my tent.” “Why did I come here to suffer like this? God, it would have been better to stay home!”
To our relief, when we returned to our campsite, cheers erupted—none of our tents had been destroyed! Immediately following the storm, we were awestruck to see a stunning double rainbow arching over our campsite. I was then reminded to “Believe the Promise.” My mumbling and groaning turned into celebration and praise for His protection.
As the week progressed, the weather improved, allowing everyone to earn honors, trade pins, and attend the eagerly anticipated evening programs on the main stage. It was incredible to see attendees from around the world gathered to watch the story of Moses come alive, with flags from Brazil, Ghana, Germany, Canada, Australia, South Korea and more proudly displayed. Despite the storm, the week was filled with unforgettable moments—reunions with old friends, making new connections, witnessing young people publicly committing their lives to Jesus through baptism, and enjoying delicious international food at the food court.
You could feel that all 60,000 attendees had embarked on their own wilderness journeys that week. Each camper had a story of how God’s protection guided them through and after the storm. Many recounted how local churches and organizations in Gillette opened their doors to those who had lost tents and equipment, offering sleeping bags, blankets, and other essentials. The local Walmart donated water. Acts of kindness flourished, bridging gaps between clubs, conferences, unions, and denominations.
In the midst of a challenging situation, God’s goodness prevailed. Reflecting on that week, I can’t recall anyone in our group of 180 who suffered serious injury or illness. At church, we still share stories from Gillette—memories we will cherish. Yes, we weathered a significant storm, and our faith was tested. This experience helped me grow, teaching me to endure the uncontrollable and trust in God—a vital lesson that the Israelites in Exodus also learned.
Tom Kim is a physical therapist and serves as an elder at Jasper SDA Church. He married his Korean camp meeting sweetheart and has two precious daughters. Currently, he lives in the beautiful foothills of the Cumberland Plateau in TN. He loves to spend time in nature, exercise, garden, and play with his three dogs.