By: Meagan Duffy, Registration Manager
“I love Hume!” How many times have you heard or even said this? I do love Hume. The life-changing impact the Lord has allowed this ministry in my life, and countless others, is astounding! While I was a camper, I wanted to be one of those cool girls in the Snack Shop making milkshakes. After working summers and a stint in Ponderosa Kitchen, the Lord graciously answered my prayer when I was hired to work in the Snack Shop full-time in 2009! The time in the Snack Shop was something I would not change or trade. I learned so much about Hume, how we work as a ministry, and how the Lord can use even milkshakes to bring glory to Himself.
I have had a few jobs at Hume, including working for four years at Hume New England as the first Administrative Assistant. That was another adventure I wouldn’t trade and change! Placing a California girl in Massachusetts was quite an adjustment. There I learned that the Lord is the same anywhere we go, and the importance of community. The goal of sharing the gospel remained the same, the change was the location.
Now, the Lord has opened doors for me to work in the Welcome Center as the Registration Manager. Working in the Welcome Center as the Registration Team, we are often the first faces guests see when arriving at Hume. Our heart is to welcome you, we have been waiting for you to arrive!
Often, the first interaction is on the phone; whether with a parent needing assistance with their camper’s registration forms or a family ready to book a lodge room for a week in the Summer, we are here to help. There is a full circle moment when guests we have talked to on the phone and corresponded with in emails walk into the Welcome Center. It is the feeling of having friends walk into your home and asking them to stay for a while.
With the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks nearby, there are travelers from around the world, and often, they have no idea who we are or what we do. It is a joy to tell them, “We are Hume Christian Camps! We exist to present the gospel to campers and guests, primarily through youth camps, and through our adult and family retreats.” On occasion, there is genuine curiosity, and we can explain more. Regardless of who we interact with, we hope that the light of the Lord shines through us.
In Romans 12, we see love in action! Verses 10-11 state, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” In moments we are met with a particularly troublesome situation, I ask that the Lord would remind us of verses 12-13, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
The prayers of a 10-year-old Meagan were so small in comparison to what He had in store for me. To say that I am amazed, humbled, and incredibly grateful would be an understatement. I love how the Lord exceeds our hopes and dreams, how He allows us to take part in what His plans are, and how the gospel is proudly shared here. Please come visit us! We are excited to see you!
Want to get up to Hume? Sign up for a retreat! The Welcome Center (and Megan!) looks forward to greeting you.