In 2019, Jonika applied again to work at Camp Au Sable. This time she felt called to try something new, so she checked the box to work as an assistant counselor along with arts and crafts. (Photo credit: Ryan Thomas)
Jonika had visited Au Sable previously and had friends who worked there. “They always came home with grand stories,” says Jonika. “Each story reflected roles of leadership, spiritual growth and countless adventures, and I felt destined to share their experience.”
She quickly rearranged her schedule for a job interview. She says, “I didn’t know specifically what they were looking for in a candidate, so I prayed and let God do the rest.”
Jonika soon received a call to work in the Camp Au Sable kitchen. She gladly accepted but, as time drew closer, she felt anxious. Was camp where she was supposed to be? Through the encouragement of family and friends, Jonika felt God’s reassurance in her job choice and was pleased to work with staff toward a common goal: being stewards of Christ by ministering to campers and each other.
In 2019, Jonika applied again to work at Camp Au Sable. This time she felt called to try something new, so she checked the box to work as an assistant counselor along with arts and crafts.
When the camp director came to Andrews, Jonika was offered work as a counselor and at High Adventure. “This was both exciting and terrifying!” says Jonika. “I didn’t have much climbing experience and I was afraid of heights.” Jonika knew her fears could be overcome by turning them over to God, and prayed earnestly before returning to camp.
Once there, Jonika needed to become a certified high ropes instructor for her new role. She was intimidated but says, “I had to believe in the plans God had for me that summer. . . . It was crucial to pass the written test and to demonstrate my skills on the course, not just for myself but to ensure I would keep my future campers safe on the climbing wall and high ropes course.”
Jonika prayed hard and studied hard and, by God’s grace and the help of her instructor, passed her exam.
Looking back, Jonika is impressed with the idea that God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called (see 1 Corinthians 1:27–29). “Each time I followed God’s leading and stepped through the doors He opened, God equipped me with the encouragement and skills I needed,” says Jonika.
It’s a lesson that Jonika, now a senior pursuing her graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology, will apply going forward. She says, “I know I can trust God to guide me where He would have me serve.”
Gillian Panigot, Communication manager and FOCUS editor, University Communication
