Have You Ever Met My Grandchildren?

By Dr. Gerry Baughman - Founder, Director CAMP BIMI * SMART

My quiver is full of grandchildren! Many of them are living in different countries around the world. Some of them will grow up speaking Spanish; some will learn tribal languages much better than their parents and some will fly before they walk, carrying their doll babies on their backs and playing with toys that seem archaic here in the States. These are the children of our extended family and not related by bloodline. They may even be your ‘kids’. CAMP BIMI just seems to do that to us. We love and care for each one of you. We care about your spiritual walk, where you are serving, what struggles you’re having and the blessings God has given you in your ministry.

When some of you came to CAMP BIMI I, you were single, shy and searching as to where the Lord wanted you to serve. Now you’re on the field with perhaps two or four or ‘more’ in that proverbial quiver. While some may not have found that mate yet, you’re serving on the mission field, or in your church, or teaching in a Christian school, just being faithful. That makes us proud parents!

How well I remember when our youngest son called and said ‘It’s a girl!’ With a family full of boys, I was thrilled! Megan was the most wonderful little thing. Now she is 15 and never stops her many activities for a moment. School, youth group…soon to drive…busy. Then her brother, Nicholas, was born almost 14 months later. There’s never a dull moment when Nick is around! If he isn’t building some crazy ‘thingamajig’ to ride on, he is trying to find out how something works, but he always has a few extra parts left over. Nick is 14 now and I think he would like to ride his snow board in the Olympics one day. He’s very good at it. I’ll watch! No…I’ll be there in person!

Kyle is six. He is our little miracle boy. His first month was spent in the hospital. After two heart surgeries, Kyle is doing great and is full of life. He’s the one that gets away with calling me ‘Pops’. Victoria Grace just turned six. She never stops chattering and playing with her dolls. You almost have to make an appointment to get a hug, but I have gotten a few hugs on the run.

Lastly, there’s Campbell. She will be two on the 14th of June and is the only grandchild that lives near us and allows me to spoil her. She loves to snuggle, hug, blow kisses, and be rough-housed by her dad and Papaw. I’ve been allowed to baby-sit for her on occasion. She likes to be held by Papaw when she takes her afternoon nap! It’s our bonding time…while we both sleep.

We work at building relationships. Each one of our grandchildren is an individual. Each was created by God as He saw fit. They are a unique part of His creation. As they accept us as we are, it is our responsibility to accept them as they are … to love them, to treat them equally, and to try to build character traits in them that will remain throughout their lives.

Summer is coming. As you possibly return home this summer to family, or go to a mission field or work a summer job, you will have many opportunities to build relationships. How you act, and react, will have a direct influence on those around you. Learn to forgive. Keep short accounts – meaning to make wrongs right and not carry bitterness or anger. Think before you speak, and by every means possible, learn to accept each person as a special gift from God. There is a time to ‘hug’. Try it on your family and loved ones. It may turn a great summer into an unforgettable experience for others, and for you.

Someday, you may have grandchildren who need a little bit of love. Work on building relationships now. Practice makes perfect!

The World’s Greatest Papaw,
Pops