Abiding in Christ at Camp: Rachel Browne plunges toilets, paints buildings, and invites 3,000 attendees per year to a camp in Manchester, Jamaica—all while raising three children, volunteering in her local community, and abiding in Christ.

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Abiding in Christ at Camp

Rachel Browne plunges toilets, paints buildings, and invites 3,000 attendees per year to a camp in Manchester, Jamaica—all while raising three children, volunteering in her local community, and abiding in Christ.

Abbey Woodfin

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If your least favorite job is accounting, then what is your favorite part of camp life?

I think my favorite part is the worship time. There is this big room called "The Rock." It is a chapel of sorts that fills with teenagers worshipping with hands held high, pouring out their hearts to God. Most come to know God here, and they experience a real touch from him. It is amazing to see the worship, and I have to force myself to stay away in order to meet the practical parts of camp life.

Can you explain more about how you help the local Moorlands community?

The community around us is an impoverished one, and I have had incredible opportunities to serve the people by providing some full- and part-time jobs at camp and feeding the hungry. If we see a need we try to help out, because we trust God even though we are on a very strict budget. Sometimes kids can't afford uniforms, shoes, or food for school, so we will sponsor children to go to school by helping them buy uniforms, books, shoes, and lunch.

There is a basic school next door to camp that we help by donating food and cleaning the schoolyard. I used to be a teacher, so God uses every little part of me to serve them. In my "free time," I help kids with math and English.

What has managing a camp taught you about managing your responsibilities as a mother and wife?

My advice for any woman with kids would be to not let your responsibilities pile up. Instead, do them systematically, and schedule everything. You have to keep yourself organized. You have to plan and manage your time and be deliberate about making your time for kids, your husband, and for your work. Even if you don't stick to the schedule exactly, at least it's there, and it's a big help.

When I'm managing my time, the most important thing is putting God first. When you get married and have kids, these are very good things, but remember to keep God first. You have to be very deliberate about that. Your kids, family, spouse, and work will take up that time [away from God], and it happens very easily. Put God first, and he will order your day.

For more information about Moorlands Camp, visit their website or Facebook page.

Abbey Woodfin is Today's Christian Woman's editorial intern.

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