August 19, 2002
Off life's happy trails, youth finds
joy and fulfillment at camp
___By John Hall
___Buckner News Service
___BURNET--Seated on the steps before a wood cabin and shaded by his wide-brimmed hat, Zach Farquhar can't help but hearGod's voice in the morning silence. To his ears, the trees, green grass and occasional wildlife silently sing God's praises.
ZACH Farquhar with the horses he tended this summer at Camp Buckner
___"When you come around the curve and see all that land and the camp across the road, it's a beautiful site," Farquhar said. "It takes your breath away."
___The camp is Camp Buckner, where Farquhar first professed Christ as savior, was baptized and feels closest to God. The camp is a ministry of Buckner Baptist Benevolences' statewide child-care system.
___"We are secluded from the outside world," he said. "That makes for fewer distractions. I feel this is the place I rely on him most. You rely on God and the Holy Spirit to get you through every day."
___Farquhar's life has not been so clear, however. Just a week after his profession of faith, Farquhar's future was clouded by the death of his mother. Though he tried to be strong in front of friends and family, his emotions eventually caught up with him. He was left asking himself why her death occurred. He found an answer lined with hope from his faith, friends and family.
___"I had to grieve," said Farquhar, who has spent the past 11 summers at the camp. "I was very sad. I missed my mom. I missed her a lot. But I knew she was in heaven, and I will see her again.
___"No one can ever fill her void, but at the same time Christ's love that was shown to me through friends and family was amazing. It assures me God was working in me."
___The tragedy, which would have crippled some, only strengthened Farquhar's resolve and faith. He relied on God even more to pull him through.
___"I don't know what path I would be on," Farquhar said. "I know it would be the wrong path. The Lord was working in that. His timing was perfect. If I hadn't come here, I wouldn't have been able to handle my mom's death as well as I did. I can honestly say if I had not become a Christian, I would not be here today."
___From this trial, Farquhar never has looked back, continuing to spend summers at the camp, first as a camper and the last four as a counselor. This summer, the self-described "farm boy" from Cleburne worked double-duty, serving as a counselor for 14 youth while also caring for 17 horses as a camp wrangler.
___Occasionally a camper will remind him of himself at that age, Farquhar said, and that inspires him in his work. "I learned to share the gospel here by watching the counselors and campers. It's a big support group. The encouragement is amazing."
___As the summer fades, Farquhar moves toward attending Hard-Simmons University and training for the pastorate. But wherever he goes, he'll never forget the place that has nurtured his spiritual life from the beginning.
___
The Baptist Standard
News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.
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