Well, this is a first…I’m writing this article from the bunkroom of the boys’ barracks at Fort Caswell. I’m currently surrounded by all the guys in our group of 67 as they try to go to sleep after a packed day of worship, bible study, and fellowship.
It is midnight of day two at Caswell, and our group is having an amazing week already. God is moving in the lives of our young people in some powerful ways. I had all the plans of writing this article earlier in our day, but well—plans change.
It is amazing to think that we are sleeping in the same building where soldiers once stayed. The “fort” part of Fort Caswell is often overlooked when we think about coming for camp every year. Beginning with congressional approval in 1825, the U.S. government purchased the 2,800 acres on the east end of Oak Island for the construction of a military installation. Caswell would be home to armed forces for many years. But as military tactics changed and technology advanced, there was no longer a need for a fortress to guard the mouth of the Cape Fear River—plans changed.
As their website reads, “since 1949, when the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina purchased the property from the Federal Government, Caswell has been an instrument of peace, offering guests a place of quiet reflection and relaxation.” What man made for war, God intended for peace—plans changed.
Caswell is an incredibly unique place to visit and experience. I was fortunate enough to work a total of ten summers on these sacred grounds. At one point in my life, I thought I would work at Caswell as a part of the full-time staff for my entire ministry career—plans changed.
Proverbs 16:9
In their hearts, humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.
God has a way of showing up and revealing things in a way that is different than what we first thought would happen. The people of the Old Testament were waiting for a Messiah that looked like a king riding in on a war horse. Instead, most of them missed the Savior of the world coming in the form of baby Jesus in a manger. When Jesus later called His first disciples, they left what they knew as normal to follow this amazing teacher—plans changed.
I thank God who is still at work at Caswell and beyond…and for how He changed my plans for His.
Prayer: God, thank you for places like Caswell that help people to hear Your voice in a mighty way. Help us to know your voice so well that we hear you in all places and situations. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.