Debbie Morris earned a BA in English Literature from Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH. She has worked on staff at NeKaMo Camp near Warsaw, Missouri, most summers since 1975. She has counseled in every age division and directed the camp for 17 years. She began writing curriculum for the daily Bible studies in 2003. After receiving requests to make them available to other camps, she started publishing the studies. Besides working at camp and writing and editing, she enjoys hosting a family meal every Tuesday evening, singing to her granddaughters, playing Rails and Sails or Wingspan with anyone who is willing, walking the dogs, and going out to eat with her husband.
A Word from the Author
Although I was raised in a Christian environment and went to church (a lot!) growing up, it was at camp that I became convinced that Jesus Christ was real. It was there that Christian love was lived out before my eyes 24 hours a day. Despite the heat, the bugs, the primitive outhouses, and the pranks, staff members chose to spend 7 days or 14 days or even 21 days with kids because they were convinced that it was important–essential–to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the next generation.
I don’t remember what anyone said during Bible Exploration, and I didn’t even like those mandatory 45 minutes each day. I was there for the archery and riflery and swimming and singing and sleeping on a bunkbed. But God used that camp experience to work in my heart. Over time he changed me. Now, though I still love the activities and singing and campfires and fun, Bible Exploration is my favorite part of camp. To look into God’s Word together, to explore its message, to discover its Author, and to realize that Jesus is the fulfillment, the pinnacle, the very heart of it all, is one of the most exciting and satisfying things in life.
How God works in a heart is a mystery, but be sure that he uses scripture and prayer and the efforts of ordinary people. These Bible Exploration and Morning Watch books are written to aid you in your teaching. And be encouraged in knowing that though you may not see results, your labor is not in vain. God will accomplish his purposes; he will redeem a people for himself—“a people that are his very own” (Titus 2:14).
– Debbie