The summer of 1999, found the Servants of God Community families serving and sunning at Waupoos Island. Waupoos Island is on the Lake Ontario, Canada; about three hours from Ottawa.

For the last 25 years, it has been the site of family camp for low-income families of the Ottawa area. The project is supported by a number of Christians in the region.

The Servnats of God happily volunteered to host and organize two of the eight summer's camp weeks. The time was planned to coincide with the "UCO Mission Trip" of the Sword of the Spirit youth outreach.

Going to the island, you "get away from it all". There is the camp and there are hundreds of acres of sheep farm, no stores, no television, no traffic. The motto for Waupoos Island Family Camp is "PRAY, WORK AND PLAY".

As host, the Servants of God encouraged the campers to join in all of these. Each morning began with reflective prayer at Centre House followed by coffee and muffins right after the daily chores were announced and volunteered for.

The beach may need to be cleared of stones, the pigs be fed, or laundry be folded. The pace was relaxed and there was always a great spirit of cooperation.

Afternoons left plenty of time for swimming, boating, a hike or wagon ride to the other side of the island.

There was also the fishing derby, were every fisher was presented with a certificate according to his or her catch. Frok the biggest fish to the happiest fisher.

There was daily mass for those who wished to worship. A camp fire ended most evenings and a talented show provided one night's entertaiment. The Lord usually had us awed by a beautiful sunset.

Worries fell away and God's Spirit filed hearts with peace in this "little part of paradise". Families leaving by boat each saturday wished they could stay longer.

During the same two weeks, Oparation Waupoos brought 16 youth and leaders from Michigan and Pennsylvania with their version of "Pray, work and play".

Without complaining, they prepared cottages for painting by sweeping thousands os spiders away, only to return the next day to find more.

By the end, their faithful endurance and team effort gave the cottages a great look. The youth experienced spiritual renewal as well while they prayed, worked and played together.