Sep 29 • Lessons Learned
Mission In Motion: What One Week Can Do
Back in 1980, we were running a summer youth camp. Hundreds of kids from all kinds of backgrounds showed up — some excited, some nervous, some clearly dragged there by parents.
One boy in particular stood out. He arrived withdrawn and angry, arms crossed, refusing to engage. By the first night, he told his counselor he wanted to go home. Not in a quiet, shy way — but loud enough for everyone to know he meant it.
So we called his parents. Around 3 a.m., after driving more than 200 miles, they showed up at camp. They were tired. They were upset. And they were ready to take him home.
Here’s the twist: when they woke him up and asked, “Do you want to leave?” — he said, “No. I’m having too much fun. I made some new friends.” The look on his parents’ faces said it all. If I hadn’t been standing there, I’m not sure he would’ve been able to sit down for a week. After all, they had just driven four hours through the night, only to be told he wasn’t going anywhere.
But here’s the miracle: by the end of that week, everything about him had shifted. Surrounded by unconditional love, positive role models, and the safety of a community, he came alive.
Later, we received a handwritten note from his parents. It said the week had made a huge difference in their son. He wasn’t the same boy they had dropped off.
That camp taught me a lesson I’ve never forgotten:📌 Never underestimate what one week can plant for a lifetime.
For leaders, the takeaway is simple but profound:
- You don’t always see transformation in real time.
- A short window — even a single week — can be the start of long-term change.
- Our mission isn’t to force outcomes, but to create environments where transformation can happen.
Reflection for You:
- Think back — what’s one short experience (a camp, retreat, conversation, or trip) that left a lasting mark on your life?
- As a leader, have you ever seen someone transformed in a surprisingly short time? What happened?
- Right now, if you could give someone in your circle just one “week of impact,” what would you want that week to look like?
Tell us what is your "week of impact" idea!
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Mission In Motion: What One Week Can Do
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