I received the following letter from a reader, Don Hubbs, who lives part-time on my former abode, Duck Key:
“A Remarkable Story of an America Family’s Compassion that must be Shared.
I have the privilege of serving as the Chairman of the Board at Camp Barnabas in Southern Missouri. Camp Barnabas is a sanctuary for children who face chronic illnesses or disabilities. The vision for Camp Barnabas goes back to 1994 — when a little girl with cancer described the need for summer camp where “Everyone would be in a wheelchair or on crutches. No one would care that your hair was missing from chemo. It would be easy for anyone to do all the activities of camp. Cancer wouldn’t isolate you-it would unite you-and when you came, you would be loved.”
There is a recent remarkable story of human kindness that has emerged at Camp Barnabas — a story that illuminates the extraordinary potential residing within each of us. This is a story that needs to be told.
Some years ago, we realized that the Olympic-style pool that had served our Campers for over a decade was falling apart right before our eyes. We reached out to various pool companies, only to be met with staggering price tags of $3 to $5 million for a simple replacement of our aged pool.
But a miracle arrived at our camp in the form of the Morgan family, the owner of Sunbelt Pools from Dallas. The Morgan family came to Camp Barnabas to develop a quote to build our new pool. However, after witnessing the sight that unfolded before then — a multitude of children with disabilities wading and swimming in our deteriorating pool—the family was deeply moved and inspired.
The Morgans returned a week later, uttering words that resonated with hope: “We want to build a special pool for your Camp.” However, we had no idea of the miracle that was about to unfold.
With $2,000,000 already raised towards our pool replacement, the Morgan family and their crew embarked upon a year-long odyssey of creativity and unwavering dedication. They forged a remarkable masterpiece — a state-of-the-art, specially designed pool catering to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
The Morgan family invested millions of dollars of their own money and time and asked numerous vendors to do their part.
On June 26 at 11:00, we gathered in celebration, unveiling this remarkable pool complex during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Morgan family, humble in their intentions, have sought no recognition or publicity. Yet, I am unable to contain the wonder this tale instills — we now have the largest swimming pool in America specialty designed for individuals with disabilities. It is a testament to the extraordinary generosity that lies at the heart of humanity. (Total value of over $10,000,000.)
To the right is a picture of Robert Morgan on the 1st day we opened the new pool. His sunglasses did little to hide his tears of joy.
May it remind us that America is still a place where kindness reigns supreme.
Don Hubbs
Chairman of the Board, Camp Barnabas“
Jesus surely must have a $10, 000,000 smile upon His face right about now. If only more of us would follow suit and find something in which we excel and use it and our resources in such a noble manner. The joy of the Morgan family has just begun, and I imagine all of heaven is celebrating their generosity and compassion.
2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.