I felt blessed to be able to assist Dave Bradford in teaching and enjoying fishing with the campers and staff at Camp Hye Sierra for this summer’s session.

About 12 years ago I developed a serious allergy to wasp and bee stings. I educated myself about what to do if stung and prepared by acquiring an EpiPen and always keeping it with me when outdoors.

During one session on the last day of fishing, I was on the dock of the lake when an insect crawled up my shorts and stung me. At first I was hoping it would not affect me as it had in years past, but I soon realized that I would need some attention. I went directly to Mr. Fred Crow (CPR/AED, FA), our lead lifeguard at camp, and told him I was allergic and had been stung. He immediately took charge.

After seeing Nurse Laura Roberts (RN), we administered the EpiPen, but shock was setting in, so my memory of the events is very hazy. I was told later that they had called an ambulance but discovered that the only helicopter in the Hye Sierra region just happened to be flying a 15-minute distance away. While waiting for the helicopter, Fred Crow and Ed Dowd anointed me. An SOS for prayer was also quickly sent out to the ministry. I deeply appreciated the fervency and faith of the prayers and it brought a great deal of comfort knowing that many others were praying for me as well.

There was an EMT manager at a nearby emergency service who had just happened to have left his office, telling his staff he just needed to go for a drive. He heard the dispatch for the emergency helicopter and came to aid. He administered fluids and oxygen to me until the helicopter lifted me away to a Fresno hospital, where my wife Nancy and another staff member met me.

All the campers were told about the incident, and prayers were offered up in the dorms and dining hall. To God’s glory, I was well enough to return to camp a few hours later to be with them again. When I returned, Mr. Dowd had organized a flashlight reception, with many of the campers and staff outside, waving their flashlights and welcoming us back with joy.

Brethren, thank you all for your prayers for me, my wife and especially for the campers! Please, let us pray as fervently for others as so many did for me in my need. Each one of us is as important to God and to the body of Christ as is every other member.