I went to the mountains
     of the Kiamichi.
To spend time with God,
     so I’ll share what I see.
It was a great gathering
     of men young and old.
This side of heaven,
     the greatest I’m told.
As I sat among them,
     and looked all around.
A group that is greater,
     nowhere could be found. 

Artie and his family
     direct the whole camp.
They do it so well,
    each one is a champ!
That’s not really the truth,
     is what they would say.
God directs the camp
     as He leads each day!
As I watched and listened,
     I could see this was true.
Their heart is to serve,
     first God, and then you. 

The days started early,
     with breakfast by seven.
Then worship began,
     to remind me of heaven.
The preaching was powerful,
     the men were quite bold.
Some of them young,
    some not, I am told.
The morning was full
     of music and fun.
Three powerful sermons,
     that was just session one! 

After feasting on God’s Word,
     we did break to eat.
Then back to the steel tent
     and return to my seat.
More powerful preaching
     and music galore.
A soul that is thirsty,
     could ask for no more!
But more surely came,
     I do confess.
As God’s men did gather,
    and His Spirit did bless! 

Down to the creek,
     to baptize a young man.
Who listened to God’s Word
    and followed His plan.
This was just the first one
      to take place this week.
As people did listen,
     and God’s face they did seek.
The joy of the angels
     was shared among men.
As men turned to God
     and away from their sin. 

The week was intense
     but relaxing too.
My body was tired,
    but my spirit made new.
Each of the mornings,
    our direction was set.
A reminder of God’s plan,
     so that we don’t forget.
God created the church,
     and created mankind.
We must follow His way,
     not whatever we find. 

There was a day,
    we had a short break.
So out through the woods,
     a walk I did take.
It was not crowded,
     it was just God and I.
Though some of His creatures
     did scurry nearby.
I walked in the stillness,
     took in all I saw.
God’s presence did fill me
     as I walked in awe. 

The break was refreshing,
     I was hungry for more.
So we gathered together
     for what God had in store.
I thought that I went there
     for a purpose I knew.
But God’s plan was different
     as I listened and grew.
To represent His work,
     He is doing through me.
Is not as important
     as I thought it would be. 

The last day did rain,
     creating a mess.
But God was still able
     to teach and to bless.
There were many surprises,
     I really can’t tell.
Just what is the reason
     that I liked it so well.
That is not quite true,
     I freely must say.
It’s because of God’s presence,
     because He led the way. 

The time finally came
     when I had to head home.
But one of the blessings
     was found in a poem.
It was not just in a poem,
     that God spoke to me.
But it seemed every session
     had some poetry!
As one God has given,
     poems that I share.
God said quite loudly,
     “I can use them, so there!” 

There is so much more
     I could write in this rhyme.
But my mind’s nearly empty
     and I’m out of time.
God gives to His children,
     gifts that they should use.
Sometimes we like them,
     some are not what we’d choose.
This is a great lesson
     that God taught to me.
When I went to the mountains
     of the Kiamichi! 

© 2014 by Tom Lemler

I went to the Kiamichi Men’s Clinic for the first time and was truly blessed by the entire experience.  As we stopped for the night on the way home, a good friend said I ought to write a poem about the trip.  As I was falling asleep that night, and then on the rest of the drive back home, this poem began to appear in my mind.  I pray that it is a blessing to you as it brings glory to God and accomplishes His purposes for it.

In prayer,
Tom