When I get to heaven, I'm going to ask God about youth camp. We can all look back on our spiritual lives and see the impact that a particular camp, retreat or weekend away had. I know all the roller coaster, emotional, shallow commitment that can occur but it is amazing to hear story after story of how God used events such as a camp to really change someone's life with His truth. I have some theories. I think it is the result of a combination of ridding yourself of the typical distractions - entertainment items, freindships, family, TV, etc., and the intense input of spiritual truth. It's hard to imagine that growth can't take place when you're hearing 2 sermons a day, involved in 2 small group discussions and have many leaders around that are pouncing on any and every opportunity to talk about spiritual truth. Please don't misunderstand me to be saying that the working of God can be formulized and presumed upon but it just seems that God honors the pure proclamation of His truth and works through this venue.
I think another dynamic, a less spiritual one, is just the act of getting out of town. There is something to this. Many corporations recognize this and will take their leadership away for weekend retreats or for meetings. It helps sometimes to break away from the familiar for a time of rethinking and reflection.
We leave for camp tomorrow (well, today now). Please pray for our camp. Pray that God would use Adam as he teaches. I have been over and over the list of students going this weekend. I see lots of 'good kids' but very few that I would say have a true passion for Christ that outweighs everything else in their life. Please pray for me as well that I wouldn't get so administratively minded that I miss this great opportunity with staff and students. Pray also for our volunteer staff as they seek to minister to these students this weeken.
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I like the new template and title. Very professional.
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