Dear Pastor(s) and Youth Leader(s),
This morning completed a life-changing week for your teens at NC Teen Camp. 233 students and 64 adults encountered God in healing, cleansing and sanctifying ways. We had fun, fellowship and spiritual growth in western North Carolina.
We want to thank you again for the trust you place in us in sending your teens and adults to be part of teen camp. Camp is intended to help the ministry of the local churches and pastors, and we appreciate an opportunity to work with your people. We have enclosed altar follow-up forms from your students who completed one in your mail copy of this.
We also want to tell you about what happened at camp. Here’s a brief overview:
From Monday night, your campers should have a yellow ribbon. We talked about God’s love, and remembered that unchanging love which leads us to Christ. Four students accepted Christ for the first time, and over 100 renewed or reaffirmed their relationship with Christ.
Tuesday morning Rev. Mark Eby led us to talk about Jacob and the things we wrestle with God about. Many of our teens responded when asked if there was something they needed to stop wrestling with God about.
Tuesday evening we talked with Dr. Mike McClure about the cross, and its harshness, power and glory. Your students took their sins, which they had listed by categories earlier, and nailed them to the cross. There was some power and freedom in doing that!
Tuesday and Wednesday, Dr. Barnes was with us. He led us through a celebration of the resurrection power of God Wednesday morning.
During our time Wednesday afternoon, Susan Clayton and I took singles-sex groups through what it means to be a man or woman of God. Susan explored self-esteem and sexuality, while I discussed the lure of pornography and the control and freedom of a young man of God.
Wednesday evening we looked with Dr. Barnes at forgiveness. Many of our students found the ability to forgive themselves, and some were able to forgive others, some who will never ask them. God did a great work in our midst.
Thursday morning we celebrated the freedom we have in Christ in a wonderful time of celebration and praise. We went to Sullivan Park and celebrated God’s love and goodness with the community. Your students played, fed, face-painted, talked and interacted with kids and teens from the community. Pastors Josh Brown and Scott Penuel talked to all about their lives and faith, and a drama group from Raleigh First performed.
Thursday evening we had a seminar on Sanctification with Dr. Mike McClure. It was involved, and detailed what God wanted to do and how that happened. And it worked. God led some of the leaders among our youth to place their faith in Christ for sanctification. Young People committed their all to Christ, and God has done complete cleansing in their lives!
This morning we talked about our destiny in Christ- to know and love God, and to make disciples who make disciples of Jesus Christ. We celebrated what God has done, and rejoiced in the chance to really make a difference in our world. And we left different!
But camp was not simply about camp- we want it to change our students’ lives! We are committed to making disciples who make disciples. Our goal is to help them grow in Christ and learn to lead others throughout their lives.
However, we need your help! We have some links below to material, and in days ahead will give you and your youth workers modified materials that your church can use to disciple them, and lead others towards a deeper life in Christ.
As you help your students and become familiar with “The Master’s Plan”, you will find yourself drawn to this for your whole church. Great! We would be glad to share what we’ve done and help you. On the eastern side of the state, contact Pastor Mark Eby. On the western side, see Pastor Joe Bell. In fact, Eastside will be hosting an Encounter weekend August 22-23- you are welcome to join us- just get in touch.
Thank you for being a partner with us in ministering to the youth of North Carolina! Please do not hesitate to contact either of us if we can answer any questions regarding our youth camp program.
Yours in Christ,
Joe Bell (Joe@EastsideNC.org, 704-718-1383)
Mark Eby (MEby3@aol.com, 252-904-9428)
LINKS
The Follower’s Course (Post-Encounter First Quarter) are being sent by email to every church leader or pastor who was at camp. THIS IS WHERE YOU BEGIN YOUR TEENS. Read the rest, bring leaders to an Encounter, and see where it leads!
