What a great week! I’m much older than many, have been part of at least 20 teen camps, and this was my best camp ever!
Here’s a brief recap of what happened, a reminder of what God led us through, and our encouragement and prayers that camp will not be the end of God’s work in you this year!
From Monday night, you should have a yellow ribbon, reminding us of God’s love for us. We learned that great song “How He Loves Us”, (Here are two versions, neither as good as EverPraise! www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps and the author’s version, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chx6s3qXKt4 ), and talked about the prodigal son (with “When God Ran” by Benny Hester)
By the way, our other great new song was The More I Seek You by Kari Jobe.
Tuesday morning Rev. Mark Eby talked about Jacob and the things we wrestle with God about. Many of us responded in life-changing ways. We also got a sin inventory to look in private at the places where we needed to confess our shortcomings to God.
We had a great day on the river Tuesday, with WIlderness Cove Campground (we even made their web page!) Please contact them if your group wants to go hunting, camping, tubing or fishing in the area some other time- they were wonderful!
Tuesday evening you brought a nail home. We talked with Dr. Mike McClure about the cross, and its harshness, power and glory. We took our sins, which they had listed by categories earlier, and nailed them to the cross. There was power and freedom in doing that!
Wednesday morning, Dr. Mark Barnes was with us. We celebrated God’s victory in the resurrection, and in our lives.
During our time Wednesday afternoon, Susan Clayton and Pastor Joe 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.
We also had a chance to participate in or watch a paintball tournament with the help of the great people at Wolverine Paintball. Again, if you’re in the area, go see them and tell them NC Teen Camp sent you!
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. Then we went to Sullivan Park and celebrated God’s love and goodness with the community. We 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 many to place their faith in Christ for sanctification. People committed their all to Christ, and God has done complete cleansing in their lives!
Thursday night we saw National Treasure 2 at our Dive-In Movie. I’ll never look at Mount Rushmore the sam again!
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 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.
We need your help! We have some links below to material, and in days ahead will give you modified materials that your church can use to disciple them, and lead others towards a deeper life in Christ.
Go to our Teen Camp page to download them, and see some great pictures!
Good Morning, Friends!
I hope this finds you well. We’re approaching one month since camp.
I only have one question for you- “Where’s Your Chain?”
See, I made my small chain into a bracelet. Most days I wear that bracelet. It reminds me of God’s love for us (”How He Loves Us So!”), God’s desire for me to be linked to Christ.
It also reminds me of you- of promises, calls, sanctification, fun, services. water & paintball. It reminds me that you are having to live out the Christian life where you are. So each day I pray for my faith, church, teens, family and you.
So where is your chain? Are the sins you nailed to the cross still dead, buried and burned in your life? Are you strengthening your faith through the triangle (Bible, prayer and real relationships with other believers)? Are you asking God to show you what to do, then doing it? Are you active in your youth group and church? Are you ready for this to be a year at school where you lead others to Christ?
Where’s Your chain?
Remember, you can still download the follow-up materials, which begin the Leaders’ course, at our web page, www.NCTeenCamp.org. Use these with your pastor, youth leader or other teens to grow closer to Christ and start taking steps to lead others to Jesus.
