Friday, July 17, 2015

RISE UP – Beach Camp 2015

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.  1 John 5:14-15 

This Sunday evening our youth and sponsors will be leaving for camp in Florida.  They will be driving through the night straight there without stopping so please be in prayer for safe travel for the group.  Also, please remember them each day as they will be swimming in the ocean, etc.

The theme for youth camp this year is Rise Up.  They will be focusing on rising up from “rock bottom” by finding Christ’s power in their weakness, finding God in the midst of their messes, victory through adversity, and seeing God working in their lives through challenges.  Pray for hearts to be softened and eyes to be opened. Pray for the walls to fall down and the power of the Holy Spirit to reign in that camp.  Also, it may be a tough experience this year with the very obvious absence of one of the youth whose passing is still fresh and painful for many.  Pray that God will use this time to guide them through the tunnel of grief.

Each year as students spend time together separated from all of the chaos of schedules and electronics (no, computers, phones or tablets) they experience life in a totally different way.  They are able to talk without all the distractions and meet new friends.  Most of all they are available for the Spirit of God to touch.  It is incredible to see over 200 students lifting their hearts and hands in worship.  The most beautiful sight is the freedom they have to move to the altar and surrender to the next step God has for their lives.

Camp is always such a spiritual high, but then you have to come back to reality.  Pray for the kids who have to come back to tough situations.  Pray for the fire that is lit to not fizzle out when they reach the Weatherford city limits.  It is easy to keep it going at camp where every activity and every direction you turn is focused on God.  It is wonderful to go to two praise and worship services a day.  But when you come back to the real world, it has a way of dousing the flame in a hurry.  Encourage the kids you know after they are back from camp.  Help them to keep the flame of passion for God alive and burning strong. 

Scripture to Claim:

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,  2 Timothy 1:7-8 NASB 

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