This week, we are taking a risk by starting
an article that we ask you to complete. Our
pattern so far has not shown great response to these articles, but this one might generate some latent passion.
We believe that our summer youth and
kids camps can be strategic to your church.
Here are two major reasons. But
there are many more. Please help us
finish this article by commenting at the end with your reason. Testimonies are also welcome!
1. The spiritual needs of our children are
not being met.
Sunday school has waned, and few
children’s ministries fill in the void. As
parents no longer see the priority of another hour in church on Sunday morning,
our churches scramble to have a spiritual impact on our children in the short
time they are with us. Even with the
best of teachers, we do not have enough devoted time to make disciples of the
next generation. And, honestly, the fact
that parents don’t make their children’s spiritual development a high priority
indicates that it is not happening at home, as well.
2. God speaks to campers.
It is not the hallowed location, but
rather the change of location to seek God.
It is the time set apart to hear from Him. It’s the total immersion into Christian
community, with the corporate goal of life transformation. The large number of salvations and
consecration testify that God shows up.
I am always astounded by the number who hear God calling them to serve
him full time, and then they re-direct their lives to pursue that calling.
Granted, one doesn’t have to be at camp to hear from God, but at camp they are
hearing from God and coming back changed.
3. (It's your turn. Please add your reasons for sending kids to camp by commenting below…)
Harris Campbell, Assistant District Superintendent
Jesus spent 24/7 with His disciples for a few short years and they were radically transformed by what they experienced, saw, and heard; in that order. Camp offers an opportunity for the campers to be immersed for 24 hours for almost 7 days to experience, see, and hear the life of Jesus in their counselors, the staff, and the speakers. Camp is a hands on tool that opens the door to the life of Jesus in those who have been following Him and can help others to follow Him as well. There is nothing in a church ministry that can imitate this. It is a vital opportunity in this day of broken homes and diminished daily influence from godly people for the youth to come to know, experience, and love the Lord Jesus. The fruit of camp proves this over and over.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good word. However, in the spirit of this forum, we would like to know who you are. Did the site allow you to include your name without becoming a member. We want it to. Thanks!
DeleteI constantly think about the “Window of Opportunity” (WOO) regarding students and one day the Holy Spirit whispered to me that He definitely was WOOING my heart in this endeavor to lead teen camp. I grew up near Lake Swan Camp and I cannot tell you how thankful I am that I met and grew to know Jesus there while associated as a camper and a staff member. My entire family was impacted by the ministry of Lake Swan and I serve with great passion for what my Savior has done for me. In regard to the question, “Why Christian Camping?” I echo all that is offered above and wish to share with you the intentional efforts we are making in regard to your students.
ReplyDeleteStudents come to camp to be with their friends 24/7 and when they leave, we hope their greatest friend of all is Jesus. We are being more and more “intentional” with our approach to camp because more and more students live in such hyper stimulated lifestyles where the voice of God has been drowned out. Many of today’s parents emphasize activities and academics over spirituality. They look to the church for a product they can consume in order to comfort themselves that they are doing something about the spiritual formation of their child; with little to no personal validation. It is no secret today that we have lost generations and we are standing in the gap as ambassadors in camping ministry. “WOO” is what the Holy Spirit has revealed to me: Window Of Opportunity. We all have seen the statistics and camp is one very powerful tool to get students away from the world for a week to focus entirely on God while having fun with their peers...this window of time begins to close on average at the age of fourteen.
Examples of our intentions:
SALVATION AND CALLING: We pledge to challenge your students to receive the entire gift that God has for them: salvation and an abundant life as outlined in John 10:10.
TRUTH: We pledge to teach them what God’s word says about sin and it’s affects.This year’s camp theme is “His Voice” - we will bring attention to hearing His voice and walking in fellowship with God on a daily basis.
SERVICE: We pledge to teach that serving God with a whole heart is a natural response of a grateful heart.
PURITY: Our plans are to review in seminars what marriage is all about - why it is called “Holy Matrimony” and the meaning of “Covenant Relationships”.
Church leaders, we are asking that you stand with us and promote these intentions with us as well as the intentions of the Christian and Missionary Alliance to reach the world with the Gospel of Christ. Please feel free to contact me regarding these issues and any others “His Voice” is revealing to you. We are in this together and we want to hear from you. You may contact me at carlmarsha22@gmail.com.