We had a youth night last night at our church and it was just amazing. We were basically giving testimony of the wonders of God's work while we were at youth camp a few weeks ago. The kids all lined up in the foyer high-fiving people as they came into church excited and pumped to being doing God's will. They got up and danced for the congregation and we played a video and slide show showing some of the stuff done at camp. The kids did a prayer warrior skit that entailed what they were prepared to do in God's army. I believe this was my favorite portion of the night, it was amazing. Afterwards we went into worship and then everyone gave their detailed testimony from camp and how God moved on their hearts. The service ended with three baptisms. All in all, a phenomenal night.
During camp we had 3 salvation's to Christ and 2 re-dedications. I was reminded last night as it was my turn to speak about how we become spiritually dead sometimes. It's like we go to church and somehow life gets in the way and instead of going to worship God, we go as a civic duty constantly looking at our watch wondering if it's over yet. We forget to leave our baggage at the door and allow the will of the Lord to do His work. I myself have felt that at times. I work the media at church and sometimes with all the requirements of making sure the congregation gets the info they need, it's difficult to worship. It's not always that way, but sometimes it feels that way.
I sometimes feel as though some go to church to look good and feel good about themselves, but they never get involved with anything. I was reminded at camp about "Love" and just how much it should be a part of every congregation. The congregation should not only worship together and love God together, but they should love each other and help each other. As I stood in worship services at camp and watched these teenagers go to the altar and pour their hearts out to God, it was amazing to see those who followed in droves to put hands on them to pray with them. I remember one time I was up at the altar praying with two of our youth and all of a sudden I felt multiple hands on my back as I laid hands on the other two. It was amazing the power that I felt course through as I felt God doing His work through me, and well, it was amazing.
Camp was not only a time for the youth, but also a time for the adults to be revitalized in the Lord as well. There are still many things I am trying to learn in my walk of faith. Things are still so new to me that I struggle with understanding sometimes. I also have my own demons that the Lord is working with me on. These demons were re-iterated at camp with some of our sessions. I even read one of the books from mercy ministries that helped put some things in perspective while there. I recall them saying that each one of us was at camp for a reason, we may not know what that reason is, but there was one. Whether any of us knew it at the beginning of the week, God had a master plan and His benefits were truly rewarding.
I think the only regrets I have from camp were, it wasn't long enough, and next year when I go, someone else is gonna have to take pics too so I can do more with the kids. Hopefully next year, some of my medical issues will be better so that I can do more with the kids. I also regret that this is the first time I ever attended camp. I feel extremely blessed to have went with the group of teenagers that I went with. I see great things in their future and believe God will help them through anything. Even when we don't think He's there, He is. I remember back to being a child and growing up and not really attending church on a regular basis and definitely not being saved in any sort of way, the struggles that I went through. I realize now, through all the battles, demons, depressions, and alcohol binders, God was still with me and kept me from doing things that I could not recover from. His hand has been on me all along, even before I was saved. The wonderful thing now is that I understand to Him goes the glory and honor.
I'm not going to say that tough times still don't ensue, but they are better now that He is a part of my life than not. I don't know what I would do if I would have never turned my life over to God. Life is so much better now than it has ever been. Camp will forever remind me that "With Everything", "I Will Exalt You" and I will continue to be forever grateful that You "Lead Me To The Cross" and "Saved Me (Hosanna)". I learned that with everything, I will shout forth Your glory and praise and that because You're with me, I will not fear. I am honored and forever grateful to have been a part of this group and I look forward to it for many years to come. I pray that these kids and the adults continue to stay on target and reinvigorated in the Lord's work and continue to bring that to the congregation each and every week. Because if they continue to do His will, the "Awakening" that could occur could be absolutely phenomenal. God Bless!
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