Review of North Florida Camp

Well Day 2 came to a close with no major problems, just getting all the equipment ready for the road. Today I worked in the office inspecting equipment and making sure everything worked before putting stuff together and putting it in the area for road ready equipment. That was my day today but I honestly just wanted to talk about one of the most awesome times I had this summer, and will from time to time put a review in here to talk about something that has happened. Today I would like to talk about North Florida Youth Camp, and how it was truly a blessing to me to be part of an event that changed so many teens lives. This year was my 5th year at Live oak being a counselor, and boy can I say that it has been an honor to have me some of these guys and watch them grow. Each year has brought it’s challenges to me but God has shown me new things with each year and I am blessed to be asked back each year. This year I was asked to come back once again but since I have been on the road since last August I was not sure who was going and how I would get there but I knew that God would lead me and show me the way. I come back home to come to camp and am excited to be going with 38 teens and 9 adults. When I arrive at camp I find out that my cabin consists of the very first group of kids that I had at camp along with a few from last year and some new faces too. I am so excited to have a lot of familiar faces and know that this is going to be a great camp this year. The first day we have is a great day fun where it needs to be and the Bible teaching was write on for what the kids needed. This year our worship was led by Phil Stacey, whom also preached. The first night of service he got the basics out of the way and made sure that everyone had the opportunity to get saved or get their live rededicated to Christ. This is one of the most basic things to do when you have a camp and I’m glad to see that he did that. From that night on I seen the Holy Spirit fall on camp like I have never seen before. On the second night after the alter call we had almost 2hrs or more of testimonies not from adults but from teens. This was the most awesome thing that I have ever seen. These teens had been touch by the Lord and wanted to share in front of the whole camp. I got to see some of my own teens that I have known for many years and some I had only know a few years give testimonies of what God had done in their lives and how He had changed their lives for the better. I was so just in awe of what God had done in some of these teens lives. Some of the testimonies just made me cry, but it also reminded me of why I enjoy working with youth. Although I may get discouraged I know that God in His time will bring forth the fruit of our labor. It makes it worth all those hours that I put in and all those times I wondered if anyone really ever listened, it also reminded me that it doesn’t matter how long of a time that you are with someone but that they watch to see if you are the genuine thing or not. A few of these teens I had only known maybe a year others I have known for 3 or more, but It was not me whom they saw it was Jesus who lives in me and the love that I showed towards them that brought them to a closer understanding of who God is. I often wonder if I ever really make an impact on teens lives but it is times like this that God reminds me to keep going you are just keep sharing what I lay on your heart and loving on them and you will reach them. I don’t want to take all the credit for this I know that It is the Holy Spirit that speaks through me and they understand. This reminded me of my last night at PWC youth, each teen was asked to say an encouraging word or something about me. No one was forced to say anything but to hear each teen say something special about how I had impacted their life was amazing especially since I had only been part of their youth group for a very short time. It reminds me of Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. I may not be wealthy rich but God has provided for me each step of the way and not only that has allowed me to see what happens to others when we follow Him. Well with each new night at camp came new opportunities to be able to pray for teens, and to encourage the weary hearted. I have been in the teen culture for over a year now and seen all the many struggles that they go through on a daily bases and it amazes me how they survive sometimes. The Devil is definitely out to destroy humanity if he can. If you have a teen or even a child pray for them daily that the Lord will protect them cause there are so many influences out here today and most are straight from the pits of hell that the devil is trying to get them to fall into. Pray with them daily and teach them the word of God, just like it says in Proverbs 22:6 to “train up a child in the way in which they should go..” If you do this they will remember it they may act like they don’t but they really do and the Holy Spirit will remind them of it when they go to do wrong. I know this because I remember the way I was brought up and I was brought up in a Christian home and I am doing fine, I have to find my own way but I am a sold out strong Christian that loves the Lord today because of the way I was brought up. Well not only did I meet some great new teen friend but had great fellowship with some of the adults there too, and was encouraged by some of the words that they spoke to me. I got to meet some of the other counselors and am glad that we became friends, will be praying for them as many of them go through life and have many decisions to make ahead of them. Camp this year was just a time of renewing and encouragement, but at the same time a challenging to me too. This year was also one of the most spiritual times I have ever been to at camp, and hope that this fire continues to burn inside each and every one of the teens lives that were changed. Well that is all for now I hope that this is an encouragement to you and challenge to some of you that read this. May God bless you — This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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