Between two consecutive weeks of running Beat the Drum, we had the privilege of running a weekend youth camp for grade 7s in a town called Ugie. We only had about 3 days to prepare for the camp, entirely from scratch, but everyone pulled together to put forward their best effort, and God blessed it phenomenally!
The weekend was designed around a theme called “Quest”; with kind of a ‘Lord of the Rings’, ‘knights and warrior princesses’ feel. We talked about the unseen spiritual battle between good and evil, and how each person plays a part, whether they know it or not. We taught about their identity in the Lord, and how valuable they are to Him. After each session, we met in small groups to talk with the students, answer QUESTions and to pray with them. This is the most valuable time in youth ministry, building the relationships and connecting one on one.
We also had fun, played some great games, bonded in our small groups, made up chants (go PINK team!), and built great memories. I was particularly impressed with my girls, who had CRAZY energy for the outside games, but were wonderfully attentive and respectful during our small group talks. A rare and blessed time with thirteen year olds, for sure!
Saturday evening, we split the guys and girls for a special time – with the girls we lit candles (to remind us that we are the light of the world!), and made bracelets (with special beads to remind us that we are princesses, because our Father is the King of Kings)!
The most exciting time of the camp, was at our Saturday night service, when Gary shared the gospel with the eighty seventh graders in attendance. He invited them to come forward if they wanted to accept Christ, and we were all amazed and overjoyed when every student jumped out of their seat and rushed to the front of the room! We were able to pray for them, and give each student their own New Testament, which the small group leaders signed and dedicated individually. We rejoice in the work that God was doing in each student that weekend, and we pray that they will continue to grow deeper in their faith.
Sunday morning, as our last activity together, we had one final ceremony – a time of initiation and confirmation. Each leader ‘knighted’ the students in their small group, and gave them a necklace with a handmade cross. I was blown away by how powerful it was to look each of my girls in the eye, call them by name, and dub them a warrior princess in the army of God.
Personally, this was one of my top favorite ministries of the year. I LOVE working with youth, they are at such a valuable stage in their life, when they are choosing what their lives will be about. There are so many pressures pushing them in the wrong direction, and I am honored to be someone willing to point them towards God. I also feel so confirmed about this life calling – working side by side with Gary to love and disciple teenagers. We are praying hard for the opportunity to do this full time back in the states, hopefully for years and years and years. Though we’ve volunteered in youth groups before, and loved it, being on the race this year has really confirmed this passion in our hearts, and we can’t wait to get started!
