Beach Break 2006

Well, I think I have almost recovered from two straight weeks at camp. Perhaps it wouldn't have been so bad if we didn't have to come back in between. See, the first week is High School week. The bus ride is 13 hours (starting at 2:30 am). Then, after the week is done, we ride the 13 hours back to post, stay for about 26 hours, then get right back on the bus for another 13 hours down with the Middle School youth. On top of bus rides, we slept in tents in the blazing heat of Italy. So between the lack of sleep and the extremely high activity levels, I was definitely feeling out of shape by the end of the 15 days.
However, God continues to show me that in the midst of my weakness, He can be strong. The week long camp is designed to break down walls that youth build in their lives. They are not allowed to have cell phones, I-pods, game consoles, etc. In other words, no electronic stimulus for a whole week. This is huge to a generation that spends more than eight hours a day using these electronic devices. Each night, the program has built in tent time. This is a time where leaders and the youth can discuss the activities of the day, the talk by the camp speaker, and life in general. Most of these kids barely knew how to do this the first night. They are not familiar with the practice of sitting and discussing personal issues and thoughts. This became a very powerful time to speak into the lives of the youth, but also, a time of incredible attack from the enemy.
While I could write an entire chapter on the camp experience, the main thing I want to communicate is that we are required as Christians to share the gospel with those around us. What is amazing to witness is that by simply sharing the good news, the Holy Spirit is able to work and move among those ears that are listening. The last night of High School camp, 109 youth accepted Christ for the first time! The camp speaker was very straight forward about what starting a relationship with God entailed. He also explained the difference between starting the process and recommitting to follow Christ. Thus, these were not re-commits, but first time followers of our Lord! The second week, 157 kids came to know the Lord! What a privilege to be a part of something so amazing. I hope as you read this that you fully grasp that you are a significant part of this as well. Two hundred and sixty-six kids know the Lord to day because of the financial commitment you have made to advancing God's Kingdom throughout the world. Let me pause to say "Thanks!"