Some Endings Are Really Beginnings
I just returned from the last Word of Life Island campfire service of the 2012 summer season. Once again I watched as students responded to the Word of God, surrendering their lives for service to Christ. I do not know what was at the core of each decision or who will follow through but I do believe God can use these students for His glory.
In just three days, the counselors will say goodbye to the last campers at each of our four camps here in New York. This same process took place last week at our Florida camp and will happen over and again at one of our 50 plus camps around the world throughout the entire year.
To the untrained eye it will appear that we are concluding camp and that we are done. Some will assume that it fades away with the image of the camp signs in the rearview mirror. But to the pastors, parents, youth leaders and church congregations across this nation, this ending is really a beginning.
- It is the first time a teen tells his parent that he loved the Bible hour and needs a study Bible.
- Some parents will be astounded as they awaken to find their teen having a Quiet Time each morning, because they started that godly habit at camp.
- A student returns to his school campus to share his new found faith in Christ.
- Challenged to step up, a group of students approach their principal about having a student led campus Bible study.
- Adults realize the value of investment in the youth of the church as they ask to fill leadership roles.
- Life on life discipleship is requested by a student of an older adult leader in the church and the adult leader’s faith is rejuvenated.
- Pastors are either intimidated or invigorated by the students who insist on sitting near the front and capturing the details of his messages.
- Friends are brought to church and more importantly they are brought to Christ by teens that made commitments at a campfire service somewhere in the world.
Yes, to the untrained eye, it may look like we are closing down camp and that it is concluding but those of us who know…well we just know, this is really a beginning.
Because some endings are really beginnings!
