My kid’s were looking forward to church camp this year. At our church, they take the Jr. High kids first, and then, the high schools kids attend the following week. Yesterday, my son came home and my daughter left for camp.
As a mother, there’s nothing I want more than to see my children devoted to and living for Christ! The teen years can be difficult on so many levels. One thing I’ve noticed about teenagers is under the pressure it’s hard to maintain a great relationship with God. My kid’s are no different. So, camp is a great time to pray for their spiritual renewal. Each year, God is faithful. This year something extra took place.
I’ve asked my son, Parker, to share his story with you.
“Well, I grew up in church. When I was in 1st grade, I invited Jesus into my heart during Vacation Bible School. Looking back, I didn’t really understand what I was doing. I was more or less doing what I thought I was supposed to do. While I love God and understand that I’m supposed to obey him, I always felt like something was missing. My relationship was more about me doing what I was supposed to do.
Then at camp, I began to relate to what pastor Brian was sharing on the third night of worship. The pastor talked about being a lukewarm Christian and how God hates lukewarm Christians so much so that he spits them out of his mouth. Pastor Brian told us that we are lukewarm when we put other things before God. I knew he was talking about me. My first love is sports, but not anymore.
As I sat there, I began to doubt my salvation. Questions ran through my mind like, “Did I really give my heart to Christ at 6 years old? Or, is it because I’ve not been living for God that I doubt my salvation?”
It was like pastor Brian was in my head. Next, he said that we could know for sure that we’ve been saved. Anyone who wanted to give their hearts and lives to God could do so right then. I did. Now I know I’ve been saved.
Oh, that thing that was missing was passion to live for God. Now, I want to put God first in everything. I don’t want to be spit out of his mouth. I want to be red hot for Christ.
They asked up to write down 5 names of friends we knew didn’t know Christ and commit to witnessing to them. I wrote down 20!”
All I can add to that is, PRAISE GOD!!! More than 150 kids committed their lives to Christ at camp. I’d say it was a glorious day in heaven and on earth!
Here are some fun photo’s of Parker at camp:
Worship
Parker’s group. They survived the mud-pit!
Parker is 2nd from the right–standing
Boat races. Parker is on the left
sweettea says
That's the definition of a lukewarm Christian that I needed. Thanks, Parker!
JD
Oh Dear says
My husband spends 3-4 weeks a summer at camps with students. Makes for an interesting summer. Thanks for reminding me of what God is doing in the hearts of the campers while hubby is away.
Angela @ Refresh My Soul Blog says
Oh I just love this story!!! What a beautiful thing! Praising God and lifting prayer. This is so great!
Much love,
Angela