Thursday, October 10, 2013

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Camp -11c - SIGNIFICANT MINISTRY



As I look back on our years in Christian camping, I am more convinced then ever at the significance this experience was (and I hope still is) for boys and girls, young and older adults and families.  There is no amount of money that can be applied to the value of 6 days and nights (or weekend) of uninterrupted time to focus in on one’s life--No cell phones, no TVs, no appointments, no anything that keeps you from significant time for yourself.  
People always asked why is it that the experience, at camp means so much, especially in their relationship to God.  I use to say to campers, counselors and staff before they left camp, remember what you did during this time.  We prayed with each other and alone every day;  we studied the Word of God every day;  and we had fellowship with each other every day.  This is a good model to continue when you get home.
Almost every time the National Presbyterian Panel was taken, one of the questions of the Elders and Pastors is, “What Christian experience do you consider was the most influential in your decision to serve in the church?” Something like 75% plus of the responses indicated that their camping experience, either as a child, youth or adult, was the most influential.   Countless numbers of persons are in ministry today around the globe because they either committed their life to Christ, and/or decided to live a lifestyle with Jesus as Lord, and/or decided to serve God in all the different ways called upon them to be part of the solution instead of the problem in this world.  Thank you Lord!

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