Earlier this month we had our Youth Camp. A lot of preparations went into the camp, along with God’s help, prayers, and volunteers. We had 36 teens and 14 volunteers. Steve’s friend, Joel Butts from Tennessee, brought a team of four Ukrainian ladies from his Twelve3One ministry in Ukraine. They also do work in mentoring and discipling young people. Steve’s “sisters from another mother,” Jan, Jayne, and Jill, also came from Abilene, Texas to help out in the kitchen. We are proud of our younger camp volunteers, Lana, Ivana, and Danijel. They were campers before and now they are college students. They all asked if they could come to the camp and help as volunteers.

The theme for this camp was UNO (The One). We were talking about how Jesus as our Savior is the one. Our friend Joel presented the first evening’s lesson and talked about fearless Jehosheba from the Old Testament. The ladies from Ukraine presented the second evening’s lesson and talked about Queen Esther. Jehosheba and Esther were presented as two individuals whom God used in significant ways. They were both only “one,” but as a result of their obedience, God used them in mighty ways to save their people. Mateja presented the third evening’s lesson, about how Jesus is “the one.” Mateja invited the teens to follow Jesus more, and for the kids who were new to us at this camp to study with us more about Him. I presented the last evening’s lesson, about how You are the One. I was talking about how the teens as individuals have a place in God’s story, and how Jesus died for each one of them. I shared photos of each teen on the screen and addressed each one individually about how they are the one for whom Jesus came. I also talked about how Jesus waits for each one to open the door of their hearts and let him in.

The Abilene “sisters” (photo above left, with Joel) were a tremendous help in the kitchen, and more. At one point during the week, they shared their testimony of God working in their family. They also spent time praying with various groups of the kids at different times. The group of ladies from Ukraine were invaluable in interacting with and ministering to the 16 Ukrainian kids who were at the camp. They also brought a unique and interesting aspect to the camp. They are from a Messianic Jewish congregation in Ukraine. They recognize, trust, and worship Jesus as messiah and savior, but with a Jewish/Hebrew style and flavor. They showed us what their times of worship sound and look like. Our teens enjoyed this very much. In the photo above right, with Mateja and myself, are these ladies, Zina, Liza, and Karina, in their traditional Jewish costumes.

Every morning, we had “Experience” Time, in which we gave our youth time to think and reflect, and also gave them a special task. One of the tasks was to create videos showing where they see God. They did this in groups. We then enjoyed watching their videos. One morning they wrote their life story and then they shared it with each other. The most special time was when we asked the teens to write their prayers, and for what they are grateful for. We then took two hours and with each of them we went to a private place and we prayed with and for them. Joel and Danijel are praying for Lovro in the photo at left. We were amazed how they opened their hearts and wanted to share even more than what they had written on their papers. Some even wanted to have further discussions with some of us after this time.

Our emphasis at camp was spiritual things, but we also had a lot of fun in games, sports, nature, sharing our meals, a talent show, a campfire, and in talking and fellowship together. Praise God for this great week together!