Spiritual Emphasis Camp Reflection #5

The most difficult thing about camp was coming home and having to return to the "real world."  I met so many new friends while working there and it was hard leaving them as they returned to their hometowns.  At least I know that next year's camp will soon be here.

There were times I struggled during the week because I had a negative experience when I went to camp as a ten year-old.  The older students bullied me and other younger campers and the counselors were ineffective in dealing with it.  One reason I desire to serve as a counselor is to make sure all campers have a positive camp experience and would want to come back next year.  One of the campers in my group was Korean and knew very little English or Spanish, and he did not want to be there.  It warmed my heart on the final day of camp when he came up to me and gave me a hug.  It definitely made my week!

Please pray for the campers that the messages form camp would remain in their hearts and God would continue to mighty works through them.  Also pray as preparations are already being made for next year's camp.

May God bless your weekend.

In Christ,
Dave

Spiritual Emphasis Camp Reflection #4

I love worship, especially through singing.  Now those who know me well know that I cannot sing a note, but I am thankful that God does not care about that.  The times of worship we had during chapel were tremendous, but the time of worship by the bonfire Wednesday night was awesome.  There is something about young people and worship.  Young people seem to have a "freedom" when it comes to worship.  As somebody who "feeds off" other people, I really enjoy it.  The Cedarville University team did a great job leading worship.  The eleven college students who came were so on fire for Jesus.  Talk about motivation!

The talent show Friday evening was another highlight.  There are some talented young people here in Mexico.  Most of the acts were musical, but there was a dance, a poem reading, and a skit.

Tomorrow I will write my final reflection post, so be on the lookout for it in the evening.  Have a blessed evening.

In Christ,
Dave 

Spiritual Emphasis Camp Reflection #3

After a busy Tuesday, I'm finally getting my blog finished for today.  The games were pretty awesome.  Each camper was given a different colored cloth bracelet.  The colors were green, yellow, red, and blue.  Each team gained points for winning events throughout the week.  Some of the games that stood out were the shoe hunt and ship crew (not sure these are the correct names).  For the shoe hunt, each camper had to take off his or her shoes and place them in a pile.  The pile was then mixed up.  One member of each team had to run to the pile, look for his or her shoes, put them on, then run back to the line.  The first team to finish wins.  The ship crew game was a "command" game similar to Simon Says.  Each camper had to correctly follow the command or else he or she was out.  The color remaining in the game won.

There was also a basketball and soccer tournament.  The winner of the basketball tournament then played a team of counselors.  For the soccer tournament, the counselors put together a team for the tournament.  It was a pleasure to be part of the counselor team.  Unfortunately, we lost 1-0 in the semifinal game.  I had fun, though, and that is what counts.

Chapel services are critical, but God also wants us to enjoy games and competition.  We honor God by being humble winners and graceful losers.  We also honor God by cheering on every participant and displaying good sportsmanship.

Tomorrow I look forward to sharing more about camp, so come on back then.  Take care and God bless.

In Christ,
Dave

Spiritual Emphasis Camp Reflection #2

     Right now I am enjoying my first back at Puebla Christian School since Spiritual Emphasis Camp.  My prayer is make it through the day because I am still very tired.

     The chapel messages and Bible studies came from Ephesians.  On opening night's chapel service, the speaker talked about what it is like to be "dead in Christ."  As the week went on, the message became what it is like to be "alive in Christ."  The Bible studies I did with my ten campers were productive.  Some of the topics we discusses included how salvation is for everyone and how the Holy Spirit works in our lives after we are saved.  It was impressive to hear all the input from the campers.  My prayer is for the campers to live out what they heard and for the Holy Spirit to work in their lives.

     You cannot have a camp without some fun and games, so I will focus on that tomorrow.  Have a great day and come back for tomorrow's reflection.

In Christ,
Dave

Back to the "Grind"

Well, Spiritual Emphasis Camp is over.  It is now time to return to teaching tomorrow.  The past 24 hours have been a time for much reflection.  Camp was a wonderful experience.  I was able to have an impact on ten ninth graders from Oaxaca Christian School and Mexico City Christian Academy.  In addition, I met many new friends during the five days at camp.  A team of college students from Cedarville University in Ohio came and helped out tremendously.  Their faith in Jesus Christ came across as real as well as their love for the kids.  For me personally, the week was both a blessing and a challenge.  The blessing was working with the ten young men and meeting new friends.  The challenge was confronting my very negative camp experience as a child.  After a week of being bullied, I never wanted to attend a camp again.  With that in mind, my goal was to give the students as positive a camp experience as possible while at the same time providing sound Bible instruction.

Monday's post will focus on the theme of the camp, the book of Ephesians.  In the meantime, may God bless you day.

In Christ,
Dave

Camp Day 3

Camp has been quite busy.  This is why I was not able to write a blog yesterday, but I managed to do a couple of Facebook updates.  Had a great Bible study time with my campers this morning.  We went over Ephesians 3, which is a very deep passage.  We concluded that Jesus is for everyone and that we have direct access to Him through prayer and spending time with him.  I was encouraged that most of the boys contributed to the discussion.

Water games took place this morning.  Fortunately, I stayed dry for the most part.  I "escaped" just before things got wild.

Looking forward to chapel this evening.  I'm continuing to pray for God to do a mighty work in the young people.

May God bless your day and "stay tuned" for the next entry.
Dave

Camp - Day 1

Good Wednesday morning!  Camp began yesterday evening with dinner and chapel.  I am blessed to be in charge of a group of ninth grade boys from Oaxaca Christian School and Mexico City Christian Academy.  After chapel, I was able to share my testimony with the boys.  Speaking of chapel, the speaker spoke from Ephesians 2:1-5 about being dead in Christ.  After a short night's sleep, I'm excited about what today has to offer.  There will be a full day of activities and another chapel service this evening.  Hopefully I will have a chance to write more this afternoon or evening.  In the meantime, breakfast is about to be served, and I don't want to miss mealtime.  Have a great day and God bless.