Youth camps have an impact
Metro 2018 changes lives
By Tim and Monika Foulkes
Metro Christian Life Week Directors
God has called us out. In response to his mercy and grace, we rebel against this world and conform to the image of Christ.
In July, Metro Christian Life Week found us stirring up 80 young people to rebellion – not against God, as we once all lived – but against the ways of this world, so that the world would be transformed by Jesus Christ in us.
We have so many stories we want to share about the experiences on camp and we praise God for teaching us more about what it means to follow Jesus.
We were privileged to meet a camper on the first day, who was confident she didn’t believe in God. Needless to say, fervent prayer spread across the campsite and requests were sent to our off-site prayer team. We joyfully saw this camper leave on Friday, pursuing baptism as a sign of her faith in God.
Another camper arrived, not sure if God was real. It wasn’t something he had ever experienced for himself. We can tell you that he approached his leaders on the last day to say he had felt God’s presence during personal devotion time that morning. For the first time in his life, he was convinced that God is real.
Planning camp is exciting, but seeing God take our efforts and make ground for his kingdom, speak to his children and encourage us as he does, is an indescribable joy.
Record numbers for Barossa CLW
Barossa Christian Life Week was an inspiring, encouraging and greatly impactful camp in 2018.
With record numbers in all areas, including campers, leaders and support teams, the week was packed with inclusive activities, joyful and heart-warming interactions, as well as great teaching and discipleship.
Held at Murray Bridge’s Unity College in July, the camp’s theme was ‘Awe & Wonder’, which was developed out of the incredible stories that we find throughout the Bible and followed into the goodness and glory of God in our individual stories.
The leaders were encouraged by how God is moving in our campers, not only on camp, but also in their lives and communities outside of Barossa CLW. They all brought passion, excitement, joy and a whole lot of love with them.
Riverland camp strengthens faith
Riverland Christian Life Week was held at Camp Kedron, Barmera, from July 9 to 13.
The focus of this week was on the theme ‘Anchor’, based on the text from Hebrews 6:19a, ‘we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure’. Campers were split into small groups of similar ages and explored this verse.
Over five small sessions, the group discussed some of the challenging parts of Christian life, including pressure from the world, how we relate to authorities and personal struggles. At the conclusion of these discussions, the group spoke about Jesus as the ‘anchor’ of our lives, amidst the storms that surround us.
Each morning and evening, campers joined in a worship session, which was a time for song, praise and reflection. One evening during worship, campers were able to contribute their unique
talents into the service through acting, dancing, reading and writing.
Between the Bible-based activities, the campers got to burn off energy and form new friendships through numerous activities and games. Every morning, the day started with a high or low intensity boot camp to get the campers moving and excited for the day. A banquet was another highlight of camp, where both campers and leaders dressed up to an ‘Under the Sea’ theme.
Overall, it was an action-packed week, full of fun, fellowship and strengthening faith in God.
Using our gifts for God
By Edward Ruediger
Hills CLW Camp Leader
In the July school holidays, 65 campers and 25 leaders, chaplains and cooks made their way to Camp Dzintari in Normanville for Hills Christian Life Week.
Over the week, we were blessed with fantastic company, delicious food and faith-building Bible studies.
Throughout the camp, campers explored spiritual gifts and what this means in their lives. They also heard from leaders about how they are currently using their gifts.
Camper Lauren Hoopmann said learning how to apply our spiritual gifts to the outside world was something she particularly enjoyed.
“As God has given each of us unique purposes, the use of spiritual gifts looks different in everyone’s lives,” Lauren said. “However, when everyone uses their gifts in conjunction with one another, through the Holy Spirit, we are able to do amazing things.”
We cannot wait for Hills CLW 2019 and to see how God works in the young lives of those who attended.
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