and... we're back from youth camp

Design Courtesy of Carly Cullen

As we mentioned in the prayer request of our last post, Mark and I had the opportunity to participate in our church's youth camp this year. Mark was the main session speaker and I was blessed to lead a small group of girls in discussion times/small groups.



The theme was "One & Only" and the main sessions focused on foundational truths of the Christian faith, encouraging the students to pursue a greater devotion to God, love for His Word, and desire to live an authentic Christian life.

During Session 1, Mark spoke on "One God." In Mark 12:28-31 (and other scriptures!) we see the importance Jesus places on loving God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Our hope is that the kids were able to take away this concept: "Since there is only one God, He alone must be the object of all my love and worship. Everything else that competes with this singular devotion to God is idolatry."

Session 2 focused on "One Truth." We explored 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 19:7-11, and John 17:17, with the goal of helping them to understand that "Since God's Word alone is truth, it must be the foundation for my life. Everything else is shifting sand." 

In Session 3, "One Way," we looked at Matthew 7:13-28 and saw there are only 2 roads--the broad road leading to destruction and the narrow road leading to everlasting life. Our prayer is that the kids will understand that "Since Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven, salvation is through Him alone."

"One Ambition," the topic of Session 4, we studied Paul's example in Philippians 3:7-16. The take away from this session was, "Since Christ is the author and perfecter of my salvation, my greatest ambition in life should be to know and please Him."

Jess & some youth group girls braved the banana. 

In our final session, "One Request," we looked at Psalm 27:4 and redemptive history to show that "Since God is the One who most satisfies, my one request is to be in His presence both now and for all eternity."


Aside from the time in the main sessions, we enjoyed hanging out with the kids on the lake and on our day trip to the Sequoia National Forest. 

View of Moro Rock from our drive into the Sequoias 

We pray that the seeds planted in the hearts of these young students will take root in the years to come!  Thank you for your prayers.