Tuesday's service was incredible. The way these young people worship and go for God at camp is incredible. If they would keep up this type of pursuit at home we could win the world. It looked liked 30-35 students raised their hands stating they had been baptised with the Holy Spirit.

Afterwards, it was raining hard. We had to keep everyone in the Chapel and release 2-3 teams at a time to go to the Snack Shack and then bring there stuff back to the Chapel. We showed "Living It" a Christian skateboard/bike extreme sports video, which lasted about 45 minutes. Once all the kids had a chance go to the Snack Shop, we had our Late Night and then turned in for the evening.

This morning, students were challenged to "Clothe" themselves in the things of the Lord. Everyday we have choices and when we "Put On" those things that are of Christ we walk in His power and authority. The illustration was given of a police officer directing traffic. When in uniform, the officer is able to control traffic. When out of uniform, he would hold no authority and would probably just get run right over. When we "Clothe" ourselves in the things of Christ, we walk in His authority and the world is then unable to plow us over!

After a rainy day yesterday, today is simply beautiful! Lot's of sunshine and warm temps! The students are having a blast! That is what's going on here at SNED Camps...we'll update more later. Oh yea, check out all of the latest pics and video footage by going to www.snedyouth.com and clicking on the Summer Camps icon. Blessings!

Junior High Camp Explosion

The camp was quiet, in waiting for the arrival of our SNED junior highers. Calmness was in the camp as the staff discussed the events of the upcoming week. As time allowed, Leader's and Rec Staff shared in sipping coffee and telling summer camp war stories.

Then everything changed! In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the roar of a bus could be heard coming down the long drive way toward the Wrights Lodge. Adrenaline began to rush in each staff member in anticipation of what was about to happen.

As one staff member went to the door window to look out, we could hear the sound of air brakes quickly bringing the bus to a stop. For a brief moment, there was complete silence. Other staff members made their way to windows or onto the porch to watch what was about to happen.

All of a sudden it happened. The door of the bus began to open and before any of us could take a breath, an explosion of junior high energy burst forth from with in the bus. Now, it was official. Junior High Camp had just begun!

Wow! What an awesome first day we had! From the first song of worship, led by Chosen from Valley Forge, to the altar time, these junior highers were pumped and ready meet their God. Reports tell us that many juniors high students raised their hands for salvation why several others rededicated their lives to the Lord.

We are excited this week to host Toby Schneckloth, DYD of Nebraska and master mind junior high communicator. Also, we are blessed to have the ministry of not only Chosen, but Appointed from Zion Bible College.

Please keep us in prayer through out the week. We believe this week will be a time these students will remember for the rest of their lives. Blessings!

Senior High Camp Day #2 Evening Service

Tonight was simply awesome! Another night of great worship...not just the music...students hungry and in pursuit of their God!

Konan preached on "The Greatest Question of All." Challenging every student that to make changes in their lives may be as easy as asking themselves, "Is this the wisest choice I can make?"

Too many students ask different questions like, "Is it really a sin if I...," or "I wander how far I can go without getting caught?" In this frame of mine the issue is always on the negative rather than than the TRUTH!

When we ask ourselves, "Is this the wisest choice I can make," truth will surely be found. Once truth is found as we obey and walk in wisdom that God gives, then blessings are sure to follow.

As Konan gave the invitation to the altars this evening they FILLED up fast. The students prayed and prayed. Then a spirit of worship broke loose and these students did not want to stop. They just kept worshipping and praising their Savior.

I really feel that God has been preparing the hearts of our students. I can see them getting closer and closer to that moment when all "Heaven" breaks loose in their lives and they will never be the same.

Please continue to pray with us that God will be able to complete the work that He led these students here for. I am confident He will. Blessings!

Senior High Camp Day #2

I have to say that Monday evenings service was probably one of the most powerful beginnings to a camp that I have experienced. Worship was incredible! These students from the start were worshipping their hearts out! Hungry for God! Wanting to connect with their Creator! Wanting to experience the love of Jesus!

All of this followed a powerful pre-service prayer time. Half of our campers chose to come to the optional pre-service prayer time. Pastor Elizer, had students come forward to pray. Wow! As they began to pray, many of them began to cry out to the Lord wanting desperately to be closer to Him. Their prayers were powerful! Their prayers were precious! Theirs prayers began our week!

Konan Stephens, our camp speaker, opened with a message entitled "Doors." Speaking about how all of us have a door to our lives behind which we stuff all the things we don't want anyone else to see. The truth is, however, that Jesus sees it all. He knows the real us that nobody else sees.

Konan encouraged every student to get real! God already knows the real us. Until we are honest and seek His forgiveness, we stay in bondage to all of Satan's lies. During altar call, Konan had all the Team Leaders go outside and line up facing the building. He then challenged all the students to "open" the door to their hidden world and to get honest with where they are really at inside. Symbolically, he asked for those students to open and walk through a door at the rear of the sanctuary. Then after opening and walking through they walked down the side of the building lined with their team leaders, praying for them. It was a powerful moment!

The students then came back into the sanctuary and went up to an old door and wrote what was hidden behind their doors with a marker, symbolically choosing to leave it all behind and to begin to walk in Truth! Wow! It was awesome!

Tuesday morning Pastor Bob, our district pastor, challenged our students in a very similar way. It was so confirming of what God is trying to do!

Now as I am writing this blog entry, our students are out in the great outdoors having FUN! Can't wait for this evenings service! Keep on praying! Blessings!

The Closing Day

Here we are it is the end of the week. In just a few minutes, kids will begin to wake, pack and clean. Many of them, exhausted from a week filled with so much activity. New friends, old friends, will sign each others shirts, hats, pillows or whatever other object they think will become that forever keepsake.

In just a few hours, they will begin the last portion of their camp summer adventure. The will pile into cars, vans, and buses and begin the trek back home. As they ride they will laugh, sing, tell jokes and then at some point many of them will fall asleep. As they begin to dose, they will review all the events of the week. The activities, the services, the meal times, those special moments in their rooms laughing and being silly. They will laugh again as they remember that prank that they weren't suppose to pull, but that came off so beautifully. Yes, for a brief moment on the drive home, many of them won't need a video to watch, they will simply relive the week with smile on their face.

For me and my family the end of the week is bitter-sweet. Glad in some ways to have a day back together as a family, but sad too as everyone parts and goes their own ways.

I have to say this in closing the week. What an outstanding Kids Camp Staff we had! Bill & Ann Reimels are outstanding camp coordinators. They and the team assembled from all over this district did an outstanding job loving on our SNED Kids!

Thank you Bill & Ann, Pat Lizotte, Kevin O'Connor, Chuck Gundersen, Tom McElhattan, Donna DeSantis, Kim Ravizza, Jay Mitchell and all of the Team Leaders, Rec Staff, other Support Staff and LIT's. Thank you for an awesome week!!

A special thank you to Karianne Groves and Nate Reimels for helping to catch all those camp memories on video! You can view those videos by going online to www.snedyouth.com or by going to YouTube and searching SNED Kids Camp 2009. Blessings!

SNED Kid's Camp Day 4

I was so busy yesterday that I did not get the chance to blog. However, I keep thinking it is yesterday so maybe it balances out!

Anyway, I can not believe how fast this week is slipping away! They arrive, they "camp hard," and then they leave to go back home...just like that...gone!

As a parent I realize with every passing year that it is just like that with our own children. The are born, they "grow hard," and then the leave to live their own lives. We have them for such a short time!

For this reason, I am reminded all the time of the importance of spending quality time with my children. I am reminded of how important it is to play with them, listen to them, spoil them, teach them, encourage them, and most of all to "Train them in the way they are to go so that when they are old they will not depart from it!"

Parents, pastors, leaders, please let me encourage you. Do not take the time God has granted you with these precious children for granted! Love them and spend your time wisely. Your investment will pay dividends you will never regret!!!

Thank you Lord for the privilege of our kid's. We love them! Help us in our responsibilities and may we cherish every moment!!! Amen!

SNED Kid's Camp Day #2

Yesterday was another awesome day spiritually. Numbers of kid's responded to an altar call for the baptism in the Holy Spirit and were filled. It was a precious moment. One I wish every parent was able to experience first hand.

Kidz Turn Ministries is doing a tremendous job of reaching our children. The have a great mixture of fun, games, humor and powerful worship and time in God's Word. They are a WIN every time they come!

It rained and was cool most of the day yesterday, but the kid's didn't care they had a blast! Please continue keeping us in your prayers. God's not done yet! We still have kid's that need His touch!

Blessings!

Kid's Camp Day 1

I am always amazed at how a group of people can come together from all different parts of a region and in a few hours we are working together to run a camp. When people come together in common mission things just seem to flow. I love camp!

There is nothing like the excitement of 160 kid's arriving with the excitement of being away from home and with friends for a whole week. Adventure fills their thoughts as they try to imagine what the week will be like.

That is what we experience every year on the first day of camp. Lot's of energy, high expectations and anticipation, and a group of people working together to give these kid's the experience of a lifetime (or at least a summer-time).

Overall things went real smooth today. Every student is settled in their cabins or in their rooms. First meal is over and was a great success. Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, carrots, salad, corn bread, and chocolate pudding with whip topping. Yum, Yum!!

First service was off the charts. High energy worship, great games, Elmer was...Elmer, and God's Word spoke to these kid's in a powerful way! 30+ kid's gave their lives to the Lord, 20+ made sure their hearts were right with the Lord, and everyone can't wait til tomorrow's service.

Snack Shop frenzy ends the night. Ice Cream and crazy fun before turning in for the evening. By t he way moms and dads lights go out at 10 PM, or at least that's what's on the schedule.

Thank you for your prayers! Blessings!