We are in the middle of our camp season and finishing up Sr. High camp. First off numbers were up for us this year, we had a full camp! Praise God! Spiritually, God has rocked these kids in every service. Their hunger and passion for God has blown me away! Last night we showed the movie "To Save A Life" an incredible movie I highly recommend! It has a very powerful message and is extremely well done!
After the movie we had a 100% response from the students to take a stand for Christ, in their schools and communities. Then worship broke loose, several students were baptised in the Holy Spirit with no prompting, it just happened. The worship band Pneuma (incredible!), starting singing "Let It Rain." After singing it through several times, the team stopped playing and for the next half hour the students would not stop singing "Let It Rain."
This morning we challenged the kids to follow through on their stand from the previous evening and to become Campus Missionaries. We had 90 our of 185 students commit to becoming CM's in the SNED! I praise God for all He is doing in all of our camps. It definitely feels like something is about to break! I have junior high camp next week and can't wait to see what God has planned!
We also broke off in the morning with myself and our speaker taking the guys, and Tina and a few of our female ladies taking the girls. We addressed gender related issues. Wow, these students opened up and laid it all out there. It was such an awesome time of cleansing, challenge and building accountability. Our speaker did a challenge to the guys this morning called "Man UP" that was off the charts!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Day One Monday Evening - Sr. High Camp 2010
In the first evening service, we experienced some technical difficulties with the camps video projector setting keeping us outside the chapel. That didn't throw off our students who were more than ready to kick off the first service.
We ended up having an outdoor prayer rally. Many of the students lead out in prayer and Angela Miller lead the whole group in a worship song. When the doors finally opened, the students charged in and never looked back.
Worship was off the charts. Students praising, singing, jumping, and with hands raised, expressing their love towards God.
Pastor Paul Conway, confronted the image crises that so many Christians seem to face. We live in a world that tries to mold us into its own image, when we know the Word of God declares that we have been made in the image of God!
Students are especially vulnerable to image or identity deception because they are still in the process of discovering who they are. Therefore, it is vitally important that we, as Christians, have a solid understanding that our identity is in Christ and nothing less!
During the altar times, the majority of the students came forward to seek the Lord and to draw closer to Him. The spiritual tenor at this point was explosive, as we ended the service by breaking out in a few more songs of praise and adoration.
Ending our evening we had a time of connecting with friends at the snack shack. I never have seen so many students down so much junk food so quickly. OK...maybe I have on a few occasions!
Right before sending them off to nightie-night, we went to Night Craze. This was an outdoor, under the lights team game time. I will say nothing more than it was shear pandemonium.
And so ended DAY ONE! LiveChosen
We ended up having an outdoor prayer rally. Many of the students lead out in prayer and Angela Miller lead the whole group in a worship song. When the doors finally opened, the students charged in and never looked back.
Worship was off the charts. Students praising, singing, jumping, and with hands raised, expressing their love towards God.
Pastor Paul Conway, confronted the image crises that so many Christians seem to face. We live in a world that tries to mold us into its own image, when we know the Word of God declares that we have been made in the image of God!
Students are especially vulnerable to image or identity deception because they are still in the process of discovering who they are. Therefore, it is vitally important that we, as Christians, have a solid understanding that our identity is in Christ and nothing less!
During the altar times, the majority of the students came forward to seek the Lord and to draw closer to Him. The spiritual tenor at this point was explosive, as we ended the service by breaking out in a few more songs of praise and adoration.
Ending our evening we had a time of connecting with friends at the snack shack. I never have seen so many students down so much junk food so quickly. OK...maybe I have on a few occasions!
Right before sending them off to nightie-night, we went to Night Craze. This was an outdoor, under the lights team game time. I will say nothing more than it was shear pandemonium.
And so ended DAY ONE! LiveChosen
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Just That Quickly!
It seems like we just arrived and were kicking off the week of camp. Now, we are preparing for packing up and sending everyone back home. This week went unbelievably fast! It was truly the blink of an eye!
My son and I love roller coasters! Last year he and I went to Six Flags. We couldn't wait to ride what used to be called Superman (they renamed it and I can't remember what they call it now). We stood in line forever! Tytus must have chickened out five or six times. I kept working at encouraging him and keeping him focused. After all the work of standing in line forever and waiting we finally reached the boarding stage. We got onto the ride and waited with great anticipation for the ride to launch.
All of a sudden, like an explosion, we took off. Less than two minutes later we are pulling back into the unloading bay. All of that work of waiting and anticipating for the ride and it was over just that quickly! Amazing!
Time truly goes by so quickly. It seems like just last year I was a camper. Reality reveals however, that I have been apart of leading and organizing camps for the last nineteen years. Somehow, I have gone from my teens to my forty's in less than two minutes...just that quickly!
Here's what I have learned though; it is important to make the most of every minute of every day. The Scriptures says in Colossians 4:5 to "...make the most of every opportunity." We can't change the fact that the preparation often takes so long and the "ride" itself passes by so quickly.
However, if we skipped all the preparation and work, the "ride" may not have been appreciated as much or have been as effective. Each season and moment of time has value.
I know that after such an awesome of an event like three weeks of camp, I often have to fight feelings of depression and loneliness. Think about it, several weeks of having a few hundred people around all the time, days and nights filled with activity, then all of a sudden it is over and everyone leaves. Trust me, it can feel lonely.
I choose though not to focus on the feelings. I rather enjoy reflecting back on all the great moments and things that God did through that period of time. In that I am encouraged and joy overtakes loneliness.
Which ever season you may find your self in, a time of preparation and work, the ride itself, or the post ride, appreciate the moment. Let's make the most of every moment, because our lives do pass by...just that quickly! LiveChosen!
My son and I love roller coasters! Last year he and I went to Six Flags. We couldn't wait to ride what used to be called Superman (they renamed it and I can't remember what they call it now). We stood in line forever! Tytus must have chickened out five or six times. I kept working at encouraging him and keeping him focused. After all the work of standing in line forever and waiting we finally reached the boarding stage. We got onto the ride and waited with great anticipation for the ride to launch.
All of a sudden, like an explosion, we took off. Less than two minutes later we are pulling back into the unloading bay. All of that work of waiting and anticipating for the ride and it was over just that quickly! Amazing!
Time truly goes by so quickly. It seems like just last year I was a camper. Reality reveals however, that I have been apart of leading and organizing camps for the last nineteen years. Somehow, I have gone from my teens to my forty's in less than two minutes...just that quickly!
Here's what I have learned though; it is important to make the most of every minute of every day. The Scriptures says in Colossians 4:5 to "...make the most of every opportunity." We can't change the fact that the preparation often takes so long and the "ride" itself passes by so quickly.
However, if we skipped all the preparation and work, the "ride" may not have been appreciated as much or have been as effective. Each season and moment of time has value.
I know that after such an awesome of an event like three weeks of camp, I often have to fight feelings of depression and loneliness. Think about it, several weeks of having a few hundred people around all the time, days and nights filled with activity, then all of a sudden it is over and everyone leaves. Trust me, it can feel lonely.
I choose though not to focus on the feelings. I rather enjoy reflecting back on all the great moments and things that God did through that period of time. In that I am encouraged and joy overtakes loneliness.
Which ever season you may find your self in, a time of preparation and work, the ride itself, or the post ride, appreciate the moment. Let's make the most of every moment, because our lives do pass by...just that quickly! LiveChosen!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Pressing Through Uncomfortable Times!
If you live in the Northeast, you know it has been very hot and uncomfortable this week. In some places of the states these temperatures may be normal, but not here. We are not use to this type of heat.
I have been extremely impressed by the attitudes of our students and camp staff this week. It has been very uncomfortable! Even at night, it has not cooled down. In spite of it all I have not heard anyone complain and everyone is having a blast. Not one person is allowing the heat to rob them of their fun.
Don't misunderstand me, the heat is definitely taking its toll physically in various ways. However, the attitude to endure and have fun anyway is beating the heat!
I am learning a lot about the importance of our attitudes towards negative things. When we face trials and hardships we have a choice in how we are going to handle those times and situations. We can let those things beat us down and succumb to complaining and a bad attitude, which leads to misery, or we can stay positive. We can choose to rejoice!
Isn't that what the James instructs us to do in the Scriptures? James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Pressing through uncomfortable times. These kids can teach us a lot. Challenge of the day...Choose your attitude!
I have been extremely impressed by the attitudes of our students and camp staff this week. It has been very uncomfortable! Even at night, it has not cooled down. In spite of it all I have not heard anyone complain and everyone is having a blast. Not one person is allowing the heat to rob them of their fun.
Don't misunderstand me, the heat is definitely taking its toll physically in various ways. However, the attitude to endure and have fun anyway is beating the heat!
I am learning a lot about the importance of our attitudes towards negative things. When we face trials and hardships we have a choice in how we are going to handle those times and situations. We can let those things beat us down and succumb to complaining and a bad attitude, which leads to misery, or we can stay positive. We can choose to rejoice!
Isn't that what the James instructs us to do in the Scriptures? James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Pressing through uncomfortable times. These kids can teach us a lot. Challenge of the day...Choose your attitude!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Carefree Days
We are in day two of our Kid's Camp, and just returned from Stinsen Lake. We had so much fun! How could you not? We had the blob, a water trampoline, canoes, a beach, snack shack, and all kinds of fun in the sun surrounding us.
As I was observing the whole scene, I noticed that no one seem to care much about anything other than what was going on right there. No one was complaining or talking about their issues at home. No one seemed to have a bad attitude. It didn't really matter what was going on in the world and we had no means by which to find out. It was just 100% carefree living!
What a fun afternoon. It reminded me of the importance of vacations and breaking free from our daily routines. Living carefree...if it could only be this way everyday! But hey, I'll take these days as they come, and be thankful! Jesus Himself stressed the importance of becoming like a child. Let me encourage you to find time, even if it is only for a couple hours, and practice becoming like a child. Build into your schedule some time for carefree living!
As I was observing the whole scene, I noticed that no one seem to care much about anything other than what was going on right there. No one was complaining or talking about their issues at home. No one seemed to have a bad attitude. It didn't really matter what was going on in the world and we had no means by which to find out. It was just 100% carefree living!
What a fun afternoon. It reminded me of the importance of vacations and breaking free from our daily routines. Living carefree...if it could only be this way everyday! But hey, I'll take these days as they come, and be thankful! Jesus Himself stressed the importance of becoming like a child. Let me encourage you to find time, even if it is only for a couple hours, and practice becoming like a child. Build into your schedule some time for carefree living!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Kid's Camp Kick Off
It is official! S. New England Ministry Networks Kid's Camp is off and running. I love kid's camp! These high energy, fun loving, carefree, gigglers are always a great way to kick off our Summer Camp season.
These kid's always come prepared for FUN, Friendship, and of course, a pursuit of God. If you have never experienced the power of a kid's camp worship service then you have missed one of the shear joys of life. Watching these youngster sing, raise their hands, and use their energy to love on their God is just the best.
We will do our very best this week to use all available means of media to keep you fully updated on what is happening in the lives of your children this week at camp. Go to www.snedyouth.com for all the fanfare.
Please, keep these kid's in your prayers this week! Just beyond all the fun and excitement, are the tender hearts of kid's who need to know the powerful love of God in a life changing way. Your prayers are one of the ways that you can participate with us this week at camp.
Our theme for all of our camps this year is "This Changes Everything!" We believe that as these kids encounter Christs love, this could be a course setting moment for their lives. I was powerfully touched by God growing up in kid's camps. Called into ministry and baptized in the Holy Spirit. Camps are powerful!
These kid's always come prepared for FUN, Friendship, and of course, a pursuit of God. If you have never experienced the power of a kid's camp worship service then you have missed one of the shear joys of life. Watching these youngster sing, raise their hands, and use their energy to love on their God is just the best.
We will do our very best this week to use all available means of media to keep you fully updated on what is happening in the lives of your children this week at camp. Go to www.snedyouth.com for all the fanfare.
Please, keep these kid's in your prayers this week! Just beyond all the fun and excitement, are the tender hearts of kid's who need to know the powerful love of God in a life changing way. Your prayers are one of the ways that you can participate with us this week at camp.
Our theme for all of our camps this year is "This Changes Everything!" We believe that as these kids encounter Christs love, this could be a course setting moment for their lives. I was powerfully touched by God growing up in kid's camps. Called into ministry and baptized in the Holy Spirit. Camps are powerful!
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