Camp beckons
As I mentioned earlier, my mind hasn't switched into Malaysia mode yet, as I'm quite wrapped up in preparations for next week. I'm being a leader (for the first time) on Casterton 1, a CYFA venture in...Casterton! Which is in the Lake Distruct. The members are aged between 11 and 14, and the week presents a wonderful opportunity for the gospel, as they put it, "in the context of a cracking holiday".
I went last year as an Assistant leader which involved much dishwashing, practical help and organising games. We also had our own teaching programme which included a Bible overview, Bible skills session and an evening study in Colossians. It was an amazing week for several reasons. Firstly, the week was a significant milestone in my Christian life. I can't put my finger on why, undoubtably it had to do with our AL teaching stream. Secondly, I realised what a great joy gospel work is. Without a doubt, the highlight of the week was not the crazy games, Lake District scenery or even the AL team-bonding. It was simply being in the same room as young people hearing the good news. It was so exciting to witness a new generation being shown God's way both by the talks/bible studies and by the behaviour and testimonies of the Christians running the camp. We were told to see our work doing washing up and cleaning as part of the Kingdom work because it was giving the Dorm leaders time for personal work with their 'members'. And Thirdly it was just hoards of fun. I'd encourage any Christian student to get involved in one of these AL programmes - you won't regret it!
As I think about this year, being part of a dorm is quite scary. That said, my dorm has five leaders and eight members so please pray that we can work well together. And please pray for the kids we will be spending the week with, that some of them might come to know Jesus, and those who profess would grow and mature as we prepare to teach them the implications of the lordship of Christ in their lives. I'll be leading a Bible study on John 11, and would appreciate prayer as I prepare that, that I would be faithful to the passage and tailor the study appropriately at this age group. The personal work side of things will be new to me, and pray that the friendships would make conversations possible and natural.
I went last year as an Assistant leader which involved much dishwashing, practical help and organising games. We also had our own teaching programme which included a Bible overview, Bible skills session and an evening study in Colossians. It was an amazing week for several reasons. Firstly, the week was a significant milestone in my Christian life. I can't put my finger on why, undoubtably it had to do with our AL teaching stream. Secondly, I realised what a great joy gospel work is. Without a doubt, the highlight of the week was not the crazy games, Lake District scenery or even the AL team-bonding. It was simply being in the same room as young people hearing the good news. It was so exciting to witness a new generation being shown God's way both by the talks/bible studies and by the behaviour and testimonies of the Christians running the camp. We were told to see our work doing washing up and cleaning as part of the Kingdom work because it was giving the Dorm leaders time for personal work with their 'members'. And Thirdly it was just hoards of fun. I'd encourage any Christian student to get involved in one of these AL programmes - you won't regret it!
As I think about this year, being part of a dorm is quite scary. That said, my dorm has five leaders and eight members so please pray that we can work well together. And please pray for the kids we will be spending the week with, that some of them might come to know Jesus, and those who profess would grow and mature as we prepare to teach them the implications of the lordship of Christ in their lives. I'll be leading a Bible study on John 11, and would appreciate prayer as I prepare that, that I would be faithful to the passage and tailor the study appropriately at this age group. The personal work side of things will be new to me, and pray that the friendships would make conversations possible and natural.
posted by Greg Tarr @ 9:34 PM
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