Monday
Opening session of Youth Camp at Camp Table Rock. So excited to see all that God wants to do in the hearts and minds of our students and sponsors.
#2022Illinoisdistrictyouthcamp
Tuesday
Tuesday morning is off to a great start – it is a beautiful morning. After breakfast, the students had 30 minutes of One and One time with Jesus. Then to Scripture memorization and Media challenge before a time of praise and worship. Then Pastor Rick brings the first workshop session on leadership – STEP UP or SHUT UP, Leading with a radical faith!
Wednesday
Wednesday night service – praise and worship
Quote of the night. Time to get out of the water…… Students called to answer God’s call!
Thursday
The final night of camp was a God moment and movement of God in the lives and hearts of the 146 students and sponsors.
The final message from Brett Armstrong was a challenge to walk with God one breath, one step, one day at a time. It was a look at the journey of the Israelites and how God continued to walk with them through the good and the bad.
There are a few pictures of the worship and the message.
At the conclusion of the message, everyone was asked to walk in quietness to the outdoor amphitheater. As we walked, we were challenged to reflect on the steps of Jesus as he walked to the cross; to bear the punishment for our sins; to reflect on His love for each of us to be willing to make the journey to death and the grace to defeat satan and provide the ultimate sacrifice……..
There are a couple of pictures of the journey and just getting started – after that, the moment was too sacred for pictures but a special moment of the presence of God, preparing to take the Holy Sacrament of Communion.
After a song and the reading of Scripture, time was given for heart examination and time to physically act on our faith. Many students trekked up the steep and rocky slope to a table to write on a piece of paper their struggle, their concern or even just their name and place it on a wooden cross or to throw into a fire. Many went to some of the leaders to be anointed with oil and prayed over for healing – physical, emotional, spiritual.
When they were ready, hearts forgiven, life committed, they made their way to the table to receive the bread and cup.
The time closed with a closing song of praise and to the cabins for their last night of cabin Devo’s.
Can’t wait to hear all that God does in the the lives of these students and adults as they return to the mission field where they live – their homes, their schools, their towns and their churches to live out their faith in God.
Thank you for your prayers throughout the week.
Thank you to the incredible staff of Camp Table Rock and Executive Director Rick Pearson.
Friday
Friday morning BLITZ. This a a team competition . Each team selects one participant and help the study and prepare for the BLITZ. These are questions over the leadership material presented each morning. It included memorized Scripture and leadership principles. The final four participate in ULTIMATE BLITZ. James Weber, representing the 11th and 12th grade boys won. Mary McClain, representing Barbara’s Mantees (someone can let us know the correct team name. 
Camp speaker comments
Summary of messages presented at youth camp this past week. It was a great week. Next year’s dates are June 26-30, 2023. Put it on your calendar now! See that it is on the church calendar! For all participants of NYC, camp cost are already covered.
Loved spending the week at Camp Table Rock speaking to the Illinois District. Ashly was the camp nurse and the boys got to be with us and hang out with Pa ( Terry) and Bebe (Becky)!
Been out of full-time youth ministry for a while but this time with these students was life giving and such a blessing.
Our series was LIVING WATER: From the Surface to the Deep.
We had 4 parts:
Above the Water – the Spirit of God is present over and unaffected by the chaos and confusion and emptiness in our lives and is in those places which new life iis created!
On the Water – God calls away from our comfort zones of security (off the land, out of the boat, and into the chaos & confusion). And success happens when we keep our eyes on Jesus instead of the things we can’t control.
In the Water – we run from God or choose to oppose God out of fear of failure, loss, change, and the unknown. We must choose to trust God more than our own sense of justice, passion, or vision.
Through the Water – Finally, we all travel an uncertain, perilous, and difficult road but with Christ it’s one towards a promised possibility, fortunate future, and total transformation. And we get there ONE BREATH, ONE STEP, ONE DAY AT A TIME. What’s your next step!??!
#youthcamp#churchcamp#camptablerock