27 May Take to Give

“Kids want to go to camp. And parents want their kids to go to camp.”

That whimsical, slightly sarcastic statement, is one of my favorites from the Take to Give video we shared on Sunday.

I was both encouraged and humbled this week by your response to our Take to Give ask. As you selected your colorful numbered envelope in the lobby, many of you shared your reasons and stories for giving financially. Whether it was because others made a way for you once upon a time, you grew up going to camp and know firsthand the impact it’s had on your faith, or you have kiddos who aren’t camp age yet but decided to literally pay it forward for another young person.

Whatever your reason, thank you!

Our aim this year is to take 40 young people to camp. And all the parents said…Amen!

That’s right, in just a few short weeks our middle and high school students will head off to camp, some for the first time, others for the second or third. But all with expectations high.

Just thinking about the late night small groups, junk food, lakeside devotionals, worship, and the Blob, this year’s camp will easily find its way into the top three of summer highlights.

In addition to the ridiculous amounts of summer fun we’ll experience, we’ve asked our students to continue exercising their faith and begin praying and believing God for something specific during our time at camp. While a few are excited to get away from their hectic schedules of school, sports, and jobs and reconnect with friends. We’ve already heard hopes of,

“I want to pray for other people and see God answer.”
“I’m expecting to hear God speak to me.”
“I’m looking forward to reading my Bible daily.”

But for many of them, camp is where we see God begin to shift their faith from an immature, inherited faith to a more robust, personal faith.

And that’s a game changer.

So, if you see a middle or high school student on a Sunday this summer, ask them about camp. Go ahead, it’s okay, they won’t bite!  Here are a few simple questions to help you start the conversation: Are you going to camp? Have you been before? What are you looking forward to the most? How can I be praying for you?

Much Love,

Wendell