It was fun to camp. And we greatly appreciate having a bed to sleep in tonight! The weekend was full and good, and the Lord brought many strands together and wove them into a beautiful picture - one which we had the privilege of being part of.
Pete & Angie, the youth pastors who organised the weekend, felt that the Lord was directing them to not plan the teaching or theme for the weekend, and to trust Him to lead and bring what was needed at the right time. It was a wonderful thing to see faith in action! On Friday night a leader from another youth group shared a great introductory testimony and message about the potential each young person has, and a number of things that can hinder that potential being realised. God stirred in Christine and she shared on Saturday morning on the need to become desperate to know Jesus. Bringing testimony and looking at some of the miracles Jesus' worked, she asked "Do you know Jesus?" On Saturday evening the Lord had me share about the battle we are born into, the need to know our destiny & purpose to walk the narrow path and how we respond to suffering, based around a scripture in Exodus 1:12 "But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew".
On Sunday morning we joined the local congregation for their Sunday service, which was a communion service, and in the evening, Miriam and Alyssa emphasised the call to be surrendered, set-apart from the world and given to a life of worship and prayer, through what the Lord has been doing in them and speaking to them. Jonnie wrapped up the evening by bringing some of the strands together and calling for each person to respond to Jesus' call to them. As hearts responded to God, it was precious and glorious to see His faithfulness to have brought all things together. All glory belongs to Him.
Today, having had fun taking down our tents in gale force winds (which saw one young lad having to run hard across the field after his tent!), we packed up, helped with some clearing up and then were released to head home, which this week is with Hilarie and Maureen. It was good to shower and do laundry, then after spending some time reading Hosea and Joel together, we either napped or worked through the afternoon.
We are looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow - I am falling asleep writing this! Thank you for your prayers for us.
We love you & thank God for you.
Clare
Dearest All,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your wonderful updates - it's great reading your blog entries and seeing from the photos what God has done - praise Him for His awesome faithfulness and love in response to your obedience and trust!
I pray that the seeds which have been sown in all of you at the camp will bear fruit! 'Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, 100 times more than was sown..........But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop' Luke 8 vs 8 & 15.
much love and hugs Alison