I am free!!!

Friday morning we left to head to Jr. High camp. We had a lot of kids from the SW Michigan chapter going. The Coldwater kids met here in town.... I got a smile on my face when the bus pulled up to pick us up, and kids were yelling my name out the window. :-) They were excited that I was coming this year, which was so rewarding.

The first night of camp, Wes, our speaker, gave his testimony about his parents' relationship. I think the brokenness he experienced, as well as his family, really hit home with these kids. I know it really sparked our small group's discussion that night, speaking about broken families and where is God in all of that? It is not an accident that any of those girls were at camp to hear Wes' message, nor was it an accident that Beth and I were the leaders of these girls, having pretty significant family stories. God really moved that night. The girls were so attentive and raw. They asked some deep questions. Beth and I were really excited that if they were that open with us, we were going to grow so much by the end of the week!

We did some fun activities; went to The Beach (a water park), King's Island (amusement park), had a move & groove night, a country western themed night....

But it was so incredible to see these kids amped up for worship with Ryan & his wife, Ferren. They did such a wonderful job choosing songs that were easy to learn, had dance moves, and the kids could really let loose.

Wes perfectly illustrated the last night the fall of man (sin), which is what kept us from God. Then he illustrated Jesus stepping in and hiding our sin. When he wrapped up the gospel presentation, he asked the small group leaders to come sit on the stage. He asked the kids to put their heads down, and invited them to invite Jesus into their heart, and forgive them of their sins. After he prayed, he asked them to respond by opening their eyes and making eye contact with their leader on stage if they invited Christ into their hearts for the first time. FOUR of Beth & my seven girls looked up at us. It was so exciting because you know it came from their hearts; they weren't looking around to see if their friends were looking up, they individually chose to respond. One of our girls recommitted her life as well. I cannot tell you the rush of emotion that fell upon me as these girls made eye contact. They have LIFE now! They have been given the gift of eternal life with Christ. Beth and I were absolutely beeming, and the girls noticed our joy. We got to go back to the cabin and talk with them about their decisions and pray with them. I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to be one of God's instruments in their lives this week. Thank You, Jesus! Beth and I are going to encourage the girls to read one chapter of John a week, and get them together to discuss our growth/struggles once a week. These are some hurting girls, and I praise God that He loves us through our pain. I thank Him for their friendship; that they may grow closer together through their similar struggles.

What an incredible week....... please continue to pray for each and every single one of these kids as their RUSH and excitement may dull as they return home. May they remember what they learned and camp and really apply it to their lives every day.....

I am free to run!
I am free to dance.
I am free to live for You!
I am free!!!!!