Youth Camp Blessings

(After our youth camp in July, I was asked to write a report for "Believers Newsletter" in New Zealand. I thought I'd share it here, too, before the year was out! I have omitted names for privacy. Enjoy!)

Long before camp actually started, the expectation began building in the air. As friends began arriving from interstate, New Zealand, Germany, UK and even the US, the anticipation only mounted. We knew the Lord would move in our midst and speak to us in a special way. The Lord certainly did not disappoint!

A pastor of the fellowship in Auckland was the main speaker, taking four of the services.The pastor of the Melbourne fellowship, preached for two of the meetings. Every service only seemed to build on the one proceeding, continuously increasing faith and appreciation for God’s love for us. The Word came in simplicity and power, with a great emphasis on who we are in Christ, our position and authority over the enemy, and the victory and perfection Christ has already purchased for us. It was so wonderfully encouraging as the Word was opened and took each one deeper in their revelation and understanding of the power of the Word.

On Friday and Saturday afternoons, a series of activities was enabled to enable the youth to get to know each other better. Three groups were formed, and after much deliberation, were given the names “The Disciples,” “Joseph’s Ultimate Perfection” and “The Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” Each person was asked to introduce the one sitting next to them, which often resulted in some hilarious responses! Each group formed a list of what they considered to be the top ten pressures facing young people today. The lists were compiled to form one master list, and the reasons and way of escape for each one was discussed. On Saturday, each group had to come up with a skit to act out its namesake. Given only a short time to develop a storyline and rehearse, we were forced to improvise, which only made it even more fun. Awards were given to the Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Skit, and after “Joseph’s Ultimate Perfection” almost took all three, they were distributed more evenly.

However, the highlight for many, without a doubt, was the final service of the camp.  As not everyone was able to stay for the final night, no ministry was planned for this night, and the young people were invited to share testimonies and items. One after the other, young brothers and sisters testified of God’s goodness in their lives, giving witness of events in which only God could undertake, of missing passports returned, of His provision to confess iniquity, miraculously providing wonderful exam results in less than wonderful conditions, of deliverance from depression, of salvation from sin, of filling with the Holy Ghost, and of healing. 

As the last item was sung, a sweet atmosphere hung in the room. In such an atmosphere of faith, knowing that if God had done so many wonderful things, He could surely meet any need in that room that night, the young people laid hands one on another and prayed for each other. United in such a spirit of prayer, many were touched by the Lord. The brother who was called upon to close in prayer could barely speak for the anointing of the Lord. As the final strains of “Till We Meet” faded, instead of turning to go, most fell on their knees and on their faces, as the Holy Ghost moved in what felt like waves rolling over the building. Many said afterwards that they were unable to even speak or pray anything except to softly whisper the name of Jesus. Such an atmosphere was very difficult to leave.

Our Lord Jesus has been so very gracious to us to bless us in such a powerful way, and to Him be all glory for the goodness He has shown to His children.

Photos: Sunrise at youth camp