The first day of Youth Camp is over. It was a good day ... long, but good. It began at 6am and ended a little more than an hour ago. Eight hours on the road was actually good because I was able to spend it with my son, Gabriel. Gabe and I talked most of the way. It's amazing what you can learn when you spend eight hours listening to your teenager. You'll learn what they are feeling, what they are going through, what they are learning, and what they are thinking. You'll learn what they think about their peers, the opposite sex, God, and if you listen long enough you'll even find out what they think about you. The trip is already worth it. Spending that time with him is (as the commercial say) ... priceless.
The day ended with me in front of 500 young people for 45 minutes. I talked to them about sin. David was a man after God's own heart because, somewhere along the way, he learned how to deal with his sin. Even after the most devastating sin of his life (the Bathseba affair and Uriah murder), David knew where to go. He fell on his face before God, and because he did we have Psalm 51. Re-read it, it is ... priceless.
After the sermon was over many young people came to the front to ask God to deal with their sin. They were asking God to "pull the covers" off of their sin and heal their hearts. Many of them were crying as they felt God's healing hands and forgiving embrace. It was ... priceless.
Pray that my body, mind and soul will stay strong through 5 sermons in four days. Pray that God will continue to move. Pray that HIS spirit will be evident and that HE will get all the glory!
blessings,
pastor ellis
Hello Pastor Ellis:
Yes, the days of Mt.Lebanon! What incredible God-memories! I went there as a GA from 3rd-6th...as an Acteen through 10th grade..then I had to work in the summer..I pray for the youth that HAVE to work in the summer-I pray that they are able to go-I pray that they share they want to go but are unable-I pray that they are not ashamed to ask for help-I was able to go back as a senior-praise Him! It wasn't because I asked, my sunday school teacher took notice-her name, Ms. Love-Isn't God amazing!
Posted by: ruby | July 25, 2006 at 08:25 AM