PYV Summer Camp 2016 - day 4

It was a bit foggy this morning

The rain came yesterday, but the cabins were still warm, even a little uncomfortable. Or perhaps it was just me who didn't have a great night's sleep. Either way, I was up early to get ready for our leader's meeting. Today it was Clinton's turn to lead our devotion and he did so by reading from a children's book that helps children see the big picture of the Bible. We do well to start helping our children to see the Old Testament as much more than a collection of moral stories. 

Our prayer meeting was smaller today, which might reflect the fact that people are feeling more tired as the camp goes on. Nonetheless it was a good gathering of people to pray. 

After another great breakfast our study groups meet again to discuss what we heard from the sermon the night before. As we answered some questions about Moses and his encounter with God at the burning bush, we saw not only that God was able to answer the objections Moses had, but we also saw the connection between Moses' experience and our own. Moses was reluctant to be God's spokesman to Pharaoh and most of us feel the same. "Send someone else." 

But as we compare what Moses was told in Exodus 3&4, with the instruction and promise we have for the disciples of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20 we found the same promises - we go in the authority of Jesus and we go with the assurance of his presence with us. This should be a great encouragement for us all. 

The morning activities had groups running around the campsite looking for princesses and other cartoon based prizes. The weather was closing in but we were able to get through the activities without being disrupted. 

Today's timetable is different to other days and we had our worship session in the afternoon. During the session we heard a great testimony from our camp convener. God is at work in our lives. 

Part of theYouthMETRO Crew

I missed the sermon today as I went to sit in with the YouthMETRO crew. This group of young people are learning what it is to have a ministry mindset and how to put it into action. This afternoon they were doing some evangelism training and I was witnessed to by a team of them. It's encouraging to hear this group taking some solid steps in sharing their faith. Please pray that what they share with their friends will reap a harvest. 

Tonight we had another session with our study groups. This time our focus was what happened to the Israelites when Moses began to speak with Moses. Basically, it doesn't go well for them. But really this doesn't last for ever. Again, we were able to see the relevance of this for our own lives. We were able to also see the fulfilment of those promises in Jesus. (Romans 8:28)

"You can do it!"

Then with the weather cooling and dry, our evening activities could go ahead without any need to worry about changing our plans. I'd like to explain what was happening with this event but I missed the explanation of the rules and when I went out to watch, it looked like a big game of capture the flag and rugby union (without the tackling). The boys in my dorm certainly enjoyed it. 

My dorm is made up of some of  the young men who are heading into year 11/12 next year. I have greatly enjoyed the conversations that have happened in this room and the encouragement that has been shared. There's been a whole lot of laughter as well. 

Now we prepare for New Year's Eve. It should be fun.