The final morning of any camp always has the added need to
pack up your belongings. But with the leader’s meeting at 7.00am that packing
will need to wait until after breakfast for me.
These meetings have been opened with a devotion from our
pastoral care team, and it has been good to start the day with a Bible reading
and some encouragement from what has been read. I want to give a huge thanks to
our pastoral team who were great and proactive encouragers to leaders and campers
through the camp. Our camp parents, Stuart & Belle McKerrow, have been
enthusiastic attendees at every West Camp (I think) and their long presence
here makes a difference. Brad Haughey and Lori Pereira as our leader’s
chaplains were fantastic. It wasn’t unusual to see either of them talking with
or praying with one of our leadership team right through the camp.
At this meeting we were all pleased to hear of two girls who
had been converted at camp. Praise God for what He is doing amongst the young
people of our churches. Please be praying for these girls and for those who
will be discipling them.
Some of our leaders needed to leave camp early this morning to
get back to University. I am thankful that these good people gave up the time
that they could to commit to a very full weekend before a long drive to Uni on
Monday morning. (Wouldn’t it have been nice if the universities and schools all
had a holiday week together?) We still had enough leaders to keep everyone safe
– and I should also acknowledge those leaders who used annual leave to ensure
they could be here right through the camp.
Our final worship session included another book review, this
time on ‘The Heavenly Man’. We normally have a book stall on our camps, and would
always encourage people to be reading good books. What have you read this year?
We opened the scriptures to Romans 8 and my preaching today
was “Freedom from Condemnation”. If you read Romans 8:1-17 you will see a
wonderful comparison made between the impact of the law of sin & death, and
the law of the Spirit. In making a list of both, it would just make good sense
to follow the law of the Spirit and life rather than the law of sin and death.
I also urged the young campers to grasp the wonder and freedom of this and live
teenage lives committed to Christ. Even in an age like this, where sin is as
attractive and easy as ever, teenagers CAN live to the glory of God.
We also had the chance to answer some questions. Some were
more difficult than others! It’s good to know that our teenagers are wrestling
with some aspects of Biblical teaching and what it means for them. We also hope
that in doing so, they do not lose sight of the bigger themes of Scripture –
God’s sovereignty and salvation in Jesus.
Our final study again used the COMA format and gave youth
the opportunity to read through this passage and write down some statements or
themes that stood out for them. I have enjoyed listening to my study group
reveal the things that they found interesting. It wasn’t always a common theme
in the group, but everyone had something to share. Having made those
observations, it is then important to take the next steps and consider what
this passage means, and then to consider how it applies to us in the here and
now.
Our final lunch together was a simple meal of ‘make your own
sandwiches’, which is in my mind, one of the best things for a final meal
together. Even better if there is a meal that means no dishes to wash! I want
to mention our cooks for West Camp 17. Vern & Jo Wheaton travelled from the
far west to serve us at camp. With a couple of helpers, they prepared, cooked
and served some magnificent meals. The standard of meat at this camp was
sensational, and the fact that it was cooked so well helped. If you would like
to know more about Vern & Jo and what they are doing have a look at their
website - wheatonsstore.com.au/ You could be enjoying some of this delicious produce at your place
too.
During lunch we were able to express our thanks to Vern
& Jo, and then I was also given some rather dubious gifts as a thank you
for preaching. Thank you, Toby, for thinking of me in this way.
And then it was over. Everything was packed into the trailer
and into the cars. Campers and leaders climbed into cars and vans and drove
away. I took the chance to visit a dear friend in Stawell and some family in
Ballarat, so it was a long drive home, but importantly it was a good drive. No
issues with the trailer on this camp!!
Thank you for praying for us. God is good. Jesus saves.
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