Summer Camp

Change is often scary and regularly unpredictable… So is it really a surprise that God consistently uses change to teach us major life lessons!? 

For me another chapter in my life (and the heart of our student ministry) of change took place this summer.  Over the last handful of years (several decades for our senior pastor) New Beginnings has attended the same camp: FallsCreek!!  For many the name alone conveys spirit filled emotion and life changing memories of “that summer” experience (myself included… Class of ’92 on the deck of the First Baptist-Enid Cabin deck).  Sometimes consistency is key to ministry and yet sometimes change is another step in the discipleship process.  For us (New Beginnings), we took a new turn this year and stepped out in faith waiting to see what God would do with our obedience!!    

After calling and visiting dozens of camps within 4 hours of Tulsa we landed on one camp and crossed our fingers that they had an open week…to our surprise they did and planning began!!  Almost a year later students, leaders and even some parents loaded up buses and headed out to Camp Big Cedars for our first ever all New Beginnings led Summer Camp. 

If it was only that easy!!  No, planning everything from food to a 16 hour day of activities is not something done lightly… Throw in discipleship training and a focus in everything we do and you have a combination for a headache (and possible ulcers)!!  But after the countless hours of praying, thinking, discussing, planning, changing it all over again and repeat the process we had the plan and could only sit back and watch God do amazing things.  AND HE DID!!

Our students didn’t just play and compete BUT encouraged each competitor and loved each other every step of the way!!

Our students didn’t just sing songs and listen to a talk BUT worshiped with their whole hearts and allowed the Spirit to impact their souls!!

Our families didn’t just join us for a night of fun and pictures BUT prayed and caught a vision for Deuteronomy 6:4-9 faith for the home!!

Our group didn’t just spend a week together and develop a camp high BUT created something deeper as a group and restless passion to ‘Change’!!

May God continue to move in the hearts of each of our students… May our families make the time to continue the faith talks from camp… May we all look for ways to serve in our areas of influence... May our church continue seeking God’s plan for the home… May all of us have the courage to ‘change’ what is necessary, settling for nothing short of 100% Jesus!!

To see all the pictures for 

NBHighSchool Summer Camp 2013 click here!!