This Is Why.

We work long hours. We don't get a lot of sleep. We have a good time. We work at youth camp. We dedicate an entire month to be here.  It's more than late night pizza, more than competitive rec games, more than being with friends. It's much, much more than that.



Junior High 1 camp- 500 teenagers from across MN


There are people that spend their lives trying to share hope and love with these kids. We try to provide a week where the youth of our culture can escape from their lives. They can be away from pressures, addictions, even some of their homes. A place where they can hear about hope- that there's more to life than depression, peer pressure, anger, hurt, frustration, hopelessness- you name it, it's there.

I stepped back and just watched in this service- completely overwhelmed at this group of students. I couldn't help but think wow. God you are good, so good. There is nothing like being in a room with 500 passionate teenagers.

There is nothing quite like the moment where you see a student find God for the first time. Where walls are broken down. Where addictions are kicked. You wouldn't even believe what a 12 year old goes through. It a beautiful thing to see a spark in their eyes. Watching their tears fall from their eyes as pain melts away from their hearts. What has God done in your life this week?

This is our next generation. They are our future leaders. Next time you see a teen, smile at them. Encourage them. Believe in them. Tell them you love them for them. Tell them that God loves them and cares about them. Don't look down on them because of what they have done or because they are young. If I haven't been given a second glance at that age, I don't know where I would be today.

If they don't have a good foundation set today, what will tomorrow look like? If we don't set a higher standard for these kids, who will? How will they know they don't have to go down a broken road? Why can't they return to a child-like innocence?

I can't believe how I have changed. I've have fallen in love with them. All of them. I pray for them. I cry for them. And I don't even know them. My husband's passion and burden for them have consumed me. God, teach me how to love them more through thick and thin, prepare me for my future.

Change your perspective. You might be saving a life.

This is why we do what we do.

It's day 2 of Senior One. 1 week left after this one. Keep us in your prayers.

Happy Tuesday!

{S}