Rather you are reading this late tonight or early tomorrow night good news, your babies will be home in a few more hours. I know you have all missed them but they have made some life changing decisions that I hope will make a change in all of your homes as well as our church.
I first want to start off by thanking God for allowing April and I to see camp Wilds through 2 different perspectives, first as a camper and now as a sponsor. It is a big difference as you get to see things that you didn't even know goes on. One of the great things about the Wilds is that since 12 years ago since we last was on the site many things have changed all for the better. There's new activities, more places with A/C, new buildings, and many more improvements that have made the camp better. But the great thing is as the camp has made many changes, there mission remains the same, and the even greater thing is that the same God that was here 12 years ago when I was last here is still working the same way and has not changed at all. I'm so glad I serve a never changing God. It has been a true pleasure to come back up here as a sponsor to the greatest kids in the World.t
Let me get into the day. All of the kids are doing great, today was the day they had the most free time, so Dale went tubing with a group of them, April and I played putt-putt with one, and we all stood around and talked from time time as we seen each other, it's really a more relaxed day. It seems like the kids really got to enjoy their free time. It gives us leaders a chance to connect with them which all of us teen leaders absolutely love.
Today also we had 3 services morning chapel, christian life seminar, and evening chapel.
This week in morning chapel they have been studying 2 Timothy today was the only one I was able to catch but it was about being a Faithful Servant and there was many good points but the evangelist Andy Gleiser said something that really stuck out "Victory over sin is fighting and not quitting", and I pray that all of us always fight and never quit.
Christian life seminar was another great message which talked about social media, and the impact it can have on our lives both positive and negative. Social media can be a great witnessing tool to others so we need to be careful what we post and reply too because there are many people watching our lives.
Then tonight was a very special service that happens at the wilds every Friday night and that is the Fireside service. Preacher Gleiser began the service with a great message about the Choice of New Generations: Giving Self to God using 2 Kings 2 and how Elijah was called up and Elisha was left, but he was the new generation to carry on the gospel and we see in Elisha the willingness and how we need to have that same willingness to serve.
Then finally the fireside service it is sooooo special 12 years ago I participated in it, and tonight I got to do it again. As the service began Matt Herbster spoke on how the stick represents your crooked no good life and you throw it into the fire symbolizing that you are giving your life to God. And how we all need to just give our lives to God 100%. Also Herbster closed the service by saying that the Wilds is special but you can also make home a special place where you can grow as a Christian. It's simple and in a nutshell the Wilds eliminates distractions so at home we need to eliminate distractions, so I ask you parents help your kids eliminate those distractions and they can really Grow close to God.
Sorry this is so long but it has been 12 years since April and I have been here and I thank God for the opportunity words can't describe what these few days have meant for April and I and we look forward to coming again. This has been truly special to see camp as a camper and now as a sponsor, but the greatest thing is God's hand is on this place. This place is so special too April and I, and you don't realize how special it is until you've missed for over decade, I just thank God for this place.
