For the second time during last year have we organized evangelistic youth camp. We decided to name this camp “Exit”, because the name itself says about the goals that we, as a church, set today in front of us. We believe that we, as the Church of Christ on Earth, have a very clear purpose – to point each person at Christ, as the only God-given “exit” from the hopeless, desperate and sinful life. Exactly with this was busy Christ on Earth, and we as a church, are called to continue His work until the day of His return.
We are working hard to make all the time, spent in the camp, and its program to guide to consistent and clear presentation of the Gospel for those who have not heard about it or just do not understand it. For this purpose, in addition to the entertaining part of the camp, we address such people to the Holy Scripture, in order to allow God to speak to the hearts of those who do not know Him.
As we can now see, our last winter camp was a great blessing for many of its participants. More than a half of the people in the camp never faced the Gospel, and it was evident that the Good News has made many wondering. The atmosphere in the discussion groups and during the service gives me reasons to say with confidence that God’s grace does the Holy work and changes many hearts. At the end of the camp young people shared their impressions, here are some recalls that I would like to highlight:
“I have learned more about God, about Jesus Christ. My understanding of the Bible and faith is turned upside down now. From this point on I want to know God more.”
“I want God to change my heart. I sincerely wish to change my life by putting God on the first place. I want to rely on Him, to trust that He will lead me throughout my life, to rely on His will and kindness in all my deeds, words and thoughts. I believe that God will change my life.”
“Fortunately, due to this camp Lord has opened my eyes on the most important truth in my life, He has put me on the salvation way through faith in Jesus Christ. I would like to accept Jesus into my heart and live with His love in my heart. I want to change my attitude to life, I do not want to spend my life so frivolously and pointlessly. I understand that after camp I will return to my usual living environment, but I also believe that the Lord has brought me in this camp for a certain kind of reason. “
These and other comments bring us, organizers of the camp, great pleasure from what we do and in what we invest our time, efforts and souls. We notice how such camps serve ourselves. We preach the Gospel not only to others, but to ourselves as well, experiencing again Its beneficial effects in our own lives. Each day I become more convinced that such evangelistic events are the “blood of the Church”, if the spirit of preaching the Gospel is not running through the arteries of the Church – the Church starts to die, forgets Its purpose and weakens on Earth.
Our immense gratitude to the Lord for that He allows such camps to be, and that He provides us with the opportunity to fulfill His mission. Besides, we express our grateful thanks to the people who donate finances and pray for the camp. We see and believe that our common work is not in vain.
