This year at Grand Oak's was probably the best associational camp I have been involved with since I was a young man many years ago. There were 12 salvations, 2 for special prayer, 2 for special service and 24 re-dedications...40 total decisions. I would like to personally thank all the staff, Bible teachers, camp pastor (Chris Cox), mission leaders, cooks, praise band, and directors for giving up their time to make a difference in the lives of the young people living in the towns in our HBA (Heartland Baptist Association). A BIG thank you to those brave ladies that attended to the mission friends (babies and young children) while their parents served in camp in many capacities. Below are a few photos of last night and this morning.
At our campfire service last night, our seniors were honored and were lifted up in prayer as they all prepare to set off for college later on this month. A side note to this was worth the whole week at camp. There was one young man, 16 years old, named Thomas who was in my cabin. He arrived at camp without a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...but left camp with the best friend he will ever have in his life. He came forward and spoke with me when the invitation hymn was played. I ask him why he came forward and he said he didn't know. I had shared with my group on Tuesday the way to use the Share Jesus Without Fear method of finding out the spiritual condition of some one they would encounter. So I cut to the chase and ask him the fourth question: "If you died tonight and stood before God, and God ask you, Thomas, why should I let you into my Heaven? What would you say?" No answer,...so I just said, "do you know that you would go to heaven if you died tonight?" He said "no." "Would you like to take care of that problem in your life tonight?" "Yea," he said. So on August 7, 2008 at approximately 9:45 pm, a young man named Thomas at Grand Oak's Camp, died... to himself and made the most important decision of his life he made Jesus the Lord and Savior of his life. How totally humbling it is when God chooses you to be the one to tell some one that searching for meaning in their life about His one and only son, Jesus Christ.
A candid photo of the 11 senior high school young men in my cabin during the morning opening.
The senior girls took down the flag this morning ending this 2008 HBA week at Grand Oak's.
A candid photo of the 11 senior high school young men in my cabin during the morning opening.
The senior girls took down the flag this morning ending this 2008 HBA week at Grand Oak's.
Loading up the van to head for Cameron. Thanks, Bennie!!!
Casey and I arrived first, so we started unloading the youth's luggage.
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2 comments:
Thanks for commenting and adding me! I had a really awesome time at camp. I mean, I had always seen you over the past few years, but it was really great actually getting to know you.
You have really encouraged me to get excited about throwing the seeds and want to get involved in ministry with you as much as the LORD will allow.
I was totally praying for Thomas all this week. I was praying like crazy, and I was so excited when he went forward Thursday night. I just about burst into tears myself! PRAISE GOD!
Say Crazy.
John, it just totally trips my trigger when some one repents the way Thomas did. When He prayed to receive Christ, it was right from his heart...You would have burst into tears, I did...wish you could have heard his prayer. Like I said the whole week was worth his decision to follow Jesus.
Prayer Warriors like you and Tanner are hard to find at any age.When you told me both of you had been praying for him, all I could think of was the scripture that speaks to what you did...John 14:13-14.
Hope to see you Saturday.
Keep throwing the seeds.
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