Former Campers Become JCs - JC Training, January 16-19

Letter to Prayer Coordinators for JC Training, January 16-19

Dear Prayer Family,

What a splendid and holy weekend we have had! Thanks in no small part to your prayers, God never fails to show up this past weekend at our Junior Counselor (JC) Training Camp.  Each JC Training Camp we are broken down into small groups and spend time sharing with our group those things we are struggling with so that we can pray for each other. What a joy to dispense with the atmosphere of superficiality that too often plagues fellowship, and do as James 5:16 says, “Confessing your trespasses to one another, and praying for one another, that you may be healed.” Fears, sins, and struggles, are all given up to God, and in return He pours out His healing and strength.

It is always a blessing to have former campers become JCs. To see seeds we have sown, growing with each passing year! To see fruits of the spirit, growing in abundance where previously there was hard ground. I give thanks to see Victor quoting 1 John as he prayed for a member of our group; for Daniel’s heart of service, considering the needs of others before his own; for Timothy’s decision to become leader of his school’s Bible Club this past year, and be faithful in it; for Jennifer’s quiet smile and compassion. What a joy to see their lives being transformed by Christ!

Although, we have a lot of fun at each JC Training, much of the time is occupied by Bible studies and training sessions. This weekend’s purpose is to prepare this group of young men and women for serving the Lord at Camp Alandale. As I see each year pass, and each new group of JC’s come I sometimes fear that they are only here for fun or selfish reasons. In fact, as one of the Camp Directors was sharing a story of some very difficult campers and problems we have had in the past I remember thinking, “I hope he doesn’t scare them back to their youth groups and their once a week service of God.” Yet time and time again my expectations are far surpassed and I find in these young men and women a tremendous depth of love and devotion to the Lord! I can truthfully say that I saw Christ in every single life this weekend! Thank you so much for your prayers, and please continue to pray, remembering these precious lives to the Most High God! Many of them will be serving this winter, but all of the new JCs will wait to serve until the summer. Pray for them, that their lives would be strengthened according to God’s ways!

Blessings in the name of Jesus,

Brian & the Staff at Camp Alandale