Clay in the Hands

This morning we are off to camp.  We have 11 boys ranging from 12 to 14 – all headed to youth camp.  I can remember the days of my youth and the trips to camp.  They were always one of the highlights of my summer.  And looking back, those days still hold wonderful memories.  It was at youth camp that I first played guitar and sang for an audience.  It was at another youth camp that my buddy and I took the competition in a talent show where we showcased one of our original songs.  Unfortunately, the world of the 80’s just wasn’t interested in reviving Simon and Garfunkel with a Christian twist (for those of you born after 1975, Google them, I am sure they were cool at some point before I could walk).

It was also at camp that I felt God speaking to me – telling me I needed to pursue ministry as a vocation.

Yep, some really good memories from church camp.

So today, we load up 11 boys and head to camp where they will mingle with 400 others students they won’t know – at least not at first.  We will all claim a bunk and settle in (nothing like trying to sleep when you have 11 boys their age all in the same room).  I pray there is air conditioning!

But despite the heat and the possible frustrations of dealing with junior high boys, I am really excited about all of this; because at this camp, God’s word will be taught.  At this camp, relationships will be mended and strengthened.  At this camp, lives will be changed.  At this camp God will move as never before experienced by some of these students.  And I have to tell you – I am pumped!

Now, where did I put those earplugs?!