Journey Camp '09

Yesterday, Chris King and I drove to Allaso Ranch to check out our 6th grade camp called "Journey!"  Allaso Ranch (www.allasoranch.com) is located in East Texas near Lake Hawkins.  I was struck by the beauty of nature in that part of Texas.  The wildflowers are still out and blazing with color, every plant is deep green and healthy because of spring rains and the ranch looks awesome.  The lake is full, the lazy river is flowing and it is packed with hundreds of 6th grade students.

6th graders are a unique bunch.  As my son says, "they are a tough audience."  But they were rocking and rolling last night at the worship service.  Andy Green, the junior high pastor, utilizes more drama during Journey  The kids really respond to the week long drama about students making right choices at their school.  Last night's drama focused on a cheerleader who decided not to become a captain of the cheer squad because it would interfere with Surge on Wednesday nights.  It was an effective way to teach an important message of commitment to the local church. 

During dinner, I was visiting with one of the volunteers who told me his story.  As a mid-50's fireman, he had spent years working in a part of the DFW area that was high in crime, drugs, single families and poverty.  He said that when he retired, he had lost all hope in today's teenager.  He had seen the worst and was convinced that teens had lost their way.  Then he volunteered to come to Allaso Ranch.  With a trembling voice, he told me that his faith in teenagers had been restored.  He saw teens whose lives had been changed at Allaso.  He met students who were living for God and not themselves.  He saw a church he loves students so much, it provided a beautiful facility to reach them with the gospel.

He had a smile on his face as he got up from the table to go and do his volunteer duty - maintenance of the ranch.  He thanked Fellowship Church and God for changing his mind!  This guy loves students!  What a story.  I almost lost it right there at the table as he walked away.

Pastors and parents, we can't give up on students.  They are the future and we have to do the hard work to keep them connected and energized.  Their potential is huge, not only for the local church but for our nation.  We have to parent and lead then by teaching them the precepts and principles of scripture.   

I was fired up on the way home last night.  It was awesome meeting students and volunteers.  Let's keep up the fight for the next generation!

  

Comments

[Liz]

Awesome blog, Preston! I love being a part of a church that puts so much emphasis on the next generation! Thanks for all you do!