Preston Mitchell's Blog

Revolution

Sorry about the blogging absence over the past couple of weeks.  I am in the middle of three weeks of sr. high camp at Allaso Ranch.  We are having an awesome time here meeting students, seeing lives changed and worshipping Jesus - in East Texas.  How great is that? 

The theme of our summer retreat is "Revolution!"  We're teaching students that as followers of Jesus Christ we are part of the most important Revolution in the history of the world. Jesus' Revolution is more important that the greatest Revolutions in our history - the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, women's right to vote, civil rights and on and on.  This Revolution is the only one that has eternal consequences.  This one can change a life for more than a social transformation, but a righteousness transformation. 

If we don't act like revolutionaries, do we really believe in the revolution?  I am reading "1776" and it is a fascinating study of George Washington.  Washington was know as the leader of the Revolution.  Even though the colonist's army was badly outnumbered, under equipped and highly disorganized, Washington always believed in the cause of freedom.  He spent hours doubting and questioning if he could lead the army, but he was never unsure about the cause of freedom.  Sometimes I wonder if people who claim to be Christians but present no evidence - are they really basing their lives on Jesus?  Do they really believe? 

For others who are following Christ, we need to be contagious with our Christianity.  Like the early church in Acts, we need the gospel to "rub off of us" and onto the lost. As people see our belief in the cause of Jesus Christ, we should be highly contagious to people who come into contact with us every day.  Are you contagious with the gospel?  When people see you, do they see Jesus in your manners, speech, dress and relationships?

I know I need to  be a more contagious revolutionary.  Join me as we take the battle to the next generation.  

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!

  

Camp is Coming

 I appreciate all the comments from my last post.  For those of you who disagree, that's great.  But I find it interesting that not one of you mentioned the three who were saved.  Tells me a lot!  Thanks for reading and commenting.

This weekend begins 6 weeks of summer camp for our 6-12th graders.  We have spent a lot of time in planning, praying and studying to reach these students with the gospel.  I am thankful we have our own camp now (www.allasoranch.com).  It makes everything so much easier and it's only 2 hours away. 

Please be in prayer for our camp staff led by Mark Morgan.  He has assembled a team that is ready to serve our students with unselfish love.  Chris King, Sr. High Pastor, and Andy Green, Jr. high pastor, have taken their planning to the next level.  They have assembled a great volunteer team to help make camp happen.  Cameron Mitchell, our student worship leader, has put together an intense program for six nights of praise and worship!  The rest of our jr. and sr. high staff have ramped it up to make sure that every student who shows up at camp will hear and experience the gospel of Christ. I can't wait to see God work through student's lives.  I am also excited about teaching our graduating seniors in special sessions designed just for them. 

If you are a student pastor from another church, we have a few spaces set aside for you to come and experience what we do at camp.  The cost is $500 for room and board and hanging with our staff.  If you are interested, email me at preston.mitchell@fellowshipchurch.com.  We can talk more about details.

For all of you involved in summer camps, I will be praying for you.  I know what it takes to make a camp happen and how much work it can be.  I pray God will bless your students, staff and volunteers during camp!

Happy Camping!

Allaso Ranch

One of the most exciting and significant things we have done at Fellowship Church is to build Allaso Ranch.  This is unlike any summer camp you have seen.  In fact, it is more of a resort than a camp.  It is a miracle that we have the land for the Ranch, but it's even a greater miracle how God moves in the lives of the people who come to the Ranch.  We have thousands of children and students go through Allaso Ranch every summer where they hear and respond to the gospel. Allaso has become on of my favorite get-away places.

Not only have we discovered the power of bringing people to a beautiful and secluded place to worship God, but other churches are doing it as well.  Mark Morgan, our Director, tells me that more and more churches are booking the Ranch for mens and women's ministries, student weekend retreats, business functions, athletic camps, and the list goes on and on. 

Check out www.allasoranch.com and view some of the photos!  You can also find out more information about booking Allaso for your event.  Or simply call the office at 972-471-5700 and ask for Allaso Ranch. If you are interested in taking a tour of the facility, call to set up an appointment.  Once you stay at Allaso, you will never use another retreat center or camp.