My First Post and My First Youth Camp

I have never been much of a writer believe it or not but ever since being born again so much of life has changed thanks to the glory of God. The sacrifice made for me by Jesus made me realise that life may be challenging at times, but it is nothing compared to that sacrifice He made for me so that I could live life in the name of the King of King's and the Lord of Lord's.

So I thought maybe it's time to share my thoughts with a few people, maybe these writings could one day help someone with their challenge, or let others know of how by letting God into your heart, mind and soul that you will be rewarded with riches that are far beyond value than all of the wealth in the world. Every day though I have been confronted by challenges as a Christian, some big and some small, and sometimes this has made the path that God has shown me to follow rocky and slippery, and I have stumbled. But God's love for me, the fantastic friends that I have, the message in the scriptures and not challenging the will of God have all helped me overcome these challenges.

I know that God has been there for me every day of my life. But I also know that my relationship with God will always be a growing one: every single day He will show me something more about Him and His World that will be simply be amazing just by following His path. I will never stop loving God and I will never forget the sacrifice made for me by Jesus that has allowed me to enjoy rewards beyond that of anything in life I ever imagined.

One of these rewards was to attend Youth Camp at Tumut on the weekend just gone. Was I ever blessed to get this invite! Fantastic! Awesome! And that was just my driving! Well so my fellow travellers said.

I arrived late on the Friday night due to work but soon as I did it was great to see so many smiling and welcoming faces. I felt at home straight away and I could feel the love of God in the room, letting us all enjoy that late night cup of hot chocolate. Awesome stuff, I mean is there any better way to spend a Friday night than in the company of great friends, talking about life and God, and playing games? Nope!

It was great to share a room with a great bunch of guys too, lots of laughs and stories. Sorry Joel Taylor for keeping you up next door with all of our talk but be proud of the fact that you walked into that room with the same courage that Daniel had when he walked into the Lion's Den. The courage you showed was awesome! Made me realise that I needed to be more courageous too! Especially as a soldier of Christ Jesus.

The Saturday was huuuuugggggeeeeee! Up early for exercise, citing Ephesians 6:10 -11. A great bit of scripture that one, but hey I could be biased because to me the entire Bible is great! The exercise didn't just get the heart active, it also got the mind working. That was fantastic! Then off to morning tea and our break out session. Being in the 15+ age group we did an exercise based around our understanding of 2 Timothy 2:4.

Wow. I read that and reflected on that and the verse before it for the entire weekend. Still am in fact. It was great to hear everyone else in our group talk about what that verse meant to them, and how we as soldiers of the Lord are not going to come out of every battle with sin and temptation fit and healthy. But as soldiers we can also rely upon support from our brothers and sisters to win the battle. I know I already have relied upon the support of so many in my walk with God, and in my battles against the devil.

After that it was lunch, superbly prepared by David, and what a treat to have camp food like that! Then it was free time for a couple of hours which I spent just talking with some of the youth who provided me with inspiration for some of the battles they have already fought in life and won! You can never be too old or young to learn and to teach.

I was on dinner duties that night so I spent most of the rest of the afternoon and evening with a good friend: Joel Taylor. We had a great time in the kitchen just talking, having fun and helping others. It was an outstanding way to spend that time. Another reward from the Lord. Joel will develop into a fine leader and beacon to many one day, albeit with a very cheeky sense of humour, but he has already taught me much about myself and life. Thank you Joel for being my friend and a great mate. And you aren't too bad at cooking either from what I could tell!

The night flew past with a great service, playing lots of games and talking with friends around the campfire. Wow. It really was turning out to be a weekend to remember. I shared some great conversations with people who love God as much as me, but who also knew the beauty and fragility of life and therefore were lapping up every positive moment they could. Moments like these are to be cherished and savoured for the inspiration they provide and the reminder that right now on this planet someone else is going through a battle that to them seems impossible to win but with God in our lives nothing is impossible.

Sunday morning and more exercise thanks to those who slept in - no need to mention names but I hoped you liked my early morning wake up call! Again the day flew by with another great service, hey they are always great, and another awesome restaurant quality meal. Top stuff! Not to mention some more great times, capped off with two of the moments of the weekend for me: trampoline time with Hannah R and skimming stones with Joel T at the river. Wow, how blessed am I?! No, remind me again! Again! You got it! And I know it!

It was such a wonderful experience to attend Youth Camp. The people I attended the entire weekend with were so prepared to share their emotions, stories, experiences and love for God with me that I felt it to be an honour to be there. The organisation team of Brother and Sister Drew was awesome, the cooking of David the Legend Chef was awesome and the fellowship superb.

So many people made me feel so much love too, and in a world where too many look for excuses to hate and sin thanks to the work of the devil in their lives it was a real pleasure to be with my fellow soldiers of God and to embrace joy and love. I also know that I will never ever walk into a battle with the devil alone. I will have many with me to fight for all that is right and pure, and we will do so in the name of our Lord. And even if I fall wounded, I know from attending Youth Camp that there will be many to help me up, and I too will help them in their battles, and we all will emerge victorious in our battles and enjoy the rewards of God and embrace the love of Jesus.

Till next time God Bless you all.