40 Days

Oy. In the days leading up to CAMP, I wondered that if the sky were to fall, would I know? It's really quite possible that I wouldn't have. I would have been working away in my office, unaware of the goings on outside. Meatballs and spaghetti and ice cream and jell-o could have been piled outside my window, but all I would have seen was CAMP.

I'm SO not complaining. I really love the excitement leading up to the event. It's so busy and so full of people and so wait-to-be-organized and so that-needs-to-be-done-now-why-are-you-looking-at-me-like-that crazy.

But it's July 22, and CAMP is over for another year. However, it's not done. Each student who went to CAMP received a CAMP booklet with 40 days of devotionals and a challenge packed inside. Not only are we encouraging students to follow through with their devotionals, but we are asking you to be involved. Today is Day 8. Ask your student which judge of the Bible killed folks with an ox goad. Then ask him/her what a goad is. Read the story of Rahab (a favorite of mine) and talk about the people God uses. Move to the story of Jericho. And on. Model for your student Hosea's 7/24 challenge. Then guide your student as he/she partakes in it.

Please visit Nate's blog for devotionals. Days 1-5 have been posted.

Julie Johnson, Ridgecrest Baptist Church

Pray.

Once our CAMPers made it past the parking lot last night, I went home, ate and watched some "Billy the Exterminator." Maybe not the brightest spot on TV, but it worked. One of the clients was a Methodist church in Louisiana. No matter your church background, I think you'll agree that "church" brings with it church language. Please hear me, I'm not saying church words are wrong. I know God blesses me. I know people pray for me. Etcetera. Sometimes, though, words can just be words. Below is a list of ways to pray for our students and sponsors and leaders at CAMP. Please don't allow these words just to be words.

1. Pray that God moves among rbcstudents and hears the prayers being prayed, whether those prayers are for forgiveness, encouragement, healing, whatever. Pray that God continues to pursue.

2. Pray that God weighs heavily on those who are not saved. In case you aren't aware, not all of our students are Christians. This may be your son. Or your daughter's best friend. Some of our students want nothing to do with Jesus. Yet, they are at CAMP. Pray that their ears are open and their hearts respond.

3. Pray that God uses rbcstudents. The start to CAMP was not nearly as smooth as it could have been. No matter the reason, I know God uses irritable moments. Our students and adults have stories to share. Pray that God will present moments for those stories to be used for His glory. Pray, too, that rbcstudents be filled with courage. Pray that they be willing. Pray that they open their mouths and that others listen. Pray that fierceness will continue after CAMP and that rbcstudents will be hope for family, friends and personal circles of influence.

4. Pray for safety and health and that, even during play, God is the focus and the tie that binds.

5. Pray on behalf of the bus drivers who are excited about the weekend, the band, speaker, teachers and tech folks.

a reminder

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.