First, you should hear it from me that we on youth staff love you. If you’re reading this, you’re loved. Most likely, if you’ve been here before, you’ve been prayed for multiple times this week by me, Mrs. Jamie, the interns, Ms. Sarah, your parents and others. Even if none of them prayed for you (and I know they did), then you can at least know that I did. If you think no one notices or cares about you, you’re wrong. We love you. We want God’s best for you. We want God to use you in ways you don’t even see. I’m serious about that. I love you. I think about you all the time. If you’re reading this, my wife and I probably talked about you this week and considered how God might impact you in some way.
My life revolves primarily around youth ministry. I’m involved in the music, graphics, outreach, bus and other ministries here, but my primary focus is you. I mean it. Five years ago, my wife and I moved here and jumped right into camp. Our first thing with you was camp, and we’ve never looked back. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love this class, and I love seeing God impact you through it.
I love that in your Facebook posts, you’re posting and commenting about the preaching. I love your focus. I love your attitude. I love your spirit. I’m glad that I don’t sense anyone being upset about the rules. I’m glad we don’t fight you on these things, and that you’re okay with whatever God leads us to do.
I love your desire to grow. I want to see more of that. I want you to be hungry for God’s Word, not just because the preaching will be entertaining, but because it will be life-changing.
I want God to make His will evident to you this week. I want God to call some of you men to preach. I want God to call some of you to Bible college. I want you to respond to God’s call to be more vocal about your faith at school. I want some of you to step up and be a better testimony. I want some of you “good kids” to get a real passion for God that can’t help but spread to others. I want some of you who have been “on the fence” to finally realize God’s way is the best way, and get on board. I want those of you who are in rebellion to surrender. I want those of you with bad attitudes to realize how poisonous you are, and stop. I want you that sweet-talk and back-talk your authorities to see your sin—disrespect—and stop.
I want a lot for camp. Will I get it all? That part is up to you. It’s between you and God now.