By Jeff Molnar
ORR--Where do teenagers shout, clap, sing, cheer and openly celebrate Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour? At the Summer Educational Program in Orr, that's where!
I have just returned from the first session of SEP, where I taught the Christian living classes. It was three of the most encouraging weeks of my ministry. I am anxious to share with our brethren that Jesus Christ and the healing that only he can bring are being preached loud and clear to the teens there.
Excitement grew as it became apparent that hearts were being softened, minds were being opened and the love of God was being spread.
Longtime camp faculty as well as Ambassador staffers mentioned that what was making the difference was the obvious emphasis on Jesus Christ in every aspect of camp life.
Jeb Egbert, camp director, stressed from the beginning that Jesus was the "center of our target," the goal we were aiming for in all activities. He asked all of the faculty and staff to be creative and intentional about preaching Jesus Christ in all activities.
For example, in all-terrain cycling campers were encouraged to sit on a bicycle with no wheels and try to ride. In basketball class they were asked to dribble a ball with no air. The point? To illustrate the principle that until you accept Jesus Christ into your life, you are not complete, not whole, not really alive or productive.
"Jesus," it was explained, "puts tires on your bike, and the air in your ball." All activities had a similar theme.
In Christian living classes I took the approach of the apostle Paul, who said, "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus and him crucified."
I wanted to share the gospel in a fun and natural way, yet make clear that Jesus was waiting for them to respond to his call. The campers were genuinely responsive to the gospel being preached to them.
My four Christian living classes were titled, "Resting in Jesus," "Nature of God," "Grace" and "Ask the Pastor." Teens were encouraged to consider their response to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in their lives, and if they hadn't already, to "confess with your mouth, `Jesus is Lord'...." It was thrilling to counsel with so many who already had, and others who were presently making that commitment.
On the final Saturday evening we had a praise service in the gymnasium. What a sight to be among so many young people who were unified and singing, clapping, shouting, standing and praising their God, without fear of being ridiculed.
I invited campers forward to give testimonials about what SEP meant to them, how they had come to know Jesus Christ better, as well as any lessons they wanted to share.
Jesus Christ and the gospel had dramatically transformed the SEP camp and all who were there.
Many exciting changes and additions are already being discussed to make Jesus Christ even more central to every aspect of camp life next year. Jeff Molnar pastors the Kalamazoo and Lansing, Michigan, churches.
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