Church Camp

The One Phrase The Church Needs To Retire This Christmas

/ Alex Doriot / 2 Comments

394824_10152361249895427_1009312309_nIf a bell rings and no one is around to hear it, does it still make a sound?

If a Salvation Army bell ringer stands outside a department store all day and not a single cent drops into the bucket, was it really worth the ringer’s time and effort?

If a church holds a rally and not a single soul gets saved, was it worth the church’s time and effort?

Many of us have been to a church-sponsored camp, revival or other event where we heard a speaker attempt to rouse a reluctant crowd, saying, “If only one person chooses to follow Christ tonight, then all of our work here will have been worth it.”

But what if no one came forward that night? What if no one chose to give their life to Jesus at that rally? Was the work still worth it? Continue reading →

Give Thanks For Youth Camp

/ Alex Doriot / 1 Comment

Earlier this morning a dozen teenagers were baptized in the ocean on Daytona Beach.

It was incredible to witness. But it’s not unique.

Week after week and day after day all summer long tireless youth pastors, parents, college students, and other volunteers are pouring their lives into students. Because of their passion, and because of the grace of the Lord, teenagers across the world are being rescued.

It’s called Youth Camp. It looks a little something like this:

This is a taste of the Youth Camp I’ve been serving with this past week as a game and recreation leader. I’m completely spent from the whole process. And I can’t stop smiling.

In just a few weeks I’ll be taking ten of my own students to Big Stuf camp in Panama City Beach. I pray (and I have faith) God will work in their lives as well.

Today let’s give thanks for Youth Camp. Let’s give thanks for the bands, the speakers, the skit leaders, the rec leaders, the cooks, the nurses, the janitors, the sound techs, the small group leaders, and everyone else who works to bring a life changing experience for teenagers every day across the world this summer.

Let’s give thanks for the students who will never forget these camps.

Let’s give thanks for the real salvation Jesus brings through the beautiful chaos of Youth Camp.

Lift up a prayer today for everyone at Youth Camp today. Lift up a praise knowing in full confidence God is moving in students across the world. Rejoice.

Happy Friday.