A few weeks ago I had the privilege to go to Kids Camp as a
counselor. It was an amazing week filled with lots of fun, fellowship, games,
and amazing worship.
The first or second night of worship, I can’t remember which
one, the three leaders from our church (including myself) were really tired and
not very attentive to the speaker at camp that night; and you could definitely
tell a reflection of that inattentiveness through our kids. Once we noticed
that, we felt bad, so we decided to go sit on the floor with our kids, who in
turn began to pay attention in the service more. Furthermore, at the end of the
service we went to the alter and the children followed. Although simple, it was
an amazing realization. We, as leaders, have to lead. We have to show others
our enthusiasm for God. We have to pave the way and make the first move.
The fourth night at camp, Holy Spirit night, the leaders
were asked to go up to the alter and pray for any children who needed prayer.
After praying for a few kids, I began to listen to others pray – praying boldly
in tongues. I received my prayer language about two years ago, but my praying
in tongues sounds nothing like that of everyone else who was praying that night.
Finally I got on my knees, raised my hands, and told God I wanted all He had
for me. At that moment the Holy Spirit took over and I began to pray in
tongues. I came to the realization that everyone’s experience with the Holy
Spirit is not the same. But His gifts are available for everyone. As I was
kneeling and praying, the director of our week at camp, came over and started
to pray for me, first in tongues and then in English. She prayed against the
spirit of fear and doubt, which were two of the things I was dealing with in
that moment. And she told me that God is going to do what He said He’s going to
do through me. The Sunday before I was prayed over for boldness and throughout
that week of camp I received that boldness. It was awesome! God is so amazing
and ever present.
The last night at camp the leaders formed a prayer tunnel
and each of the kids went through and we all laid hands and prayed for them.
What an amazing way to end camp! Many of the children received words from God.
Camp wasn’t only for the kids, though, it touched the adults just as much.
After the prayer tunnel, a lady leader was knelt down crying with some people
around her praying. I laid my hands on her to pray, and could feel all her
despair and pain. It was an incredible experience. I didn’t know exactly what
was causing all her pain, but I could definitely feel it.
Needless to say, it was an awesome week! We were able to get
to know our church kids on a different level than before. I just want us to
continue the passion and boldness that we received at camp. But it is all too
easy to fall back into the monotony of life.
Please join me in prayer for our kids at Grace Community
Church. They get it. They know God loves them and they want to live for Him!
They are the future and it is our job to help them grow in their faith in Jesus
Christ!
“Holy Spirit You are welcome here. Come flood this place and
fill the atmosphere. Your glory God is what our hearts long for. To be overcome
by Your presence, Lord. Let us become more aware of Your presence. Let us
experience the glory of Your goodness.”
