Out Of This World

     Before I became a staffer at CentriKid, I was unaware that it's possible to paint nails with little girls, play silly games, and cover each other's heads with shaving cream all while relating it to the gospel. The past two weeks, I have had the awesome opportunity to serve alongside 23 other staffers who have become like family to me. We haven't even spent a whole month together and I already feel like I have known them for years. They are so uplifting and encouraging, they are prayer warriors, and they love kids. The past two weeks have been filled with such sweet moments. For Bible Study, I have had four awesome groups of upcoming sixth graders. It has been incredible to see how much those kids know about the Bible when I ask them questions. Their excitement for the Lord and for sharing the gospel is incredible. This summer our key verse is Revelation 21:3 which says, "God's dwelling is with humanity and He will live with them. They will be His people and God himself will be with them and be their God." God wants to have a relationship with each person on this earth. He wants to dwell with us. The kids have been learning about creation, God on earth as Jesus, God with us as the Holy Spirit, God leading us to follow Him, and God being with us forever. Y'all, kids are hearing the gospel and they are getting it. It's childlike faith like none I have ever seen. It's awesome! 

     It's awesome that even in the midst of our weaknesses, that God prevails and He continues to remain faithful. I'm so thankful that my God knows what it's like to be a human on earth and He still chooses to dwell with me through it all. There have been times during camp when I have been exhausted and I've thought my voice wasn't going to last throughout the week, but witnessing children accept Christ into their hearts is one of the most beautiful things ever. It's worth it all. Last week, I witnessed a little girl pray, "God, I would love it if you would come into my life and live with me and be my God." She said it with as much boldness and confidence as an eight year old can say. Today I had a little girl come up to me and ask me to pray for her because she thinks she is being called to be a missionary. She is going into the seventh grade. Guys, that's awesome! We need to give God a standing ovation more often because He's doing some incredible things in the lives of children. 

     I love camp and I love being the hands and feet of Jesus. I love the early morning quiet times spent with the Lord. I love being silly on stage and dancing to songs with kids to get them ready for the day in "I Can't Wait." I love sharing the gospel with kids each day in Bible Study. I love watching kids eat seven cookies at lunch just because it's camp week. I love teaching No Boys Allowed and getting to spend time with girls and showing them the importance of internal beauty. I love seeing children raise their hands in worship. I love hearing kids pray. I just love serving the Lord in such a way that lifts His name higher than any other name. 

     You can be praying for my team and me as we continue with our summer. Pray that we would be energized each day and that the Holy Spirit would speak through us. Pray that we would receive good rest on the days between camps. Pray that the gospel would be proclaimed and that kids would learn about it and understand it. Pray for the campers as they arrive and that their hearts would be molded. Pray for safety. Pray that the Lord would move in a mighty way.