Some of our students are headed to camp this week – SUMMER SIZZLER is taking place the 19th to the 25th at Koronis in Paynesville, MN. This is often an amazing week for students. Through the years, Summer Sizzler has taken place at multiple locations, but it doesn’t really matter where the camp is located – Jesus shows up and changes lives. It’s a week of fun, to be sure – the beautiful lake, the bonfires, the games, the lack of sleep – it’s CRAZY FUN! And then there’s salvation night, when they talk about making a decision for Christ – and lives are changed forever.
My kids made that decision for Christ at Summer Sizzler – one of the many reasons I’m grateful for this community of faith! They attended as campers for as long as they could, but eventually, they were too old. They weren’t ready to be done with camp, though – they decided to become leaders and soon discovered being a leader was just as impactful as being a camper, and life-long relationships were made.
It’s a wonderful thing to see the students that my kids mentored and with whom they built relationships. Many of them are still around and continue to have relationships with my kids. And some of those kids are continuing that path – Nathan LaCroix, our Youth Intern, is one of those people.
This faith community has always been supportive of student and children ministries – it’s part of our core values. Your gifts of time, talent, and treasure have always been inspiring! I have been on staff here since 2008 – that’s 15 years – and in that time I have seen some amazing things because of that support! Lives have been changed forever because of the generosity of this congregation in response to the call of the Holy Spirit – what a legacy!
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” 2 Cor. 9:11-12 NIV
On behalf of all the children and students that have come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior, THANK YOU!
May you enjoy God’s abundant blessings this week –
Pastor Julie