Posted by: camprivercrest on: July 30, 2009
What beautiful weather today. The sun is shining and there is a cool breeze. On our last full day of our last week of camp we have been blessed with one the most comfortable days of the summer. The kids are enjoying it to the fullest- Giant Swing, minibikes, paintball, archery, low ropes, carpet pool, swimming, basketball, snack shack, etc….. This age really knows how to experience camp to the fullest.
Last night Jason talked about what it means for our lives to be as a sweet smelling fragrance to God (Ephesians 5:2). The challenge to the kids was to be the real deal as followers of Christ. Sometimes people say they are Christians and do not live their lives for Him. They may say one thing but do another. Their lives are not sweet smelling to Jesus.
Jason challenged the kids to give their lives completely to Jesus so that He would shine through them and those around them would see that they are different. He then prayed that God would give them a passion for those who do not know Jesus. Well over 100 kids stood up and came forward in an invitation to pray that God would give them that passion for the lost. He asked them to think and pray about someone specific who they know is far from Jesus. They prayed that God would open doors to be able to share with that person what Jesus means to them and that somehow they may come to know Him.
It is obvious that God is moving in a big way in the hearts of many young poeple this week. How exciting it is to think about the impact of kids going back to their neighborhoods and schools and living their lives as a sweet smelling fragrance to God. Please pray that when these kids leave this place they would take with them the hunger for Jesus and the passion for the lost that they have shown this week at camp.
Jon Malvig
Executive Director
Posted by: camprivercrest on: July 28, 2009
And we are off to an amazing last week of camp! It amazes me how fast summer seems to go! It is always bittersweet to come to an end of the summer. On one hand, its sad to think of the staff and campers leaving and not coming back on sunday. But its fun to think about the amazingness of our summer and how many lives have been changed by Christ!!!
Anyways, 5-6th graders are here this week! They are so full of energy and life! Its great! They keep the staff on their toes, and they LOVE tobe loved! Oh, and give the best hugs!!
Jason is our speaker this week and he is encouraging the kids to get the junk out of the way of God. It is cool to see the kids respond to God in a way they probably have never done before. they are having a great week… and its only tuesday!!!
Tina Barham
Program Coordinator
Posted by: camprivercrest on: July 22, 2009
What a crazy week! It is the first time we have tried running two camps at the same time. And so far so good!
We have two camps, two speakers, two bands and they are all amazing.
The kids in junior high three are learning all about trusting God, learning how to forgive, and how to make God the authorship of our lives. they are having a great time! God is definetly working in the loves of the 100 junior high kids here this week!
In immerse, we are learning about our identity in christ. Last night we talked about how to take off the labels of what society and people have given us and putting on the labels God has given us- child of god, beloved, forgiven, perfect, etc.
It has been a good week, and i know the best is yet to come!
Have a great day and talk to you soon!
Tina Barham
Program Coordinator
Posted by: camprivercrest on: July 16, 2009
My favorite activity this year so far has been the swing. Also, the high ropes are a lot of fun and nerve racking. It is alot of fun spending time with all of your friends
in chapel, we get to interact with God and praise him through song. Also we have a really good speaker named Kevin who brings out the best of you and talks about God energetically. God has taught me to always follow him and always believe in him.
In my cabin we have a lot of fun talking and having pillow fights. you want JJ he is the best cabin for boys! Oh, and bailey for girls!
Dan O’Bryan
B1
Posted by: camprivercrest on: July 15, 2009
We are having an incredible week here at camp… they have all been incredible but we really are having a great week!
Monday night Kevin gave the “salvation” message. He wasnt planning on it, but God told him that it was the night to do that! He layed it all out and the campers were completely engaged. When he was done he felt that God was telling him that someone was a skeptic in the room and spoke directly to him about how much God loved him, cared about him, and how he was important to God.
During the alter call 90% of camp went up to the front to dedicate or rededicate thier lives to Christ. It was so cool too see and be a part of that! The counselors had amazing discussions with their campers after that, lots of lives changed!
After chapel a boy came up to kevin and asked him how he knew. He was sitting there and wanting to just get up and leave because he didn’t think anything he was saying was true. But, when he was speaking directly to him he knew it was God and this kid, who was a self-proclaimed athiest, … accepted Jesus into his heart. His counselor had a great conversation with him afterwards and he is ready to be used by God! It is truly amazing!
Please pray for…
* whenever God is working satan seems to show up. Please pray that we can overcome him and continue to work for the glory of God
* Health and safety for both the campers and the staff
* for the kids who accepted or rededicated their lives to Christ, that they may know just how much God loves them!
* for energy and endurance for our staff- it’s getting to the point in the summer where everyone is tired and needs to rely on Gods strength instead of their own more now then ever!
Thanks for your commitment to this camp!
Tina Barham
Program Coordinator
Posted by: camprivercrest on: July 13, 2009
Here we go… Junior High Two! One of my personal favorite age groups. They come to camp full of life, excitement and … ENERGY! It seems that junior highers never run out of energy- or at least they wont admit to it!!
We have had an amazing start to the week! It isnt too hot and it isnt rainy and cold… so in my book its perfect! Kevin our speaker did an great job last night in chapel explaining to everyone that they are important to God- why else would he send his son to die for us? The kids were on the edge of the seat while listening to him. I really hope that God has spoken to each one of their hearts so far as they realize no matter who they are or what they have done they are important to God.
Bensonwells is back for yet another week… i am starting to think that next year they may be here all summer long! They love engaging the kids into worship with their wonderful maker.
Well, we are off to play bonkers! Should be a good time!!
tina barham
Program Coordinator
Posted by: camprivercrest on: July 9, 2009
Hello Everyone!
Happy Thursday! We are having middler two here at camp! The sun in shining, the kids are smiling, and we are learning all about how God made us special!
WE have been incredibly blessed this week with 75 3-4th graders here for a half week! They are so much fun to work with, they are always asking questions and curious to learn about everything… including God!
Last night Dale gave the gospel message and about thirty kids accepted Christ in their hearts. It is always amazing to see that and be a part of what God is doing in the lives of the campers here at camp!
IF you have a little time today pray for the campers who not only raised their hand to accept christ but there was a handful of campers who raised their hand because they were not sure what it all meant and wanted to know more.
Thanks for checking in and I hope you all are having a great week!
Tina Barham
Program Coordinator
Posted by: camprivercrest on: July 3, 2009
Hi. Chris here–I’ve been the guest speaker here this week; it has been awesome being with the kids and the staff. I am amazed every year at the incredible place that Camp Rivercrest is…and honored to be a part of it!
The last day of Camp is always so bittersweet. The kids are excited to go back home, see their friends, and all that…yet at the same time they’ve experienced such sweet, intense closeness to Jesus and each other, that it’s a little hard to leave.
It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of what God has done in these campers’ lives this week–to watch them begin to step out in worship…take hold of their faith and really make it theirs…ask the tough questions about God and search expectantly for answers in His Word. Truly an amazing week.
I’ve loved watching them conquer their fears on the high board, or the Power Pole, or the Swing, or even in simply leaving home for five days and trusting God to take care of them and help them make new friends. He is so good, and so faithful.
We’ve seen healings…salvation…recommitment…and answered prayer. We’ve laughed and cried, cheered and struggled. Make no mistake–God is in this place! And He’s going home with each of them today, which is a reassurance and a comfort as they ask themselves, “Will I really be able to keep this fire burning for Jesus once I return home to ‘normal life’?”
That answer is YES…IF.
IF they will commit to intentionally pursuing Him in His Word, in prayer, and in worship. IF they will choose to cultivate friendships with other like-minded kids. IF they will get involved in church, youth group, or Sunday School with a desire to go “higher and deeper” with God. IF they will believe God for big things and keep seeking Him with all their hearts. And IF they will take on the mindset of a servant: Sharing their faith, loving others, going out of their way to help, to show kindness, to pray, or whatever God leads them to do.
It’s been a great week, and it’s hard to leave. But Jesus is going home with us, and this is just the BEGINNING!
Posted by: camprivercrest on: July 1, 2009
Happy JULY 1st!!!
What a week so far! The weather has been absoluetly amazing and we are having a blast! This is the biggest camp week we have ever had at rivercrest! I think we are using almost every bed at camp! It is pretty amazing!
One of my favorite things to do while at camp is watch the campers overcome some of their fears. Its never an easy thing to do, but once they accomplish whatever task is at hand- they are so proud of themselves and usually have the feeling that they can conquere the world!
we have had a couple situations where i have seen kids conquer some fears this week. A couple of them were on the high dive and giant swing. But after prayer and encouragement from their counselors and staff…. and campers they did it! Its awesome!
The speaker this week, Chris, has done an amazing job teaching the kids what it means to be followers of Christ. He explains it, probably in ways they have never heard before and in ways that they totally get it! Last night during the “alter call” i would say that at least half of the kids either gave their life to Christ, or made the commitment again.
Some things you can pray for…
* the campers that came up to the alter last night. that they are just swept away this week by Gods greatness and majesty!
* for our staff… this is the fourth week of camp, they are still doing an amazing job but that God would renew them everyday and that they would seek him with open hearts!
* for continued health and safety of campers and staff here at camp!
Thanks for being our fan rivercrest fan club! We love each and every one of you!!
Tina Barham
Program Coordinator
Posted by: camprivercrest on: June 29, 2009
MONDAY DEVO: Bread of Life–Jesus is “true food”–filling, sustaining, growing…free of “dirt”
MONDAY NIGHT: “FINDING THE RIGHT PATH”
Object Lesson: Block towers (3 sets)
Scripture: John 14:6
Summary: Lots of religions, lots of gods. Who is God? What is true of Him? Is there just one right way?
Tag Line: Only one God. Only one way.
TUESDAY DEVO: Way/Truth/Life–Jesus is the only way to know the Father
TUESDAY NIGHT: “IDENTITY THEFT”
Object Lesson: My son, artwork, and MacBook (also wallet & passport)
Scripture: John 10:10; several others
Summary: Who God is explains who you are–that you are loved and valued by Him
WEDNESDAY DEVO: Good Shepherd–Jesus cares enough about you to guide, protect, and provide
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: “UNANSWERED QUESTIONS”
Object Lesson: Length of rope
Scripture: James 1:2-4; Isaiah 55:8-9
Summary: Why does God allow pain? Why doesn’t He answer prayer? Why doesn’t He do something?
THURSDAY DEVO: Resurrection & Life–Jesus’ miracle-working power…and an “overcoming life”
THURSDAY NIGHT: “BE PERFECT OR DIE”
Object Lesson: Hitting the target (target, blindfold, handcuffs, paper airplane)
Scripture: Romans 3:23-24
Summary: To save yourself you must either be perfect, or suffer death for your sins. (Jesus did both!)
FRIDAY MORNING: “PURSUIT”
Object Lesson: n/a
Scripture: Joshua 1:2-9; Deuteronomy 4:29
Summary: Continuing to grow after Camp requires pursuing God–intentionally–in His Word, worship, fellowship, etc.
FRIDAY DEVO: Lamb of God–Jesus was the sacrifice for your sins
