New Creations

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Earlier this month we returned from our annual trip to Kids Across America camp in Missouri.  This is one of the best things we do with our kids.

Awhile back I ran into one of our former kids while I was walking down Tamarind Avenue, and he asked me if he could go to KAA.  He is now 24.  I told him that, unfortunately, he was too old.  He looked at me in all sincerity and said, "That was the best week of my entire life."  That's why we go every year.  This year at KAA seven kids rededicated their lives to Christ and ten kids made first-time decisions to give their lives to Christ.

A couple of weeks after getting back from camp, our parent program held a Parent/Teen Face Off.  The Parent/Teen Face Off gave parents and teens the chance to discuss some of the issues that they were having with each other.  The staff that attended did their best to help the families talk through their issues.

I was talking to one of the mothers about her son, Sammy, and encouraged her on the great job she's doing as a single mom.  She proceeded to inform me that Sammy's participation in KAA had drastically changed his behavior.  Since returning from camp, Sammy had been reading his Bible every day, getting along with his younger siblings, and treating his mother with respect.  He was a changed young man!

It is exciting when we have a number of kids make decisions for and rededicate their lives to Christ at camp, but when I hear reports of those kids being "new creations" within their home and everyday environment, it makes my job worth it.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers for this ministry, and even though you might not meet Sammy or his mom, know that you play a vital role as you pray for us and for them.

-- Pastor Chris Tress, Director of Ministry

Comments

[bryonm]

Great post, Chris...