The lasting positive effect of Youth Rallies, Youth Activities, and Church Camp. I can't stress this enough. Maybe that is one reason I am drawn to kids so much, I want them to be able to experience these things. Once I became part of my church's youth group, I was somewhere between 10 and 11. Thinking back, I can see many areas in which I was not ready for that transition. While at the same time, I was way past ready to move up to the next Sunday School class. At that point, my older sister was already in the Teen Girls class, and I was invading on her territory. I have many memories of those years, but one lasting positive memory is that of camp, youth rallies, etc. My first year at Camp, I was 12, almost 13; My birthday is just a few months after camp. It was one of the worst weeks of my life. (However, nothing against the camp by any means, my camp's the best!) I bring it up because, I ran across an old journal the other day, actually two. (By the way, it's not a diary. I don't keep diaries.) =) And, Y'all can be reassured, my writing has improved tremendously since then. - I enjoyed reading through them. The very first page was on my 9th birthday; nearly 10 years ago. I had to laugh as I read my writing; what I deemed important enough to write about was so frivolous. While, an adult wouldn't think to record the same details. At the same time, it broke my heart as I read page after page; bringing back floods of unwanted memories and emotions from years past. However, one common thread throughout these days, and my life in general, has been the positive effect the youth group has made on me. Camp, youth rallies; all that and more. Even through the hardest times, the bright light of Christ shown through; often it was brought into sight through a message at a youth rally, or Camp. My camp testimony is posted on the "testimony page" of the camp website ( www.mabyc.weebly.com ). It's one of three.... by the way, if y'all have attended this camp, I'd encourage you to add to them. Anyway, One of the others was written by a Josh. This is one of the two things that brought this post on. This is Josh's testimony: "I've attended this camp for a few years now, and I wanted to share the impact it has made on my life. So, I'm from a good Christian home, we go to church every time the doors are open, and I've grown up actively involved in the ministries of Fundamental Independent Baptist churches. I'm one of the 'good kids'. But even the good kids aren't exempt from the things the 'bad kids' do or face. I went through a really tough time in my life. I was on a downward spiral to nowhere. My job, family, and friendships among many other things fell apart. I became intensely depressed, played with prescription doses, I barely slept or ate, I abused myself in any possible way, and cut myself to the point I became so addicted to it I couldn't stop. I got into some wrong relationships, played with ungodly music, and even contemplated suicide. I couldn't see how life could get any worse, and yet, life continued to find ways to prove me wrong. All this was unknown to even those closest to me. I am not one who shows emotion - what's the reason guys can't cry anyway? But, come on, I've grown up in church, I know all the 'answers', and I do have a desire to serve God... Why is my life like this; why does life have to be so difficult? I came to camp with a smile on my face, but miserable inside. That week, the Lord changed me. I sat through message after message of hard-core, intense preaching that was just for me, and just what I needed at that time. God used this camp to change my life, and I know He will do the same for you. It is an totally epic camp! This camp holds a special place in my heart, as it does for all who attend Mid-American Baptist Youth Camp. Beat ya to the zip-line." Now, watch this video! I think it carries on Josh's Testimony. And, really sums up the entire post. http://vimeo.com/63936855I'm not the only one that has been forever changed by a week at Camp. Not only Camp, but youth rallies, conferences, and activities. I could share story after story of things that happened by way of other activities that have changed my heart and life. Everything from Sunday School, talks on long "Prairie Step" hikes, Messages at youth rallies (more on that soon), to simply the people I am able to observe, get to know, and be around. In my mind, the more preaching, and godly fellowship I get get, the better. I try to soak it in. I am a product of Camp. I am a product of youth rallies. I am a product of youth conferences. I am a product of Atomic Fridays. I am a product of Prairie Steps. I am a product of Visitation. I am a product of Sunday School. I am a product of the IBTeens. - I am who I am today because of preachers and teachers who have traveled, studied, prayed, and preached. I am who I am because of members who have given to help us teens go to camp. I am who I am today because of people who have taken the time to talk, pray, love, listen, and teach me. I am who I am today only by God's grace. Last thoughts..... You are also a product and an 'advertizement' so-to-speak of your church, and most importantly, Christ, Himself. Don't give them a bad name through the way you live. You are a "Super model". You put on the "clothing" of Christ. If you mess it up, get it dirty, and make it look bad, it doesn't go on the name of the model, but the name of the Designer. You are also representatives of your church, which carries the same effect. TEENS: Be a part of your youth group! Coming to church IS important, very important actually. If you aren't already in the practice of attending faithfully, I encourage you to do so. But on top of that, get involved with your youth group. Go to camp. Come to youth activities. Help out! You will be amazed at the effect it will have on your life if you allow it to. Christ will speak to you through the messages that will be preached at you; when He does, do something about it. If you heed His voice, it will change your life! Then, don't keep it to yourself, share it with your friends. :) PARENTS: Don't send your kids to church - bring them with you! Send your kids to camp and youth activities. You will be glad you did. The preaching, fellowship, and atmosphere they will be around is extremely beneficial. While, don't expect the church to raise your kids, you must do your part, it is strengthening and encouraging to a young persons heart.... as well as a not-so-young persons heart... to attend meetings as such. Be involved in the raising of your kids. It's not the S.S. Teacher, Pastor, or Youth Pastor's job to raise your children into God-fearing young adults... it's yours. Don't neglect that very important responsibility. ADULTS: Get involved! Get involved in the youth's lives. Volunteer at youth activities... I am sure your youth leaders would appreciate the added sanity. :) Pray for us. We teens need as much prayer as we can get. That's really the best thing you could do! After all, it's not the activities we attend, but the Christ we are taught at them. Pray to the One that can change lives; pray for those teens you are around. YOUTH LEADERS: Don't get discouraged! The statistics show that 80% or more of the kids you pour your heart and soul into will leave church once they're grown. When you see class attendance dwindling, or teens throwing all they've learned behind them, don't allow that to bring you low. Y'all have no idea what lives on in the hearts of those teens because of you. Often, you'll never know. However, what you do does not go unnoticed. Y'all may get criticized and hurt, or go through times of trials, but just keep going. There are ALWAYS people, specifically teens, watching you. Always. They're looking up to you; they're watching your life. You are someones hero in the faith.... don't disappoint them! I've had many Christian leaders I've looked up to disappoint me, don't do that to a teen! If you ever think you are not making a difference.... you are! Trust me. Also, we teens listen to your life, not just your words... so make sure they match! - Some Youth Leaders I have met, don't meet that standard.
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Just came across this post while putting together the presentation for our 70th anniversary at Iola Baptist Temple. It was a blessing to read! And as I go through photos, I pray that the work you all are doing for the church where you now serve will have a long lasting and positive affect on the young people in whom you are investing. It is sad to see that the vast majority of the teens in youth group do not continue to serve the Lord.
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Lizzy parkerMarriage.
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January 2023
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