Empire Youth Councils: Sept. 16-18, 2011.

Headed out to Long Point Camp, very early on that Friday morning, I had never been to this camp.. well, I haven't been to many camps.. but all in all I was excited. We spent the previous day and week in preparation, so we knew most of what was to come. There's always the "planned" and "unplanned" learnings, and I think that's something we all could attest to from that weekend.

 "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

(1 Peter 2:12)

in·fil·trate/ɪnˈfɪltreɪt, ˈɪnfɪlˌtreɪt/ Show Spelled - [in-fil-treyt, in-fil-treyt] 

1.to filter into or through; permeate. 
2.to cause to pass in by filtering.

3.to move into (an organization, country, territory, or the like) surreptitiously and gradually, especially with hostile intent: The troops infiltrated the enemy lines.

Jamie Grace was there! Yeah, I ate dinner with a celebrity.. no biggie ;) But on a more serious note, it was truly a blessing for her to be there. Her testimony is amazing, God is definitely working in her life.          She's 'infiltrating'.           

 

 

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)

This verse has been a sort of constant occurrence in my life, lately. And I feel like if we are to infiltrate, for lack of a better phrase.. "do what you do" but do it in the name of Christ and make it pleasing to Him.

This was the first group of teens that as a "special guest" I introduced myself to. Throughout the weekend, these people were on my heart.

I was so impressed  blessed by this group of people. They're all a part of the Albany Corp. God is doing something big there; you could see that simply in the passion of their youth pastors. I was honestly taken back by their faith and trust in God. Seeing such a strong group of people was so humbling. Especially at the last service when they were at the altar, all together, praying, and laying it all down there.

Blood and Fire: Salvation Army History:

The week before this event, the history of the Salvation Army was the workshop that had taken place at Railton. I learned SO much... as to where this evangelical movement, and army built up for God began and came from, of the God-seeking leaders that started it all, and after taking a look at the past, at youth councils we turned to where it is going.

Lincoln Hawk, this band was simply amazing. God was constructing their music, it was so uplifting. And to hear stories of their discipleship was so encouraging. They're most all from a corp in Long Beach, California. The lead singer is a youth worker, and the guitarist as well. The praise and worship was so fulfilling, one with their uplifting prayers, and the knowing of God's presence. The holy spirit was moving, and you couldn't ignore it.

Of course, God had a lesson for me in this all. I'd been constantly battling these thoughts, such as "God has so much work to do on me, still.." "How could God be working on me, and working through me?" I was given peace with this, because it is a process, receiving and giving grace. God can use you at any part of your walk, I think the story of Rahab reminded me of that. God really spoke to me through Lt. Hussey. I'm constantly reminded to just leave everything at the cross. Bring everything through prayer, and leave everything with Him.

Most all of these photos are credited to Sammy G. This one in particular.. Long Point was beautiful. God is good.