Katie Campbell, City Life Ministry Leader, shares about a special time at this year’s Mohican Valley Missions trip.
It’s fun being on an adventure with God, especially when we get to see the joy of someone entering into a new relationship with Jesus.
This was “Mac’s” first time at MVM Camp. Her brother has been to many previous YFC Camps so she came with him. One evening during our small group discussion, I asked the girls if they recall when they accepted Jesus. Mac asked what that meant. When I explained she confidently said she had not done that before. “Dari” said she had believed in God her whole life and accepted Him when she was young. “Jade” said she had not yet made that decision.
I shared that the Bible says “If you believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and confess with your mouth then you will be saved.” They were interested and asked many questions. I also shared with them the cool things that happen when you ask Jesus to come live in your heart and how He guides and heals and changes us. Then I asked if that’s something they wanted to do. The three of them all were quick to say “yes!” Even though Dari had accepted Jesus as a child, she said she wanted a definite time she can look back to and know she entered the Kingdom. I invited them to pray with me and the whole group joined in.
As soon as the prayer ended, Jade and Dari burst into a joyful handshake/dance/giggle. They shouted, “WE’RE SAVED! We’re saved!” They said the small things don’t matter now because “we’re saved.” One girl immediately texted her mom to tell her she’s saved and asked if you could get saved over the phone. And Mac told her brother who promptly joked with her, “I guess I started a legacy for you to carry on.”
After the group ended, they went around the camp telling other students that they were saved. The rest of the week they referenced how they are now saved and a new person in Christ!
I was not expecting such a joyful response, but it was so cool to see the Holy Spirit move in them so quickly. That’s what He promises – joy in His presence. What a cool thing to witness.
In all, four students came to Christ at MVM. Thank you for supporting YFC Camps and allowing teens to experience Christian community and hear the life-giving message of grace and forgiveness.