As ministry leaders and parents navigating the constantly changing cultural landscape, it is crucial to share with kids and youth the never-shifting power of Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
In a post-Christian culture, we must recognize the significance of camp heritage within our Foursquare movement and continue to pray for, invest in, and serve at these sacred playgrounds to make a difference.
Throughout history, God has used temporary community and time away to deepen faith, renew His people and prepare them for critical moments of impact. Prophets, kings, Israel as a nation, families, and even Jesus’ disciples were transformed and equipped by Spirit-led times away.
As ministry leaders and parents, let us celebrate and fully embrace the rich heritage of camp experiences within our movement, recognizing them as the holy ground where Jesus continues to manifest in real and tangible ways.
Foursquare camps can serve a purpose similar to the biblical stories of Jesus, Moses and Elijah. In Luke 5:16, it is said that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. Likewise, Moses encountered the burning bush and received his divine calling in the wilderness, as told in Exodus 3:1-6. In 1 Kings 19:11-13, Elijah encountered God in the gentle whisper, not in the storm or earthquake.
These stories remind us that God often reveals Himself in unexpected ways and places, including the solitude of a campfire under the stars and the altar during worship. These experiences help establish lifelong rhythms of faith.
As Henri Nouwen beautifully expressed, “In solitude, we discover that our life is not a possession to be defended but a gift to be shared.”
As ministry leaders and parents, let us celebrate and fully embrace the rich heritage of camp experiences within our movement, recognizing them as the holy ground where Jesus continues to manifest in real and tangible ways.
During summer 2023, we, Foursquare, had over 10,000 kids and youth attend camp. TEN THOUSAND! Join us in fervently praying for even more to come this year and hear the gospel, take the step of faith to follow Jesus for the rest of their lives, and experience the transformational ministry of Jesus and the Holy Spirit that will enable them to impact school campuses, communities, families and future generations to come.
Will you consider getting involved in camps this summer? You might be a prayer warrior who can diligently pray for those serving at and attending camps this summer. Or, you might be able to give so more kids can attend camp. And, if the Lord is tugging on your heart to give up a week to serve at camp, it’s not too late. Reach out to your district’s NextGen leader and see how you can get involved.