These are testimonies from our Hope for the Island staff about what has been happening in the hearts of the youth since “MAKING JESUS LORD” Youth Camp. It is a joy to hear their heart and watch them blossom as they serve.
It is normal for the young people to be excited and “on fire” during the experience of a youth camp. These youth leaders pray for the youth that attended and visit and spend time with them as a way to nurture all that God stirred in their hearts.
Teaching the youth about Lordship has been a great thing for me personally. It causes me to look at myself all the time. It encourages me and reminds me that I should always be the number one example of making Jesus as my Lord. If I want to be effective in encouraging and bringing the youth and kids to Christ, and for them also to make Jesus as their Lord – I need to live that out. I was so blessed at the youth camp.
Talking about Lordship gives me a way to enter into a deeper conversation with the teenagers here. Every time I hang out with them or simply ask how they are doing, I also ask if they are allowing Jesus to be Lord over certain situations. Sometimes if I see them doing something, it causes me to ask “Did you let Jesus be Lord over what you are doing right now? It’s been an effective question every time. It makes them think. And every time they answer me or say nothing, I grab the opportunity to share about Lordship.
God stirs up my heart to continue doing this with the kids and youth of Burgos. Everything I learned at the Kids Evangelism Explosion Training seminar in Cebu makes it easier than ever to effectively share the Gospel message.
My personal prayer is that I can be sensitive in every opportunity and that God will allow me to effectively share the Good News.
Joan:
I wanted to find a way I could follow up my group after Youth Camp. I invited them for a picnic at Garcia beach, a 15 minute walk from Burgos. We cooked food and had snacks – of course.
God is so wonderful for being my Lord and Savior. Yes all glory to God. I was really nervous to bring all the youth for a picnic. I felt really scared at the thought of leading them in conversations about Lordship or giving them an opportunity to talk.
I opened in prayer when we arrived. I told them I wanted to follow up on how they were doing and to remind them that God is always there for them. One girl shared that she accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord over the weekend, but she has found it hard to spend time praying, worshiping or reading the Bible.
This helped open the conversation and I really got a chance to encourage her. I reminded them that God is free anytime to those who draw near to Him. Whatever you do, He is there. Sometimes we get busy. I told them to set a time aside time focused with Him. Let Him be a part of your day.
I was so happy how the picnic turned out. I thought I couldn’t do it; God helped me be courageous – for His glory.
After Youth Camp, we had a volleyball and skateboarding tournament. We spent time with the youth in follow up. We emphasized the four points we taught about allowing God to be Lord in our life.
The youth said they understood the message and are trying to apply it to their daily walk with God. They shared that they are struggling and having a hard time to stand for the truth they have learned because of many different temptations around them. These young people mentioned they are easily influenced to make bad choices. In short, they need more guidance, encouragement and help to understand the choices they have. Most of them want to do what is pleasing before God. I can see that the young people are truly being tested and they really need our prayers.
I spent some quality time with them by hosting a picnic. That day many chose to do other things and did not attend. I thank God for showing me that it is not really about me. God reminded me that I don’t have to worry about what choices the young people make. God is the one who is able to change their lives and reveal Himself to them personally.
One thing God wants me to do is to trust in His power, to do the best that I can to do His will in my own life. I am being challenged daily to choose to make Jesus as my Lord and let God work through my life. I want to let Him use my life continually unto others, especially the young people. I believe that as a leader, I must let God change my life first so that I can be a good example and become a blessing to the young people of my town.
