Taking the First Step

Teen camp began Monday morning, June 12 bright and early. A group of 22 youth and sponsors arrived at Noblesville Baptist Church at around 6 a.m., and less than an hour later, we were on the road to Alpine Ministries in Mount Hope, West Virginia. With Pastor Hack at the wheel, the NBC bus covered more than 350 miles in close to seven hours, making only one stop along the way for lunch.

Upon arriving at Alpine Ministries, the teens settled into their dorm rooms on the campus of Appalachian Bible College and we were quickly off to our first event of the week. Without a doubt, the theme of Monday was about getting outside our comfort zone, and that was accomplished on the high ropes course at the camp. For some, the experience was exhilarating. For others, it was a significant challenge in overcoming the fear of heights and being uncomfortable in the surroundings more than 25 feet off the ground.

Before ascending into the ropes course, instructors took the group through training and explained that the equipment was rated to be strong enough to hold a Volkswagen. Despite those reassurances, it was still tough for some to take that first step and place their faith in the rigging, feeling as though they may plunge to the ground. In many ways it is emblematic of our relationship with God. We know He is the Creator and is there to protect us when we stumble, yet we often fail to place our full trust in Him. Instead, we try to go it alone.

Tackling the ropes course on Monday afternoon set a great tone for the week to come. These teens will be challenged daily, and we pray that they grow by being tested to move outside of their comfort zone. We as sponsors pray that during this week each grows closer to the Lord, and makes a stronger connection to other Teenlife Ministries members.

After dinner, the group joined the rest of the camp in the night’s evening service. There, guest speaker Russ Smith brought a message entitled “Making The Hard Choices,” preaching on 1 Thessalonians 5:14. Smith talked about the importance of submission, and how being submissive does not make us weak. Instead, submission leads to humility and success. He also discussed making decisions with intention (Galatians 6:7) and devotion to God, truth and people (1 Corinthians 4:14). It was a though-provoking message for our teens, and sponsors, to digest.

Following the evening service, our group spent the nine o’clock hour playing games at the pool, and then finished up our first night with a group devotional. It was a long and activity-packed day, and as we concluded the devotional, there was less than an hour left before Tuesday’s beginning. Tomorrow (June 13) the youth group will get the day started with a paintball activity, and after lunch, we will participate in a service project in the local community during the afternoon.

Pray that this week our teens will be receptive to the teaching they will hear each day. Our hope is that they enjoy the experience, have a blast during the activities, but are also open and receptive to the messages they will hear. Also pray that Pastor Hack and the sponsors can be resources for these teens as the Lord does his work.