We had marvelous and powerful winter camps at The Oaks in 2017! Thank you for praying for God’s mighty hand and presence in these programs. We had over 490 urban youth attend this year from ministries ranging from Fresno to San Diego, the largest attendance we have had to date.
God’s work was powerful! The first night of each winter camp, over 75% of the student attendees gave their lives to Christ. These teens made clear decisions and a public proclamation to follow Jesus in response to a call from the gospel. The next night was one of powerful decision to forsake strongholds, fears and sins in their lives. Prayer time was powerful. At testimony time, teens repeatedly shared stories of freedom and deep connection with their youth leaders and friends in their youth group—critical elements for a thriving youth ministry.
I had the opportunity to visit with John, one of the youth group leaders. I asked him how we could pray for him during the weekend. His response will give you a sense of the mix of youth that attend winter camp and how much they need God’s love, grace, and healing to walk rightly with Him:
“Winter camp is the biggest event we do all year. This is the most kids our group has ever had at winter camp. We get kids from many tough backgrounds. This year we have transgender, homosexual, and atheist teens with us. Our group keeps growing and growing and God is bringing these kids to us. It is amazing that they have chosen to come and hang out with us and hear with clarity the gospel of Jesus Christ and the call to walk as a Christian.”
John and his wife are amazing youth workers and do not compromise the gospel or God’s Word in any way. And God is drawing teens with deep needs to their group! Praise God for partnership such as these.
