Reflections on a summer of ministry

Posted on Friday, September 2, 2011 by Scott Sjoblom

We asked some of our young leaders to try to capture in words what it was like serving with Palm Beach County Youth for Christ as we worked through a summer full of ministry opportunities culminating in a week at YFCamp. Here's your chance to hear from them exactly what it was like to see God move in the lives of teenagers (and those who would serve them.)

 

Becca:

"YFCamp, where everything changes definitely says it all. Never did I think that in a week's time I would see the lives of so many students changed forever. Living life with students around the clock for a week, I was able to care for students who not only had broken hearts, but sprained wrists, fevers, ear infections, and even stomach aces. Camp provided an opportunity unlike any other to truly serve students in every capacity and helped them to see and understand that YFC is not just a means of bringing the Gospel, but that we are willing to give up our sleep, our home, a week of work, and the shirts off of our backs to meet their needs. In doing so with patience and a smile, students are able to get a small glimpse of the grace of God. Not only hearing the Word, but seeing it in action from the YFC volunteers, staff, and work crew has given my girls a desire to praise God for Who He is, what He has done for them, and the way that they desire to see their lives transformed.

There is nothing like seeing the once hard-hearted students raising their hands to worship the Lord because He has given them a new hope or leaders encouraged to continue pouring their lives into students because they have been a part of the Lord's work through YFCamp in students experiencing the transforming power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."

 

Brittany:

"After camp I had a much deeper grasp of how far God can move mountains. Throughout the summer i interacted with the students... at camp i became apart of their lives. i feel like i literally sat back and watched God move a mountain within their hearts. Suddenly, actions and attitudes began changing. They were beginning to show love and be loved.

Also, I became more capable of showing LOVE to those that God had placed in my life. The relationship that I have with my students is now deeper and meaningful. Camp allowed me to deepen those relationships."

 

 

 

Chad:

"After experiencing middle school and high school camp, God definitely affirmed that I belong in relational youth ministry. Just being with the kids in their own element is so impactful on a leader like myself, you can't help but have the time of your life. I often found myself having more fun with my students, then with the friends I have back home.

Seeing God move at camp is an experience that cannot be put into words, and to be apart of that experience is one that I hope to never take lightly. To put it in simple terms: YFC Camp has changed my life as a student, leader, and a Christ-follower."

 

 

Gigi:

"YFCamp is definitely a camp to remember forever. I was a camper at Northbay this summer before I did Work Crew for Southwind, and already being a Christian I didn't expect anything different. That's where I was wrong, going to Northbay brought me closer to God and when I served at Southwind I got even closer to Him. Having all the middle schoolers come up to us and thank us and appreciate what we did for them felt amazing.

They didn't just see what we did they saw what Jesus was doing through us and these experiences are forever with me. I can't wait to go back next year to serve the Lord again!"

 

 

 

 

 

Taylor:

"Serving at YFCamp was definitely a life changing experience. Before I served, I was actually a camper, and being a camper changed my whole perspective on life and God, for the better. I didn't know what the Work Crew had to go through throughout the days they served us, but now I can say I do! Seeing all the endearing middle school students brought me overwhelming joy. To know that they want to change their life is so incredible.

Throughout the week I bonded with many students, and staff and I will never forget these people that YFCamp has brought into my life. YFCamp turned my life around for eternity, and I will give everlasting thanks to the Youth For Christ team!"