Towards the end of August, we organised a summer camp for the youth, with the purpose for the youth to experience and gain a deeper understanding about Him. This year’s theme for the summer camp was “The Power of God''. This was important, because many of the youth who were attending the camp have lost touch with God, and that they needed help with getting back on track. Prior to the camp I was feeling positive that it would have the same effect as the previous year; being able to see many of the youth being transformed, and seeing friendships being formed between them, as well as gaining a better understanding about God.

However, the results that happened during the August camp was what surprised me. God helped me realise the gift that I was given, and that was the ability to see images and interpret them afterwards. This gave me encouragement, since I often struggle with great doubt, wondering what I’m thinking is from God or not. Another thing that surprised me was the importance of corporate prayer, and that was very much needed between us leaders. It was shown throughout the prayer meetings that the “burdens” we had towards the youth was meant to be shared and to be prayed for, and not to be kept to ourselves, and that was persistent throughout. What I enjoyed the most during the camp was the bond being created not just between us leaders, but among the youth as well. During the activities, some were not as keen to join, but those who were would encourage others to participate. This really showed, as a community, we come together to help look out for others. My favourite memory of this was when we were doing the zipline activity, everyone was encouraging their peers to ride on the zipline, despite the fact that some have the fear of heights.

One thing that challenged me after camp was that there were some youths that seemed to be unaffected during the time of prayer and ministry. It made me feel rather disappointed that they couldn’t feel the power of the Holy Spirit during the camp, but I knew that the transformation was not immediate, and that they will one day feel God’s presence and know that He truly cares for them if they continue to be nurtured by brothers and sisters in the church community. With persistence and time, the coconut will be cracked open!