Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
I had the enormous privilege to be an Assistant Director at Wilmington Conference this summer. The opportunity came unexpectedly, in the middle of the rest of life, you might say. Several other plans were set aside (with no small sacrifice made by Heather, to whom I am amazingly grateful), and through much prayer the decision was made to accept the invitation. I have to say up front that it is strange going to camp as an Assistant Director when I had never before even attended a CYF Conference. This was Patricia’s first year at Conference as well, so the two of us, rookies both, headed up to Camp Christian together.
The week itself was filled with laughter, filled with the Holy Spirit, and filled with this inner sense that what I was witnessing was a glimpse of the kingdom of God. Male and female, pale skin and dark skin, 1st year and 4th year, adult and teenager, all part of God’s work to build up the hearts of God’s people. Nic Turner was such a great Boy-co (Co-President of the Conference). You see, Nic was serious when he needed to be, knew when and how to be silly and playful, and generally led the Conference through all the variety of the week. This young man, whom far too many of us have known his whole life but still don’t really know, showed depth and warmth and friendship and faith. And he wasn’t alone. Nic’s leadership would not have been as strong as it was without the support of his lifelong friends Zakk and Alex. Of course, they were the ones on the silly side of life, but that was good. Molly is and was the friend her peers could lean on. Then there was my Patricia, who drank in the experience and had a terrific first year.
As I pray over the week, my prayer for all of us is that we will consider those times when we have seen the kingdom of God all around us, and that when we do those times will stick with us as we live our faith. You see, the kingdom of God is more real than the “real world”, because life in God’s reign will last forever, and in the end, love and faith and God have the last word. I will always remember the week we shared. Thank you, God, for getting me there and for opening my eyes and my heart. And thank you, Mt. Healthy, for the honor of sharing my heart with you.
1 Timothy 4:12
I had the enormous privilege to be an Assistant Director at Wilmington Conference this summer. The opportunity came unexpectedly, in the middle of the rest of life, you might say. Several other plans were set aside (with no small sacrifice made by Heather, to whom I am amazingly grateful), and through much prayer the decision was made to accept the invitation. I have to say up front that it is strange going to camp as an Assistant Director when I had never before even attended a CYF Conference. This was Patricia’s first year at Conference as well, so the two of us, rookies both, headed up to Camp Christian together.
The week itself was filled with laughter, filled with the Holy Spirit, and filled with this inner sense that what I was witnessing was a glimpse of the kingdom of God. Male and female, pale skin and dark skin, 1st year and 4th year, adult and teenager, all part of God’s work to build up the hearts of God’s people. Nic Turner was such a great Boy-co (Co-President of the Conference). You see, Nic was serious when he needed to be, knew when and how to be silly and playful, and generally led the Conference through all the variety of the week. This young man, whom far too many of us have known his whole life but still don’t really know, showed depth and warmth and friendship and faith. And he wasn’t alone. Nic’s leadership would not have been as strong as it was without the support of his lifelong friends Zakk and Alex. Of course, they were the ones on the silly side of life, but that was good. Molly is and was the friend her peers could lean on. Then there was my Patricia, who drank in the experience and had a terrific first year.
As I pray over the week, my prayer for all of us is that we will consider those times when we have seen the kingdom of God all around us, and that when we do those times will stick with us as we live our faith. You see, the kingdom of God is more real than the “real world”, because life in God’s reign will last forever, and in the end, love and faith and God have the last word. I will always remember the week we shared. Thank you, God, for getting me there and for opening my eyes and my heart. And thank you, Mt. Healthy, for the honor of sharing my heart with you.
In Christ,
Michael
