Crossings Camp 40

           

 Dripping Spring youth conquered a first as they loaded the church van and headed to Crossings Camps for a Camp 40 (translation = an entire week of camp condensed into a cram-packed, crazy-intense, no-sleep span of 40 hours.)

           

During these 40 hours we had a boat-building, worship-singing, gospel-preaching, snack-sharing, square dancing good time.  Aside from blobing and zip-lining, approximately 10 of the 40 hours, the students were engaged in worship, large group, or small group bible study (we guess this is a little over a month of church attendance wrapped in a weekend.)  During that time, we dove into the theme, WASHED.

“And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

                                                                                                     1 Corinthians 6:11
Bible Study Overview:
1. STAINED: WASHED FROM SIN - We have been washed from sin through Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
2. SOAKED: WASHED BY GRACE - We have been washed by grace; through faith. This is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
3. SCRUB: WASHED TO SERVE - We have been washed to serve God and others. Love God, Love People, Be a Servant. 
4. SHINE: WASHED FOR GOD'S GLORY - We have been washed for God's glory. God uses suffering for my good and His glory. 

   

   A surprising, yet treasured moment came when Bro. Jered was granted the opportunity to Skype with his home for 6 months on behalf of Crossings Camps. Crossings has partnered with Karunya Ministries, birthed because a Christ following Indian couple spends their lives caring for children in their home. In the slums of India, it is more noble to kill their baby girl if they will not be able to pay their dowery. Hence, the reason for this ministry. This weekly skype call allows thousands of American students to see other kids, like them, in another country. It also give them a tiny glimpse of the urgent physical and spiritual needs of brothers and sisters around the globe. See video footage here and here. 

Crossings challenges students to, first and foremost, pray about sacrificially giving in order meet their urgent needs. ($20 can provide a child with education, food, and medical care for one month. But most importantly, their spiritual need is being met while their physical needs are being addressed.) Students at Crossings are then given the opportunity to give financially for the sake of the Great Commission.

But the challenge does not stop there. Over the years, students just like ours, have given over 600,000 to missions. But they can do more. Crossings challenges students to combine the passions plus their burdens to go beyond. Again, PASSION + BURDEN = BEYOND EFFECT. Go here to learn more. Christ-following Students, keep prayerfully seeking how you can go beyond. Church, let's encourage them and lead by example. 

Disclaimer: The signs read "GO DRIP!" in light of the b-b-b-boat race. :)

  

In conclusion, the weekend allowed for deep conversations, group bonding, and sweet fellowship with the Lord. From what I can tell, hearts were convicted and walks were nurtured. Praise be to God! We left thankful for Crossings Camps, and furthermore, even more grateful for a Savior in whom we have been washed.