Thursday at Mount Lebanon

Our last full day at camp has been a great one already! The morning started off with some biscuits and gravy for breakfast, but focus quickly shifted away from food and silly games as we moved into a time called The Concert of Prayer. The EVC Students met together for a brief devotional on prayer then we moved to meet with one-fourth of the camp for a time of prayer. After a while we could hear a bagpipe playing in the distance, signaling us to come back to the worship center for a time of prayer with the entire camp. Students grouped up in small groups to pray over family, friends, schools, church, and their city. It was a powerful time of prayer and worship.

The day continued with LOTS of Gaga Ball and while another group went to the pool. Every kid is tired and hot and probably a little sore. But one thing is unanimous, they are having a fantastic time.

Pray The Lord continues to work in the hearts of our students. We will be having a very special time together as a group. We will be washing each other's feet and committing to serve one another this next school year.

I can't wait to come home with these students and see how they live for Christ back in Saginaw.

As far as pick up, we should be back around 11:30am for sure. If their are any changes I'll let you know!

Wednesday at Mount Lebanon

This morning we woke up to a mostly cloudy sky. It was a pleasant sight as it provide so relief from the sun that has been beating down all week. We almost got through all of morning recreation before the sun showed up which made for a cool relaxing morning. This was needed as many of our game involved a lot of running! Games like Car Lot, Tank, and Bandana Grab were tons of fun, and every kid participated despite a being tired and a little sore from playing so had all week.

The group of guys had an incredible night last night. Each guy prayed for every girl at the camp by name in a special time of prayer where we asked The Lord to lead them to take steps in biblical manhood. The girls opportunity for a special night together is tonight.

Tomorrow is our last day, we are all very excited about what God is doing here, but know that he has greater plans when we get home.

Tuesday at Mount Lebanon

Alright! We're right in the middle of our second full day at camp. It is amazing to see God working in the lives of the students. There is a lot of joy in who God is and how he has blessed us with brother and sisters in our faith.

I am really impressed with the attitudes of all our students. Very little complaining about the heat and everyone is drinking lots of water. Today we discovered that EVC has a dominant water polo team! We played water polo during rec and every time an EVC team subbed in, you could almost guarantee a point. Other games today were rotation basketball, blind volleyball and a big hit was Gaga Ball. Their begging me to build a Gaga Ball court at EVC. I'll have to talk to Bart about that.

We are having a great time. Wes continues to challenge us to recognize and avoid temptation. Reading from Matthew 4 today as Jesus was tempted in the desert. We were reminded that the enemy wants us to question the identity we have in Jesus. Be praying for our group as we continue to learn what it takes to be who God has called us to be.

More updates coming soon!

Monday at Mount Lebanon

While our first day was Sunday, today really feels like the first day of camp. We have had a fantastic day so far, breakfast started at 7:30. While the girls looked pretty tired, the guys sprung out of bed surprisingly quick. A breakfast of sausage, "eggs", and biscuits and gravy gave us the fuel to get going.

Then we headed to worship. The Justin Cofield Band is doing a fantastic job leading us in worship, and Wes Hamilton's message today was an incredible challenge about temptation that I hope sticks with these students for a long time.

At rec we played games with names like Ninja Warrior, tubicide, and pirate ship. I couldn't be prouder of how our group maintained an attitude of fun and sportsmanship throughout the day. Even as some other churches got a little too competitive.

The verdict is already in, this camp is awesome! While there have been some long lines at the challenge courses and meals, our group is just happy to be together and having a good time.

We are about to head to dinner and I hope to have some more pictures for you all tonight.

And this is what happens when you leave your phone sitting around...thanks Kara and Savannah!