And just like that...

And just like that summer camps are over. It was a frenzy over here with the Gospel Coffee Crew. We had a hard and fast summer and although the summer season isn't quite over yet, we just finished our last camp. We still have weekend retreats and events happening. It feels like things are going to get a little more steady in their pace instead of go Go GO, for which I am extremely grateful.

We learned so much throughout the summer and were pushed in many ways. A lot of our time was focused mainly on GO Worship, the music side of the ministry. But in many of the camps we led worship at, we also led cabins/ small groups. This dual responsibility was sometimes daunting, overwhelming, and a learning experience.

I'd like to take the time to break down a few tips and things we learned throughout the summer.

But first, let me paint the picture.

We are a couple of weeks in and a couple of camps in. We are getting tired. A few poor planning choices and long weeks are catching up to us. We haven't given ourselves time to rest or to be at home. The majority of our group are introverts, so even though we are called to serve and love people it is important to take time and be quiet and rest.

There seems to be a hopelessness among students. It feels like the levels of darkness and depression and anxiety have increased and the true freedom of Jesus is not grasped. The students are more disrespectful of the time and leadership than we've experienced in the past. All seems to be a program for them. Come in to worship time, sing some songs, then move on to teaching, then move on to games. Nothing seeming to make an impact in lives.

We were worn out. Dragged down. And honestly, a little hopeless.

Then, we were reminded. We were reminded of Truth. Of Life. Of Love.

We were reminded of the reason we do what we do. And the reason it's important.

The world lives in darkness. There is no light. No hope, it's just endless cycle of days and nights, with no real meaning.

This is the point. Because unless the Light of Jesus is shined on them, there will be no way out. Just as it says in, Romans 10: 14 "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?"

How will they know any other way unless they are shown and taught and called to live differently? We are called to do that. To walk in the Light. To be love to these people. To spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Plus, our mission/ heart as the Gospel Coffee Crew is specifically to pour into the leadership of churches and ministries. They are often doing all the hard work of pouring out and they rarely receive support and encouragement. Being at camp, showed us just how important it is to come alongside them. They are constantly outporuing to these kids that we were just around for a week. Their mission is for these students. To share with them the gospel and to walk with them in life transformation. We can't give up. We can't grow weary. Paul says in Galations 6:9 "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."

Thank you Holy Spirit for the reminder of truth.

The last camp we did was really great. Thankfully, God shifted our perspective and gave us His own perspecitve. He showed us the kids and their hurts and their hearts. The reality is, for some kids, camp is the one week they are fed regularly and they are safe. They are receiving love and truth. We are not called to grow the seeds, we are just called to plant them and water them. "So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. ... For we are God’s fellow workers" (1 Corinthians 3:7 & 9). It is an amazing comfort and weight lifted that God is responsible for causing the growth.

Another thing I was reminded of is thankfulness. The practice of thankfulness. On a young adult camping trip this past weekend, we read Colossians. Several times throughout the 4 short chapters in Colossians, Paul encourages the people to be thankful to God. When we practice thankfulness, we shift our hearts and minds to positive things. Our countenance changes. We become lighter beings. Tasks seem possible instead of overwhelming. We remember why we want to do something and are thankful. Thankfulness is important. Plus, it is a command throughout Scripture.

We share this all for a couple of reasons. One is to be vulnerable and honest with where we were at. We didn't have the right perspective. God corrected us. Correction and discipline from God is a great thing and we are thankful for the shift. Another reason we share is to let you in on the truth that we learned. And that we ALL need to be in prayer for each other. Because youth ministry can be hard, and momming can be hard, and going to school can be hard, and the full-time career world can be hard.

But prayers impact. Perspective shifts are powerful. And thankfulness changes our mindset.

Let this be your reminder, your call to action, and your encouragement to continue. Plus, you never know when the season and time will shift. Let us make the most of the time we have because ...just like that... it could be over.

Shalom from the Gospel Coffee Crew