One down...but not "out" or "over"

Tonight was the almost-obligatory campfire at week's end of a Christian camp experience.

Offhand I can't think of any of the 190-200 weeks of camp at which I've spoken that did NOT have a campfire...and my Korean friends usually have at least two during the week I share with them annually.

Tonight was wondrous...calm, somber, not an excess of emotion...several stated they were converted this week, others making decisions to read Word more often; others said they Romans 12.1ed their life tonight at the earlier meeting. A group of four young men publicly declared their battle with pornography; and asked for prayer as they struggled against that particular sin.

As I listened, I gazed up and watched the heavens declare His glory even as teens verbalized His glory. I thought of the scores of campfires it's been my privilege to observe since I first started speaking at camps in 1979...and of the seven other camps at which I'll speak this summer.

At each one I'll glance up at the stars...all created by Him and for Him..just as each camper is created by Him and for Him...

And I'll be amazed that I am called to do what I get to do.

After all these years, it still amazes, humbles, and emboldens me...to recognize that the One who opens doors that no man can shut has called and equipped me to "do" this ministry.

And I pray camp isn't "over," but that the Spirit-prompted decisions made here endure as the students discipline themselves to stay in communication with the Father through the intake of His Word and the exhaling of prayer; through commitment to a good, Word honoring local church, and through any other doors of service the Lord opens.

I am one blessed dude. And I am so very, very grateful to the Lord; and to the folks who give and pray to ensure that the work continues.