By Brad Dawson, SALT Co-Leader

Last week many of our Jr High/High school students embarked on Harvest Summer Camp “Uncommon15”. It was an unbelievable experience for all who went. 8 churches and a total of 300 Students/Leaders made the trip . There were ridiculous games, great food, ear shattering music, and everything else a student could want from camp. From day one, lives began to change. We enjoyed powerful times of worship, listened to challenging messages, and had discussions that made lifelong impacts. I want to express thanks to all of you in our Harvest family who generously contributed to our trip – the Lord provided for all of our students to go, several of whom would not have been able to go if there was not money available to provide scholarships. You are loved!

Camp was an amazing experience. Here are a few highlights from the week!

1) Free Time!

Forest Home Camp had many recreational options; Zip lines, Climbing Wall, Human Foosball, Ping Pong, Hiking, Basketball, Activity Pool (with Water Volleyball and Basketball), Skate park, Sand Volleyball and Frisbee Golf.

…..Lets just say the week did not have enough free time with all these great activities.

2) The Camp Speaker

This year our camp speaker was the one and only Pastor Scott Hollingshead. Pastor Scott spent the week challenging students to evaluate where they find their identity. This is a common theme that students are constantly struggling with in their lives. For example, Scott addressed you might have your identity in School, Sports, Parents, Relationships and Success. All those examples seem like good things but if you find your identity in them and they fail you then your hope and identity is lost. Our identity is not defined by our failures or by our past but by Christ’s work on the cross.

I Am Created – God created us to worship

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Genesis 1:26

I Am Forgiven– The root of our Identity problem is SIN. Jesus has made a way to redeem us

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13

I Am Made New- Out with the old and in with the new

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” 1 Peter 2:9-10

I am In Jesus– Every one who is in Jesus has a new Identity

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” 1 John 4:15

3) Jesus Saves

Several students took important steps forward in their relationship with Christ. On one particular night, one of our middle school guys took a leap of faith. He confessed about some sin in his life and expressed a strong desire to change and follow Jesus. As we talked through the steps he needed to take and as we prayed together for healing, he prayed that God wouldn’t save him only from Hell but save him so he could spend eternity with Jesus. Praise God that it is all about Jesus!

We are just in awe of the God we serve, and we want to thank Him for the changed lives. We know the real test of faith happens when the students get home, so will you commit to praying for these students?

Any one of our students would tell you that they will never forget their time at camp.

If your student wasn’t able to make it this year, make sure they don’t miss it next time! It is a priceless experience that we would love every student to enjoy.