Youth camp report

Reports from the last youth camp held in October 2006. The next youth camp has been scheduled for November 2007.

Details to be posted shortly.

Winds of Change

by Jonathan Sreekumaran

"Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow share their dreams
With you and me
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream away
in the wind of change"
- The Scorpions

It was truly a "Wind of Change" that blew right into the depths of my life. I never ever experienced what I experienced at this camp. It was truly a life changing camp for me. It's completely turned my life around - permanently.

I needed God to speak to me concerning many areas in my life. I needed Him to sort out my problems. I wasn't living the life He gave me. I was existing. I was living a tight life. I was feeling confused. I socialized; I didn't fellowship, with my friends. I was hungry and I wanted God badly.

At the camp, God spoke to me clearly concerning my life, my ways, my future, my friends and gave me a whole new bunch of them. I also got to chill a lil' with the Holy Spirit. ‘T was quite cool.

The speakers rocked and the camp delegates including myself had a whale of a time with the wonderful sessions, the funny after-glow events, the camp fire, the late nights, the new friends made – it was worth every buck I spent and more.

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‘God opened my spiritual eyes and ears'

For me, the youth camp was about the worship. It brought me into the presence of the Holy Spirit, something that hadn't experience before. Moreover, listening to the talks in the lovely chapel that overlooked the hills and lakes in Igatpuri made me take in more of God's glory as I saw it around me. There are others like me at the camp who primarily came for the fun and games but after the camp I would say that I was most impacted by what I heard about God. This was the first youth camp I had ever participated in. For the first time, God gave me prophetic words for other young people and it helped me open up my spiritual eyes and ears to see what God wanted me to tell and do for others. My dad, Stanley Mehta , taught on ‘Heroes of Faith' – he told us stories from the life of Pandita Ramabai, William Penn and the captains of the ships around the Titanic.

I loved the evening after glow events. For those of you who couldn't make it to the camp, ‘after-glow' events were performances by the different teams each night. Like one night, we were given a parable and had to convert into a Bollywood film. Or another night, we had a write and perform a rap song that introduced the members of the team to the rest of the audience. The evening events saw some great talent come forth – namely Jonathan Sreekumar and Michael from Andheri church.

I also like the cheeky monkey that Jeremy Gledhill brought with him. Everyday it was hidden around the campsite somewhere and I loved the challenge of finding it. Afterall there was that coveted 100 points to be won for my team. Jeremy apart from his crazy monkey also taught us on ‘Tools of faith' like the Word of God and prayer.

Mike Beaumont taught us on the ‘Foundations of faith' and explained to us why did Jesus die? He made it simple and easy to understand and broke down the points so that we could remember it.

I will never forget this camp and I miss it a lot. I hope that the next one is not going to be after five years but much much sooner. I thank all the speakers and people who organized it. It was fabulous.

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‘I want to be part of the tsunami generation'

By Benjamin Selvan

The youth camp at Igatpuri, held after five years was a time of spiritual rejuvenation for the youth. Far from noisy Mumbai, in calm environs, everyday comprised of the following.

Sessions
Mike Beaumont, with “Foundations of Faith” made sure of audience interaction with his active sense of humor and taught us eight words that guide us in our fight against the enemy. Jez Gledhill stressed the importance of the “Tools of Faith” drawing upon his experience as a pastor and a director of marketing in illustrating the importance of a daily walk. While Stanley Mehta , provided us historical examples of Christians who through their unwavering faith had impacted society. The group discussions were blunt, addressing pornography to the BPO industry, compelling one to discuss preventive measures.

Heart-to-heart
God touched a number of us during the times of worship. We took off one morning to praise Him amidst creation with full view of the neighboring hills, beside a lake. The chairs were soon set aside to give way for intense praise and dancing. A number of us exercised spiritual gifts thus resulting in baptism of the Holy Spirit and healing. Everyone was encouraged to offer praises to God during worship, thus bringing about boldness in expressing to God. People were touched and convicted by the Holy Spirit.

Entertainment
The games that were conducted were crucial in involving group members and developing team spirit. The “After-Glow” events thanks to Peter and Priscilla brought out the creative potential of the youth. We were divided into eight groups, and placed against each other through skit, rap, soap-sculpting, painting etc. Each night saw tons of laughter and memorable performances.

We thank the authorities for the food and stay, intercession group, Santoshbhai, advance and sound teams for their amazing contribution. In conclusion, I want and I hope as the youth, we fulfill the prophecy as the tsunami generation of His plan for His glory alone.

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‘My faith was put back on fire'

Wait a minute! We're talking about the ‘much-talked about' youth camp.

Well, to begin with, the camp was the camp of the year. From ‘spiritual celebs' to our very own savitri bhen , we had it all. The teaching, food, events put up only added to the excitement. Spirit-led praise and worship sessions were the highlights of the day.

The teachings were excellent. Yeah, we did have a bit of theology, but, trust me, it was fun. (For once, I sat through a whole hour without glancing at my watch). Ha, Mike Beaumont seemed adept at making our sides split with laughter while laying foundations for our faith.

Jeremy Gledhill came along with his unique challenges and gave us tools for our faith. And who could forget Steve, Jamie and Sam! What a blessing it was to have them around. And the best bit was inspirational stories from Stanley (the account of titanic's neighbor ships and William Penn). Daily Meditations were thought provoking.

Folks, we didn't only have teaching. There were interaction times and we discussed hot topics like media, porn and careers. We thought, wrote, talked, prayed, my, what not! Then, we had ‘after glow events' which were put up in the evenings by the eight groups. Stuff like rap songs, skits, poems brought out the melodious part of us, while photo arts, posters, the haka, three minute bollywood skits etc. displayed our creativity.

The food was, surprisingly, enough to fill all stomachs and meal-times were to catch up with old and new friends alike.

All in all, the camp was an awesome time. It made me learn a few lessons, make amendments and put my faith back on fire.