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Spencer’s story


It was the first day of camp. We knew most of the campers from youth group. Spencer was new to us. His mom mentioned that he might have a bit of trouble fitting in. I told her I would keep an eye on him.

Camp got off to its usual roaring start with a day of water-skiing. The next day, we loaded up gear and canoes and headed for Village Bay Lakes, a beautiful pristine location in the middle of Quadra Island.

This youth group has a vibrant desire to love God and to walk in obedience to Him. It was most likely a bit confusing for anyone who didn’t know Jesus, to comprehend why these kids love to worship and sing their hearts out. In the small groups that day, the kids were challenged to listen to God’s voice and to seek more from Him. In the small group that Spencer was a part of, the invitation was given, “Have you ever felt a physical sense of the presence of God?” The group prayed over him. Afterwards, he said he felt a touch from God, a peaceful and beautiful feeling.

The next evening, the group was worshipping around a fire in the bush, protected from the wind on the lake. There was a real move of God among the youth that night. Kids were on their faces, worshipping their Creator. In this atmosphere, Spencer gave his live to Jesus. Barry, the camp director, made the announcement: “Hey everyone, Spencer just gave his life to Jesus!” There was whooping and hollering. None of us will ever forget that moment of celebration.

Spencer comes from a non-churched family. He returned home, with a promise to start coming to church. He was true to his word and showed up the next Sunday. He had to ride his bike about 10 kilometres to make it, but he was determined to be there. In the following weeks, his mom began to join him on Sunday mornings when she could. Pretty soon, she was juggling work schedules so she could make it to church. Then, at our church’s women’s retreat in October, Spencer’s mom accepted Jesus as well. What started out in a quiet place under the stars was being multiplied.

Camp has an effect on people. Things happen.

God moves.

Kathleen Klassen and her husband Stan are youth pastors at Black Creek (B.C.) MB Church, which operates its own camping program called Campfire Ministries.

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Last modified November 21, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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