One evening, sitting in the middle of a field in the Purbecks, looking at the night sky and watching out for shooting stars, we sat talking about our time at camp. How many years had we done? (I worked out I’ve been involved for about 25!) What were the highlights? What are some of the past campers up to now?
‘We’ were some of the volunteers who made up the team at Explorer this year, all with these things in common: firstly, we volunteered to be on the team; secondly, we all agreed that it was well worth giving up our time to do so. It was a privilege to be sharing what we knew of God and how he had worked in our lives, and then seeing God at work in the campers’ lives! We were investing in building God’s Kingdom and it was awesome, and the main reason why we keep going back!
There was something else we all agreed on too! That is, that although camp is a great experience for those who come along (as are all the different Christian holidays now available – Spring Harvest, New Wine, Soul Survivor …), they on their own will not sustain and grow our faith throughout the year. There is a need for regularly coming together with others to read the Bible and learn together, to pray and share our experiences, to journey and grow together throughout the year.
As the Youth and Children’s Ministers here at St Saviour’s, this is what Nathan and I aim to do. We provide places where the young people and children can come along, have fun, build friendships, feel safe and, above all, learn more of God, his ways, his Word, and his purpose for their lives, and to see them grow in faith.
I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who are on the teams for the various groups and activities that we have going on – it would not be possible without you! However, there are large gaps, so we do need others to volunteer, and to take on the baton to pass on our faith to the next generation. It doesn’t need to take up a lot of your time – just one hour, once a month and you could be a helper in Kidz Ablaze or at Messy Church!
Come have a chat to find out more! Thanks!
Caz Gatehouse, Children’s Minister
