After a great big sigh of relief I look back on the past month of fundraising banquets and preparations and say, "Wow". We were somewhat uncertain what the outcome of such events would be as there are many similar events in the community. But what a blessing to experience the excitement of our community about what God is doing through the work of camping ministry overseas. It would be a close estimate that 900 people attended our banquets in Winkler and Morden and over $40,000 were raised to send kids to camp in the coming months. Praise the Lord! That means a life changing difference in the lives of thousands of youth!
Here's the latest on what's been going on overseas:
Antony (who oversees the camping ministry in Southeast Asia) sent me this photo yesterday. Though the date on it would appear that it is a New Year's party in 2004 it is actually taken at a youth event that was held in India on October 2, 2006 (just a couple weeks ago). The story behind events like these are really something else.Looking back I can't believe I was skeptical at first. I remember tossing out a challenge in a training time to a couple dozen Indian youth, "who of you will make a weekly effort to follow up the children you reach out to with the gospel." All of them raised their hands. I figured something got lost in translation because no one explained their schedule restraints or that they needed time to pray about it. They knew they were called for a purpose and this was it. And I can joyfully tell you they are following through on this commitment.
But the story doesn't stop there. Eager to do more they begged Antony, "Can you help us reach out to our friends and peers at our schools and colleges?" And so Antony proposed a series of youth events where those who had served as counselors at camps would invite their non-Christian friends to a day of speaking, skits, singing, etc. And we would have never imagined just how fruitful an event like this could be. The original plan was to host an event for 2,000 but by the time the day arrived over 4,000 showed up. Approximately 1/3 were from the local church and the other 2/3 those they hoped to reach with the gospel.
This event did draw some attention from the authorities who challenged Antony by questioning his intentions for the day. Was this to be a mass conversion event? They were not too favorable in this matter. However, God was working long before this event to prepare for a harvest. The youth I told you about earlier had already been organized on the campuses of the colleges and schools these youth were invited from. In the days following the event each attender would be followed up by these groups and invited into fellowship with Christ and the church. So I don't have a number for you as to how many came to know Christ but what I can tell you is that the church is growing by leaps and bounds.
In the coming year we're hoping to reach out to schools and colleges to reach 21,000 youth. There is certainly potential for more (and you can bet there will be more - as I said before 4,000 attended - those were just the ones we have registered - a number of others found ways to sneak in to satisfy their spiritual hunger!)
Where do I stop? Then there's Nepal. Antony spent the past 6 months training a missionary from India to help with the work in Nepal. Again the Lord continues to open doors for children and youth.
In Cambodia the Lord has poured out blessing as well. A friend of mine, Davis Wieler just returned to share of all God is doing there. I encourage you to check out his blog at http://daviswieler.blogspot.com for more about his experience. I hope to update you soon with pictures and stories from Cambodia.
Till then we continually covet your prayers and support. It's an amazing work God has called us all to and we are so grateful to work together with you to "make disciples of all the nations."
