During the first week of December, some of the Camp DeWolfe team attended the Annual Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA) Annual Conference in Florida. Hundreds of Christian Camps from across the USA and Canada gathered to be together, in God’s word and with 4 days to worship God, learn and hear from God, and encourage each other in camp ministry. There were speakers, workshops, sessions, music times, prayer groups and meals in fellowship, all with the purpose to be inspired, re-energized and LIFTed up to God.
The entire conference was based on Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” So many people serving in ministry have a big vision for making a difference in Christ’s kingdom, and get stuck in, but often get worn out and tired and can burn out. We are reminded that our dreams are actually God’s dreams and our burdens are actually God’s burdens, so we are to be the branch as Christ is the vine and remain in and abide in Christ, not in our own strengths and energy.
Bryan Loritts and Phil Vischer, in addition to other pastors and ministry leaders shared their stories and their hearts for serving Christ, urging each of us that the most important part being our relationship with Christ, before any ministry or meeting or task. When we are connected to the Lord, through the Holy Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit will flow through naturally, like how apples grow from apple trees. Impact doesn’t occur when we’re pursuing impact… It occurs when we’re pursuing God.
Therefore, our questions for today and every day, for each of us, not just those who work in ministry settings, are always to be: Am I Following God? Am I putting God first above all else, even above great things, great people and great ministries? Am I walking in God’s love today, knowing He loves me because He made me, not because of anything I do or am or be? Am I giving my burdens to Jesus and carrying His yoke, which is light? Can I take everything to the cross and lay it down and walk away with only God as my single goal? If the answers are yes, then we are ready to be used by Him.
