Teen Camps 2008

This year we had 2 teen camps, one made of contacts from Evangelical Church in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the other one from the organization Mission without Borders, based in Mostar. We had all together 80 teenagers attending those camps.

The theme of the both camps was Joseph’s life. Every day we focused on one aspect of his life:

This is Joseph's coat of many colors in making...:))

• IT’S NOT FAIR! : There are situations in life that often are not fair, just as it was in the case of Joseph and his brothers, but God is still on our side!

• I AM AFRAID! : Joseph was a slave and experienced fear and loneliness many times, and sometimes we feel the same, but we can trust God that He will be with us in the midst of everything. Early in the morning that day, around 5:30 we had adventure where we divided in 3 groups that had to do 3 different activities. Each one involved many obstacles, running together, some tied up with closed eyes, and all in the end learning the scripture by heart. In the evening we had a night game that again exemplified to us the truth that God is with us in very situation as He was with Joseph.

• GOOD CHOICES: regardless of everything choose rightly! Joseph was tempted to sin, but He stood strong and made a right choice. We talked about choices that are presented to them as teenagers and encouraged them to make the good ones.
• YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Joseph has made a difference in the life of his family and the whole nation, and the message for teenagers was that each one of them is important in God’s eyes and that He has a plan for their lives. In the evening we talked about forgiveness and Joseph’s example in that. We shared about Jesus and how He made the way to the Father, in order that we can be forgiven. Then we closed with prayer! This year we focused on discussions in the small groups, so sermons in the evenings were not as long (except for the last night) but short with very clear message and the clear applications, empowered with activities connected with the theme of the day and personal testimonies. This year we had less teenagers per group and that also made a difference, and made connecting easier.

We definitely noticed difference between two camps, two groups of teenagers. The work in the small groups went much easier in the first teen camp, but then in the second we had a altar call and many came out asking for prayer and ministry which did not happen during the first week. This just proves how each camp is so unique, set up from totally different people and needs, and how God has a unique approach to each one. Our God is so versatile.

During the second teen camp we had help come from Germany. There was a team of 16, both leaders and teenagers who served in many ways, but mostly testimonies, facilitating workshops, dramas and connecting and sharing with teenagers. They even organized to meet up with the young people in Mostar after the camps, and many showed up.

We are so thankful to all that helped and served in the camps this year and all those who supported us in prayers. Even though the second teen camp was in the last week and everyone was very tired, we experienced supernatural nourishment of God, who “gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak!” Is. 40:29

In the end we are thankful to God for all He has done in the life of each teenager and leader, and as it says written in Gen. 39:2 “The Lord was with Joseph and the Lord gave him success in everything he did! We have preached that word, we have prayed it over our lives and camp, and we have experienced it first hand as the Lord lifted us up and lead us through finish line in joy and deep satisfaction as we closed not just this one camp but camps for the year of 2008!