My life this summer.

Everything is moving so fast! I thought the summer would drag on, but in reality everything that so many people have been working so hard for is speeding right towards us! In case you didn't know, camps are right around the corner. I figured since this is my last full week of normal-ish office hours before everything takes off, I would like to explain to you what this has all meant to me and how these camps are going to take off. I don't see myself having massive amounts of time in the next few weeks between camps, my online summer courses, and a missions trip to Ecuador.

Planning these camps has been a massive amount of work and endless hours of planning. I don't remember ever feeling so drained or tired. Who knew working and planning in an office and thinking of every possible scenario could use so much energy? So much time, effort, and prayer has gone into each step and decision made. I really didn't have a complete understanding of what it took for the planning, and I know that's only a fraction compared to what it will take during the actual camps.

I feel that this form of ministry is something that God has called me to, along with conventions and conferences. I'm not one to speak so boldly about my specific call into ministry, because it is VERY specific, but when the opportunity came across for me to be able to have so much involvement in camps back in my city, I jumped at it. No, jumping isn't even the word. I asked for it. Literally. I asked to have that responsibility, because I wanted it.
Seriously. I did. I still do.

I know the impact a camp/conference/convention can have on a life. Sometimes all it takes is one night and everything in that life changes. Someone can accept Jesus into their lives for the first time. Someone can experience healing for the first time. Someone can get to the next level with God after years of feeling in the same place. Some even get called into the ministry at these types of events. It's not even necessarily the events themselves, but rather the anticipation and room for God to move that makes it so life-altering and special.
I know this from experience. My life has been radically altered and challenged by camps and conventions. It's those moments that you look back on and it's so specific that your mind automatically thinks to that instant.
I was called into the ministry at a national kid's convention in elementary school.
I had the first glimpse into what I was going to do at a youth camp in 7th grade. It's also at this youth camp that I remember every single message the speaker preached. I can tell you the titles of the sermons, the way he spoke, and even how my heart melted under God's power. THAT'S how much of an impact it had on me.
I remember getting the first specifics of my call into ministry at a youth convention in my junior year in high school. I can tell you specifically how I walked up to an altar call I'm not even sure was about, but was so assured that this moment was created for God to reveal something to me. It's vivid in my mind.
I can also name numerous specific times where my heart was encouraged, broken, changed, and mended at any number of these types of events. Life-altering moments. Moments that change your direction and focus permanently.

My heart is for events like this because I know the impact they can have on a life.
I am a product of it, and I want that so badly for others. It's as if every instance I can remember and take from where God revealed something to me about my future and my call, He placed a piece of His heart in mine and sometimes I can feel it beating inside of my soul.

Having said all that, my heart, along with all my energy and efforts, is in these camps and services. I believe there can be change and connection all within a few planned days like these. I really, really do. I've seen it happen! I can't wait to see what God will do, and I'm even more expectant to hear the stories of how broken people are mended, souls are encouraged, and people get to know each other and Jesus even more, fully engulfing themselves in the body of Christ image that the Bible portrays for us to be.

I've already learned so much, and I know I'll only learn more. In the meantime, if you're reading this, know that this is my sincerest form of communication on the subject. I cannot tell you how badly I want you to come and experience everything God has for you at these events!

See what I've been up to:
CITY CAMP 2012 - JULY 8-10 (Ages 8-12): http://gtsf.org/city-camp-2012-2/

URIM - JULY 15-19 (Ages 13-18): http://gtsf.org/eventregis/?ee=9
(This event is open to anyone - aka all ages - during the night services at 6:30pm. It's usually packed with people from churches around the bay!)

Jeff Deyo Concert @ 5pm - July 15 ($10 a ticket): jeffdeyo.eventbrite.com

All these events are held at: Glad Tidings Church - 1280 Webster St. San Francisco, CA. 94115
(www.gtsf.org)

As a camp director, I had to plug it, guys. It's all I've been doing this summer.
This is my life at the moment! See you there!