“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” ~ Mark 10:45

         I hope everyone had a restful time after camp with many much-needed naps and lazy days. We had an amazing time at summer camp this year at Forest Home Ojai with our Jr/Sr High Students, and our friends from Grace Church of Rancho. We had the incredible opportunity to learn about our need for the gospel of the Son of God, as Patrick Carmichael led us through key passages in the Book of Mark. Patrick currently serves as the Teaching Pastor at Christ Bible Church in Mission Hills. As a graduate of Grace Brethren High School, he remains closely connected to many here at Grace, which added a special relational depth to the weekend. Our students were greatly impacted by sitting under his teaching during sessions and by having amazing gospel centered conversations with him during Rec, free time, and meals. Patrick was very present with our students all weekend, and his intentionality with the students made a lasting impression. Patrick kicked off camp by introducing the theme with Mark 1:1- 2:12. As the weekend progressed, we looked at passages in chapters 3, 4, 5, and 14 of Mark.

Many students have stated that their highlight of camp was the time we spent studying the Book of Mark and the rich conversations that followed. Much of these conversations are due in large part to our faithful and selfless leaders who gave up their weekend to pour into the lives of our students and push them into a more mature faith. Our students learned about various aspects of the gospel of the Son of God, but the session that many students say was their favorite was when we looked at Mark 3:7-19 and discussed what it means to not simply be a fan of Jesus, but a follower. In this time, we looked at the marks of a true disciple and the calling and purpose that come with following Christ.

Camp is not defined by Team Comp. and crazy games, but it is definitely an important aspect! This year, we had a phenomenal Games Crew that consisted of several of our Summer Interns. Our interns put in countless hours brainstorming, planning, and preparing for our Team Games, Night Games, and Ice Breakers. Their efforts were made evident in the amazing time we all had while battling for fruit, playing Kajabi Can Can, speed eating entire onions, trying not to eat ‘Eggs for Breakfast,’ getting ‘Tattoos,’ and of course, playing the age-old game ‘Snottier Shooter.’

We are extremely grateful to the Lord for how camp went this year and how the Lord worked in the lives of so many of our students and leaders, with many students realizing their need for salvation, and others learning more about the grace and mercy of God that encourages and strengthens us daily. 

I thank you all who have been faithfully praying for our students and the ministry. We ask for your continued partnership in prayer, as many students are thoughtfully processing the gospel truths presented at camp and the application to their lives.