Follow the leader

Summer camp wrap: Camp was good.

Want more? Man you’re pushy.

Camp was really good. Firstly, the weather was fantastic. Didn’t feel like it got over 32 degrees all week.

 I personally learnt alot. Not necessarily from the talks (sorry Coops), but from the studies. I had a group of 18 yos who liked to share their thoughts about all kinds things, both on topic and off. Coops joined our group on Sunday and taught me alot.

The funnest part was seeing the Egyptian boys taking on the Finley boys. Talk about two worlds colliding. All good fun though.

The annual soccer tournament was full on. There was none of this “it’s for fun” attitude. Some of the boys took it really seriously.

Got to talk to a fair few people up there and started to build relationships. Sydney doesn’t look as scarey anymore.

Best part was just hanging out with the kids from this region and not having to be the authority figure. Also, building relationships with Slim and the other leaders from Finley was good. They are a great bunch down there. Really on fire.

Overall, I think God has really shown his blessings through the camp, I’m still on a high and I’m hoping it continues right through mission until we go camping.

Only 357 days left to Summer Camp. Thankfully we have Winter Camp and Southern Riverina Presbyterian Youth Camp in between.

Watching you.

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour from Stanwell Tops.

We are four days into camp, so I thought I’d give you a brief update on what we’ve been up to.

Firstly, the Lord has been most gracious to us with some fine weather. It hasn’t been too hot and the rain has kept away in most part.

The trip up was uneventful. There were a few concerns about one section of road that was very steep and windy. Got to the point when one kid (let’s name him B1 and suggest he comes from a church West of Albury) was nearlly in tears because he was a little frightened. Never the less we won’t be relying on a GPS to navigate for us in the future.

First night was spent catching up with friends, making new acquaintances and playing some introductory games. Also, we found our study groups which are based on Super heros like Batman, Superman, Danger Mouse and Roger Ramjet (though I don’t feel a hero who takes performance enhancing substances is a good role model). We have made mascots for our heroes, theme songs, banners and a symbol. The kids have really embraced their super heroes.

Importantely please pray for Mark Cooper-White who is bringing us the message from Mark’s Gospel. During the talks and studies we have been reminded that Jesus is the main focus, to not get too caught up on the miracles, but understand his purpose and message and also understand what our response to him should be. Personally, my group has been very open and chatty about the topics and I’ve had opportunities to speak one on one with members of my group to share, encourage and to get to know them.

I’ve tried catching up with most of the Albury/Corowa and Finley kids to see how they’re faring. They all seem to be in good spirits and are really getting into the spirit of camp. Please continue to pray for the kids that they will understand and receive the message they are being taught in their study groups and talks. Please also pray for the study group leaders and for the convenors of the camp.  There are approximately 280+ people here living in a small community. Though mostly sticking to their own friends and regional groups, there has been spirited interaction and friendly rivalries between the majority the campers.

The crew from Finley have made a big impact on the camp. There are now terms such as ‘the tunnel of doom’ and ‘Softie’ that will forever be etched in Summer Camp folklore. The impact from Finley has been so great that I believe it is the capital of the Southern Riverina and Albury should be an outer eastern suburb of Finley, just to be recognised. There was also talk of moving SC to Finley but I think that’s been shelved when the only activities that they could come up with was standing in the main street, milking cows and shooting stuff.

Personally, I’ve been moved by the faithfulness of the leaders. I’ve learned some new techniques in leading small groups and have learnt some things. I’ve met and prayed with my Pastoral Carer and have given my testimony about three times. The level of Christian love I’ve received from complete strangers is something that will live with me forever. Though they are strangers, they are still brothers and sisters within Christ. Both mentors and friends. Please thank God for people like this.

By sharing my testimony, I have also come to realise the impact certain people have made on my life, two in particular (one long term, and one recently) who have challenged me to step out in faith to do things I never thought I’d do. The level of gratitude to these men is something I’d never be able to repay.

I’ve also built some closer relationships with some of the leaders and kids from the other Youth Groups we associate with regularly which is great. The mutual respect we have for one another and the adoration for the work that we both are doing with the kids in our churches is something to behold. Please continue to pray for the leaders of the Youth for the work they are doing and continue to build, equip and support them in the work they are doing with the kids.

Also, during the sessions, we have been praying on a model based on Acts 1:8 so please continue to pray and uphold those in ministry in the local churches, those who minister nationally and those who minister internationally.

Thank you for all your prayers and support and we look forward to seeing you all again on Tuesday night.

Yours in Christ’s eternal glory

Sean Farrar

Isaiah 11:1-9 (CEV)
Like a branch that sprouts from a stump, someone from David’s familya will someday be king. The Spirit of the LORD will be with him to give him understanding, wisdom, and insight. He will be powerful, and he will know and honor the LORD. His greatest joy will be to obey the LORD. This king won’t judge by appearances or listen to rumors.

The poor and the needy will be treated with fairness and with justice. His word will be law everywhere in the land, and criminals will be put to death. Honesty and fairness will be his royal robes.

Leopards will lie down with young goats, and wolves will rest with lambs. Calves and lions will eat together and be cared for by little children. Cows and bears will share the same pasture; their young will rest side by side. Lions and oxen will both eat straw.

Little children will play near snake holes. They will stick their hands into dens of poisonous snakes and never be hurt.

Nothing harmful will take place on the LORD’S holy mountain. Just as water fills the sea, the land will be filled with people who know and honor the LORD. 

Specks and Spicks

At Youth Group Friday night, we traveled down to join up with the Corowa group who had organised a Spicks and Specks night.

Somehow, my table ended up winning the night. I’m guessing through sheer luck as there was more than a few songs that I had no idea about. However, I am thinking that Felicity and Mat did raid my music collection for some of it.

Anyway, it was a good night. Well done guys. You’ve managed to set the bar high for us. Now the kids want that kind of supper every week.