Second Camp - Sombor

     We will never begin to even slightly understand God's plan until it is over, but for now I am humbled that He is allowing me to see the foundation of a spiritual revival in Serbia. Thank you all for the love behind me. I love hearing that you all are praying for these students. So many of you have encouraged me via Facebook justing letting me know you care and are stilling praying. This means the world to me. So thank you my dear brothers and sisters!
     As for camp...As I have shared before, many Serbians, growing up with a Orthodox background, view Christianity as a cult. At this camp we saw kids begin to challenge their own views and seek truth! We all want something greater out of life. This year's camp theme, Greater Than, reveals (through the story of the Prodigal Son) that sometimes the greatest thing is what we have, the Father's love for us. I really think some kids at this camp just needed to hear, "You are loved and worth more!"
     The dynamics of the camp were a bit different than last week. However, the schedule, location and overall look of the camp was the same. There were similar numbers of campers and Americans, yet the students were older than the last. Last week was mostly 14 to 16 year old students. This week I'd say it averaged more like 18-22. Also, the American team was older than the last ranging from 24 years to 50s. I think the maturity of the students, simply age, prosed deeper questions and thoughts. I really had some neat conversations about who God was, why He loves us, and why He loves them and why we need to know Him personally. Also at this camp there were workshops. Which meant for one hour of the day, the students chose a topic of interest (drums, singing, guitar, piano, American football, or art) to learn. During this time, many who opted not to do any were eager to hang out in small numbers or one on one.
     I think God challenged me more at this camp to cease the opportunity when He presented it. Being restless and more irritable than normal made my human weakness want to sneak through, but when I found my human nature creeping in, God would place the opportunity to share His love at that very moment. He will NOT let the evil one sneak it! Praise Him! These conversations were much heavier than I am comfortable with. It was especially hard as I was only their age or even younger. Yet, they respected the authority in which I spoke, not myself, but Christ in me. It was very thought provoking to me. I don't realize or tend to recognize as often as I should, how much the spiritual war is battling around us and for us. God definitely opened hearts, or began knocking on them, to knowing Him more.
     The war is still raging in this place. However, the light will race until it finds each dark corner. It cannot be covered or put out thanks to Gods' great and mighty name!!! I believe at this camp two worlds collided! Continue to pray that these students seek friends, local churches and find the support to build them up and continue to pour into them and disciple them. Please also pray especially for our team's unity. We have 20 days left and one camp remaining. I am praying that the Lord really keeps us close so that we can know each others' burdens to lift off one another as emotions run short. I love you all so dearly. Thank you so much!

1 John 4:4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in yours greater than the spirit who lives in the world.