During the school holidays youth group had their annual week long camp – safari. This year’s camp was quite a big one with 57 people going along to brave the cold at Afterlee (back of Kyogle) and the Yarrahapinni campsite (Grassy Head). As we opened to the book of 2 Peter, the theme for the week was “All you need to know”. We were reminded that the Good News of Jesus is all we need to know to help us grow as Christians, it’s all we need to know because it’s true, it’s all we need to know when people try and tell us otherwise, and it’s all we need to know until the very end.

There were plenty of highlights from this year’s camp (check out the video below), but by far the most encouraging thing that happens on every safari, is seeing so many young people keen to grow in their relationship with God. The leaders would often tell me about the many conversations they had with different students in their groups, each being geared around God’s Word and the desire to really KNOW Jesus.

On a personal note, I was challenged by the guys in my discussion group to be more intentional when it comes to talking to my friends about Jesus. One of the group times we had during safari was all about planning a bring a friend event for the upcoming term – picking one friend, praying for them and inviting them along to the event that we decided on (a golf day for our group). In this particular group time the guys really took charge. They talked about the importance of telling others about Jesus, about ideas on how we can make Jesus more of our everyday conversation with friends and with each other, and then prayed for one another to be bold to talk about Jesus. Very encouraging stuff from a bunch of 16 year old guys!

I’m constantly reminded of the great group of young people God has put in our church family. You’d think with 57 people all sharing the same space for 6 days it’d do anyone’s head in. But being the group they are the week was hassle-free (apart from wake up alarms needing to go off numerous times), and was a great time learning together from God’s Word. All the leaders survived to tell the tale of safari ’08. Thanks to all those that helped with the logistic side of things for safari – it was very much appreciated. Please pray that the high schoolers that went on safari would continue to grow in their relationship with God, and the things they learnt wouldn’t be forgotten. And pray that the leaders would follow up the conversations they had with the youth, and that they’d follow Jesus’ example as they lead high schoolers. If you went on safari ’08 make sure you leave a comment and tell us what you were challenged by from God’s Word.