July 2009 Newsletter
Verse of the Month
"Have you [God] not made a hedge around him around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands ..."
Job 1;10
Focus
It is really easy to get focused on the negative side of camp work. The lack of sleep, rotten beds (not like home), all the paperwork and a whole week when you don’t seem to get a minute to yourself. If you are involved in any way in camp work it is just as easy to get so taken up with the arrangements that are so vital to make sure every thing that could happen is covered.
Each year after camp I know personally I think “maybe, next year I’ll take a step back”. I have no doubts that it is these aspects of camp that prevent others from getting involved in the first place. It is a natural reaction sometimes to look at things and see the negative perspective.
Park all the negative stuff for a minute and think about the following facts (all as a result of God working in various camps in the past): *At least 11 of our own young folk saved, baptised and in a fellowship as a result of a significant camp influence. *A whole family added to our Fellowship last year with camp being a big factor. *About 19 from our own Fellowship giving up a week of their holidays to work for the Lord at camp and paying to do so. In addition to all this think of the potential that God has allowed us to work with this Summer: *60 campers from various backgrounds at AYC and probably a similar number at HHYC getting an opportunity to hear about Jesus for a whole week. *Over the weeks there will be numerous meetings where God’s Word will be preached. * A good number of leaders working at both camps for the Lord full time over the week.
It is funny that we can read God’s Word and see faults of individuals in the story but miss them in our own lives. When I think about seeing things from a negative perspective I thought about Elisha’s servant when he saw the Aramean army when they surround the city (2nd Kings 6 vs 8 - 23)His response was “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” I guess he was focusing on the fact that all he could see to defend the city was himself, Elisha and a few mules.
Over July many from TCF will be involved in camp - some leaders, some campers. Let’s not be like Elisha’s servant and focus on the negative, admin., child protection, cooking, lack of sleep, etc. Let us view the work from the Man of God’s viewpoint and say in faith “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them”. With the eye of faith and the exercise of prayer we can see God working across the camps with many experiencing God’s touch in their lives. It would be great if, like the men of Aram, our eyes were opened and we could see what God has done and will do.
For Your Information
SUNDAYS
18.30 - Evening Service
5th: A. Young - TCF
12th: G. Armstrong - TCF
19th: J. Locke - TCF
28th: R. Neilly - TCF
THURSDAYS
19.30 - Prayer Only
Special Events This Month
SATURDAY 4TH - SATURDAY 11TH
AYRSHIRE YOUTH CAMP
SATURDAY 25TH - SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST
HEBRON HALL YOUTH CAMP
Please see ‘Focus’ this month. We can all get involved, even if only supporting these in prayer.
Other News This Month
SPECIAL BIRTHDAY - 27TH
Congratulations, Jennifer L., on your 18th birthday.
KEEP PRAYING
Please continue to remember Brian especially in your prayers . Also the family, that they will be kept well and strengthened and able to visit him in the hospital.
CURRIE COURT & COFFEE MORNING
These will not be on this month.
SUNDAY SCHOOLS AND BIBLE CLASS
Pray that as these take a break that all Youth outreach over theSummer, will prosper for God’s glory.