And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 NIV)
Wednesday was “Hump Day” for me.
For most people, Wednesday is Hump Day because once they get through it, the week starts sliding toward the weekend. For me, Wednesday was the day I needed to finish several key arts camp projects so that everyone else could complete theirs.
For example, before we could have name badges ready, I had to print the inserts, create the individual schedule stickers, borrow a laminating machine, make sure every volunteer had a completed background check, organize the volunteer schedule, and print the volunteer stickers. And that’s just for the name badges! There were also T-shirts, attendance folders, workshop supplies, games, multiple emails to different camp groups, and countless other details that needed to be in place before we begin setting up on Sunday.
But as of yesterday, all the things I needed to finish so others could do their “things” were done.
So I set aside Thursday to work on the all-camp devotions.
Why?
Because at the end of the day, the fun, the arts, and even the camp experience itself are not the point. God is.
Encouraging and developing the faith of these campers—and volunteers!—is far more important than whether every art project turns out perfectly. Ultimately, we want these young people to know, love, and serve God within His Church and to be fruitful in His Kingdom for the rest of their lives.
That’s a pretty big vision.
But isn’t that what “making disciples” means?
The Church needs the arts—music, drama, dance, video, painting, architecture, sculpture, and more. If “the heavens declare the glory of God” because He created them, then we, made in God’s image, should reflect His glory in what we create as well. God created beauty for His enjoyment and ours. Under the leading of the Holy Spirit, the arts bring beauty into the world in ways that few other things can. They explore and express the human experience in ways that words alone cannot. And, when offered for the glory of God, they tell God’s story and help build His Kingdom.
If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time, you’ve probably heard me say all this before. But I bring it up again because I’m asking you to pray for the camp.
Next week, 67 young people ages 10–19 will gather for a week-long day camp. Each camper will participate in four of our 26 workshops throughout the day. Twenty workshop leaders and another 25 adult volunteers will pour into these students all week long.
Then, on Friday evening, families will join us for a picnic before our Showcase, where campers will share the drama, dance, visual art, music, public speaking, photography, and other projects they have created. This year’s theme that ties everything together is “Gift.”
Would you please pray for our campers, volunteers, and families—for health, safety, and God’s protection throughout the week?
Pray that God would speak through the devotions, the projects, the conversations, and any other place He chooses to meet these precious people. Pray that hearts and minds would be open to hear what He says and to respond in faith and obedience.
And above all, pray that God would be glorified as these campers are marked by His presence.
God,
In your mercy, hear these prayers…..
In Jesus’s name, AMEN.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy. Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1 NIV)
Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…’
…
So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27 NIV)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV)
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit… This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:5, 8 NIV)