ABLAZE YOUTH CAMP 2008 : DESPERATION
Record attendance at camp
With the largest attendance ever by far in any Ablaze Camp, there was an atmosphere of anticipation and sheer hunger for God’s Word at Ablaze Camp 2008. The raising of the bar in the promotional materials added to the expectation. An unprecedented number of interstate (Melbourne) and international visitors (Singapore & New Zealand) to the camp added diversity to this year’s camp.
The size this year also saw the number of teams for games and drama performances increase to 12 – a record. The sound, worship and logistics team worked overtime to get the campsite ready for the influx of young people, desperate for God.
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Desperation for God's presence
The first session began with loud cheers to a multimedia reflecting the camp theme of “where does your desperation take you?”
Torchie set the tone for the rest of the weekend as he preached on the topic “Desperation: Key to God’s Presence”. The words ‘We need to seeks God’s face, and not just His hands’ resonated dramatically to every single life in the room.
Many flooded the altar call as young people sought ministering, encouragement and conviction of God’s plan for their lives. There were many defining moments as God’s presence filled His house. Time stood still as the musicians stopped playing and every heart joined in unison in worshipping and adoring our awesome God.
Workshop and fun activities
Workshops heralded in the second day as campers were taught about relationships, sex, service and so much more. Next were the always enjoyable games where the four teams (red, yellow, green and blue) tried to outshine, outplay and outwit their opponents in games testing everyone’s physical, dramatic and gastronomic capacities. Free time saw teams rehearse their mini-dramas and unearth new acting talent.
Desperation for God's glory
After dinner, Pastor Shirley spoke about Desperation: Key to God’s Glory and encouraged the members to take hold of God’s promise that the glory of the present house will exceed that of the former house.
Moving in the Spirit
Words of prophecy over each group in Ablaze were given during times of ministering, blessing every person in the room. Also, Pastor Shirley gave a word to Ablaze as a whole saying that God is planning a new chapter, a new season. There will be a new wave of the Holy Spirit where God will bring us higher, deeper and wider.
After the amazing session, the always popular skits allowed each of the 12 teams to show off their acting and improvisational skills. Raucous laughter and cheers could be heard in every skit. The eventual winners stole the show with a combination of tongue-in-cheek humour, references to old school video games and the clever homage to Ocean’s 11. An impromptu dance presentation by several of our very own dancers brought the house down.
Key to Building God's house
Sunday service began with words of prophecy to several young people signalling God calling the next generation of Ablaze members to take their place in the Kingdom. This appropriately matched the sermon which was Desperation: Key to Build God’s House by Pastor Shirley. Communion saw people from all life groups promising each other to serve wholeheartedly with God at the centre.
After a photo session, it was unfortunately the time to go home. However the lessons learnt, the encounters with God, the friendships made and so much will ensure that Ablaze Camp 2008: Desperation will linger on in the Ablaze community and in the lives of its members for many more seasons to come.
Torchie K.L
Ablaze Ministries International Director
www.ablaze.org.au
