Uplift

Over a five day period from June 24-29, Nathan Bills (my ministry partner) took 11 teens to Uplift (a camp for teens at Harding University). The following is an article he wrote for the Missouri Street Church of Christ bulletin. Missouri Street made it possible for our teens to attend Uplift.

This past week at Uplift eleven Wonder City teens were encouraged to reflect upon different relationships—family, friends, the world, God. In our Tuesday night devotional when the group shared some reactions to the week, their comments demonstrated that they had indeed been reflecting. I asked them about their fears, successes, dreams, and weaknesses. They responded by talking about relationships. And I was reminded once again about how much negativity these kids experience in their lives.

The speaker on Tuesday night, though, spoke from a text that gives these kids a turning point: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you…was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes…” (2 Cor. 1.19-20). God has said “yes” to these kids in Jesus Christ. I think that message encapsulates the week at Uplift for these kids. Many of them did not look forward to returning home in large part because their environment says “no” in more ways than one. Yet, this past week they were able to hear God’s “yes” in classes, activities, and daily worship. Missouri Street made this trip possible, and we want to thank you for being a part of God’s “yes” to us.