By Joyell Nevins – CFFM Blogger
**All photos courtesy of Joanna Howley
The world is continually trying to push us into someone else’s mold and dictate what we should look like, act like, or enjoy. This is especially true for teenagers, who are often more susceptible to the pressure of their environment and friends as they try to navigate figuring out who they are.
But, God created each of us uniquely. We are built with an inner desire for community and belonging, but we are not built for conformity. We are each made in the image of God, and just like the natural world around us, we reflect so many different aspects of who He is!
Being your authentic self and being loved for who you are was a theme that ran throughout the 27th annual Youth Excelling Spiritually (YES!) Camp.
There were 80 campers, 24 of whom were brand new, who hailed from 21 different states. And from the first teaching to the final Sunday preaching, campers were encouraged to be themselves and no one else. They were reminded of how valuable and how loved they are by God!
The line-up of teachers reflected that concept. From Alaska to Georgia, from 15-years-old to 70-something, the 18 different teachers spanned a wide range of ages, styles, and backgrounds. But what they all had in common was a passion for the Lord God, His son Jesus, and a heart for the campers to experience a deep relationship with them.
Katrina MacPherson and Cianna Marsh opened the camp with a dual teaching!
Here were some of the wisdom bombs dropped on the campers:
“The kingdom of God is not a popularity contest.”
“Words create worlds.”
One of the teacher’s daily prayers – “I love you Jesus, and I know you love me.
I know you are with me every second of the day.”
“God is a restorer of your dreams!”
“In the presence of the King, nothing negative can survive.”
“Whose house is it? It’s my house!”
“God’s goodness is RUNNING after you!”
Laughter and Love
Along with deep spiritual insights, there was also goofiness and laughter with crazy skits and lunchtime shenanigans. Since the theme verse was Matthew 6:33, Burger King paper crowns and other royal references were also in abundance!
“But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV
Jon Hagar demonstrates his kingly stance.
Heyward Chappelle donned a special wig for his camp song.
There were songs with ridiculous motions to make us laugh, and songs dripping with heart to move our souls
Campers heard explosive testimonies and vulnerable stories, all pointing back to the love and power of our God. Some teachers shared from a pulpit, some sat at a table, and one pair even did a podcast-style interview!
Multiple sessions culminated in ministering, group prayer, and heart healing. At Christian Family Fellowship, we love to laugh, but we aren’t afraid to cry, either!
Pastor Carol Furman spoke and prayed over the campers, bringing them to the front of the stage, at the end of her teaching.
We look different, have different styles and passions and tastes, and we have learned that’s okay. There is no one picture of what a Jesus-lover looks like.
At YES! Camp, we embrace the uniqueness of who God created us to be, while continuing to strive to be the best of who God called us to be! We want to make a mark in the Kingdom of God and fulfill His purpose for us.
Do you want to join us next year? If you are between the ages of 12 and 25 and want to make your own mark, email info@cffm.org for more information. Spots are limited to 180 applicants, so save your space early!