Big Guy in the Sky!

“I don’t want anything to do with some big guy in the sky.” That was the statement of Mark, one of the high school guys from 71Five Campus – North Medford on the first day of high school summer camp. Mark made it clear he didn’t believe in God or want anything to do with Him. Mark was at camp because he thought it would be fun and his friend invited him to go. In fact, 3 out of the 5 boys in my group considered themselves atheists. On day 3 of our camp though, I had a talk with each of those boys. When I talked with Mark, I asked him why he doesn’t believe in God. Mark told me about the trauma he endured through abusive situations in multiple foster homes. At one point in the past Mark had prayed that God would get him out of his situation and make his dad less angry. “God didn’t answer my prayer, so I figured I was on my own. So why should I believe in him?” Mark’s pain was genuine but by day three of camp, Mark came to know Jesus and accepted Him as his Savior. The people of Israel prayed for the Messiah to rescue them from Rome, but Jesus had a much better plan. Jesus didn’t rescue Israel from the oppression of the Romans, but used it for His glory. God didn’t rescue Mark from his abusive situation, but used it to get Mark right where he needed to be. On day 3 of camp, Mark came to know Jesus personally. On day 4, Mark was baptized.
 
Thanks for giving scholarships to kids like Mark to go to 71Five Camp and for reaching young people with hope. If you’d like to get more involved, give us a call at Youth 71Five Ministries: (541) 779-3275.
 
TIM HARDY,  71Five Campus Ministry Director – North Medford 
(541) 840-0960 | tim@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

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