Reflections: SBFYC - 1 Day Removed

I have been meaning to update a lot sooner, but I have been out and about for some time.  This past week was a special time since I had the opportunity to attend and work at the Saved by Faith Youth Challenge (SBFYC) camp in Bolivar, MO.  I am so thankful to the leadership (Ascol Family) for putting on a camp that was challenging, encouraging, and convicting in many ways.  As an "older" person attending, I couldn't help but envy the opportunity Bill Ascol (camp director) has provided for these young students to hear a clear and powerful presentation of the gospel.  I'm excited to see how the Lord will change their lives.  At every step of the way from the teaching of God's word, activities, group devotionals, etc, all things pointed towards Jesus Christ.  It makes sense, since the camp's theme was "Living the Cross-Centered Life."

Photography

I had the awesome privilege to work with fine art photographer Jim Rector from Houston, Texas.  In a few words, he is awesome.  I am so grateful for the time I spent with him - getting to talk faith and photography.  He is a fellow Canon shooter, so that was even better.  It is nice shooting with someone who has experience and is able to see the little nuances that go along with covering an event.  Which shots matter and which type of exposures are important in certain situations.  I did my best to pick his brain and see how he approaches photography.  Equipment-wise, I was anxious to shoot some photos and see the capabilities and limitations of my new battery grip, wireless transmitters, and flash - all of which performed extremely well and surpassed my needs and purposes at this point.

JJ Stupote

What?  It stands for Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth.  This group did an amazing job with the singing/music part of our worship.  I couldn't tell if they wrote their own stuff or not, but it was refreshing to find a group of people so talented that also cared about the content and if their songs were God-honoring.  We have much to treasure in Christ and they helped direct the object of our worship to God.  Excluding an impromptu singing of Rogers and Hammerstein's song "Oklahoma" and some Texas song (it was, after all, a youth camp), I appreciated these times of worship.

Preaching

Each day was a mixture of main sessions and workshops designed to encourage and engage students with the message presented that day or night.  It was in many ways a breath of fresh air, as we were brought higher and higher to a clearer understanding of what Jesus did on the cross to save us from the wretchedness and depths of our sin.  With such powerful teaching and continued exhortation, it was clearly information overload (in a good way).  It's like wanting to drink from a cup of water but getting the full power of the Mississippi River flowing right at you. Paul Washer, known predominately and unfortunately for one sermon, was the camp's main speaker.  I had a chance to speak with him a few times and appreciated the opportunity, since many of the campers waited in hoards to get his autograph or take photos with him or even receive counsel.  To say the least, he is popular with the students. I guess if ever young people needed someone to look up to, it is not bad that it is a man after God's heart.

So what next?  Pastor Todd (Camp Pastor) closed the camp with a final exhortation, what will happen when you get back to the daily routine of life?  How will these truths take root in a way that allows you to grow more?  Hopefully, they do not fall on deaf ears or hardened hearts, but heed the final words of Paul's last message, "you have been warned."

Photos
Here are a few photos from the past week.  The rest of the photos and video should be up soon.  Hope you guys enjoy!

Bill Ascol the Camp Director. 25 years and still going strong.

Single flash used to capture a few shots of JJ Stupote on the last night.  I was pretty much in the back of the auditorium and my wireless transmitters still worked.

 

 

 

Prayer meeting.

My camp roommate Charlie.

Recreation.

Mini Josh and mini Klifton, this was so funny.  Video of the whole skit should be up soon.

Ascol family.