I got back from camp Friday night. I guess my blog would be incomplete without a report about what happened.
The biggest part was the 13 baptisms in one night after an emotional sermon. “Do you love Jesus?” Outside I was rejoicing. Inside I was apprehensive and praying that these kids weren’t just jumping on the bandwagon. I’ve said it before: Decisions based solely on emotionalism will wither and fade when the emotions are gone. I hope and pray that these kids stay faithful.
While I don’t want to limit preachers and how the Gospel is preached, I still have cold feet about it. Granted an emotional sermon might be the only way to reach some people. I just have to have faith that those counselors/preachers talking to these potential converts asked the right questions and make sure these folks were ready for baptism and a lifetime commitment.
Then there’s the pleaser, as another counselor called him. He’s the one looking for approval for everything he does. Emotional? Yes. I figure one of these days he’ll stand up for himself and start making decisions on his own before it is too late.
The kids were great. Bible class was a daily highlight. I was caught off guard with some of the questions.
It was one of the few times that I can be myself and feel comfortable, without necessarily feeling apprehensive about what people think of me or my family. If only I could keep this feeling bottled up for release when I need that extra boost of self confidence.
I made some new friends and said goodbye like I always do, only to return back home with no one to share common memories with. Am I limiting myself by only going with other churches to camp? Am I making the already existent rift with myself and my home congregation even larger?