Roughin’ it at Disney World?
This weekend our LIVING youth will be heading to one of my favorite places… Walt Disney World! But this is by no means your typical, “magic filled” trip! They’re going to be camping at Fort Wilderness Campground. Tents, sleeping bags, bugs, and all!
Now I’m not sure if you know of the summer climate there in central Florida, but let me tell you… it’s not exactly ideal. Instead, it will be hot, humid, and probably a bit rainy. (but I’m sure the kids will survive!)
Regardless of what the weather entails, fun will still be had and they’ll even get to see a costumed mouse or two! Aside from the theme park will be an opportunity for our youth to further connect with each other and grow deeper spiritually. Imagine if our students were to be solid, faith-filled believers at this point in their lives, what they could be like when they’re “all grown up”? This is the future of the church, we’re talking about… and if we can get them excited about their relationship with Jesus Christ right now, the church will be a long way off from dying!
In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, we see that “youth” are not second-class citizens in the ministry world, but potential equals! Paul instructs Timothy in chapter 4, verse 12:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
That is our approach to youth ministry… to make the next generation as authentic of examples in God’s love and righteousness as they can be! When we do that, we don’t have fear of what’s to come, but rather hope for the future! They can make their way into places, filled with the lost and hurting, that us pastors can only dream of impacting!
So, in some small way a camping trip at Disney World is a big step towards building His church! (just a really fun way to do it!) Instead of us adults being envious of the opportunity being given to our students (who worked long, hard, but happily many weekends this summer to help pay for the trip), we should be rejoicing in knowing that this will benefit them spiritually and later on, influence every person they encounter for the rest of their life!
I ask you to be in prayer for safe travel and for the students themselves as they enjoy the fellowship and time away from home, that their faith will be challenged and stretched to a point of genuine strength!
As a chaperone and leader of this trip, pray that I’ll get some sleep! 
