Friday, July 25

“Community”

Colossians 4:12, “Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.” NASB 1995

Much has been said about the friendly rivalry we try to facilitate here at Camp Areté, but really it is in the service of building community. It is our hope that the desire to outperform one another is eventually replaced by a spirit of encouraging each other to more and more pursue Christ. As we wind down camp here, our focus turns away from competition within the camp, and toward unity within the body of Christians.

Today, the campers had more opportunities to self-direct their time, and to work together to break down camp and clean the common areas. Pastor Brad also directed square dancing as one last hurrah before we depart in large, desaturated vans as is the manner of many home school families. While the community of Camp Areté physically disperses throughout the country (or countries in some cases), we are all still bonded by the experiences we’ve had and what we’ve learned. We are also bound by a higher community, that of the church. Today, we celebrated new membership into the community of believers. Two believers were baptized today, and we Praise and Thank God for that.

To be clear, baptism is not what brings people into the community of believers, it is merely a public declaration to all peoples, saved and unsaved, that a person identifies with the substitutionary death of Christ, His burial, and resurrection. You are only saved by trusting that Christ has saved you from your sins. Baptism is a demonstration of membership in the community of Christ.

Many memories were made here at camp, but what is more real is the friendships with one another, and our relationship with Christ. What we have learned here at Areté or in church, our faith, these things should impact all of our lives as we go out into the world. Unconditional love is not just for husbands to wives, it is for all Christians to all peoples. Christianity isn’t a solo mission, we have the Holy Spirit, and we have one another. God shows His love to the world through the great commission, by laboring with and building up believers to bring the Gospel to unbelievers.

We want to say a special “Thank You” for all the love the community of believers has shown to the those impacted by the Camp Areté ministry, and for the support, whether through prayer, money, time, or provisions.

As Pastor Brad said, There is no goodbye among brothers and sisters in Christ, there is only “See you later.”

Praises

After many conversations over the course of the week. A couple of students were baptized today.
While there can only be two campers of the week, the list of candidates is long.

Petitions

The final breakdown and cleanup of camp would go smoothly and quickly.
Those traveling would stay safe on the trip home, whether flying or driving.
The students would retain what they have learned over the week, apply it to their lives, and engage others in conversation about the teaching from this week.
A Zoom Bible study is starting up after camp is over to continue the conversations we have started this week. Pray that it is well attended and actively engaged with.