Journey of Purpose : Melanie Dill: This was Camp!

Our Youth went on "Camp" Dec 5-7. In America, we'd call it a weekend retreat, but here in South Africa, even a weekend away can be called Camp!

We took 14 youth ages 13-16. Our Youth Group is very young right now. We graduated a big group of students into an older ministry bracket this year and were left with this precious group of young ones!

Our Camp theme and sessions were centered around Sexuality and Holiness. Our missionaries from the UK, Bruce and Loo taught the big-group sessions around redefining sexuality - not as media sees men and women's roles but rather how God intended us to be. Our small group sessions dove deep into what does Holiness mean and how to we live as Holy ones since we belong to The Holy One! Thanks to ym360 and Andy Blanks for this resource (https://youthministry360.com/free-stuff/holiness-3-lesson-study-elements-bible-study-curriculum)!

This was one of the best camps I've ever been a part of. It didn't have to do with going fancy places or doing extravagant things. This group of youth are so close to my heart. I've been investing in them through Sunday School and through relationships with their families for years, and the foundation I have with this group is deep! I saw God create amazing relationship conversations this weekend. The youth were grateful for the weekend, the venue, and especially the food!

Thanks to all who donate to my Shepherd's Staff account ... as there was a need for extra funds to send these youth to Camp. Your donations to ministry expenses made this camp possible! Each Youth was responsible for fundraising and paying a small fee for Camp, but even then, funds are very tight in our township families. I'm honored to be able to do ministry here in South Africa and I couldn't do it without those financial contributions! Thank you from all the Youth who benefited from your generosity!

Pray for the Gospel seeds that were planted.
Pray that the Youth ponder all that was taught and find their identity in Christ alone!
Pray for the upcoming school break - that the Youth would dive in the Word and deepen their relationships with Christ!
Pray for 2015 and the ministry planning and details that need to come together.
Pray for Male leaders to come alongside Meagan and myself. Our young men need some intentional investing and discipleship mentoring.

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Here are a few photos to recap the amazing Youth Camp Weekend: