One last look back ...

Hello Home Team!

It is Monday afternoon, July 19th. We've been home for approximately 3 days now, and I know every one of our students is reflecting on the past 3 weeks in one way or another. Whether it is because they have already begun receiving Facebook friend requests from their French counterparts (I know I've received a bunch), or because they have to fold their laundry! We will be presenting briefly at church next Sunday morning, so if you want a brief first perspective, come check us out during the 10 AM service (it is not easy to organize so much information and perspective!). If you can't make this Sunday, put September 26th at 7 PM on your calendar. This is one of our Missions Celebrations, and we will be presenting the full breadth of the trip (as much as will fit in an hour).

I figured I'd write one last blog to summarize, not an easy feat ... for God does much of His work in hearts and minds ... and I can't see much of this, unless I get to have conversations with every camper on a regular basis! The last days of TED always tell a bit about where God was/is working during our Champfleuri '10 trip, so it is fun to think over this time period (see these blogs below).

In France, camp is a very special experience ... these campers do not necessarily have a 'youth group' to go back to, maybe not even a Christian friend or a household with another believer. It makes you realize why there is such emotion in the last few evenings and mornings.

So ... where was God at work at Champfleuri '10?

I've got two points I'd like to make now:

1. Camp has quite an impact on GVPC campers. Even though our students go in to camp with all kinds of preparation, God still surprises them as they reach out and live intentionally for Him. It seems as though we learn quite a bit about God, ourselves, and what it means to put God and others first ... when we first put ourselves in a situation to obey this piece of our Scriptural and Christ-given mandate. In other words, part of learning about the heart of God is by first stepping out and doing, and not always the reverse. And we find out that what at first terrified or concerned us ... when blessed ... is awesome to experience! All of our students did things on this trip that were uncomfortable ... sitting at a dining table full of only French campers they had never met, or spending the last hour of each day (depending on how long everyone could stay awake to chat!) in a room with only French teens. God will make us love to serve. He will change our hearts as we obey His Word.

2. This one I'm still thinking through. Our team included a number of students that would call themselves introverts. But they realized in the preparation that they would need to 'put themselves out there' ... that no counselor, or more mature student would be with them in conversation, or around the dining table. These specific students really stepped out of their 'shell' to initiate conversations with French students who were not inclusive, or had not been included by others of our team. I constantly heard stories of all of our students, including these 'introverts' reaching out to any number of their fellow campers, with no prodding. This is a big deal to me, for I have always acknowledged that God has given us our personalities, and if we weren't made to share with others easily, then we should do something else to serve. There is still truth in this, but I am now wondering if I've swung the pendulum a bit too far in this 'personality type thinking.' I'm not sure any of us is allowed to step out of the 'intentional sharing' mode, because we are simply shy or withdrawn typically. God's given every one of us a mouth ... I am now thinking we all better be ready to use this piece of our anatomy as He provides opportunity. No, we're not all mass evangelists ... but these few individuals showed me that stepping out of their personality comfort zone was a very cool blessing ... to the glory of God. This is an example of where each Champfleuri TED camp is spectacular. Students are not on the outskirts as famous speakers run the show. They are not simply building a house or running a VBS for little ones. They are embedded with their peers, and have opportunity to reflect the love of God, in word and deed. Can you tell I'm excited about these opportunities?!

Want more thoughts? ... You'll have to attend the Champfleuri presentation at the end of the Missions Celebration this fall (September 26th) … I believe Dana Smith is going to preach that morning!

Two last items ... we are very thankful for a home church that so readily supports our involvement in Champfleuri. The resources you give (time, money, effort) are well used in changing lives in an area of virtually unreached people. Second, I was blessed to be a part of such a pleasant team. These young men and women brought much to camp, and left with a better understanding of missions, and seeing God's hand in their lives. I am thankful for each and every team member!

Thank you again. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask any of us.

Jim