It's Time To Get Live For Jesus

In the middle of a glade in Montrose, Pennsylvania, the sweet sound of music floated from the tiny, one-room chapel. Inside, fifty to one hundred teens from all over Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware knelt at the alter or beside chairs in prayer. Some were weeping, others sobbing, and a few who were so immersed in the awe of God that they could do nothing but stare reverently at the floor. Counselors were spread throughout the group, praying with students. At the front stood an elderly man, praying out loud.
I should know, I was there. I sat in my seat, eyes closed, tears slipping down my cheeks uninhibited. Softly, I slid out of my chair and knelt on the concrete floor. My heart cried out, “God, my Father! Have I been abandoned by you, too? Please, Lord, don't leave me!” For the first time in ages, I didn't care how I looked. I poured everything out to my creator, and sat there even after the rest of the teens had gone back to their cabins.
I heard my youth pastor kneel beside me. She began to pray quietly, as did my junior counselor. When they finished, I sat up and looked around. My heart felt whole again; no longer did I feel an empty place in my chest where the pit of my very soul is.
“Jade? Do you want to talk?” my youth pastor asked.
I nodded. “PJ, does, God exist? Does He truly know and care about me?”
“Of course He does. You know what I believe? I think that deep down inside, you know that. You always have.”
I nodded. Burying my face in her shoulder, I told her everything through my tears.
When I finally left the chapel, I went back to my cabin. Climbing into my bunk, I grabbed my journal and began writing furiously. My friends returned from the pool, but I didn't notice. I just kept on writing.
I still have that journal. Preserved within its pages are many memories of Montrose Teen Camp: the many hugs from my two favorite counselors, Angi and PJ, the awesome games, the delicious food, and, most importantly, the feeling of being close to God, like I truly did belong to Him.
I've only been to Teen Camp twice, but each time has been a marvelous experience. Two years ago, our speakers were Gerson and Marco, two up-and-coming rappers. The theme was “It's Time to Get Live For Jesus!” and they really stirred us up. Everything from the head-banging rap that they provided to the important messages that they taught were essential parts of my camp experience.
This past year a chaplain from Mount Vernon Nazarene College was our special guest. Although much older and more reserved than either Gerson or Marco, Garry preaches a powerful sermon, and I only left the chapel dry-eyed once or twice that week.
I love Teen Camp, especially the strong sense of belonging that I get when I'm there, and the closeness I feel, both to my friends and to God. If you ever get the chance to go, whether as a student or a chaperone, go for it! I promise, you won't regret it.

Dump the Pumpkin

I loved you once in silence

As the old song goes

And in silence I love you still

Knowing you do not feel the same

I can feel your eyes

Drilling deeply into my soul

Searching the depths of me

Trying to find my secretI see your smile

Taunting me, tricking me into trust.

You know my heart pounds

When you smile at me.

Your tricks have worked

I love you more each day

And each day my love

Makes my heart break anew

An innocent embrace

Caused me to fall

I've lost my slipper

Prince Charming, please take me to your ball!

Realize that it's time

To let the pumpkin go

Look up from the others

And see that I've entered the room

Is that you, my prince?

I beg each day

"Oh, God, let it be!"

But, no...

A secret glance

A suppressed giggle

A teary eye

Is all that I dare give you

Oh, my dear

You danced with me once

Won't you please

Please take me in your arms again!

Oh my dear prince

My heart is broken!

Cinderella has arrived!

It's truly time...

Dump the pumpkin!!!