The World According To Chris Brewer

EDITOR’S NOTE: Continue to check back on this website over the course of this week for Winter Retreat downloads, including photos and video of various events such as the tubing run, church services and organized recreation.

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Over seventy youth ages 13-19 gathered at Grace Brethren Camp this weekend for the Washington COGOP Winter Retreat. Groups drove in from places as diverse as Bremerton, Kirkland, Tri-Cities, Vancouver and Tacoma for a weekend of fun, fellowship and anointed church services.

Anticipation was high as campers and staff alike arrived on Friday afternoon. After everyone settled down and found who their group leaders were, it was time for dinner and then church. During the service, Pastor Rob Judd asked how many first-timers there were at the camp and 35 campers stood up, representing just a little under half the campers for the weekend.

Friday’s service started off with worship being led by Paul Arnold, and a message by Shelly Symonds. The camp’s theme was “Passion for People,” and Shelly’s message outlined three necessary steps one must take in order to gain the passion for people that Jesus had: repentance, consecration (offering your spiritual gifts to be used by Jesus), and boldness. Campers prayed with their group leaders as the Lord ministered to everyone in a quiet yet powerful way that touched hearts across the building.

After the service, it was time for some organized recreation, in the form of a “Goldfish Makeover” and a cricket spitting competition. Games continued through the night until midnight, when campers were sent to their cabin areas for the evening.

Saturday, the only full day of camp, had much in store for the campers. The camp gathered for breakfast at 9:00 AM, then Mark Hobson taught a class entitled “This Little Light of Mine.” During the class he shared how to effectively witness to others who don’t know Jesus as their Savior. Lunch was served and then Mark taught the second part of his class while campers grew antsy waiting for the famous sled run to be opened.

Free time was upon the camp and scores of campers and staff alike eagerly awaited their turn to tackle the inner tubing run skillfully built by Corey McBee and his dedicated crew of “snow men.” Faithful sledders tried to gather all the speed they could for an awesome thrill ride, and one young man flew over a retaining wall and into a small creek next to the tubing run. The run was a popular attraction until 5:00 when dinner was served.

After dinner, the camp was abuzz with prayerful excitement and anticipation for the night’s sermon. During cabin focus time, group leaders prayed with their cabin members for a move of the Holy Spirit during the service. The service did not disappoint, with Pastor Rob giving a hard hitting sermon on what Passion is and isn’t, and how we need to carry passion to reach people for Christ with us wherever we go. The main sticking point for the night was Pastor Rob saying “Passion for people drives away fear.” This thought lingered with many campers as they shared their testimonies later on.

During the night’s altar call, special prayers were offered for those who would be returning to homes in which they have no spiritual support, and for campers who had received a calling and needed boldness to step out in it. The Lord once again filled the room and met the needs of everyone who called on His name.

The service ended after everyone sang “Listen to Our Hearts,” and once again it was time for more games and fun in the gym until bedtime.

Sunday was the day no one anticipated — the time to go home. Campers feverishly worked alongside their leaders to clean the campground and pack their belongings for the ride home. But the camp wouldn’t end without worship and a departing challenge from Shelly. Shelly gave opportunity for testimonies, and campers shared how their lives were impacted by the Holy Spirit during the retreat. Shelly prayed one final prayer for everyone, praying a special blessing upon the campers and staff.

All in all, ten campers received the Lord as their savior during Retreat and over 90% of the kids stood up when asked to if they had been healed of something emotional, spiritual or physical over the course of the weekend.

Campers and staff said their tearful goodbyes and drove their respective directions back home. Although everyone has arrived in their hometowns once again and the weekend is just a memory, the retreat will live on as a watershed moment for the Washington COGOP youth ministry — one that saw a new calling upon its youth and youth leaders, and one that marked the changing face of the state Youth Ministry with just under half the campers being new to the camping program.

Praise God for a wonderful weekend that blessed campers and staff alike!