JESUS IS RISEN! Happy Spring! This past week I participated in a camp called Flower City Work Camp (FCWC). In this annual camp, around 50 churches in the Rochester area gather all their youth group teenagers at a super church. These smelly teenagers are divided into specialized groups that spread the message of Christ to the city of Rochester. I was a part of the soccer camp that had about 12 talented and amazing high schoolers. There’s also worksite groups, sidewalk clubs, and agencies that work to evangelize the city of Rochester, they just use different techniques to do it. In the soccer camp we used the sport of soccer as a platform to speak Jesus into kids that love to compete. And oh boy the camp was not just transforming for the children we worked with.
Before FCWC started, I felt as though I was drifting from my purpose with God. I knew I was not giving God 100% of my life and love. I was more concerned with the world pleasures and materials that only give temporary satisfaction. After listening to the speakers throughout the week and worshiping Jesus with other teenagers I was able to recenter my life with Jesus. The bible verse of the week was “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it” Luke 9:24. I interpreted this verse as whoever chooses world possessions and a mortal life with lose their life, but if you give up your life to serve Jesus you will live eternally with him.
I have reflected on how this verse applies to my life and in order to follow through with my commitment to God, I have had to change a few things in my life. I have decided to remove all music besides worship music so that I only put uplifting and encouraging music into my head during the day. I was caught up in the pop culture and I realized I praised and gave more of my time to famous artists than to Jesus Christ. I have also put my social life on hold because I have given myself more free time to spend in devotions and mediation with Christ. I ask for prayers that I continue following these practical life developments I have found along the way at FCWC. I thank the speakers for giving their time and speaking to around 300 teenagers who never, ever seemed to shower. And I thank my soccer group of 12 young adults that pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and talk with these children from Rochester about the love of Jesus. We ended up getting two of the kids (one 7 and one 8) to devote the rest of their lives to Jesus!!! This week gave me a similar taste of what I’ll be experiencing on my journey with the World Race in four months!
Dear Josh,
I’m so glad that you enjoyed FCWC! After coming back you seem a lot more centered and joyful, which makes me super happy to see. I’ve also noticed that you’ve impacted my life as well by sharing your journey with God with me. I’m lucky to have a friend like you that lifts me up spiritually!
Best of luck,
Amelia
Josh,
It’s a treasure to hear you share what FCWC means to you! I’m praying for you every day as you live out these truths that you’ve shared. It makes me think of the verse in Philippians 1:6: “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day of Christ Jesus.” He’s continually refining us, if we allow it. I’m proud of you, son, for letting God be your refiner! Love you!
Mom
Hey Josh! It’s so cool to see you take these steps to focus more on God. You won’t regret these decisions. When you put aside everything that keeps you from knowing and pursuing God and devote your time to Him, you will see abundant fruit and results from it. The more you make yourself available for God to pour into you, the more you’ll pour out to the people around you.
Keep pursuing and pressing in, it’s so worth it.
God bless, Caleb.
Hey, dear grandson, Josh, I love your transparency with the difference FCWC made in your life. How wonderful to read your story and know that you want Christ Jesus to be the center of your life…you will never regret this decision. Your journey is and will be so exciting, because putting Christ right up front, may be challenging at times, but it is always the right thing and the best choice. I’m so proud of you, and yes, will continue to pray for God’s guidance and direction, to be salt and light to those you meet.
All for God’s glory and honor to shamelessly pursue the Pearl of great price, Grandma Linda