Thanks to Brad Schelling, I had the opportunity to be the speaker last week at “HIS Work Camp” in Knoxville,TN. (I’m sure he was biting his fingernails when I got up to speak!) HIS Work Camp is a mission opportunity for the Reformed Church in America of the Great Plains Region. What a great group of people! There is hope for our country. I was so impressed by the maturity of these students and their passion to change the world. The 9 churches represented traveled 20 hours to bless the lives of hundreds in the Knoxville area. The reason I am sharing this with you is to let you know that I have never been a part of anything like this. When God created man, he gave them a job. I believe that all people were made to work and when we are not working, it robs us of the blessings of God. Work gives us a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Not only did these students work and work hard, they served people.
There were 14 different work projects. A foreman and a team of students would go work all day at a home where they did all kinds of home improvements. The families that own the homes were there the whole week interacting with the students. The day would end each night with a service, which I got to speak at. The hearts of all were in tune to hear from God. The incredible combination of work, serving, and hearing from God made for an incredible experience.
As the week drew to an end, I realized why I loved this camp: It reflects First Priority! We equip students to work. As leaders, they serve their schools and the hearts of the students by sharing the life-changing message of the Gospel. It is through this work that God brings joy to believers’ lives. It gives us a sense of accomplishment in leading and emotion beyond words when we get to partner with the Creator of the universe to change eternity forever.
Lets keep working until He comes.
Keep fishing,
Mark Roberts – Vice President – First Priority of America
