Fishers of Men

Well, we just finished an incredible nine-week summer camp tour.  Camp is amazing to me for many reasons, one of them being the changed lives.  It never fails, God always seems to show up and reveal Himself through the power of the  Holy Spirit.  It was that power that changed my life over nineteen years ago, at a camp in Indiana.  On a day when I almost drowned, I went from being a kid with a terrible evil streak to a child of the King of Kings.  But, it's not my story that I want to tell you today, it's of a young man who we will call Alex.  I met Alex at the last camp of the summer- a beautiful place called Lake Ann Camp, up in northern Michigan. This week was almost perfect.  Great facilities, a wonderful ministry team to work with, a gorgeous lake, fun kids, even the food was OK.

And then there was Alex. 

I don't know if "mean" is the right word to use to describe Alex.  Maybe more like...us...hmmm. OK, I guess "mean" is the right word. Bad attitude, calling kids names, constantly picking on the other campers, making rude comments while I was speaking...I think you get the picture.  I don't like to say it, but Alex was the kind of kid youıd like to send home so you  could get on with camp.  But, God had other plans.
It was Sunday, and after several days of camp, Alex was really grinding on my nerves.  I had to try and put it out of my mind though, this was the night I was looking forward to all week- the night I gave the invitation.  It turned out to be a great service.  God showed up in an amazing way that night.  It was one of those nights where I could sense that everyone in the room could feel Godıs presence.  And many raised their hands and made commitments to Christ that evening.  


When we finished, the room slowly emptied as kids headed back to their cabins.  All but one.  Alex was sitting with his face in his hands in an empty room.  I asked the youth pastor, who is a good friend of mine, to go over and see what was up. So, Pastor Joe walked over, sat down and gently asked "What are you doing?"  Alex looked up and with tears in his eyes he said, "I'm praying."  Joe asked, "What are you praying for?"
"I'm asking Jesus to come into my life" was Alex's response.

 
And I kid you not, the next day I saw a changed young man.


Would you just stop right now and say a prayer for him.  Wouldn't it be great if he grew and grew in Christ.  If his walk with Jesus became so contagious that people came to Christ because of the power of the Holy Spirit in his life.  Father God, right now I lift up to you this young man and all the young people I saw this summer who make commitments to you. May your Spirit be with them and I pray they will remember you Lord Jesus.  Call us all Lord to be fishers of men.  I love you.  Amen.

Thank you for all of your love and support for these kids and may Godıs love be with you.

Brett Ray