Next Generation Ministry Blog

There's something incredible that happens at Camp - and it's really hard to explain to those who've never been to camp...but it's true.  

This past weekend, we took eleven 7th graders to Camp Concordia in Gowen, Michigan to learn what it means to serve.  And, may I just way, these kids were incredible! They followed the lead of Jesus and got dirty for the sake of others.

As a team, we explored the idea that great leaders are servant leaders: they are willing to get dirty for the sake of others, they're willing to help when perhaps they don't really feel like it, they serve when the need arises.   All of this stems from a passage out of John 13:

The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him 

At the time of Jesus, feet washing was normal.  Feet were dirty and as a gesture of hospitality, one's feet were often washed when entering a home.  While feet washing was normal, it was only done by servants.  Those of position and rank would NEVER get their hands dirty.  They would never touch the feet of another. They would never, ever, in a million years take the role of servant.  But this is exactly what Jesus did.  He took on the role of a servant: he got his hands dirty for the sake of others.    

This year at camp, these 11 students served their tails off.  Seriously, the hauled wood, the cut wood, the sawed wood, they cooked meals, they washed dishes, they cleaned bathrooms...they served.  

And what's amazing is this - this is the beginning!! Yup, it's the beginning of something amazing for them.  These 11 students have moved into leadership and they did it by serving.

Blessed.

If you want to see pictures, make sure to head over to our Facebook Group - Trinityct Students.