JUNIOR becomes a SENIOR

Two summers ago at Malibu, a student from North Central HS named Junior came to camp with little to no faith. I was invited to join cabin time and got to witness God's amazing love. We took turns sharing ‘God’s thoughts’ for each person in the cabin, and as we spoke, a tsunami of grace knocked down the walls around these kids' hearts. The next morning, Junior and another non-believer prayed with their leader, Kolby, to open their hearts to Jesus because that was ‘the realest’ experience they’d ever had with God. **See his video here for more of his God-story**

Fast forward two years. Last week, Junior and a group of guys went with Kolby on a YL hiking trip. One of the guys, Chaz*, had endured a series of challenges. During the previous year, Junior had been sharing with Chaz how God had changed his own life, but in his hurt and anger, Chaz continued to avoid God. However, while at camp, Chaz confided to Junior and Kolby how life was not working out and how empty he felt. After sharing this, Chaz went off by himself for a while. When he returned, he pulled Junior over to talk.

Chaz shared that he had felt God’s presence, and as he had looked around and considered it, he had sensed that God is huge and could be his strength. Junior asked Chaz if he wanted to pray to start a relationship with Jesus. Just as Chaz responded, “Yeah man, let’s do it!” a strong gust of wind pummeled them for six seconds straight, nearly lifting them off their feet. “God is so powerful!” Chaz exclaimed. They prayed, and, with Kolby next to them a silent support through the whole conversation, he gave his life to Jesus. 

So much awesome in this picture: God moving mightily, presenting himself to Chaz through nature and Junior’s changed life; Kolby’s consistent presence as a YL leader; and Kolby's discipleship of Junior over the past two years, guiding him to the driver’s seat so he could lead his friend to Jesus.

Chaz reflected as the wind gusted in that burst, “My faith is like the wind, just because I can’t see it, doesn’t mean it is not there.”  Let's pray for kids at camps this summer that they would be overwhelmed with gale force winds of the Holy Spirit and would see and respond to Jesus' invitation to follow Him.    -jeff- 

PS- Junior will be on summer staff at Malibu 3rd sesh with me starting tomorrow. Such a treat!