Jesus said to everyone, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23

We all carry a multitude of items with us each day – cell phone, wallet, keys, etc. Before leaving the house we usually make sure we have everything we need to make it comfortably and easily through the day. It is difficult when we forget one of these items because we rely so heavily on them as essential to our daily life. Yet, how many of us leave with spiritual and emotional items as well? The need to be satisfied at all times. The need to have what we want when we want it. The need to never be uncomfortable. We pack these things and many more into our suitcases each morning and head out of the door. Jesus says in Luke 9:23 that there is one very important item that we should carry each day – our cross. The verse says that we must also get rid of selfishness as part of the process. Ouch! I don’t know about you, but that can be very challenging and difficult. The purpose of this week of camp is to realign our allegiance with the Lord and to re-prioritize our relationship with Him. It may not be the most comfortable process, but we have no doubt that the life of cross carrying is the most fulfilling type of life imaginable!

During AreaOne camps we will challenge students to start a relationship with Jesus Christ if they do not have one. The challenge for students that already follow Christ will be to consider what it means to live for Christ or, put another way, be the church rather than just attending church. When we present the gospel we present the facts and trust students to make a decision because we believe that God’s Word will not return void to Him. We also work to create opportunities for you and your youth team to minister to your students. Should you be short on adult volunteers to pray with your students the AreaOne staff will be available to support you.