“Becoming a son or a daughter for God…”

Day 1, Thursday

This year there were 52 youth, 8 of whom came from the church in Ringwood, 3 from Mauritius, and of course sister Dane, who is always concerned about us: this is her second camp in 10 days! Right from the start we were surprised: Brother Peter McKenzie had come to join the team of CTMI elders already present at the camp, that is Jean Louis and Bruno from Chaville, and Bernard from Mauritius. It's such a joy to meet them again, as they are like parents for us! Before even setting out for Massabielle, (which is about 15 minutes drive north of Paris), we were challenged to be at the church at 7h30; receive instructions from Olivier, get into our teams, invent our war cries, and decorate our banners according to the camp theme: “Becoming a son or a daughter for God”… and all of that, in just 45 minutes!

As soon as the camp officially began, the elders shared their hearts with us and their desire to see the Lord shake our lives. Just like the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ cloak to be healed, we need to be radical and not “follow the crowd”. The gospel was powerfully at work, many youth came forward, and were touched by the Lord. Even so short an opening message already had a huge effect! A little later, Roland and Erika, a couple from Wales, challenged us to make physical activity an essential part of our lifestyle; explaining to us that good health does not always mean that we are in good physical condition.

At the first evening meeting, Bernard shared with us the importance of shifting up a gear in our service to the Lord. Just as Elisha left everything to follow Elijah, we must also be determined in our hearts to sever all the connections that impede us. The Holy Spirit continued to convict hearts, many brothers and sisters answered to the altar-call.

Day 2, Friday

Today started with the ‘morning challenge’ at 6 o’clock, with Bruno and Bernard in the lead… a good warm up for the rest of the morning games. The teams regrouped to transport water balloons; walk blindfolded guided by their team leaders; Valerie, Jean-Sam, Sophie and Joelle. In the afternoon, we were dispatched on a mission to sell jam for CTMI, whilst Roland prepared the icing on the day’s cake; some very special sports activities with guaranteed aches and pains!

At the meeting, Peter used the example of Isaac to illustrate the importance of knowing our Heavenly Father in order to trust Him in all circumstances. This is how Isaac was able to offer himself up as a sacrifice. The gospel confronted us, as we realised that to become a son, we need to know the Father, for that is what will allow us to die to ourselves.

Day 3, Saturday

The hour of the ‘Great Challenge’ came, and each team had to carry their ‘Cross’; a large log which wasn’t allowed to touch the ground. We also had to crawl under ropes without touching them; rebuild a LEGO structure according to instructions from the rest of our team; cross a “sea of acid” using planks, chairs and old tyres; form a chain to pass a ball and a pompom; fill a bottle of water with bottles that had holes in them… all the while keeping a good attitude!

After dinner, Bernard took the meeting and explained to us that we need to be like Isaac; born of a free woman, and not like Ishmael. We can be enslaved by so many things! Tonight was a night of freedom for many. The Lord shook lives, and some even decided to publicly commit themselves to following the Lord. The evening finished very late, with a time of individual fellowship with the elders.

Day 4, Sunday

The entire CTMI partner Church of Chaville came to join us at Massabielle, as well as Pastor Pierre Tshamala and his church, who came to see the 3 young people from his flock. Parents and children meet again with much excitement. The worship that morning, was the purest expression of what had happened to us over the past 3 days. The gospel spoke strongly to our hearts through Bernard, who talked about Daniel and his 3 friends setting themselves apart for the service of the Lord (Daniel1:1-21). These young people had the call of God over their lives and were conscious of the worldly spirit that reigned over their king and his kingdom. Even though people wanted to change their names, to intoxicate them with wine, in their hearts, they were resolved not to soil themselves with the concerns of the world. Because of this, they experienced the faithfulness of the Lord. After the message, we watched as Virginie, Timothy, Christina, Julia, Mathilde and Maude cemented their decision to walk with the Lord by being baptised in an inflatable paddling pool; a great first for our church! Next, Bruno and Bernard announced the results of the games, and then every team presented a sketch that they had prepared on the camp theme.

Finally, we got to hear the encouraging testimonies of those who were touched by the Lord over the last few days. Everybody rejoiced for the work that the Lord had done during this time. It was hard to leave each other, we didnt want it to end, but we were all so encouraged by what that the Lord has in store for us.

Domitille

For the Youth of Chaville

A few Testimonies…

“I don’t want to be part of the crowd, because I know that the Lord is calling me to take my place in His Church to serve Him. This first day has been so rich and powerful that my heart cannot even express the gratitude that I feel to be here”
- Johanna

“The Lord showed me that I had to release issues in my life, come before him, and ask forgiveness for the things I had hidden, so that I can walk in freedom”
- David

“I am so encouraged! I no longer want to be passive but I want to grasp the seriousness of what it is to be a son and, if I want to become one, I need to make sacrifices in order to be entirely consecrated to God’s service”
- Jean-Sam

“The Lord enlightened me day after day, particularly about my independent attitude towards the church. Things were brought to light and exposed and I cry to the Lord for Him to continue His work”
- Nadege

“The Lord showed me this morning that I was on dangerous ground, but that He wanted me to get out of there because He has such a wonderful plan for my life. I am finished and so grateful for the grace that is upon my life and I am expecting more in the days to come”
- Rachel

“What Bernard shared tonight was incredible! It really seems like he was talking to me. I feel that if I truly want to follow the Lord, I will have to change my life drastically”
- Lauren