How The Lord Changed Our Lives
The Lord touched many people from many different countries and cultures, each individually and in a personal way. One person from each of the 23 teams was chosen to give a brief personal testimony of their time at the Camp. We have selected the highlights of this time of often deep sharing in public of what the Lord accomplished in these young lives… From what was said, we are able to catch a glimpse of God’s underlying vision for their lives.
Astrid, Paris
Three months ago I was very far and I know I cannot quite believe that I am here. I am so grateful to the Lord for what He is doing and for what He has done during the last three months of my life; my heart has been completely changed and a veil has fallen from my eyes. I struggled for the first three meetings, but the fourth message of Miki touched me powerfully indeed. I realise that I am not here by chance, that I am in my rightful place amongst this new and wonderful family. I cannot go back now. With all my heart, I want to thank everyone who has contributed to me being here.
Deborah, Mauritius
I did not want to come here; I looked for all sorts of excuses not to come. But the Lord spoke to my heart, telling me that I had to be here because He had a plan for me. From the very first day, I became aware that my heart was open for anything because when Mark Labonté said that we must let go of all worldly things, I realised immediately that, for me, it’s my cell phone. It was clear that communicating with my cell phone is not beneficial for me. So I went forward for prayer on the first night and it was clear that I had to release it all in Jesus' hands. Miki's prophecy over my life really broke me; I am now convicted that these worldly things cannot do me any good.
Claire, Mauritius
I came to camp with a feeling of anxiousness, seeing only my weaknesses and failings whilst comparing myself to others. The Lord has shown me that these thoughts are lies from the enemy; that it is time to stop being worried by these things, because what Jesus did on the cross makes me worthy. I see that I have important decisions to make, and to take my place within my family; to be a light for them. I know that I must not focus on my weaknesses but rather on what the Lord has for me in the future.
Patiso, Cape Town
I had heard about what was happening amongst the youth here. To be honest, I was a little fearful about coming, because I felt that I should be somewhere spiritually that I knew I was not; I had even begun to doubt the call of God on my life. However, when Marc shared about there being no coincidence in me being here, that the Lord loves me, I instantly had renewed hope for the call on my life. I accepted that we had specific appointments for each of us to be here. I’m not sure what my future holds but I do know that the Lord is with me, and He will be with me!
Carolyn, Reunion
At first, it looked as though I would not be able to come… I believed therefore that I do not deserve to come. However, people encouraged me to persevere and I ended up coming; for this I am truly grateful! Here, the Lord spoke to me even during cleaning tasks and I discovered that the Lord wants us to learn how to love one another. Also, before coming, I used to play my flute all the time, but I had to stop playing; I desperately wanted to serve Him with my music. Now, I know that music can be a means to serve Lord, but I see how that it can also ruin my life. The Lord enlightened and challenged me during each meeting, but I kept saying to the Lord "There must be more!" When Miki had a prophecy for Reunion, that we must be patient, I recognised that this was the answer to that "more" that I was expecting in my heart. Yes, we have our weaknesses, but there is joy in that and that we must be patient because the Lord is working in us and through us.
Jonathan, South Africa
My heart is really overwhelmed! I was hoping that one of the girls would cry during her testimony, because I think I am going to… I am so thankful to be here; hearing this gospel because it is the power to change lives. I cannot separate this camp from the events of what has been the best year of my life. Thank you Elders for your lives, for what you carrying in your hearts for us young people! There was a cry in my heart whilst I was serving the Lord in another church because I was totally burned out, and disillusioned. There are souls there that are not well and I was heart-broken, and kept thinking: "There has be more!" Now, I understand that my only hope is Jesus Christ, and not the church, because I was questioning my salvation; I was emotionally bound. However the Lord has performed a complete miracle in me; He has restored my heart and my relationship with Him, and He has brought back that passion that had left me. I’ve come to see once again that my life is not my own and I encourage each of you not to make your own plans, but to lay it all down for Him and become totally available to the Lord. I am no longer bound to anything in South Africa, and I thank the Lord for His grace for having set me free.
Elsabe (Elizabeth), South Africa
My heart is so encouraged. This camp has been a complete eye-opener; every day the Lord has had something new for me. The Lord has clearly shown me that I am, above all, His daughter, set apart only for Him. Two days before camp, I suddenly comprehended how very precious it is to be receiving this gospel, it is such a treasure, because it gives life and we cannot look back. The Lord also revealed to me that my salvation has nothing to do with me, but everything to do with Him. Often we try and make our salvation about us and we miss the purpose of why we have been saved. We are not too young or too unworthy, so let go of those thoughts and let’s rather look to our calling.
Stephan, Paris
My family has always been in the church, but in May I came back to the Lord after a long time away from the church – like a true prodigal son! I have really felt His presence keenly, experienced blessing after blessing. I am truly expectant for what the Lord has for me. My encouragement to you all is not to think too much – just keep an open heart, read your Bible, see the Elders, pray and talk to the Lord, and your life will go in the right direction. To belong to the Lord is such a blessing and such grace.
Marie, Mauritius
I am so happy to be here. I used to be rude and vulgar; using bad language, smoking, drinking, going to nightclubs… possibly because I was following my friends, maybe because I believed that my parents didn’t love me. But I know that I did things to be recognised and accepted. Then, a girl I knew vaguely invited me to church. I accepted but went as a spectator, looking around, thinking, "What am I doing here?" That day, the Lord spoke clearly to my heart and even though it took me a year and a half to think about it. Now, at this camp, I know what I want and that is to be true Christian. What a blessing and grace to have a family like you.
Neil, South Africa
I have pictured myself up on a stage like this before, wearing a smart suit, shiny shoes and preaching to thousands more people than this. Today, however, you are only five hundred; I have no shoes on and my shorts are dirty. However, I believe that the Lord has put something in my heart and I am blessed to able to share it with my new brothers and sisters. I only used to be really concerned with how much money I had in my bank account, what I could buy with that money, but now I can see that there was no reality in what I was running after. This is such a break-through for me and I am so grateful.
Nathalie, Mauritius
I was nervous about coming to camp as a 13-year old, but the Lord put me in such a great team, and now my heart has changed. Previously, I was afraid to say I was a Christian, but now I am not. I used to be nasty to my brother but the Lord has put repentance in my heart and I see how wrong I have been.
Aurelie, Mauritius
The Lord has enlightened me as to what He has for me. In one of the meetings, He revealed to me that it is only by my life that people will know of the gospel; that there is no road too hard when we are in the Lord. I want to thank my team and say that although we did not win the treasure hunt, we did win something so much more lasting and precious… we are a family!
Sophia, South Africa
I gave my life to the Lord in August at the Durban Family Camp. Even so, I did not know why I came to this camp because I thought that the world had me. What I did know was that I wanted to shine for Jesus the way my friends do (Kim, Liezl, Kerry and Hayley); they just glow. An Elder shared that we need to watch out for boys coming into our lives who are not serving the Lord. Even if you think that the sun shines out of a particular boy, be wary because there is no comparison to the joy and love that comes from the love of Christ.
Sabrina, Reunion
It is completely useless to come to camp just to be happy or for something to do without having an open heart. I came wanting to be healed of something and to hear from the Lord. At first, when I shared about it, I felt that I did not really have a problem, that it was just my character, just ‘how I am’. However, the Lord made me grasp the fact that I needed to acknowledge that what was on my heart was not good, and He has freed me! So, I encourage you to come to camp well prepared; with your clothes and your mattress, but most importantly, to come with an open heart.
Phillip, South Africa
I came here really expecting a lot from the Lord. On the second night, I felt that I should go forward but I didn’t want to just follow the crowd. Later, as there were fewer people at the front, I knew I just needed go and I did. It was an awesome time! I have been able to share my heart with others, which is something that I never do.
>>BACK TO YOUTH CAMP INTRO
|
