Never be the same again
Fabrice D. - Mauritius
"For a long time I was blocked by my shyness. It was like a burden that stopped me from encouraging brothers and sisters as I would have liked to. The miracle that I experienced during this camp is that I felt as if my team was family and I was free to share my heart. I didn't feel any pressure and my shyness didn’t stop me. I was even able to approach the elders, whereas before I felt intimidated by them... The second thing that I wanted to share, is not to let yourself be stopped by a physical problem, but to have faith. I was sick, but the Lord gave me faith and healed me!" Michel Niéva, his uncle, reinforces his testimony by explaining some of the trials that Fabrice has gone through. Having had a very serious back problem, this young man endured a number of biopsies. His condition worsened and the doctors lost hope. The church and the elders prayed for him, and God gave him a new set of vertebrae: previously, half were damaged. Michel closed with these words: "When God restores life to someone, it's in order to serve Him".
Matt S. - USA
"For the past two years, I have been determined to be here. I wanted to be part of everything that the Lord is doing in Mauritius with the youth. When I booked my ticket, I checked my bank account. It contained US$1 562. I then checked the price of the ticket: it was US$1 561! I then bought my ticket, called my work and resigned. Only US$1 remained in my account, but I know that the Lord will provide, as He has until now. Trust the Lord and go for it!"
Chanel C. - South Africa
"A few months ago, I was completely in the world... The Lord has set me free of so many things that I held on to, and that I would never have been able to on my own! I know that he will test certain relationships after this camp, but His grace will be sufficient for me. I want the Lord to mould me and equip me."
Fabien C. - France
"It’s been one year since I was born again, and it seemed normal to lead a double life. But since I've come to know CTMI and the church in Chaville, I've been convicted of sin. Torn between this conviction and the desires of my flesh, I struggled continuously to resist the many temptations that came my way. Through this camp, I have understood that this struggle wasn't good: It meant that I was still not free. When I go back to school, there will be no more struggles, as I want to be satisfied with what the Lord has for me in His church. We can't stay on this road through techniques! We need to run this race together!"
Bernard Banor encouraged this young brother who is part of a small group of Christians meeting in Poitiers (France): " It’s far from Paris, but we have faith that the Lord will build His church there. We love you and continue to pray for you."
Percy A. - Ile Maurice
"I wanted to be active and take part with my team, but I couldn't as I didn't understand what was going on. The Lord spoke to me when Bernard showed us the meaning of the games. Our banner and mascot represent our identity as a Christian, Jesus in our lives. Wherever we go, we need to take it with us. This game allowed me to see further in the Spirit: It’s after this camp that everything begins!"
Marie Sophie G. - France
« It’s been two months since I was born again. Since then, there have been so many miracles; so many things have changed. I was happy to meet all of you, and I could feel the heart of the Lord in each one. It’s clear for me that the only aim of my life is to serve the Lord! »
Astrid T. - France
Everyone could see that this sister was full of joy. This is due to great changes that took place... « I don't know what has happened! It’s been more than a year since I was born again but, in 4 days, the Lord touched me in a most incredible way! I am finished, broken… but so grateful! Today my eyes have been opened to see that there is no more time to lose. Everyone that the Lord has put on my road is a gift. Nothing is by chance. I believe that the whole little group from Paris has been strengthened to face things waiting for us back there. »
Natasha N. - Mauritius
« Before the camp, certain circumstances at home were so difficult to go through and I had lost the vision. But last night, the Lord touched me and revealed His plan to me. He doesn't look at our age, but at our heart. » Len Boy then explains to us how often, we don't realise the trials some youth are going to face after the camp. But the heart of the Lord, is that no one should be lost. The elders prayed with Natasha and encouraged her to persevere.
Murphy N. - Mauritius
« At the beginning of this year, I was discouraged, and I wanted to stop everything: school, church... but I’ve seen to what extent the Lord has kept me on His path. He hasn't forsaken me despite my unfaithfulness. I want to encourage you to persevere, as it's the best path. Outside of this, there is nothing new, it’s only in the Lord that we can be constantly renewed. »
Tatiana L. - USA
« To be honest with you, I came, expecting to receive a little bit of revelation, but in return, the Lord has given me a lot more! I was into everything immoral that the world could offer, and the Lord has freed me from all sorts of addictions. But I still had the scars, the signs, and I wondered why He still hadn't taken them away. So I just accepted them in my life... This 'thorn in my flesh' kept me humble before the Lord. It’s been two days since the Lord has freed me completely. His grace has turned me upside-down, overwhelmed me. I still don't have the words. My only desire now is to be more and more free to be able to serve Him.
Nicolas R. - Mauritius
« For 10 years I was a Rastafarian. One day, I heard the gospel and this gave me a thirst to know the Lord. Having said that, I was born-again in a legalistic church, but then, the Lord gave me the grace to be amongst you! Today, I’m a member of the church in Pointe aux Sables. God has blessed us by giving us a building there. I want to encourage the youth who have Christian parents: Take this seriously! I didn't have this opportunity. Fellowship is something so precious. »
David M. - Réunion
« I grew up in the church, and at the age of 11, I wanted to know about the world, as I couldn't see the value of the church. I took on a Gothic style just to be cool, and when I got involved in this, the devil just took advantage. I became an alcoholic, a « zamalian » (cannabis smoker). I had no relationship with my family. My friends became my new family, my new life: partying. One day, I was at my 'best friend’s' house, and my eyes began to open. I didn't feel at ease. Suddenly things started to turn against me. I felt trapped in the house. I didn't really know what their intentions were, but I sensed that I needed to run away, and I managed to escape. Barefoot, in my underwear, I ran in the dark through the sugar-cane fields. They followed me. In a panic, I hid under a bush. Here I realised how I was lost. I had a friend who was really like a brother to me... I would never have imagined that he would betray me. I cried to the Lord, saying, "If you exist, help me because now I can't carry on." I felt a peace in my heart even while I was in this hole, unable to move. Afterwards, I realised many things: my brothers and sisters were growing up even though I was never around... Eventually, I fell asleep. The next day, I carried on running, to try and find some help. A wonderful man took me in, even though I was in a pitiful state. I was able to phone my father. When he saw me, he started to argue as our relationship was very tense, and he thought that I had done something wrong... I repented for all the bad things that I had done. He had changed churches in the meantime, and encouraged me to go with him to his new church, as they played rock music there. I said to him "No Dad, my place is in the church where I grew up." That Saturday, when I arrived at the youth meeting, I didn't even have time to sing before the Lord touched me!
There you are... it’s my first camp and its amazing how, in 4 days, the Lord has deposited so many things in my heart. Never forget that your place is in the church. »
Lindsay Lajeunesse, the Elder, closed the camp: « Last year, I asked you to pray for me without specifying what for. I was suffering in my heart. I am sure that you did, and the Lord has answered your prayers! It was for my daughter Rebecca. God is faithful to many who have abandoned Him. So, because of what you have received, you must hold onto it; become an example, a witness, to draw those who have backslidden, and return, like David M. from La Réunion. »
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