“Last day. Best day!” Those words were repeated a number of times on our last full day at Stetson University in DeLand, FL. 727 students and leaders descended upon this campus for a full week of camp craziness. “Last day. Best day!” seemed to carry with it layers of meaning for me. I, Bobby, haven’t been to a student camp in the past 5 years. You sort of forget about all of those sleepless nights of dorm-mayhem with teenage guys. I thought those days were now behind me. By this “last day…best day” I had finally hit a wall. Rebecca had to wake me up because my alarm couldn’t even wake me up on this “last day…best day”. I was so glad it was the last day.
In the first 3 days of camp we had already counted 5 injuries in our own student ministry. On day one we had one student go back home for a day. By day two we were calling 911 in a terrifying moment. Rolled ankles. Crutches. Possible concussion. All different situations within the first 3 days.
Oh, but “Last day. Best Day!” means so much more. Jesus saved kids this week. LOTS of kids! Some of them are your kids. A knot is in my throat as I write these words. Some of them want to be baptized as soon as we get back home. I’ve watched students confess sin. I’ve watched them get around one another, hold each other close and pray for one another’s burdens. I’ve seen reconciliation between brothers in Christ. I witnessed your student leaders jumping into action and doing things the camp wasn’t equipped to do. They were amazing!
Together we worshiped, listened to powerful teaching, and played games under that blazing ball of Florida fire called the sun. Late night shenanigans, all night-no sleep, ingesting enough junk food to kill a cow…each and every night. They have had the time of their lives, and through all of the challenges and adversity, they have grown closer to one another and to Jesus Christ. To see them celebrate one another is a small glimpse of Heaven’s big party. “Last day. Best day!” is a day of celebration for the great things God has done! He showed up and showed out, leaving in His wake transformed lives.
So thank YOU. Thank you to every volunteer leader who gave up their vacation time, sleep, comfort, and sanity to love these students. Thank you to every parent who trusted us and allowed us to bring your teen to camp this year. You invested a lot of money and prayers with the hope of seeing Christ radically shape the heart of your child this week. We are so grateful. And thank you to every generous Harvest partner who gave to make this camp a reality for families who could not afford to send their kids. That’s treasure stored up where rust, thieves and moths cannot touch it. Together, we all as a church, can look forward to the “Last Day. Best Day!”
Written By: Bobby Markham
