Teen Camp in Slovakia is going full speed! 

Monday, we discussed the theme of being “Empty”. We began on Sunday evening by introducing the Creation story and so Monday morning we talked about the Fall. Our skit on Monday was titled “The Shattered Mirror,” and portrayed how we were made to live in perfect fullness as a reflection of God, but that the “Thief” (Satan) seeks to shatter this reflection through doubt, but that we can once again reflect the goodness of God through Jesus. It was definitely a topically “heavy” day, but we learned that Emptiness is not necessarily a flaw, but rather a tool to point us back to God. Though typically it takes a while for the teens to begin warming up by Monday evening it was clear this wasn’t going to be a typical camp! Monday evening’s closing Large Group felt more like a worship service than it did a first-evening-together Large Group. It was very apparent that God has been doing some wonderful work in Slovakia during the past year! 

The theme for Tuesday was “Full”. We discussed how the things of this world can make us feel full (think like a thanksgiving dinner), but that because they are temporary, they will all eventually end up Empty again. There were fun games and more fellowship in the evening along with music, which was sung with loud shouts of joy!

Wednesday, we discussed being “Filled” (by Jesus) and was a special day for several reasons! Firstly, it was our Hike/Water park day in the afternoon, during which many good discussions were had between students and with leaders. Relationship is hands down the most important part of a teen camp and we definitely felt like that was accomplished on Wednesday. It was also made extra special because that evening Pastor Scott Licht (one of our team members from Missouri who runs a ministry called Lutherans for Life) hosted a seminar on various “life” topics including abortion, suicide, bullying, and death. It truly opened pathways for deeper discussion both within and outside our small groups! We followed Pastor Scotts teaching with roasting sausages around a campfire, playing games and yet again having more deep discussion!

Please continue to pray for the Lord to work powerfully through this time together, and stay tuned to hear more soon!