With the arrival of summer, we are thanking God for a return to normal in our great nation. It’s so exciting to see our church family returning to the house, along with many new members. Some of you have suffered tremendous loss over the past year, and we have learned to wrap our arms around each other. Thank you for your faithful support; together, we overcame many obstacles we had never faced before.
 
     Here at Christian Retreat, we are gearing up for a busy summer with youth and other groups returning to our campus. After many months of standing empty, Miracle Manor is filled with the sounds of life, and we couldn’t be happier! Our staff is working diligently to create an environment saturated with the presence of God.

For the 28th year, this week we are hosting 350 children for Kids-A-Flame summer camp, “Light the Fire.” There’s no greater joy than seeing these young lives impacted through the Gospel being sown into their lives at a young age. In fact, some of the participating pastors and leaders are the fruit of past summer camps at Christian Retreat, where they made lifelong decisions to follow Christ.

We are expecting another packed-out camp for the teens, July 12-16, with the theme “Prepared—a Generation Made Ready.” Please cover us in prayer in the coming weeks as we minister to these young people. It takes a lot of work and many hands! We are deeply grateful for all those who are sacrificing their time and resources.

Speaking of “return to normal,” I hope you’re enjoying my new Sunday sermon series about “The NEW Normal” where I address some critical questions. What happens in a crisis? How is the church rising up, and how is it going to be different after the pandemic? Don’t miss any of these timely and relevant messages! Also remember to join me every day at noon, LIVE online, for communion.

I’m asking our friends and partners this month to help us sponsor children and teens who can’t afford to come to camp. It’s been a tough year (to say the least!) on kids, parents—and grandparents, many of whom are raising their grandkids. I am hearing some heartbreaking stories of children battling depression and thoughts of suicide. They need Jesus, and I don’t want to turn any child away due to lack of finances. 
 
      A full scholarship for these overnight camps is $250 per child—but anything you can give will be a great blessing. Please do your best, and above all, PRAY that God will give us breakthrough and revival among this young generation. Our future depends on it!

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