The world is filled with a lot of lies. In fact, John 8 tells us that Satan is the father of lies, for there is no truth in him. And teenagers, especially today, are bombarded with so many lies. So from June 5-8, 2023, I was asked to speak at Camp Como’s middle school week of camp on this very topic. Throughout the week, I went to Ephesians to show the students that there is truth, and the truth is that God has given us purpose and hope, and He wants to use us to influence the world with that truth.
While the weather wasn’t the greatest for a week of summer camp (we’ve been having a ton of thunderstorms in Colorado this year), it was still a great week of camp! If I remember correctly, there were 7 church youth groups represented from all over Colorado, including Greeley, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. So not only was it fun to connect with students, but I had a great time meeting the youth pastors too. It was also great to connect with the camp staff, hear more about their heart for students, and encourage them.
By the end of the week, there were at least 15 first-time decisions made for Christ, many others who re-submitted their lives to Christ after straying away, and most of the camp agreed they wanted to make an impact on the world by influencing others for Christ.
I’m grateful to have the ability to step into speaking roles like this now and help camps and conferences. While I probably won’t see those students much on a regular basis (if at all), it reminded me of my camp ministry days when I was in college. We got to pour into students and leaders for a week. Then they went back home, and we trusted that God would continue working through those leaders for further discipleship. It’s a really fun partnership experience!
I’ve got two other camp leadership opportunities coming up later this summer, too. In July, I’ll be heading out to Missouri with CIY Move, serving as the campus pastor, which means I’ll be caring for youth leaders all week long and also leading a workshop for students who are interested in ministry as a career. Then I’m heading out to Illinois in August to speak for a few days at another camp. Please keep both of these in your prayers.
And if you’re looking for a speaker, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help if I am available. Not only do I enjoy serving in this way, it’s also another way that God providing support for my ministry as a missionary.
Steve Cullum 
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