Friday, June 27, 2008

Churchgoer vs. Christian

I found this video from a fellow blogger. Thought it was pretty good food for thought. Loved the reference to 728B! This video is part of a series of video presentations from the Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas promoting their Summer HIP (High Impact Praise) time which focuses on being the Jesus Next Door to our Neighbors. It is obviously a spoof on the Mac vs. PC commercials. But the video challenges us to consider whether we are simply “church-goers” or if we live everyday lives that reflect the life of Jesus. Click on the video and check it out. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think.

For Christ,

Robert

Thursday, June 19, 2008

CAMP

Last week was Central’s session at Burnt Cabin Christian Camp. It was a tremendous success this year. We had 156 campers and a staff of 34 join us for a fun and spiritually-uplifting week of camp. I made many wonderful new friends. Christians I didn’t know, now I love. Counselors who were genuine, caring, and real. We shared the sunrise, the games, and classes; singing praises to Him never felt so sweet. This truly was a life-changing week at Lake Tenkiller. Beginning with a tremendous staff, including many first year ones and several zealous college students. Youth Groups from places like Central and Northridge in Shawnee, Choctaw, Tenth & Rockford & Crosstown in Tulsa, Cleveland, Clinton, AR, Bixby, Perkins, and even some from Texas!!

As always our Bible classes served as the bedrock of our camp along with devotionals and worship periods (we heard some great classes and lessons straight from the heart and Truth from the Word), Bible Bowl, memory verses, etc. helped everyone focus on iGod – the need to be connected with God. Plus canteen, sports, and great fun entertainment (Secret Talents of the Counselors, Unbound and Skit Night). And did I mention the inspiring singing. There were plenty of timely hugs of encouragement, and Christian role models draw out the best as Satan is turned away.

I am constantly amazed at the impact camp can and does have in the lives of so many. Does it cost a lot of money to put on a camp? Yes! Does it take a lot of man hours from many volunteers to maintain and conduct the camp? Yes! Is it all worth it? That can be easily answered by asking, “What are the souls of our young people worth?”

Now camps like this do not just happen. A lot of people invested time, energy, and effort to make this week a reality. I am especially grateful to all those from Central who helped so much to make this week a great success. I thank God for your service in this effort.

Once again this year, our own Nathan Kelly put together a terrific camp slideshow. Graet job Nat! I hope to be able to post this slideshow on this blog or some other website and many other camp photos online. Keep checking back for updates.

Here are a few pictures in the meantime.












God bless,
Rob Prater

Friday, June 6, 2008

BURNT CABIN CHRISTIAN CAMP

Our camp session out a Burnt Cabin Camp on Lake Tenkiller near Tahlequah, OK begins Sunday! We are expecting one of our largest numbers ever with around 180-190 people (campers & staff). Keep us all in your prayers that we may have a safe, fun and spiritually uplifting week in the Lord. The congregation here at Central is so very generous in supporting this camp week. I’m thankful to my elders for support and encourage they give us. .

I thought I'd share a quick post. Here are ten things I've loved about church camp at Burnt Cabin.

• Singing with all your heart – I love the awesome singing.
• I love the fact that fun and faith CAN go in the same sentence.
• Breakfast cereals - every Day at camp, there are about 4 or 5 cereals
available.
• Canteen!! (Need I say more)
• Great Bible classes and lessons! (This year we are studying about iGod – being
connected to God and looking at the life of David)
• Renewing old friendships and making new ones.
• Sports time
• Senior Hike on Friday night
• Late night talks
• Finally, I love about camp the fact that after spending a week with these young
people, it always makes me realize that the church has a BRIGHT future!!!

So, there will be no blogs next week – but I’ll tell you all about it when I get back!

Until next time…

Rob Prater