Wyldlife Weekend Camp at Clearwater Cove
Friends,
After this weekend, I can't help but remember Jesus' promise in John 16:16: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit--fruit that will last--and so that whatever you ask in my name, the Father will give you.
Eight years ago we met Ryan Pinter, a 9th grader at Woodland Junior High. Ryan was one of the first kids involved with us in Wyldlife. At the time Ryan was confused about God and discouraged with life. Over the next few years, Ryan's Wyldlife leaders, and then his Young Life leaders at Fayetteville High School, poured into him.
Ryan went to club and got involved in campaigners. He went to Young Life camp. And He met Jesus. Ryan began experiencing transformation, the kind only Jesus can give--from disillusionment to hope, from dark to light.
Ryan became a Young Life College leader while he was at University of Arkansas. During that time he met Shelby Santucci. Shelby moved here from North Carolina as a freshman in college, became a Young Life leader at Har-ber High School, and well, as you can see from the picture above, they are now happily married as of 3 days ago. And they are continuing to walk in mission with Young Life. They are now serving on NWA Young Life committee.
How appropriate that 3 days ago a couple of van loads of middle school and junior high kids and their leaders drove to Clearwater Cove, Young Life's camp on Table Rock Lake, to spend a weekend away, hearing the story of God's great love for them and sharing their struggles and fears and hopes with their Wyldlife leaders.
How many of them will we see 8 years from now at peace with the world and living out their God-given purposes?
Fruit that will last...
May God receive all the glory.
