THURSDAY

This morning had a very laid back start. We enjoyed a late breakfast right outside our rooms, as well as a casual AM Rally in the common area of our lodge. The teams competed in a team competition called Gladiator-Style Assault Challenge. The kids had to carefully make their way to several barriers where they had to collect hidden flags. All the while, they had to evade the ammo that 4 adult "Gladiators" were shooting at them (ie: Nerf guns). The BLUE team won this challenge, followed by GREEN & ORANGE in 2nd place and BLACK in 3rd.

After the game, Pastor Michael touched on today's theme, OUTLOOK! When God transforms us on the inside, our outlook on life will also be changed. People will know we are followers of Christ when they see our changed outlook on different circumstances.

This rally lasted until lunchtime. After lunch, we headed out to the Lake for a quick small group devotion & then some more Lake Swim!

Service tonight was very unique. It was a progressive service, taking place at multiple locations. It started out with worship in the gym. Then they headed back to the Lodge where they were surprised to find a Wedding Feast underway! They enjoyed cake, the Cha-Cha slide, and a special gift bag for them to take home. Pastor Michael explained that this party is just a taste of what we have to look forward to in heaven! The church is known as the 'bride' of Christ, and he is preparing a banquet for us in heaven!

Next, the kids were instructed to head out to specific starting points for the next field competition. It was called Wolf Pack!!! The teams were instructed to come up with an original wolf cry. At the sound of the siren, all the teams were to race throughout the campgrounds, shouting out their wolf cries, and listening for the hiding Wolf to echo it back. They were to follow his echoes to his hiding spot. The first team to find the Wolf won first place! The BLACK team came in first, followed closely by the GREEN team!

When all the teams arrived, we gathered around a nearby campfire for the next part of service. Pastor Michael began telling a story of Paul the Missionary. He told them of a time when a prophet told Paul that if he carried out his plan to preach the gospel in foreign lands, he will surely suffer.

The kids were led through the forest by torch light to an ampitheater where Pastor Michael told the rest of the story. Paul's ministry was blessed and many people came to know the Lord, because of his decision to obey (despite imminent danger). It was a very interesting way to present this message, around the campfire/surrounded by forest. It was as this service that Pastor Michael asked the kids to raise their hand if they wanted to commit their lives to the Lord as well, no matter what the cost. Many kids responded! And the counselors spent time in prayer with those kids.

Upon return at our Lodge, we played one more fun game! This one is called Labrinth. The teams had to work together to tilt a wooden labrinth as the ball made its way through the maze. But they had to avoid the holes...otherwise the ball would fall out and they would have to start all over! This was a timed event, and many of the teams tied for 1st place!

Then we all headed back to our rooms to pack up and get some sleep!