Jerusalem Day Camp

Our church just finished a 3 day (15 hour) program to outreach the kids attending the public summer schools in the area.  I think I heard over 50 new kids signed up to come.  We all had roles to fill and it came together beautifully as the Body of Christ worked together to show these kids a glimpse of life back in Jerusalem in Jesus' time.  We focused on Jesus final days, from his arrest to his resurrection.  In between Bible character "testimonies", the kids experienced the marketplace - from the baker, potter, seamstress, scribe, shepherds, carpenter, and other areas that applied to the time.  Despite the 95 degree heat all 3 days (whew!), it was amazing!

Here is Goose in soldier training.  The first day was archery but this time they did sword fighting and training in the obstacle course.  Definitely a highlight of the day for most of the kids.

I was the coach for this group of 4th & 5th graders.   4 of them were kids from our church and the other 5 were bused in.  God gave me some neat opportunities to love on these kids and discuss why He came to die for us.  I pray these kids were changed by what they learned.

This was the potters tent.  More than just activities, kids were told how Jesus is the Potter and molds us (the clay) for His special purposes.  It doesn't always feel good as we're being squished and squeezed into the shape He has for us but it's always more fulfilling than staying a lump of dirt. 

Above is Goose using her gift.  She has a flair for the dramatic and loves to act.  She spoke from the temple steps as Mary Magdalene, testifying to how Jesus had transformed her life and how difficult it was to watch Him die on the cross.  Of course she got to deliver the good news that morning that Jesus had risen and she had seen Him at the empty tomb.  She memorized her 5 minute talk and did excellent!  Can you tell I'm a proud momma?

Here was another highlight.  My man and his buddy, Aaron, were the Roman soliders we met every day.  They witnessed Jesus arrest in the garden, his crucifixion and were guarding his tomb at the resurrection (above).   The kids were in awe of these larger than life soldiers and their skeptics testimony of Jesus' final hours was powerful.  Not to mention, I've never seen him in a skirt!  :)  A very good week.