Agape and KW Youth Camp: 24-26 Sept 10

Last weekend saw us heading over the mountain to Grabouw where we spend our time with the youth of Agape. All went according to plan, we were early in Macassar, making our stops at different areas as we picked up the kids. Then all of a sudden....PROBLEM!!! More kids than was anticipated. We hastily had to make other plans as the available transport was full. Finally after each child had a spot we made our way towards the mountain.Traffic was hectic as people were making the most of the long weekend and many were heading towards Hermanus.

When we finally arrived in Grabouw we were greeted by wonderful weather, but above all, warm and friendly faces from our hosts. The camp site was beautiful as ever, green grass and the best of all, HOT WATER!

As expected the kids was excited, everyone was eager to explore the camp site and in no time all had their different sleeping spots, girls one side, boys on the other side. What a pleasure it was to see the joy on their faces and getting to know their "new home" for the weekend. After settling in and making the most of the free time, we were all ready for lunch which was very welcome at the time as most of the kids didn't had time to breakfast.

After lunch we headed to our first activity for the day which was serving at the kids club which is led by the youth of Agape. The little ones was excited and happy to see us and we all joined in the fun by playing, dancing and singing with them. It's amazing to see how a child's face lites when he/she is showered with love and attention.

Later we had various games like soccer, pool, baseball, cricket and playing in the park. It was a real thrill and experience to be part of this encounter with the kids club.

Plenty of free time was on the cards after the kids club and we all just relaxed enjoying the wonderful sunny weather. The evening we had a praise and worship session where I spoke about choices that our young people are facing in this time, choices that will determine their destiny. WOW what an amazing time we had in God's presence. When we all thought the session was over and done with, God had other plans. His Spirit just led me to remind each and everyone in that place, naming them on their names individually that God says...I love you. It was so powerful, really powerful.

The Saturday we went out in the community where some of us helped with clean up operations and others by just serving, something new to some of the youngsters. But it was great fun.

After we had lunch it was time for some game activities. Teamwork played a big part in some of the games which involved skill, communication and lots of shouting. The spirit was high amongst the teams as they had to run around, catching balls, climbing on each other and making sure that their team don't finish last.

It was a very enjoyable and fun Saturday afternoon and all sure had a great time afterwards lying and relaxing in the sun. The evening a talent show was planned which didn't materialise. After supper we all gathered around the fire, making jokes,telling stories and singing songs. Later some light rain started falling from the sky which was very unexpected as we had great weather for most of the weekend.

In the early Sunday morning hours I was woken by the sound of rain and the wind. Getting up was a bit difficult as it was very cold, but eventually we all braved the cold weather and made our way to church. It was a wonderful atmosphere as we gathered together with the Agape church praising and worshipping God. After praise and worship our youth performed their skit, The Champion, demonstrating the fight between Jesus and Satan. The church watched in awe as the youth continued with the skit and a big round of applause greeted the youth at the end.
Time for the Word and the most amazing thing happened. While the youth was doing the skit, the Holy Spirit spoke to the preacher and told him to change his sermon. He stepped up and said that he was so overwhelmed by the skit and that God just spoke to him and said that he has to change his sermon topic. He must preach to the young people about "making choices", the same topic I spoke about on Friday evening. It's amazing how God just comes and do what He does best, loves us!!

A powerful message with much enthusiasm and laughter was preached. Indeed a message I believe that the young people will remember for a long while and hopefully put into practice at the right time, God willing.

After church we headed back to the campsite where we started with packing and clean up operations. It was pouring with rain and cold as ever in Grabouw. But despite the rain and cold weather a warm atmophere could be felt amongst all even though we were on our way home.

Overall we had a wonderful and great time in Grabouw amongst our fellow brother's and sister's in Christ. And a big thanks to the Agape youth for their warmth and for hosting us for the long weekend. It was really worth the trip over the mountain. Thank you Lord!!!