Big Things Are Happening With Our Kids
In June 2024, Natalie and her boys attended BigStuf for the first time.
She expected it to be a special experience. What she didn't expect was just how well the name would fit.
“It seems the camp’s name was packed with purpose and intention, as BIG THINGS happened while we were there!”
There were plenty of big things for the kids—seeing the ocean for the first time, playing beach volleyball and experiencing a trip away from their parents.
But Natalie says it didn't stop there.
Even bigger things happened.
During the week, the students and adults spent time in worship, heard messages about Jesus, gathered in small groups and had quiet time with God.
Natalie watched the kids worship freely. They raised their hands in praise. They put those same hands around one another to pray. They talked about what they were learning in their rooms, in small groups and even out on the beach.
The 2024 theme was Homecoming—the message that God invites us into His forever home and that where God is, we are home.
Then came June 19.
Natalie calls what happened that day the BIGGEST THING.
Ten students made decisions to accept Jesus, be baptized or rededicate their lives to Him.
And it didn't stay at the beach.
After the students returned home and began sharing their testimonies, another student accepted Jesus. Throughout the following year, students and adult leaders continued meeting for worship, speakers, Bible study and time together.
Then something happened that shows just how far an influence can travel.
The following year, the young people themselves witnessed to an adult group leader and played a part in that adult's decision to come forward for salvation and baptism.
I think that's the part of Natalie's story I keep coming back to.
We sometimes think we're sending kids away to camp for a week.
But we don't really know what they'll bring home.
A stronger faith. New friendships. The courage to pray with someone. The confidence to talk about Jesus. Maybe even a testimony that changes somebody else's life.
Because sometimes the good happening in our community starts with a busload of kids leaving town—and comes home with them.
That's something good worth noticing.
Know something good happening around here?
Maybe it’s a person making a difference, an organization doing good work, an opportunity others should know about, or simply an act of kindness worth noticing.
Tell Mimi about it. I’d love to help share the good.
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