Will I love my life unto death?

The junior kids playing "Crazy Bird"

Two weeks ago three of my siblings and I went to a camp in North Carolina where we enjoyed some crazy fun and great church services and devotion time. I went as a helper from our church so I didn't get to do everything, but I enjoyed being right where I was at. I followed the junior kids and took lots of pictures while they had their chapel time and fun activities, and even made it to a few of the teen activities and church services. I absolutely LOVED the junior's preacher and his ministry he has for children. His silliness (or crazyness?) kept their attention, yet he also knew how to get on their level with the spiritual things so that they knew exactly what he was talking about. He took time for everyone whether it was playing carpet ball with them or talking about a hard trial in their life. His heart was full of compassion and he took everything they said so seriously. He is a great example of what a children's ministry worker should strive to be.

Bethany and Amy durring group time.

Throughout the week we heard a lot about mission work and the great need for missionaries in the 10/40 window. Even the juniors learned, durring a message titled "Open Your Eyes", about chilren in other countries who were suffering. One of the scriptures that was expounded upon during the week was Revelation 12:10-11, "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Many people don't give their lives to become missionaries because they love their lives. Since hearing this message I have kept asking myself, "Am I going to love my life unto death?" It would be a tragic thing to stand before God one day and realize that I could have done so much for eternity and those who will spend it in heaven or hell, but I chose to spend my life - my short life - enjoying the pleasures of life?



Phillip durring group time.

 Bob Roberson, that I just spoke of, began to realize that he was not giving God his all, but was instead living the American dream. When the opportunity arose, he and his wife moved to Hong Kong where he and his wife teach english and the Bible in the public shools. He extanged his large house for a smaller one, a home by the river for a home in the crowded city, and comfortable places to serve God for a life long experience of serving God in a foreign land. Bob Roberson chose not to love his life unto death. What will we do?